Hello, everyone. Here I am back with the sequel of 5 summers. Most of you wanted a sequel (and so did I), so I planned something and here it is. I hope you like it and I also hope you let me know what you think about it.
I want to thank all of you who supported my previous story.
A Yes or No Game
Sun was glowing in all its glory over Bluebell. It was a beautiful sight to be admired by those unfamiliar with the peace and quiet the small town was able to provide. And even so, under the golden tones, something was always going on in town.
Never be said that it was a boring place.
It was still early for an autumn day but never for a busy one.
In a particular house, near a pond and hidden behind a row of trees and bushes in a plantation, you could hear someone stomping furiously up and down the place.
"Are you still mad at me?" Wade Kinsella dared to ask. Bluebell's favorite bartender abandoned the steamy bathroom still dripping wet from his shower and only covering himself with a towel hanging loosely around his hips.
Soon he met a furious glare from no other than his girlfriend. "I'm not mad at you." She whipped her hair around, shoving things into her handbag, purposely ignoring him. "I'm not angry at all."
"I know you-" he was cut short when she narrowed her eyes at him and then they flickered to his feet, where water was dripping onto the wooden floor.
"Then if you know me, you know how much I hate you leaving footprints all over the place after you shower." She turned around once more and then Wade huffed. "And don't even think about hanging that towel over the edge of my tub."
"Your tub?"
"The tub," she corrected quickly.
"Just admit it, dammit. You're pissed!" He shouted and soon he reappeared, this time butt-naked but dry.
Only the sight of his muscular, and not so pale behind due to their adventurous camping trip a few weeks back – that left a nice golden and line free tan on her skin, by the way – made her blush involuntarily.
"Get dressed."
"Am I distracting you?" His tone was full of mischief, the way he always tried to swerve them into another topic, generally when he happened to be in trouble for one or another reason.
Zoe felt his arms looping around her waist when she went looking for her shoes. As much as she wanted to push him away and yell her lungs out at him, she had a weakness for his warmth and the way he smelt right after showering and shaving – it was delicious and most mornings, it made it very difficult to leave home.
"Let go of me," she demanded softly.
"Just tell me why the hell you are mad at me. And don't pretend you're not because I know you and you're about to burst with anger." He kissed her cheek gently, almost like a whisper and that was enough to be the needle pricking the balloon of her fury.
She exploded.
"Fine!" She shoved him away and turned around to look at his chest – well, soon she looked at him in the eye. "You want to know what you did? I'll tell you, Wade."
Reluctantly, Wade let her go. Something about her being angry at him – really angry, not like when they joked – didn't sit well with him. They rarely fought over serious things but always about silly reasons that sooner or later drove them to apologetic kisses and cuddling together. He hated times like this, especially because he had no idea why she was so upset.
He nodded and plopped down into the new bed she had bought just after he had finished up with the makeover of the first floor. He was now working on the stairs of their home.
"You," she started hesitantly but then took a deep breath, "You put my dad at risk."
"What?" he spluttered in shock, brow furrowing and not getting a thing of what she was talking about. "When? I would never-"
"You took him to a strip club," she replied matter-of-factly but looking away, hoping to conceal the pink rising on her cheeks.
Silence between them lasted only a few seconds before he burst into laughter – full, obnoxious belly laugh that other times was amusing but not now.
"Don't laugh!" she admonished, arms akimbo and looking as menacing as her body allowed her, which wasn't much.
"You're jealous?" Wade wondered and she scoffed awkwardly.
"No!"
"You are."
"I am not!" she shot back indignantly. "You took my father to the Fox Trap! The Fox Trap, where women in skimpy outfits – if you can call them that – dance provocatively and there's alcohol and cigarette smoke everywhere. You know his heart is fragile-"
"We were there like less than half an hour. It was a joke. Brick was there, and he's a double-standard prude." Wade's explanation wasn't the best for Zoe, so she only kept glaring at him. "It's the first time your dad is getting married. At seventy. Don't you think he has the right to enjoy it?"
