I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) // The Proclaimers

In the back of my mind, my brain is telling me that I should be freaking the fuck out. I should be inhaling this pizza and running the other direction. Or forgetting about the pizza altogether and getting myself out of the line of fire.

But it's pizza so I stay. Cause I fucking love pizza.

Most importantly, it's Alison. And I wasn't lying saying that she was worth it. She is. I can feel it in my gut that this girl is going to mean even more to me than she does right now. That we could have something special.

My dad knew it the instant he met my mom. And just like with Alison, it took my mom a little longer to see what the two of them could have. What they do have is amazing, and they've told Kyra and I their story more times than I can count so the two of us wouldn't walk away from the right person just because the circumstances weren't ideal.

Dating the coach's daughter when I'm barely starting with the team is hardly ideal. I think most of the guys on my team would tell me its stupid. Matt certainly would. That's the mindset I had as we walked in the door. I'm not afraid to date the coach's daughter because of the spark we had from the first moment.

But coach spun things on me. Things I hadn't considered. I don't want him to be in a tough spot because one of his players is dating his daughter. Damn, I didn't see things taking this turn. Doesn't change how I feel or what I want with Alison, though.

"I think Dad is gone for the night, so the interrogation won't repeat. If that's what you're worried about." Alison breaks the silence as we finish eating.

"No, I wasn't worried about that. I was just letting it all sink in, I guess. Sorry."

Alison looks at me. "No, I'm sorry. I should have asked better questions and spoken up when we met. I realized there was a possibility that this was the issue. I didn't want to deal with it if I didn't have to."

"Hey, it wasn't your job to prescreen us to date. We did what people do; get to know each other little by little. I didn't expect your entire life story on day one."

I sense her relief as I watch her features soften. I take the opportunity to reach out and grab her by the hand.

"Coach made some good points, but he didn't scare me off. We just have to be smart about dating, that's all. I'm a smart guy. You've proven to be a smart girl. We can figure this out one step at a time. Okay?"

"I don't know how smart I am, but I guess one step at a time is doable."

"Exactly." I finally feel like we've jumped over this hill. See? We can make this work.

"What's the next step, then?" Alison stands up to clear our trash. I help as I trail behind her.

"A quiet drive back to your place and you tell me all about this art internship you're doing. I tell you awkward stories about my family. We both laugh then I kiss you before you go into your apartment."

"Sounds like you've thought this through."

"Just the kissing part."

Alison smirks at me. She has as well, I can tell. Kissing her has been on my mind all week and I need more of it.

"Okay, we can go."

I grab her by the hand—I can't resist touching her--and we rush to the door. Kissing has me in a hurry now.

"Bye, Dad!"

"Thanks, Coach!"

We both call out to her dad as we leave. I open the passenger door for her, even though I know she doesn't really care about that kind of thing. But I do. It's a respect thing in my point of view.

As soon as I hop in, I start the engine and drive through Fallbrook. I decide to take her on a scenic route through the hills in the north part of town. Not sure yet if I'll make a pass by my parent's house but I know this path will stretch out the drive. I'm not ready to say goodnight yet, even if I am ready for that kiss.

Soft music plays in the background. Our hands are entwined in the center console as I take the turns that lead up the hill. Alison takes in the view. She's lived here most of her life so I'm sure she's seen it all before.

"I used to come driving up here when I first got my license. I liked the trees." Alison says it all with a smile.

"I can't believe we've lived in the same town all this time and it took a stupid music festival in Salt Creek for us to meet."

"Right? I guess that's what happens in a small town that's supersized. Plus, having two high schools makes it harder to know everyone." She shrugs, which I feel in our clasped hands.

"This is true. If we'd been born a couple decades earlier, we would have been at the same school."

"That's right. Miller hasn't been around that long." Alison laughs as she turns to look at me. "I just realized you have the same last name as Miller High. How funny."

Ugh. I hate when this comes up. But I don't want to lie or hide things from her, so I decide to confess the truth.

"That's because it's named after my family."

Her jaw drops, which I can see out of the corner of my eye.

"Say that one more time. I don't think I processed that information properly."

"Well, my dad donated the majority of the money to build the school, so the board voted to name it after him."

"Holy Shit! How much money does your family have?"

I resist the urge to pull my hand away from hers and rub my face. I literally hate talking about how much money my dad has. I don't think of it as family money because he's never handed it out without requiring us to work for it. I'm not a spoiled rich kid. But my family does have the most money in Fallbrook Hills. And Salt Creek. And pretty much most of the state. And possibly the country.

Fuck.

"A lot," is what I settle on saying.

"But your car..." Alison glances around at the interior of my baby.

"What about my car?" I cringe at the defensiveness in my voice.

"It's fine. It's better than mine, actually. But it's so...well used. And kind of old."

"That's because my dad made me mow lawns and save every penny. He didn't hand me a blank check so I could waste it on a Ferrari." Like some people I know. Matt's dad was all about status and had him in a high-end Audi as soon as he got his license. Pete's situation is almost as bad. Although he doesn't use money as his main personality trait the way Matt used to. Damn I'm glad that guy got his priorities worked out.

"Hey, I'm not trying to put it down. Sorry if it sounded that way. It's just unexpected. You have to admit it's not the norm in this town where wealth is concerned."

I nod. "That's true." I squeeze her hand in acknowledgment.

We settle into comfortable silence once again as I take the twists and turns of the narrow hill roads. Passing by the large old homes in the hills feels peaceful. Large oak and eucalyptus trees fill the hillside giving the setting a mountaintop feel without having to drive all the way to the mountains. Fallbrook is known for its trees and this is why. Who needs an elaborate outing when a quiet drive with a view like this can be just as meaningful?

