The Long Road Home

The Long

Road Home

Sue Langford

Copyright © 2018 Sue Langford

All rights reserved.

For the reason that I never stop writing what I do.

For Madi

"For the two of us, home isn’t a place.

It is a person. And we are finally home."

– Stephanie Perkins

Chapter 1

You want me. Just admit it, Keith said. Right. You’re the last dang thing I want. You know that, Charlotte said. And you really think that you can do better than me, he asked. Keith, grow the heck up and get out, Charlotte said. My place. You leave, he said. Charlotte gave him a stone-cold glare. Fine. Might want to get off my chair then, Charlotte said. She sent a text to her friend Caleb and walked into the bedroom. Shirt after shirt, sock after sock, she filled up her suitcases. Caleb showed not long later with his pickup. What you need, Caleb asked. The two leather chairs, the TV, the bed linens and the clothes, Charlotte said. You are not takin the dang TV, Keith said. I bought it. My dang TV. And while we’re at it, take the stereo and the CD’s since I bought them and the DVD player with the DVD’s, Charlotte said. Bitch, Keith said. Bringin it on yourself, Charlotte said. She took down the framed posters, and within an hour and a half, she was gone from the apartment and his life completely. She got down to the main floor and saw everything she had packed up into his truck. Thank you, Charlotte said. What’s goin on, Caleb asked. We’re done, she said. Then why exactly are you still wearing the ring," he asked. Charlotte walked back inside, put the ring and her keys in the mailbox and followed Caleb down to his place.

So, what’s next, Caleb asked once they pulled in. I have to get away from here. I can’t deal with having the reminder, Charlotte said. You can stay at my place. Consider it yours, Caleb said. I can’t, Charlotte said. Says who, Caleb asked. I just need to be out of this entire area. I don’t need to be bumping into him, Charlotte said. So where are you going, Caleb asked. A big piece of me says Savannah. I was happy there, Charlotte said. Girl, you runnin back home to mom and dad isn’t you and you know it, Caleb said. They moved to Atlanta, Charlotte said. You’re seriously heading back there, Caleb asked. And I found the perfect condo, Charlotte said. So that’s why y’all were in the middle of world war four, Caleb teased. I’m goin. When I get the reply back about the condo, I can get out of your hair, Charlotte said. He shook his head. So, where’s the condo, he asked. Historic District. It’s not huge, but it’s good for me, Charlotte said. He shook his head. You that scared of havin a guy around, Caleb asked. That determined to avoid any more stress. I just need to step away from all of this. He threw 3 years away like it was a beat up plate. I’m not about to do all of that again for anyone, Charlotte said. Just as the words passed her lips, her phone buzzed with an email that she’d got the condo. I get to move in tomorrow if I want to, Charlotte said. Do you want to move the stuff into a truck to head out, he asked. Charlotte nodded. Caleb shook his head and headed off with her to get a trailer to bring her things to the new place.

The closer it got to Charlotte leaving, the more Caleb tried over and over again to stop her. You could just stay. I mean where are you gonna work down there, Caleb asked. I just got a publishing deal. I can work from anywhere, Charlotte said. And, he asked. I’m workin down there. I need to be out of all of this, Charlotte said. You just need to be away from him. You are now. Why do you need to drive the 6 hours out of the way, Caleb asked. Because being home means being as far away from him as possible. I don’t want to be bumping into him when I get groceries or if I’m out with someone. I just want open space. You know exactly what I’m talkin about. You took off on that Amy girl when y’all broke it off, Charlotte said. That was different. We were engaged and I caught her in bed with my cousin. I had to before I kicked his butt and told her off, Caleb said. If I see him, I’m likely to do something completely stupid. I’m not putting myself in that position, Charlotte said.

Charlotte Andrews was that no nonsense kind of girl. She was far from perfect and she didn’t even care. She had that confidence or gumption that those lead women in those old vintage movies had. The stand her ground, fight for what’s right and not stand for anything else kind of personality. She had killer curves and those long lean legs from running over the years. The sexy blond locks draped over her shoulders. She had piercing blue eyes and a smile that lit up the room – or so Caleb said. At almost 5 foot 7, she wasn’t the tallest, but she was none the less the pick of the town in Savannah and had been even in high school. Finding the perfect guy for her was her only real challenge – one she hadn’t quite got right yet.