"I'm not saying he doesn't. It's just that, you could've planned some clean fun."
"I'm his best man. And Harley wasn't against the idea once we arrived so I don't get your problem."
Zoe pursed her lips in an angry pout that did nothing to hide her frustration.
"Even Agnes got a good laugh out of it," Wade added as further explanation. But as he spoke, a smirk found a way to his lips.
He knew this wasn't about Harley. Or at least not a hundred percent about him, as she liked to make it look like. But he wasn't about to just openly say it. If she admitted defeat by her own, it would be much more rewarding.
She huffed. "Well, seems like I'm the only one worrying about his well-being then. And I might have to speak up when the reverend asks for anyone to oppose the marriage-"
"Z," Wade drawled, rolling his eyes.
She growled in a very childish manner. "Okay, yes, I am jealous. That's what you wanted to hear? Fine."
He chuckled and stood up. Soon he was holding in his arms a very embarrassed and angry woman who wanted nothing more than to hide under the blankets of their bed.
"You think I'd change you for a trashy girl with a huge fake rack and a thong?"
She glared at him. "Not helping, Wade."
He laughed. "You're much sexier than those women, Z. You are one of a kind, baby. You are smart, funny, sexy… and I love you."
"But you like to watch them… shaking their goodies." She snorted a reluctant laugh but saw the spark of amusement in his eyes.
"I admire their talents." He guffawed once she slapped him across the chest. "It's just a fantasy, Doc. I don't want it, it's just like watching sports."
"Right." She rolled her eyes.
"I don't say crap when you drool all over Bon Jovi." He grinned triumphantly when she gasped. It wasn't unknown to him that she had certain weakness for the eighties' rock star and he dealt with it. "Nothing about Brad Pitt-"
"He's fat now," she whined thoughtfully, making him laugh.
"Anyway, you watch the movies and the concerts and I keep my mouth shut because I know it's not going to happen."
"Because they don't live in the same county that I do," she pointed out, looking into his green eyes and enjoying the way his fingers had absentmindedly been massaging her wrists for the last few minutes.
He sighed and got serious – like he rarely did.
"You see naked men all the time. And they go to you. There are no people around and anything could happen. Do I get jealous about it?"
"Nothing would ever happen!"
"How do I now?"
"You have to trust me- No!" She smiled and shoved him away. "I do trust you but those women are there to seduce men. Patients are not."
"Nothing happened. We went there and left a few minutes after."
She rose on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his in a chaste but loving kiss. "I know I'm being silly and… it's stupid because after all we've gone through, you wouldn't jeopardize our relationship but you should've told me. That's all I'm asking for. Not to hide things from me."
"Okay," Wade admitted, kissing her but this time a little more urgently. "Sorry. Won't happen again but… I hope you do the same when you go with Shelz and AB to Mobile for cocktails."
Zoe blushed and bit her bottom lip. "Deal." She wound her arms around his neck and let him lift her from the floor. When he started to drop those teasing kisses up and down her neck, Zoe knew where things were leading to and she had to stop it because she had to go to work. "Wade."
"I know but promise you'll get here early tonight," he whispered, nuzzling the soft skin behind her right ear. She shivered.
"Promise."
"Hate when our fights last more than an hour," he said and she giggled before kissing the tip of his nose.
"Me too."
The bed had been too big the previous night. Too much space between them just because she wasn't willing to swallow her pride. They were used to sleep spooning or cuddling. By then, it was hard to think about nights – or any other thing – without imagining them together.
…
With Harley's wedding, Bluebell had gotten all worked up. It wasn't every day that one of the most beloved men in town got married. And since Harley was trying to help Agnes as much as he could – refusing to the big wedding but knowing they had to invite the whole town – he had taken some time off, which meant Zoe was working more than usual.
