Just Be True To Me

***

Clifford passed the cigarette back to Jeremy, a plume of smoke bursting from his nose each time he coughed. “She has no idea I smoke. And I don’t plan on telling her any time soon. I want her to continue to see me as a distinguished, cultured, and successful man that I am.”

“It’s just weed dude. Everybody smokes down here. And that successful business man isn’t really who you are. You’re still the same wild Clifford Knight. I read about you and your escapades.”

“I’ve calmed down a little bit.”

“Mia have something to do with that?”

He glanced behind him, taking a pull from the joint. “Yeah. She does. She’s not like the other ones.”

“I know. You actually brought her here to meet us.”

Clifford punched him in the arm. “You almost got me in trouble. She doesn’t know I came back here.”

“Lying already? That’s not a good way to start a relationship, Cliffy. I’m guessing you’re not planning on introducing her to your mother on this trip.”

“It’s not the right time. I don’t think she’s ready,” Clifford said.

“Mia or your mom?”

Not having an answer, he pulled from the joint, holding his coughs in so as to not be too loud. “I just don’t want her to run. I’m…I think I see a future with her. Which is funny because I’m the one that usually makes a break for it. I haven’t met anyone like her. I just want everything to be perfect.”

“So after the trial’s over?”

“Yeah. You get it.”

Jeremy chuckled as he smoked. “You always got the ladies, but you never understood them. They’re actually a lot like us. They know when they don’t like you and they know when it’s not gonna amount to anything, usually within five minutes of meeting you. If she was gonna run, she would have done it by now. I’m sure you’ve given her plenty of opportunity.” He passed the joint back, blowing the rest of the smoke over his head. “I know it’s hard for you, but you have to trust her. You can have the rest of that, I’m gonna try to catch Rachel before she gets out of the shower.” He shot four invisible bullets as he backpedaled.

“What do you think of her,” Clifford asked.

“I think she’s the best thing that ever happened to you. Don’t fu*k it up, baby bro. She’s gonna make you happy.”

Clifford took a long pull, holding the smoke in until he started to become lightheaded. Staring out at the pasture brought about a peace that had evaded him since he left the area. The quiet beauty that surrounded him took him back to the happy parts of his childhood, he and his mother taking weekly trips to the Hill—a spot where he thought he could see the whole world—where they spent the afternoon running around barefoot, chasing their dreams. Gratitude washed over him. For several years after the incident, he blamed the town, it’s small population and even smaller thinking, for what happened. He thought there was no escape, which was why he’d fought so hard to get out.

The joint’s cherry warmed his fingers. He took a final pull before flicking it into the darkness. The last remnants of the sun wished him a good night’s sleep before disappearing behind the trees.

***

Mia’s arms tightened around Benji as he squirmed. She stroked his hair, half watching him, half watching the movie. She felt good knowing he felt so comfortable around her, being his second choice for comfort after he awoke from a dragon-filled nightmare.

Clifford held a finger to his lips as he carefully lifted Benji. He helped Mia up, keeping hold of her hand as they climbed the stairs. They both gave him a kiss after tucking him in. He slipped the money he promised him underneath his pillow, leaving the door cracked after they made their exit.

She fell onto the bed, propping herself up onto her elbows. “You smell like weed.” She laughed as he pulled different parts of his shirt to his nose. “It’s fine. Everybody smokes.”

Climbing next to her, he laid his head on her chest. “I canceled the hotel reservation.”

“I’d rather be here with your family anyway.”

“I ever tell you how amazing you are?”

“Not nearly as much as you should.” She laughed into his mouth as she eased herself onto her back. Her legs spread, his body quickly filling the spot. Her moan resembled a purr as he massaged her through her pants.

A thump proceeded muffled laughter. The creaking wood sounded through the walls, along with faint whispers.

“They’re gonna hear us.”

“They’re adults,” Jeremy said. “They’re probably doing the same thing.”

Mia chuckled. “This just got a little uncomfortable.” She turned to face Clifford after he rolled to his side. She stared into his eyes as she combed her fingers through his hair. “The boys are amazing. Everybody’s amazing.”

“They all love you.”

“You ever think about having a family of your own.”

Clifford’s jaw muscle appeared. “I did once. But…”

“It’s okay. It was just a question.” She kissed him.

The thumping grew louder. As did the voices. Pleasure filled moans spilled through the vents. The ceiling fan began to rock.

Mia and Clifford covered their mouths to quiet their laughter.

“Probably shouldn’t have canceled that reservation.”