They finished loading the trailer and he was kicking himself for not making a move before that. So, are you gonna crash here tonight and head back tomorrow, Caleb asked. Charlotte shook her head. I’m gonna head off now and get some sleep at the hotel near the condo, Charlotte replied. You’re drivin down there at 5? You’re not even gonna get there until after 11. Just stay here tonight, Caleb asked throwing out one last ditch effort. If I head out now I’ll be there before 11. Just means that I say goodbye now, Charlotte said. He locked the trailer up and grabbed her hand. What, Charlotte asked. If I don’t do this now I may never have another chance, he said. Caleb, what on earth… He pulled her to him and kissed her. The fact that her knees almost turned to jelly, told her that she needed to leave asap. Stay, he said as he leaned in to kiss her again. She backed away, shook her head and got in her truck and headed straight off to the highway. Rebound boyfriend wasn’t a good title for him and she wasn’t about to lose her friendship with him. Being in Savannah was what she needed. Period.

Charlotte got to the highway and started driving. The scent of the trees, fresh cut grass and flowers faded as she made it down the highway. Closer to Savannah, she could smell the salty air, she could see the Spanish moss decorated trees and it’s like the tension in her shoulders just blew away. Her shoulders went from tense and up around her chin, back to normal. It’s almost like she could breathe easier. The stress was 6 hours away by the time she parked and went to head into the hotel. Just as she did, she got a feeling like someone was right behind her. She turned around and saw a guy she knew so well, leaned up against his shiny black pickup truck. Long time no see Harper, Charlotte said. I figured that was you. I know those curves anywhere, he joked. Charlotte shook her head. That line didn’t work in high school and it still doesn’t, Charlotte said. Can’t blame a guy for tryin. You look amazing, Harper said. Still pass, Charlotte replied. She headed into the lobby and checked into her room.

When she walked back outside, Harper was leaning up against the driver’s side door. What can I do for you, Charlotte asked. So, does this mean you’re movin home, he asked. I’m moving back to the area. Doesn’t mean that I’m going out with you so don’t even think about it, Charlotte said. Shoot me down already, he teased. Charlotte nodded. I’m staying single for a good while, Charlotte said. Can we at least hang out as friends, he asked. You mean can you hit on me and prevent me from moving on with life? No, Charlotte teased. He shook his head. I guess he must’ve done something real stupid, Harper said. Understatement of the century. Don’t need more drama. You’re sort of like the ultimate drama guy, Charlotte said. Why the heck does everyone keep saying that, he teased. Harper, you had two dates to the dang prom. You were making out with them both. You are the ultimate player and drama guy, Charlotte said. I’m not like that anymore. I promise you, he said. Still a hard pass, Charlotte joked. Can I at least help you with your stuff, he asked. Charlotte shook her head. I’m good. Thank you for the offer though, Charlotte said. He shook his head and she grabbed her things. She headed inside, locked the truck up completely and turned on the alarm then headed inside and up to her suite.

She got settled and went straight to bed. All night she just kept picturing what Keith was doing now that she was gone. She did her best to get it off her mind and when she was wide awake at 8am, she gave up. She packed up, loaded her truck up and went off to get the keys for the condo. As soon as she picked them up, she went over to the condo and started unpacking. Luckily, her brother opted to come help with a few of his friends. By the time the trailer was unloaded, the condo was completely organized and all the boxes were gone. Thank you for all of this, Charlotte said. I can’t believe that sleaze did that to you? Of all dang people, he said. I know. Honestly, it was just a really good excuse to move home, Charlotte said. I’m like an hour and a bit away if you need me. I got the place in Brunswick that I told you about, he said. And when are you moving in, Charlotte asked. Already did. Two weeks ago. I didn’t change the cell number, her brother Evan said. So, what’s goin on with mom and dad, Charlotte asked. I messaged dad this morning about you moving back. He only had one comment. You know what it was without even asking, he teased. Avoided Harper already. Not goin near him, Charlotte said. Then there’s nothin else, Evan joked.

