Gravity Read online

  “Earth to hot babe.” Amos’s voice breaks into my internal dialogue.

  “What?” I ask, spinning around to him.

  He’s already sitting down at the table shoveling food in with one hand while writing on a piece of paper with his other. I raise an eyebrow and point to the open textbook and the fact he’s working on his assignment.

  He only shrugs while shoveling in a large spoonful of mashed potatoes. My stomach on cue growls loudly once again. I take the sign and sit down to eat. He has my textbook, paper, and pencil set by my plate. I run the back of my hand over my forehead wondering how long I was out of it.

  This thing with Amos scares the shit out of me because it’s only going to come to an end one day when my dad gets a new assignment. Amos knows my worries and he was the one to push me since the day I moved here. He was as insistent as a damn contagious rash, finally breaking my barriers down. Between his funny jokes and damn good looks it didn’t take much, but he didn’t need to know that.

  “Thank you for this, Amos.” I pick up my fork.

  He’ll never know how much meaning is behind those words. He’s made me step out of my safety zone. Living outside the confines of it is beautiful.

  Amos speaks around a large mouthful of food. “You have to try the chicken. Oh, my God, it’s my favorite. One bite and you’ll be jizzing your panties.”

  I wrinkle my nose in disgust at his description. “Nice, Amos, real nice.”

  3

  Gracie

  The gym is packed with a humid twinge to the air. The cheers are deafening with action everywhere. The floor is covered in wrestling mats with at least six matches all going on at the same time.

  All of the commotion makes me dizzy as I try to find a section of bleachers that is deserted. So many familiar faces of classmates are in the stands, but the problem is I’ve only made friends with one person, Amos.

  I climb all the way to the top of the bleachers and head for the corner. The brick is cool to my back when I fully relax back and catch my breath. I spot Amos’s family near the middle of the bleachers. His mother, father, grandpa, and sister all studying the mats. Molly’s on the edge of her seat entranced on one of the matches.

  My heart skips a beat, wondering if I’d miss one of Amos’s matches. I follow her line of vision and immediately spot a red and black uniform on a wrestler all tangled up on the mats. He’s on his back and from the looks of it not doing too well in his match. When he finally breaks lose from his opponent I recognize him as Guy, Amos’s best friend.

  Quickly, I scan the rest of the mats, but there are no other black and red uniforms in action. Surveying the sideline, I don’t spot Amos, so I go back to Guy’s match. This time he’s the one on top nearing a pin. My phone vibrates in my pocket distracting me.

  Amos: You lied to me!

  Me: ?

  Amos: You promised to wear a bikini here today!

  I roll my eyes laughing at our bet last night. Amos relentlessly tried to convince me to wear a string bikini and bring a poster with his name on it. Oh, and don’t forget the spiked high heels I was also supposed to sport. It ended in an arm wrestling match, which he won and clearly he honestly thought I’d make good on the bet.

  Amos: Don’t you dare roll your eyes at me.

  Amos: Now go get in that bikini, sweet cheeks.

  Me: Oops. Couldn’t find mine and the swimsuits aren’t out in stores yet. Use your imagination.

  I glance up trying to find him again. It took me only a few seconds to spot him smiling back up at me. His long brown hair tasseled. The black hoodie and track pants highlight his piercing ocean blue eyes. He grabs his crotch discreetly before going back to type.

  Amos: Abort mission! Boners and wrestling are deadly. I may go blind, but will survive.

  Like a loon, I laugh out loud staring at my phone while shaking my head back and forth.

  Me: Go get em’, Romeo.

  I peer back up to him and catch the wink he sends me. One of his coaches steps up behind him, slapping him on the back of the head, and pointing toward a mat. I watch as Amos nods his head taking the advice of his coach while beginning to peel down his track pants. My breath hitches low in my throat seeing his perfect ass in his spandex singlet. Then Amos slowly throws one arm behind his neck, pulling his hoodie off and over his head. My legs squeeze together on demand watching his little strip show. If I didn’t know any better, I’d bet he was doing this strip show on purpose just to torture me.