And not only did she worry about the practice and her professional feuds with Brick, but also she was the maid of honor, which forced her to carry around a planner. She was anything but unprepared.
As she finished writing her notes for her latest patient, she retrieved her phone and called the most familiar number in her contact list.
"Hello, sweet-cheeks."
She huffed. "I hate those nicknames, Wade."
Of course, he only laughed. "I know, but I love your cheeks. All of them."
"Wade!" She shrieked, thinking about him speaking aloud in the middle of the Rammer Jammer, where everyone must've been having a good laugh at her expenses.
As if he could read her mind – which he didn't, but he was pretty good at guessing, because he knew her too well – he added, "Easy. I'm in the pantry doing inventory."
"Good."
"Good," he repeated with a voice full of amusement. "So to what do I owe the pleasure of your call, sugar-lips."
She decided to ignore his teasing and just did some of her own. "Couldn't I call just to say hello, I miss you?"
"You could but you don't do it, so spill the beans."
She chuckled. "My mom is arriving today and since I'm over my head with work, I was wondering if you could go to the airport to pick her up." She lowered her voice and playfully purred, "Please. I'll be very thankful. You know what I mean."
"Will you?" Wade was clearly aware of where things were going and he seemed interested about the idea. Not like he wasn't usually interested in the promises of a heated night but he was always up for some rewards.
She chuckled but didn't say a thing.
"You could wear your white coat and… nothing else," he proposed seductively.
"Maybe."
"Okay, sure. I'll gladly pick up your mom," he acquiesced.
"Thank you."
"And just so you know," he added right before she was ready to hang up. "You don't need to offer sex in exchange for favors, Z. Not now anyway."
"I know," she replied. "But it's fun."
Chuckling, Wade promised to see her later that day for dinner with Lavon and her mom. Luckily for everyone, it was Lavon the one who was in charge of cooking – according to him, it was the least he could do after interrupting so many romantic dates due to his own romantic troubles with Lemon and the recent return of George Tucker.
It wouldn't have been Bluebell without the love triangles and the gossip – and everything was better when it involved the mayor. Wade knew by experience since he and Zoe were always part of the news.
…
"Welcome to Alabama, ma'am," Wade greeted Candice who just pursed her lips and rolled her eyes.
"How many times do I need to tell you to call me Candice, Wade? We've known each other for years and you're living with my daughter – actually, I think you like me better than her," she mused and Wade smiled at her, taking the huge suitcase and her carry-on bag.
"I doubt that but I will always be nice to a beautiful woman."
The phrase was effective to make her giggle like a young version of herself. He liked having a good relationship with Zoe's parents – even if he still didn't know Ethan who was a sore spot in Zoe's life.
"A very charming man, Wade."
"Thank you." He motioned for her to follow him to his car, probably not what such an elegant woman would like but reliable so far and it took him from point A to point B whenever it was needed. "So are you excited about the wedding?"
"I enjoy a good party, as you might also do."
"Free food, free booze. Is there something better?"
She laughed whole-heartedly. "Exactly. I wouldn't use the same colorful words but I do believe that's the point."
Since he and Zoe had decided to continue their relationship, Candice had been one of his biggest fans. Apparently, in the beginning was about her daughter needing fun with some hot guy but when she realized it was more than just fun, she hesitated. That was until she had visited them and saw how much he cared about Zoe.
No matter what people thought, Candice had learned her lesson. She only wanted her daughter to be happy and not play the part she was supposed to play according to society – if Zoe wanted to date a cowboy or a redneck and said man made her happy, Candice was okay with it. She knew it was hard to love and be loved.
"And you know that before the wedding, anything can happen," she commented, looking through the passenger window.
Wade almost swerved off the road when his eyes widened looking at the mother of his girlfriend.
"Pardon?" he spluttered awkwardly.
Candice chuckled. "Oh, honey. We're ancient and forbidden escapades are the spice of life."