So, how’s Emmie, Charlotte asked. She’s sick of being pregnant already. At least the nausea stopped. Go figure it stops after her being nauseous for 7 months, he joked. If she needs anything I’m a lot closer. Even if it’s just a baby sitter so you two can go get sleep or go out, Charlotte said. I appreciate that little sis, he said. Go get home to the wifey. I’ll come hang with you guys Sunday and bring dinner, Charlotte said. Sounds like a plan, he said. He headed off and Charlotte dropped the trailer off and came back and relaxed, falling back asleep on the sofa.

She woke up to the feeling of her stomach growling. She was too tired to cook and wasn’t feeling take-out. She needed to get out and do something constructive. She had a quick shower and went out for dinner alone. She needed peace and quiet. A noisy bar wasn’t going to work. She found a quieter restaurant and sat out on the patio, watching the boats and the tourists. Just as she was finishing her dinner, the waitress came over with another drink for her. What’s this, Charlotte asked. From the blue jeans and white tee at the bar, the waitress said. She handed Charlotte a note and she almost laughed. She looked over and saw a guy walking towards her that was way too good looking to be single.

Thank you for the drink, Charlotte said. You’re welcome. Still think it’s a shame that a lady like you is eating dinner alone, he said. I do enjoy the quiet sometimes, Charlotte said. Me too, but it’s Saturday night. You should be out with your boyfriend or husband, he said. That’s probably why I’m out on my own then, Charlotte said. She had to hand it to him. It was one heck of a creative way of asking if she was single. So, what are you up to tonight, he asked. So now you’re asking me out, Charlotte asked. At least have a drink with me, he said as the waitress took her plate away. I guess that would be a yes then, Charlotte said. So, since this is a date, I’m Greyson, he said. Charlotte, she replied. He smirked. Kinda knew that, he teased. Oh really, Charlotte asked. We were in high school together, he said. Greyson Carter, Charlotte asked. He got a sexy little grin. About time you noticed, he joked. Harper showed up at my hotel. I thought he was the only one still around, Charlotte teased. Most of our class did kind of leave town. I bumped into a few people, but I was kind of happy when I found out you were in town, Greyson said. Back in town. Just got a new condo, Charlotte said. So, I guess that means your folks left, Greyson asked. Charlotte nodded as she sipped her drink. They’re living in Charleston now, Charlotte replied. They made small talk for a while and when they finished their drinks, he talked her into going for a walk along River street.

Grayson Hastings. The guy who every girl wanted to date and did in high school. He was almost 6 foot 1 and had that sandy brown hair that was so normal for her kind of guys. He had muscles, but he wasn’t showing them off, at least not yet. He had never gone long without a girlfriend. The green eyes that had you mesmerised with one look had roped him more than one girlfriend. She knew he had to be married or something. The only problem was that he’d intentionally stayed single for what seemed like forever. He’d always been waiting on the right girl. Charlotte had teased him about it, but he was waiting for her to come home.

So, what have you been up to since you disappeared, he joked. Charlotte almost smirked. Sort of went to Nashville and did my thing. Finally found a job I love. It’s almost not even work, Charlotte said. What are you doin, he asked. Writing music, Charlotte said. You’re joking right, he asked. Charlotte shook her head. Not even a little. I got a few good song deals and wrote some of my bigger stuff and when I could, I headed to New York then here, Charlotte said. That’s crazy, he said. That’s sorta why I could get that condo I wanted, Charlotte said. So where are you living now, he asked. Down near Forsyth Park. It’s the one place I was always creative, Charlotte said. So, does this mean that I can take you out again, he asked. Greyson, Charlotte said. I chickened out in high school, he said.

What if I said we could, Charlotte asked. He slid his hand in hers and kissed it. Good answer, he replied. It’s sorta up to you, Charlotte joked. The answer to that big ole question would be what beautiful, he asked. Charlotte gave him a smile and nodded. Sounds good to me, Charlotte said. Good answer, he replied as they walked up the oyster shell pathway. Well thanks, Charlotte joked. What are you doin after church, he asked. Greyson, Charlotte said. Just sayin. We could go down and hang on the beach for a while, he asked. I remember what happens at the beach, Charlotte teased remembering back to high school and the nights on the beach watching the popular couples playing tongue tag on the beach. Girl, nothin changed with the silly teenagers. We’re adults now, he said. So, in other words, you’re still tryin, Charlotte joked. Trying what, he asked as they got to Warren Square and headed up towards Broughton Street. You’re still tryin to get a kiss on a first date, Charlotte said. That was a date, he joked. She shook her head. Still not happening, Charlotte replied. We are adults now. We can do whatever the heck we want to, he said. Charlotte shook her head and he walked her over to Leopold’s. What are you up to anyway, Charlotte asked. The one thing you can’t get in New York, he teased. In other words, Leopold’s, Charlotte joked. He kissed her cheek. You haven’t had the cobbler ice cream, he joked. I live 10 minutes away, Charlotte said. Just let me do this already, he teased. They got down to get their ice cream and it was closed. Guess that means no ice cream, Charlotte joked. He pulled her to him.