  When he turns around and sends me a crooked smile I should’ve bet on it. I bite down on my bottom lip and feel a heated blush creep up into my cheeks. I notice Molly and his parents glance up over their shoulder to see who or what had their son’s attention.

  My head drops and I stare at my lap until I feel confident they’ve focused back on the matches. Amos is squared off with his opponent, the referee stands between the two, and soon they shake hands. The crowd erupts in a roar of cheers once the two begin to dance around each other.

  There are several other matches going on right now, but it’s apparent everyone’s attention is focused on Amos’s match. He’s been a State Champion since his freshman year and has the added pressure of bringing it home again as a senior.

  When Amos dives for the other wrestler’s feet knocking him off guard, the entire gym erupts in cheers. Amos is far too quick for his opponent, snaking rapidly up his body and pinning him down in a flash. The wrestler beneath him flails and sends a nasty elbow to his face.

  The referee cuts between the two wrestlers and I see nothing but red blood gushing from Amos’s nose. I gasp and cover my mouth horrified by the scene. Amos remains hunched over while his coaches do something to his face. All too soon they have him standing with his hands over his head. Amos begins to pace in a small circle then pulls the gauze from his nose.

  He sends his coach a quick nod then steps on the mat once again. This time he reacts swifter with deft moves not giving his opponent time to elbow him in the nose. Amos has him pinned in a matter of seconds.

  The rest of the afternoon goes about the same with Amos winning every single match and the hometown crowd going wild for him. After each win and between matches he’d text or send me a wink. It made me feel special to know he was always watching me and making me feel included.

  A man like Amos could easily be swallowed into the popular crowd never looking back. I sure didn’t miss the glares streaming from Mae during the whole day. She’d easily spotted me and made sure to express her disapproval. The joke is on her though because nothing or anyone can hamper my mood today.

  “Bikini time.”

  I whirl around to see Amos smiling at me with his gym bag hoisted over his shoulder. I smile widely and step up to him, but Amos ups the ante when he snags me by the waist with his free hand. His lips brush down on mine and then a deep kiss follows.

  I pull back just enough with our lips still touching. “Thank you, but not helping your bikini bargain though.”

  “Bully. You’re a big ol’ bully, Gracie King.”

  I roll my eyes. “The last name again, Amos Marshall?”

  He kisses me again pulling me tighter to his body. The smell of his manly body wash makes me weep. I let him kiss me and then kiss him back prolonging the kiss. A gagging noise pulls us apart. I try to step back, but Amos keeps me clutched to his side.

  We both turn to see Mae staring us down huddled with a group of her friends. When they all notice that we are looking, they burst out in giggles and I don’t miss the mean comments about my plain looks compared to Amos.

  Guy joins us staring down the group with an evil glare.

  “Hey, Mae,” Amos shouts out.

  The sound of her name rolling off Amos’s tongue gains her full attention. She stands tall with her breasts popped out and her lips pursed. Amos drops his hand from my waist and steps closer to the group. The loss of his contact makes me feel cold and empty instantly.

  Mae twirls a lock of hair while rubbing her lip-gl
oss covered lips together.

  “You’re a cow,” Amos finally lets out. He rubs his chin and then speaks again. “Wait, it would be a disgrace to cows to call you that.”

  He spins around, grabs me by the waist, and we begin walking. The silence is deadly as we make it to the door. Amos turns back to the group once he opens the door for me.

  “I suggest you keep your pathetic and immature comments to yourself from here on out.”

  And with that he slams the gym door behind us. Amos remains quiet on the way to the diner with his jaw clenched and knuckles white on the steering wheel.

  “Amos,” I begin, but he cuts me off.