Alison breaks the silence a few minutes later with more questions about me.

"Okay, what about Jefferson High? Is that named after you, too?"

This time I laugh. "Thomas Jefferson High? No. That's just a coincidence. Although it is a family joke considering my name is in both high schools in this town."

"Funny."

"Extremely." I pause for a second as the music changes. A retro 80's playlist starts playing. My thumb taps against the back of Alison's hand. I notice her head bobbing to the beat. I'm glad she seems to like the same music as I do. "Tell me about your internship."

She's already mentioned that the real reason she's attending a community college and living on her own is to experience this internship with a well-known local artist. I admire the courage it's taken her to venture down a path most eighteen-year-olds wouldn't attempt.

"My photography instructor told me about the internship application senior year. Until then I thought I'd just go to Fallbrook U. like everyone else. I sent in my portfolio, not holding my breath that I'd be chosen, but I was. And I realized I had to go for it. When else in life can you take a chance like this? My dad worried I'd be wasting a year and have nothing to show for it. But that's always been his thinking, especially since my mom died. He takes the safe choice. I'm tired of being safe. I want to be daring."

I smile at her words. She is daring. That's the perfect description for this girl who showed up in my life out of nowhere.

"What have you done so far with...what's her name?" We've made it to the edge of her town, Eastvale, but I don't want the date to end. I have to get back soon, though, otherwise I'll be too tired for tomorrow morning's early work out.

"Devon Hunter. Mostly behind the scenes things like developing film and piecing together props. She's an experimental photo artist. Which means she does a mash up of techniques to come up with something new."

I nod my head but have no idea what that all means. "You'll have to show me sometime."

"Maybe I can take you to her studio."

"That would be cool. I'd love to see some of your work, as well."

"Mine needs work."

"Obviously not if you got the spot with her."

Alison shrugs. I'll have to work on that with her. I have a feeling her artistic side is pretty amazing. She shouldn't downplay her talent.

"I'll have to go to a game, then," she says.

"Don't you go to most of the games? Since your dad is the coach?"

"Ha, that would be no. Not since tenth grade."

We pull up to her small complex before Alison has the chance to say more. Something about the sight of her building fills the car with nervous tension. Anticipation of a hot kiss, maybe? God, I hope that's it and not something else.

"I had fun," she says.

"Me, too," I say. And this is officially too awkward for this point in our relationship. I met her dad for fuck's sake. I put myself out there for her. I should be confident, secure...in fact.

"Ali." I whisper the nickname on instinct and am rewarded when I hear her tiny gasp. It's the kind of gasp that says she felt that whisper in her soul.

I say no more. Leaning over to her side I cup her face, my fingers pressing into the space behind her ear. Then my lips are touching hers and every thought I had is replaced with only one: Alison.

Her lips are soft. Mine are gentle. Kissing her is now my favorite thing. The warmth from her nearness, the press of her skin. All of it lights me up. I run my fingers through her hair, loose curls flowing across her shoulders. She tilts her head and the contact deepens. I want to get closer to her. I wish we weren't in this car.

But if we plan to keep things between us quiet, I don't want to push her further than this. Not now. Not under these circumstances. Not until I can claim her as mine and she can claim me as hers.

Fuck, I want that so bad. I want to tell Matt, to show everyone who I have standing next to me. I want to take her home and introduce her to my family. Yeah, even my sister who will give me grief for months about finally having a girlfriend.

I pull back from Alison suddenly, looking at her, in her eyes.

"What?" she asks, still breathless.

"Are we...can I call you..." I can't finish the question. But I have to be clear on where we stand. "Are we dating?"

Her gaze softens. "Seems like it. I don't make out with randoms in their cars."

I smile. Not exactly what I meant. "I hate to ask about labels on the first date..."

"But?"

"But I want a label. I want to call you my girlfriend. Even if I can't say it out loud to anyone yet, I want to say it to you."

Alison tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, looking away from me. It's dark in the car, the dash lights already shut off, but I think I see the hint of a blush.

"I'd like that." Her voice is a whisper.

"Are you sure? You sound hesitant."

This time she turns to look me in the eyes. "I'm sure, Jeff. I'm surprised, but I'm sure."

I lean closer, whispering against her lips that I need pressed against mine. "Why would you be surprised? We started on this path last week when you tripped into me."

"When you caught me."

The double meaning is almost laughable. "I sure did."

I wrap her up in an embrace, wishing the gear shift wasn't digging into my stomach but not willing to move an inch away. I don't know how long we'll have to keep silent about this, but I already know it will be worth every second if I get to have Alison.

the last two weeks...ugh

the music...blah

the plot...ish!

But I'm gonna get this! It always comes together and this one will, too. As usual, I let Jeff lead this chapter so it didn't go where I had planned for it to go. I'm okay with that because he needed to have these easy moments will Alison early on. Yes, that is a hint that the future will not be easy.

Thank you to Squirrelsreadbooks     for your music suggestion! I may go back and change the song from last chapter to Hungry Eyes because how perfect would that song be?!? It's a process, and I'm not usually so challenged to find the right music. However, I've kept to a particular retro theme with this series so I'm locked in to a sound. Sadly, the songs that are hitting me for Jeff and Alison are not in that retro genre. I might break with tradition here and venture into other territory because desperate times, y'all.

Once again, thank you for reading!! I hope Jeff lives up to the hype 😉

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