Dirt Road Summer Read online

  Dirt Road Summer

  By: Ashley Johnson

  Dirt Road Summer

  Copyright © 2014 by Ashley Johnson. All rights reserved.

  First Print Edition: September 2014

  Limitless Publishing, LLC

  Kailua, HI 96734

  www.limitlesspublishing.com

  Formatting: Limitless Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-

  ISBN-10:

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 1

  I hate doing this over the phone right now. It’s trifling, dirty and plain screwed up, but I’m doing it anyway. I’d never want it done to me this way, but it’s been two agonizing months of this so-called relationship and it’s a bust. He’s sweet, amazing even, but he’s just not what I want. I don’t need a stage four clinger and when he threw the words ‘I love you’ two days ago, I knew it was time to cut that damn ship loose. Sail away, far far away because Shayleigh Dougherty doesn’t do love and surely not this soon.

  Love may be amazing and all those things women swoon over, but to me, it’s nothing but a four letter word. People don’t truly stay in love. No one in my life has truly been able to rely on love. Mom ran out on Dad and I years ago. Apparently, being a Mom just wasn’t her thing. I don’t care, we’re better off without her.

  She’s the reason we left Louisiana and moved to Springfield, Missouri. Talk about a change, but Dad and I have been happy here. Although I had to leave my best friend in the world behind, thanks to technology, we’re able to talk often. It’s like we’ve never missed any time together and I’m grateful for her. Sienna has and always will be my rock.

  “Look Brandon, I don’t think this is working anymore.” I say as nicely as possible to him.

  “What do you mean Shayleigh? I thought things were going good. I mean I told you I lo-“

  “Stop Brandon, don’t say it please. I told you it was too soon for that.”

  “I can’t help how I feel about you. So, basically I proclaim my love for you and you throw me out the door? Why won’t you talk to me and let me in?” he begs. I can practically picture him standing there running his hands through his hair wondering what the hell happened. Honestly, he should have seen all the signs coming. I haven’t wanted to have sex with him in two weeks and I’ve barely let him kiss me. Part of me was being nice, not wanting to give him too much hope, but putting him through this torture is unnecessary.

  “Look, I’m just done okay. This was fun and you’re great, but I can’t pretend to love you when I don’t.”

  “Can I at least come see you so we can talk about this in person?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I really do wish you the best Brandon. I hope you find everything you’re looking for. I’m just not that girl and you’ll see that one day.”

  He doesn’t say much more, matter of fact all I hear is him breathing into the phone. I’m sure the wheels in his head are spinning while he tries to decide what he can say to me.

  After what seems like an eternity of awkward silence, he finally speaks. “Shayleigh, I can be better, but if this isn’t what you want then I’m sorry. I’ll never forget you.”

  I’d love to tell him I’ll never forget him, but then I’d be lying. That relationship was so short, tomorrow he’ll be old news and I’ll probably never think of him again.

  “I’m sorry Brandon, bye.”

  I hang up cowardly before he can say anything else and let out a sigh of relief. I walk over to the refrigerator and grab a beer. The doorknob turns and I look to see my dad walking in.

  “Hey kiddo, grab me one will ya?” he asks.

  “Sure thing Dad.” I hand him the bottle I just had for myself and decide I don’t want one anymore. “How was your day?”

  “Long day at the office, I’m tired. How was school?”

  I’m a nursing major at a local college. Helping people is therapeutic for me. It makes me feel good and it truly feels like it’s my calling in life. There’s some sort of peace that takes over me when I’m helping others. It’s like I have a real place in this world.

  “I had a few tests, but nothing major. I’m just glad the semester is almost over.”

  “I hear you. You work hard and I’m proud of you Shay. Did you decide if you want to take classes this summer?”

  I’m getting ready to answer him when my phone rings. I can’t help but groan thinking Brandon is calling to beg me to take him back. When I see Sienna’s name, my face lights up and an unmistakable grin spreads across my face.

  “Hold on Dad, Sienna is calling!” I run to my room, shutting the door behind me as I answer her call. “Hey girl.”

  “Hey long lost best friend!” she squeals into the phone. “What’s going on up north?”

  “Ugh, don’t get me started. I broke up with Brandon today.” I tell her as I flop down on my bed.

  “Finally? You told me you wanted to a few weeks ago and you haven’t said anything, so I figured you maybe decided to keep him around.”

  “Seriously? If I were there right now, I’d probably punch you.”

  “What? I mean he does love you.”

  “Shut it bitch or I’m hanging up the phone.” I tell her. She’s laughing so hard, it almost sounds like she can’t breathe.

  “Okay, I’m sorry. You know I had to give you a hard time. I only get to see you via Facebook or Skype, so that’s my excuse. I’m glad you didn’t stick around and be unhappy with him. I would have done the same thing.”

  “Would you have? It sounds horrible, but I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of me. I don’t mind being single.”

  “That’s my girl. So Shay, I have a question for you.”