  “Don’t, Gracie, don’t even.” He turns to me once parked in front of the small diner. “That bitch, and you need to know I don’t use that term often for women, has always been a raging bitch. She’s awful to my sister, Molly, and has made her life a living hell. It’s all from jealousy. She’d do anything to have either me or Guy.”

  I drop my head. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need for that shit, Gracie. I will not let her treat anyone I love like that anymore. I’ll be honest with you. I dated her for a very short time and she’s never figured out it’s fucking over.”

  I nod again staring at my fidgeting fingers in my lap.

  “Forget about that bitch cow and let’s discuss that bikini.”

  I look over to Amos who has a hopeful look on his face with a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.

  “Do you think I’m plain?” I finally ask unable to get the nasty thought out of my mind. “I don’t want to be plain to you.”

  “Jesus.”

  Amos hops out and slams the door rounding the front of his truck. My door flies open with Amos filling the frame. He grabs my legs twisting me to face him, but he doesn’t stop there. He spreads my legs leaning between them and then picks up my arms lacing them around his neck.

  “You are so far from plain that you’re in a different universe. Those girls have nothing on you, Gracie. You’re a natural beauty that demands attention. If roses are red and violets blue, then Gracie, God made you sexy.”

  I burst out in laughter at his attempt of rhyming.

  “Shit, I was one word off,” he shakes his head and tries again. “If roses are red and violets are blue, then Gracie not even momma’s fried chicken is as sexy as you.”

  He beams brightly nailing the rhyming pattern. I lean forward and kiss him lightly.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. “Even if you did just compare me to fried chicken.”

  “Baby, you have no idea how much fried chicken turns me the fuck on.”

  “Jizz sexy, right?”

  “Hells yes, my fried chicken sexy as fuck girl.”

  I brush the side of his face and mumble into his lips. “I like the sound of being your girl.”

  “Now, let’s talk bikinis.” Amos pulls me from his truck.

  4

  Gracie

  “It’s gorgeous on you,” the saleswoman coos.

  My palms run down the front of the golden shimmery dress smoothing it out over my hips. I can’t help but smile when I look into the mirror. It’s a perfect fit for my body type complimenting my skin complexion. The long V-neck swoops dangerously low accentuating my busty side. The top shines with delicate gems.

  I whirl around peeking over my shoulder appreciating the crossed straps on the back, which are also adorned with jewels. My back is exposed and gorgeous. I blush with all the internal dialogue, but never in my life have I felt so amazing and pretty.

  At the hips it gathers tightly and then flares into a chiffon skirt that has a slit up the side exposing one leg. It flows and sways with every single movement and I can’t help but imagine Amos holding me and dancing to our song.

  I don’t let myself stop and think about the fact my momma should be here helping me with my decision instead of sending me with her credit card. The wives on base are more important to her than her own daughter. It’s nothing new since I’ve been wrapping my own Christmas presents since I was old enough to run a pair of scissors.

  “I’ll take it.” I smile brightly back to the saleswoman.

  “Excellent. You really do look like a princess in it.”

  A fried chicken type sexy princess, I think to myself and giggle lightly. I shut the door to the dressing room and decide to take a picture of it quickly. I send it to Amos and then carefully take off the sweet and flirty dress.

  Conversation seeps into the dressing room causing me to freeze.

  “I seriously can’t believe Amos is taking her, Mae. I was certain he’d dump her pilgrim ass before now.”

  “Ugh, unbelievable. I’m so pissed and now he won’t even look at me.”

  “It’s okay, Mae. You still have a month until prom. I’m sure he’ll change his mind by then.”

  “He has to. I mean she’s so ugly and dumb. I just don’t get it.”

  Their conversation goes on and only gets uglier and uglier. I try to avoid it but each words strikes me hard, lashing open my hurting heart. My fingers tremble as the gorgeous dress drops to the floor. It gets worse when I fight to pull on my jeans and sweater. I battle the trembles, but the more I fight the worse it gets.