Dammit. He knew this meant trouble. Even more, he knew Candice had always flirted with Harley because according to her, he was the best lover she had ever had – a loving, caring, respectful man. Harley was a true gentleman and Candice hadn't forgotten about it.
"I'm sure Harley will forget his perfect manners for a moment," Candice provided mischievously. "After all, he did most nights we were on that cruise."
Ew. Wade wanted to cover his ears and pretend he had never heard that but his face of disgust was ignored since Candice was too focused on her phone.
He would've been texting Zoe to warn her about what was about to happen but he was driving and he was sure Zoe wanted him and his mom in one piece when they got back to Bluebell.
…
"No, no, no," Zoe chanted, shaking her head. "You've got to be kidding me," she hissed as Wade shook his head, eyes still wide after retelling the story of what her mother had told.
"I wish I were."
"She's worse than you."
"Yeah – wait, what?" He scowled at her.
"A flirt. An incorrigible flirt," she added as she plopped down next to Wade in their bed.
They were getting ready for dinner and she still needed to put the last touches to her look. Meanwhile, Wade had just showered and he wasn't in any hurry to get ready because he never took more than ten minutes to be ready - Zoe thought it was unfair that even so, he looked gorgeous.
"What are we going to do?" Zoe asked, pouting and seeking for his help. "I don't want her to ruin Harley's wedding. I mean, I know most people want to see their parents together but this is not the case. They had a fling, they weren't in love."
Wade pulled her in a hug and dropped a kiss on the crown of her head.
Zoe might have not loved Agnes but they got along because both of them loved Harley, and they both wanted the best for him.
"You've got to help me."
"Play interference?"
"As much as I hate it, we need to make sure my mom is not alone with Harley. Dad is too naïve sometimes and my mom… not."
Wade snorted a laugh which he had to pretend it was just him coughing when Zoe glared at him.
Everyone knew the wild stories about Zoe's mom. Shelley worshipped the woman since the time she found out about the Calvin Klein models and some well-known actors that fell under Candice's spell.
"I'll do my best."
"It'll be hard work," she warned him.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." He smiled at her, glad that she would return the smile. "And it'll be fun. You know, crazy fun."
"Wade." Zoe snorted a laugh and soon she found herself kissing him, showing how grateful she was to have him and make her life seem better and not like the drama other people saw.
"Come on, let's get ready before we don't make it out of here at all."
She pouted jokingly but enjoyed the show he made as he dressed up. It was surely something worth watching, even if she would have rather seeing him dressing down and stay in, just ignoring the bomb about to explode.
…
The dinner had gone well. Of course, her mother wasn't about to comment on her plans of seducing Harley for one last encounter before he was a married man. She did say something about the thrill of breaking the rules and going for the forbidden, which Lavon seemed to understand.
Since George's return, Lemon had been torn. And as much as Zoe wanted to hate her for hurting Lavon and giving false hopes to George, she got why she could've been confused – she had one passionate relationship and the man who had been her first love.
The only problem was that things were going to blow up in their faces sooner or later.
After dinner, Zoe and Wade helped to clean up and Candice retreated to the room Lavon had so graciously offered to her so she could feel more comfortable and not interrupt – or witness – awkward situations in Zoe and Wade's home.
"Why are you saving those leftovers?" Wade wondered when he caught her with a few tupperwares. "Are you hoarding food just for you?" He asked placing some bigger containers in the fridge.
"Sure," she replied, smiling sheepishly. "I just have to make sure you and Lavon will leave something for me."
He frowned. "You wound me, Z. I'll always save food for you." He leaned down and pecked her lips.
She smiled against her lips. "Let's go home?"
"Yeah. I'm tired."
…
Next day, Wade had to accompany Harley during lunch time to try on their tuxedos for the wedding.
Since Zoe hated to eat alone – unless she was eating her feelings or anger – she had decided to find a partner who was usually available on Thursdays – when she claimed she had to do some house calls.