What, she asked. He looked at her. When was the last time we were in this spot together, he asked. After prom when I was determined to drown myself in ice cream and nobody even noticed, Charlotte joked. I noticed. I sat with you, he teased. Charlotte shook her head. I never did find out why, Charlotte said. Because I’d spent half the dang school year trying to get up the courage to ask you out, he replied. Charlotte shook her head. And one other thing. Which would be what, Charlotte asked. He pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. Which would be something I wanted to do since that first day in high school, he said. He looked in her eyes and leaned his head down to kiss her. She turned her cheek and his finger lifted her chin so meet eyes. He kissed her and it’s like all the feeling was gone in her toes. Her knees turned numb and it’s like her blood had turned into lava.

Much better, he teased as she opened her eyes. You are just ridiculous, Charlotte said. And why’s that, he asked. You had your chance in high school. The dances. The parties that I went to and always ducked out early, Charlotte said. Ducked out early is exactly the point. Every time I turned around to find you and you were gone already. You know that you liked me too, he said. Past tense, Charlotte said. Never back down from a fight do you, he asked. I just remember things differently from you. I wasn’t exactly in the cool person crowd, Charlotte said. If only you knew, he said as he leaned in and kissed her again. Meaning, Charlotte asked. There were guys fightin over you and you had no dang idea. Why do you think I always looked like I was in a dang war, he said. Seriously, Charlotte asked. He nodded. I got in so many dang fights it was almost like it was scheduled. Guys would make stupid comments and I’d be defending you, he said. You do realize that if you’d just said something… He shook his head and kissed her again, pulling her tight to him as his hands slid to her backside.

Maybe we should go so I can get some rest tonight, Charlotte said. You drive or walk, he asked. Walked, she said. Then I’ll walk you home, he said. I’m good, Charlotte said. He shook his head. Woman, give it up. It’s not like you can’t trust me, he said. And I’m still walkin myself. I’m not that far off, Charlotte said. He kissed her again. Let me walk you home, he asked. Charlotte shook her head. He slid his hand in hers. Walk, he said. They walked back to her place and when they got to the door of the building his jaw dropped. This is where you’re really staying, he asked. Yep, Charlotte said. He shook his head. You got the big fancy condo on the second from the top floor, he asked. Why, Charlotte asked. You mean since you’re two floors up from me, he asked. Charlotte shook her head. So, you were the competing bid, Charlotte teased. Somethin like that, he said. I really… He kissed her again, devouring her lips and leaning her up against the wall by the door.

When they came up for air, she slid out of his arms and went inside. She went up to her condo and headed inside then sat down to write. She sat down on her balcony and worked on lyrics and maybe a half hour later, there was a knock at her door. There was only one person it could be and she knew it.

She walked over to the door and looked through the peephole. What can I do for your Grayson, Charlotte asked. Open, he asked. She opened the door and he kissed her. Go back to your place already and let me get work done, Charlotte said. You don’t need to, he said. Says who, Charlotte asked. He kissed her again. You sure, he asked. I’ll see you later, Charlotte said. He gave her a hug and headed off. She shut the door and went back to try working on music for a while. She wanted to get at least a song or two under her belt now that she was away from the toxic relationship she’d had with Keith. She needed to if she was gonna be able to stay in that condo. By the time she finally turned in for the night, she had the start of two and was almost finished one.