  My phone begins singing out the song, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” It’s the ringtone Amos set my phone to, still determined to bring out the bikini. I look down to see a smiling selfie of the two of us. I’m smiling like a goofy girl while Amos is kissing my cheek.

  I don’t answer the phone letting the nasty conversation come in from outside. It rings again and again, so I finally answer it.

  “Hello.” My voice trembles.

  “Gracie, baby. Boner and wrestling no bueno.”

  The tears and sobs begin once I hear his voice. I’m sick of breaking down like this. Normal girls have friends and a doting mother to turn to.

  “Gracie, you there?” He asks.

  “Yes.” The one simple word is peppered with tears and sadness.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  “Um…nothing really.”

  My words still do nothing to hide my emotions.

  “I’m at the mall. I wanted to surprise you.” His breathing becomes heavier. “Where are you?”

  He can’t see me like this and I sure as hell don’t need another Mae and Amos encounter to happen.

  “Where. Are. You?” Each one of his words are forceful, demanding an answer.

  “Macy’s.” I finally whisper.

  The call ends without another single word from him. I try once again to pull on my clothes, but can’t. I’m sick of mean girls. They’re at every single fucking school with one mission and that’s to make the new girl’s life a living hell.

  New girls are seen as the enemies attacking their home turf. I’ve never been on that particular mission. Hell, I’m happy with blending in and making no connections to avoid heartache.

  “Gracie.” Amos’s voice begins to boom out.

  When it gets closer I crack open the door. He swings it open and then slams it just as quickly. He stands before me with a worried expression. The conversation from a few dressing rooms down floats back in causing Amos to tense up with balled fists at his sides.

  I begin shaking my head from side-to-side.

  “Please, don’t,” I whisper.

  Amos steps up, wraps his arms around me, tugging me to his chest. I’d barely managed to get my pants pulled up, but that’s it. His large palm runs up and down my back in a soothing motion while he peppers kisses on the top of my head.

  “I loved the dress, baby.” He pulls back and stares at me. “Gave me a boner when leaving practice.”

  Even this low I manage to crack a smile. Amos bends over and begins to finish dressing me. He buttons up my jeans and then kneels down to slip on my Chucks.

  “Cinderella, may I?” He asks on one knee with an outstretched hand.

  I smile again and even let a light chuckle out while raising my foot. Amos grabs
my big toe quickly.

  “This little piggy went to market.” He wiggles the toe back and forth.

  “Amos, stop,” I burst out between laughter, but it doesn’t stop him.

  He moves on to the next toe. “And this little piggy stayed home.”

  “Stop,” I blurt out again, putting a hand out to brace myself on the wall.

  “This little piggy had fried chicken.” Amos smacks his lips together and wiggles the toe with a little more force.

  “Stop, I’m going to pee my pants.” The laughter is at an all time high hurting my belly.

  “This little piggy had none.” Amos runs his finger between my two last toes.

  Tears of laughter stream down my face one after another with the giggles never stopping.

  He clutches my pinky toes. “This little piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way home.”

  The combination of his high-pitched voice and vigorous wiggling technique sends me spiraling forward. I land on Amos causing him to topple back. The dressing room door flies open and we land on the ground face-to-face. When my laughter finally stops, Amos’s expression grows serious.

  “I love you, Gracie.”

  I smile at him. “Thank you. But I should pee on you right now for making me laugh that hard.”

  I take the lead and kiss him. Amos darts his tongue out, running it along the seam of my lips and I open for him. I take everything about this moment in. His smell, taste, and how he makes me feel. Amos Marshall fixes everything in my world.

  “Oh. My. God. Are you fucking kidding me?” A voice interrupts us.

  “Jesus, he’s kissing a whale,” Mae’s voice sings out.

  Amos breaks away and begins to turn his head to them. I grab his face forcing him to look back up at me. I seal our lips back together again and then reach out an arm facing them. I slowly raise my middle finger telling them to fuck off. They will not steal this moment from me.