28. Zack
Baby Its Cold Outside


“Oh look, John’s here!” Ma said putting her napkin on her plate and getting up from the table. Just as promised we made it for breakfast, apparently that was the only stipulation to staying in the loft. I think she just wanted us to still be around which, of course we would be.
She stood by the door in wait, and sure enough the door opened.

But it wasn’t Johnny. It was Lacey. Surprise!

“Oh.” Ma said taking a step back, she was completely shocked. Bailey let out a small laugh but took my hand as we stood to welcome them.

“Ma… Pa… This is Lacey.” Johnny said proudly.

“Oh hello dear!” Ma said hugging her. “Come in, it’s cold!”

Lacey sat beside Bailey, immediately more comfortable around us. We talked about their trip as Ma made them plates of food and we all ate. Johnny glanced at us and I almost let go of her hand, but he smiled and looked away. He really has changed, definitely for the better. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow and our surprise… the only one that didn’t know was Bailey, I felt awful for such a huge secret being kept from her but like her Pa said – she’ll be happy.
After breakfast Johnny helped Ma with the dishes and the girls excused themselves to go see the horses, something Lacey had mentioned quite a few times about doing when she got here. She loved horses, but never really got to be around many being from LA. I took the time alone to go out back to smoke a cigarette and call Brian. I needed some advice.

“Hey man!” Brian said into the phone. “What’s up?”

“I don’t know how long I have, so just let me get this out.” I sighed. “So we got a little … heated last night.”

“Like fight heated or like fucked her heated?”

“We didn’t fight.” I clarified.

“Ohhh.”

“Anyways.” I went on quickly. “She had a panic attack, like I was attacking her.”

“Oh no.” He groaned. “What did you do?”

“Just comforted her… what am I supposed to do? Do you think she’s afraid of me? Do you think this is going to ruin our relationship?” I let out the rest of the air I had been holding in, glancing around to make sure I was still alone. “I have this surprise coming tomorrow, and I’m terrified she’s gonna hate it now because I don’t think she is comfortable being alone with me.”

“Listen, have Lacey talk to her. Lacey is a girl.” Brian said after a moment of thinking. “She likes you a lot Baker, you got that going for you.”

“But..”

“What happened to her was traumatic. Give her time. Next time you wanna fuck her, go slow. Keep eye contact with her, talk to her. Whisper sweet things… keep her with you, don’t let her mind go back to that.” He coughed a few times, he was fighting a cold when we left and it sounded like he hadn’t gotten over it. I hadn’t mentioned she was a virgin to him yet either, that wasn’t my business to tell but it made this whole situation worse. That was her first experience and it was traumatic, I really had to be careful how I handled our first time.
“Thanks man.” Brian always came through for me, he was my best friend. He knew me the best out of anyone, even Johnny. We had parted ways a bit, but I don’t think anything could ever come between us.

“Hey, wondered where you went.” Johnny said washing his hands as I entered the kitchen.

“Had to call Brian.” I said grabbing a cup of coffee.

“You nervous about tomorrow?” He asked.

“Not really. But yea.” I sighed. “I mean I’m glad you’re supportive, but what if she says no?”

“Ma said you guys are staying in the loft.” Johnny shrugged. “That’s alone. You were alone on your way to California… she stayed at your house… why would she say no now?”
Because she freaked out last night?

I couldn’t say that.

“You’re right.” I said clapping his back. “I’m gonna go see the horses, wanna come?”

“Sure.”

We walked down to the barn and the girls were in the stall with one of the horses, she had gotten Lacey onto one. She was beaming, it was like a dream come true.

“We were gonna go for a ride.” Bailey said. “John you wanna take Lacey on that horse, and I’ll take Zack with me?”

“Sure.” Johnny said putting his mug down on the shelf next to the stall. “I don’t wanna be out too long, its fucking cold.”

“Oh but it’s beautiful and romantic!” Lacey said touching Johnny’s arm. He rolled his eyes but nodded.

I got onto the back of Bailey’s horse, I kept my arms around her and she smiled as she looked back at me. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing, riding on a horse… but it wasn’t as awful as I imagined. We were at a slow pace, thankfully Bailey brought hot chocolate in two big thermos for all of us. She even brought some snacks. She was prepared, as always. One of the things I loved about her, she was thoughtful and always prepared for anything.

“Just over this hill there used to be an old tree stand that Bailey turned into a tree house.” Johnny said pointing ahead. “It’s mostly become a marker to show the property line between the two lands. The other farm house is just over that way.” His eyes looked at me and I nodded.

“Over this way is my pond.” Bailey said. “I don’t wanna get too close, it’s a tricky landscape in the summer let alone the winter.”

“The pond you always go to think or be alone.” I whispered into her ear. She nodded with a smile.

“You know me more than I thought.” She admitted. I kissed her cheek and she turned the horse.

“This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.” Lacey said as we came to a cleared a bit away, there was a huge tree there and the snow just made it look like a picture you’d see framed on a wall. “This is my spot. This is it. Can we have our pictures taken here?”

“Here.” Bailey said taking the camera that Lacey had brought. “Stay on the horse, I’ll get the whole affect.” She took a few pictures from a few separate angles before handing her back the camera.

“Oh, now it’s your turn. This place is too beautiful not to get you two on camera.” Lacey smiled. Johnny helped her down from the horse and she took pictures of us in front of the white landscape. I had my arm around Bailey, a smile on my face. She giggled when the horse even posed, putting up one of its legs when Lacey would point the camera.

“I’ll get those printed and sent out.” Lacey said. “Absolutely beautiful.”

“I’m a bit cold, how about we head back.” I offered, Johnny gave me a thankful look before turning his horse and following us back to the barn.

“I’ll take care of the horses with Bailey, you two go on up and get warmed up.” I said taking the reins to their horse.

“Did you have fun?” Bailey asked taking all the stuff off of the horse.

“I did. did you ?”

“I’m excited for those pictures.” She admitted.

“Me too. You know, seeing you doing your thing in your element… I know it’s early but.. I love you.”

She stopped and turned to me, her face was already red so I couldn’t really read her facial expression. I was terrified, why had I said that? It was too soon. Oh god. I’m just fucking things up left and right.

“Bailey…”

“No.. I love you too.” She smiled. “I just.. was surprised.”

“I’m sorry I know it’s early.”

“Love knows no time.” She laughed. “I had strong feelings for you since I first saw you.”

“So you thought I was hot.” I teased. She stuck her tongue out before playing pushing me.
She finished with the horses and then we walked back up to the house, the power had flickered so Ma was preparing dinner early in case the power completely went.

I realized, sitting on the couch in a room with all of them, that over this amount of time I had finally felt like I belonged somewhere. When I first came here I dreaded it and tried to hide my tattoos because I thought they’d hate me. But now, I even have my piercings in and openly talk to them about anything in the world. I can hold Bailey’s hand and openly call her beautiful or something without having to look to see their reaction.

It felt amazing. I just hope it stayed this way.

Notes

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