"Hello?" She knocked on the door a few times, tupperwares in hand, ready to be put inside the microwave.
The front door of the small house was opened and a warm but nervous smile greeted her. "Come in, come in," the man said.
"How are you, Earl?"
"Eh, you know. As good as I can be," he muttered.
Since her return to Bluebell, Zoe had decided to keep an eye on Earl. The man always refused to go for a check-up so she went to him to make sure he was fine. Of course Wade also took care of his dad but they always bickered and Earl – just like his son – had a soft spot for the pretty doctor.
She was some sort of buffer between them, making sure they knew about the other.
"I'll heat this up. You can set the table," she said and soon they found themselves making small talk about the weather and the things he was trying to fix around the house.
These weekly lunches were something Wade knew about. He never asked her to join them but he was okay with it – his dad needed to talk to people who weren't yelling at him for one thing or another.
"I ran out of bourbon," Earl confessed as he drank from a glass of orange juice.
"So you haven't been drinking?" Zoe asked hopefully.
"Not exactly. I had a few beers but I've drunk less than usual."
Zoe smiled softly. "That's something. I just hope you try harder. You have to know you are still very active. You taught Wade a lot of skills, I'm sure you could find a job if you stop drinking."
He scoffed but nodded.
It was unlikely that he listened to her advice but she never stopped trying. Zoe knew that seeing his father like this hurt Wade, and she would do anything to spare him the pain. Besides, she liked Earl – the old Earl, when he was happy and sober was a very strong and lively man and she would always remember him like that.
"My father is getting married, you know?"
"Yes, yes. You've mentioned it before. Town's going crazy over it, ain't it? People around here love wedding cakes."
Zoe laughed. "That they do." She paused and stared at him while he eagerly wolfed down his food. "Are you coming?"
"No one wants a drunk making a fool of himself."
"My dad would be happy to have you. Wade and I would too."
He smiled longingly. "He doesn't like to see me making a show. People laugh at me and I don't want to embarrass Wade."
"You could go and not drink any alcohol."
"It's hard."
Zoe sighed. "I wanted you to meet my mom. You'd laugh a lot with her. She's nothing like the women from around here."
"City dweller?"
"Worse than me."
"Eh, you're not that bad."
Zoe laughed with Earl.
It was always a lot of fun to be around him, not when he was drunk of course. Earl knew he was another person when he was inebriated, when he played the town drunk and people had a good laugh thanks to his antics. He didn't like it but he was so far gone, it was hard to go back to his old life.
"Just think about it."
Earl smiled. "For you, I might. After all you'll give me grandchildren and I should listen to the new addition to the family."
Blushing, Zoe ducked her head. Earl always made comments like that, just like Harley as if they had some secret plan to make her and Wade pop out kids out of the sudden.
"Okay. I need to go now but I'll come by next week. Wade will be here tomorrow."
"Sure." Earl stood up like a gentleman when she motioned to leave the table. "Have a nice day, Zoe."
"You too," Zoe replied, dropping a kiss on Earl's cheek just to see the adorable pink tinting his cheeks. She also noticed the obvious smell of cologne and soap. "I like your new cologne."
Wade claimed that if it weren't for her, the man wouldn't shower. But his nature of gentleman and Casanova forced him to be his best when she happened to be around.
"Thank you."
"Promise you'll think about the invitation?"
"Okay," he granted and accompanied her to the door.
Once outside and inside the car, she picked up her phone and saw the message left by Wade just a few minutes earlier.
How is he?
Zoe smiled at the brief but clearly thoughtful message. Wade tried to be cool about it but he loved his father and cared about him no matter what.
Fine. He showered and ate. Told him you'll come by tomorrow. He seemed happy about it.
A few seconds later, Wade replied.
I love you.
Zoe grinned to herself and thought about how lucky she was one more time.
I love you too. See you at home.