  “If you’re asking about the size of his penis, give it up. I’m not telling you.”

  “I gave up asking forever ago. You wouldn’t tell me. Either you were embarrassed it was small or it was so big you didn’t want to brag. I totally get it.”

  “Sienna, what the hell do you want?” I say trying not to laugh too hard.

  “Okay, I wanted to know what you’re doing this summer. I haven’t gotten to see my best friend face to face in years and I really want you to consider spending the summer with me. We’re 22 years old Shay. Please?”

  My heart begins racing at a rapid speed as the nerves take over. Spend the summer in Louisiana? What if I see my mom? What if I don’t? I mean not that I want to or anything, but I’d rather not. Sienna is right. I haven’t seen her face to face in years, more like ten years to be exact. I haven’t gotten to tell Dad yet, but I wasn’t planning on taking summer classes and I’ve been saving money from my job at the bookstore. Living with Dad does have its perks. I still contribute money, but can save a good chunk of it.

  “Are you sure about this?” I ask her pretty much second guessing myself. I could sit
here and make a list of pros and cons, but that would take too much time.

  “Shay, think about it. We could spend the entire summer together and I bet it’d be like we never missed a beat.”

  This isn’t the first time Sienna has suggested this, but I had classes scheduled. There are no excuses now to hold me back. I only have one life to live and a part of me is thinking this could be a positive experience.

  “Okay Sienna, you win. I’ll come down for the summer.”

  “Ohmygod!!! Shay, are you serious? You promise?” She squeals into the phone. I almost have to pull it away from my ears.

  “I promise. I have two weeks of classes left and then I’m all yours.”

  “I seriously can’t freaking believe this is really happening! I’m so excited! Do you want me to look up flights?”

  Hearing the word flights has my heart racing and my chest begins to tighten. Airplanes scare the shit out of me. I’ve driven my brand new Camaro around, but have yet to really stretch her legs. This trip down to Louisiana is just the ticket.

  “I’m going to drive.”

  “What? Are you sure? That’s a long drive Shay, are you sure?”

  “It’s ten hours, I can handle it. I’ll leave early in the morning.”

  “This is the best day of my life, seriously. I can’t believe you will really be here.” She says.

  I can’t believe it either, but come two weeks from now, I will be back in Lake Charles, LA. I knew one day I’d be back to see Sienna, but never did I think it would be this soon. Hopefully Dad takes the news rather well. We have never really spent any time apart like this since we’ve lived here. I know he knows the impact Mom leaving had on me and just like I’m worried about possibly seeing her, I know he will be too. I’m not going for her though, I’m going to see my best friend and hopefully have the best damn summer of my life.

  Chapter 2

  I finally survived the rest of the semester and with the blessing of my Dad, I’m all packed up to head to Louisiana. I’ve printed directions and I have my GPS configured, just in case. Dad has been worried to death telling me over and over again to call him no matter what. I’ve already assured him that he will hear from me on the hour, every hour, if that’s what he wants. Yep, that’s exactly what he wants. As I hug him goodbye, I cling tightly to him. My Dad is the most important person in my life and I love him so much.

  “You be safe kiddo. If you change your mind up the road, just turn around.” He tells me with the most serious look on his face.

  “I know Dad, but I think this will be good for me. I will be safe, you know that.”

  “Of course I do. It’ll sure be quiet without you here this summer. I love you Shayleigh.”

  Dad never calls me by my first name, so that fact that he just did, has tears springing forward in my eyes. “I love you too Dad. I better get on the road, it’s a long drive.”

  “Have fun and don’t forget--”

  “I know Dad,” I interrupt him. “Call you. I will, I promise.”

  I hug him tightly one last time before climbing into my car and shutting the door. Once the engine roars to life, I take in a deep breath and let it out as I begin to back out of our driveway and officially begin my summer.

  ***

  I’m getting closer to my destination. My legs hurt like hell but I’ve managed to stop a few times to stretch. Sirius XM has been amazing during this drive, but now, I’m getting antsy. I’ve been inside Louisiana for awhile now and I’ve kept my promise to Dad. He’s gotten many phone calls from me. I just hung up with him and now I’m on Hwy 171 inching closer and closer to Sienna. I’m getting ready to call her and let her know that, when a popping sound fills the air and my car begins to veer off the road. Shit. I slowly hit the brakes and pull over on the side of the road. I sit there for a minute before deciding to climb out of the car and see what the hell happened. Did I hit something? I step out of my car and into the humid air. The humidity takes my breath away leaving me hot and bothered, but not in a good way. Hello, Louisiana. One look at my passenger side front tire and I see it, it’s flat. Shit, this is fucking great. Of all the things my dad taught me, changing a flat is the one thing I didn’t pay attention to. Way to go Shayleigh.