The next morning, Charlotte headed out for a run. She needed to clear her mind and get things going on her music. She grabbed a coffee on the way back and went into the building and up to her unit when she saw Grayson. Stalk much, Charlotte asked. I was gonna invite you to breakfast but I guess this means you already ate, he said. I have a ton of work to do, Charlotte said. Breakfast. Whatever you want, he said. Let me get showered and changed, Charlotte asked. He kissed her cheek. Down two floors, he joked. Charlotte nodded. Yep, she replied. He shook his head and headed downstairs to get breakfast ready for them. Charlotte got in the shower and just as she was stepping out, her phone rang.

Yep, Charlotte said. So, where’d you disappear to, Keith asked. Go away, Charlotte said. I want you back, he said. Why? Because your rent is due? Go away and just leave me alone, Charlotte said. Come home, Keith said. Charlotte hung up and blocked his number. She slid into her sundress and sandals and came downstairs, phone and key in hand, and went to have breakfast with Grayson.

I was wondering what took you so long. I thought you changed your mind, Grayson joked. Ex situation, Charlotte said. You alright, he asked. Charlotte nodded. Just anxious to get on with my life, Charlotte said. So, does that mean that I can take you out tonight, he asked. Two dates in one day, Charlotte asked. Yep, he said. Let’s just leave it at this for now. I want to get some actual work done today, Charlotte asked. I’m in meetings this afternoon anyway. I’ll be back at 6. Shrimp House, he asked. Call me when you’re on your way, Charlotte said. He handed her a plate of eggs and bacon and put the coffee and juice on the table, then grabbed his plate and sat down with her. So, what do you do for work now anyway, Charlotte asked. I’m running a brewery. Business is amazing. We’re expanding to Tennessee and Alabama and I’m hoping to get it up towards Canada if possible. It’s goin good, he said. That’s great. I know you probably did a whole ton of research on the beer, Charlotte teased. That’s true, he joked. So, what else is goin on with you since you had me talkin all night, Charlotte asked.

I almost got hitched a year or two ago. You remember Sara Carter right, he asked. Seriously? The head freakin cheerleader from school, Charlotte asked. You weren’t in town, he joked. So, what happened with that, Charlotte asked. She sort of decided that she didn’t like guys anymore, he said as Charlotte almost laughed her food right out of her mouth. So, in other words, you turned her, Charlotte teased. Long story, he joked. So, what else has happened in the past years with you, she asked. Kept tryin to look up this girl I knew in high school, but she about disappeared on me, he joked.

And, Charlotte asked. And what, he asked. It’s been 10 years. Nothin else was goin on, Charlotte asked. Not a dang thing. I just put all my effort into work instead of dating. I met a couple people but nobody really important, he replied. Think so, Charlotte asked. I know what I want. You know what I’m like when I’m determined, he joked. Oh I remember, Charlotte teased. They finished their breakfast and he went and washed the dishes. When Charlotte came around behind him, he turned towards her and picked her up, sitting her on the counter.

What are you up to, Charlotte asked. He kissed her and wrapped her legs around him. Greyson, Charlotte said as she slid to her feet. What, he asked as he kissed the tip of her nose. Getting ahead of yourself much, Charlotte asked. Give me a break, he asked. She shook her head. He kissed her again and she slid out of his arms. See you later, Charlotte said as she walked back towards the door. Thank you for breakfast by the way. He turned the water off and walked towards her. He slid his arm around her just as she was about to open the door. What, she asked. What’s wrong, he asked. Just slow down and chill, Charlotte said. I have wanted to have a real date with you since I was 16. I just wanted… Slow, Charlotte replied. He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. Fine. Slow it is, he said as he kissed her again. She finally broke the kiss and slid out the door, heading upstairs to work on music and talk to her boss.

Hey Cara. What’s up, Charlotte asked. How’s the writing going, her boss asked. It’s going. I got a good head start on one. Part way through a second, Charlotte said. Good. Let me know if there’s anything else you need. I guess you’re all settled in the new place, her boss teased. And bumped into some old friends from high school, Charlotte said. Hopefully not too much of a distraction, her boss said. No. I just wonder. I mean when I was with Keith, he just aggravated me and I was in the writing house with y’all almost all dang day long most of the time. Now I have the peace and quiet and I’m needing noise. Is that weird, Charlotte asked. You just have to work with your surroundings. Do some complete quiet and put on the noise cancelling earphones then try white noise like waves or something like that. Do what you can, her boss said. "I appreciate it. Once I get a dry run of the songs and get them recorded on