The Lucky Five - By Arow Jones Page 0,26

going to confront him on this. It’s my ranch. I’ll do what I damn well thinks is best. It’s not his place to fight me on this. My coat and boots are on. I let Kenny know I’m going for a walk then checking on the horses before returning.

It’s so clear tonight. I can smell a mixture of fresh hay, grass, earthy smells. Looking at the stars I’m reminded of the lion cartoon movie. Gramps used to say our fates can be read in the stars. Each twinkling bulb is placed in that exact spot for a reason, hanging out with the other stars. Every once in a while they look like they’ve moved but it’s the earth beneath us that moves. It’s our circumstances that change.

I once asked him if he thought my parent’s fatal accident was fate. Were they supposed to be on the exact highway at the exact time the drunk tractor trailer ran them off the road? He said he didn’t know but how could my parents fate not be aligned? They were perfect for one another. A perfect alignment that shined like the stars. He said my alignment was close too and that I should keep my eyes open and let my heart guide me.

I laugh at myself. Even though a tear spills down my cheek I’m smiling. I’m pretty sure I cracked a joke at that point in our conversation to which he probably told a joke himself. That was how we were. Many moments of fun and laughter with a few moments of meaningful advice.

The moon lights the path towards JT. It’s like a beacon directing my way. My steps are slow and steady but my heart is beating rapidly. In the distance I see a dark figure headed my way. It’s him.

Twelve

I woke up this morning and went for a ride on my motorcycle. My head needs to be clear when I confront Lily about the Lucky Five and Kenny. Kenny.

I don’t want to picture his hands on her. On my girl. The only girl. Did she go pliant in his arms the way she did with me? Does he make her heart flutter? Does she press her hands on his hot skin and kiss him like he’s a fine gourmet meal? Fuck.

If this is who she wants then I’ll respect her choice but I don’t have to like where it’s headed. Ever since my dad’s confession to me at sixteen I’ve only thought of a future with Lily. She feels all alone now. She has her friends and Kip. More importantly, she has me. She just doesn’t realize it yet.

Until Gramps died, I was in denial. I dated other women, had one night stands. I was popular in high school. Attending an out of state private school meant little to no supervision. My parents trusted me not to get into too much trouble but I still partied. College was filled with women wanting to get with me. Being a football player provides you with endless girls and parties. I knew, once I graduated, that I would return home for good. In the meantime, I was going to party and make the most of being away from home.

Chase said he ran into Nick yesterday. That sleazy bastard has been trying to win my dad over for a while now. Blanche’s dad is one of the partners but the third is Samantha’s mom. She’s not a pushover but I’m surprised she’d let Nick anywhere near her daughter, let alone marry her.

I don’t want Lily to hear the news from Nick. Even though he’s been assigned the task I want her to hear it from me. The sooner the better.

After my ride I return to the ranch. I had intended to head over to Lily’s but there was an emergency with one of my local clients. I spent the rest of the day buried in paperwork. It’s dark out when I get home. The first thing I do is think of Lily. I wonder what she’s doing right now. I want to talk to her. I need to see her, hold her in my arms again.

The night sky is clear and cool. The stars are bright, dotting the sky with projected luminesce. It’s a perfect night for a ride. I take a shower to cool off. The hot water is a reprieve from a day of manual labor. I soap myself, thinking of Lily. That silky hair, those full lips. I stroke myself imagining