  I groan as I stare at the tire. I seriously cannot believe this happened. I walk to the car and pop the trunk. I know everything I need to change the tire is in there and I’m praying that I can figure this out. Reaching down, I grab the jack out of the trunk and it’s like trying to hold a ton of bricks. I set it beside the car, letting out the breath I was holding and try to strategically place it where it looks like it should go. I’m beginning to sweat in places that sweat shouldn’t be allowed in. I want to cry. I’m seriously thinking this is a sign that I shouldn’t have come here. I have no clue what I’m doing.

  I can’t get the jack to do anything I want it to and I’m about to give up when the sexiest voice comes from nowhere causing me to jump. “I saw you sitting here and it looks like you could use some help.”

  I look up and blink my eyes trying to make sure I’m not going delirious out here in the middle of nowhere. This God in front of me looks absolutely heavenly standing there with his baby blue eyes and short brown hair. His jeans are snug, but not too tight and that t-shirt should just be molded onto his skin. Holy shit, I’ve died and gone to heaven. That’s the only explanation I have right now.

  “I, uh yeah. I could, thanks.” That’s all I can get out of my mouth. Way to go brain, just leave me hanging.

  This godly like stranger walks around to the back of my car to get everything else out that I didn’t get and he looks back at me and chuckles. “Missouri huh? You’re a long way from home.”

  “Tell me about it,” I mumble.

  “I’ll get you fixed right up. So what are you doing out here?”

  “I’m spending the summer down here with my best friend. I thought it would be a good idea to drive, but apparently, that wasn’t such a good idea.”

  “Not a worry pretty lady, shit happens. Lucky for you, I’m here to save the day.” He winks at me and I practically melt. My insides are all twisted like a pretzel. Butterflies assault my body and I seriously can’t remember the last time something like this happened to me.

  He gets to work immediately, jacking the car up like it’s nothing. How can he make it look so easy? He’s kneeling beside my car and I can see the outline of a Skoal can in his pocket. I lick my lips as I watch him, praying he doesn’t turn around and see me lusting after him. A few more minutes pass and before I know it, the tire has been replaced. It’s a donut which kinda pisses me off. My car looks funny now. I know as soon as I can, I’ll be going to buy a new tire so my baby looks good again.

  He stands up and smiles at his handiwork before placing everything, including the tire, into the trunk. He shuts the lid and turns back to smile at me. “There you go, as good as new.” His smile is killing me and I’m glad it’s hot as hell outside so he can’t see me blushing.

  “Thank you so much. I seriously couldn’t have done this without you. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “Not a problem. I’m Beau,” he says extending his hand out to me. His hand is a little greasy from changing the tire, but I place my hand in his and try not to completely lose myself.

  “I’m Shayleigh.” Our hands stay connected for what seems like ages before I finally pull mine away. Without thinking of the grease, I wipe my hand on my shorts and look back at my car. “Well, thank you again so much. I need to get going.”

  “It was my pleasure, Shayleigh,” Beau says giving me another wink. I give him an unintentional cheesy smirk before walking back to my car. I can feel his eyes on me the whole time and the urge to look back crosses my mind, but I push it back.

  He drives off and again, I’m sitting in my car replaying the events. I grab my phone and see a missed call from Sienna. Shit, I forgot to call her.

  “Shay, I was getting worried about you. Are you ok? Did you get lost?” she asks me.
>
  “No, I’m fine Sienna. I got a flat tire, but I’m fixed up and I’m not far. I need to go get a new tire as soon as possible though, I can’t ride around on this stupid donut.”

  “Oh shit, why didn’t you call me?”

  “I was going to, but someone stopped and helped me.”

  “Damn girl. Well, be careful and I’ll see you in a few.”

  I hang up the phone and start my car again. Slowly, I ease back onto the road and drive again. Icy baby blue eyes fill my thoughts and I’m not sure why. Yes, he was gorgeous, but I doubt I ever see him again. At least I had the luxury of watching someone sexy change my tire and not some old nasty man with a plumbers crack.

  Fifteen more minutes in and I'm pulling up at Sienna's house in South Lake Charles. It feels so weird to be here after all this time. What I remember has changed immensely. I take a deep breath as I climb out the car. This is it, the real beginning of my summer.

  Chapter 3

  I’m barely out of the car when Sienna comes running out of her house. Skyping and texting pictures just doesn’t do our friendship justice. Her long red hair is braided and hanging over one shoulder and her legs are like mine, they go on for days. We could almost be twins, except my hair is blonde. Her eyes light up just like mine do and we don’t stop until our arms are wrapped around each other. A tear falls from my eyes and my heart warms, this moment is everything I’ve ever imagined it could be. I’ve missed her more than she could ever realize.

  “I can’t believe you’re finally here! I’ve missed you best friend!” She squeals. She squeezes me tighter to where I almost can’t breathe, but that is okay with me.

  “I know! It was a long ass drive and I can’t believe I got a flat tire. Oh shit, that reminds me, I have to call my dad real quick.”

  “Oh damn, you haven’t called him yet? You better! I’ll get your suitcase out for you.” She jumps up and down still squealing as she runs over to my trunk. I pop it for her as I grab my phone out of my pocket.