Authors: C.J. Harte
*
At seven, Drew drove up to a gated community and announced herself to the guard. He checked his list and then allowed her in, giving specific driving directions. A few turns later, she pulled up to another gate. She had just pulled up to the speaker when the gate began to open.
Damn, she must be rich
.
Maybe her family is into illegal drugs or something.
As she drove up the circular drive, Drew noticed people walking around the place.
Guess they’re caretakers
. Before Drew could knock, she was greeted by Jordan coming around the side of the house.
Jordan was dressed in green shorts and an oversized green and white striped polo shirt. Her hair hung down to her shoulders like a blazing mane, catching the setting sun and radiating in the golden twilight. Intense blue-gray eyes peered out from the tanned face. Drew estimated she was a good five or six inches shorter than Drew was. Jordan’s body was definitely female. She had soft, feminine curves and moved with a surprising grace. Jordan smiled, and Drew was amazed at the transformation.
Wow, how different from yesterday.
She’s good-looking. The thoughts were disconcerting, but Drew knew Mark would be proud of how observant she was.
Okay, I’ve done my dyke duty. Now it’s time to concentrate on studies
.
“Come on in.” Jordan extended her hand. “I have my books on the kitchen table. I wasn’t sure you would come.”
“I said I would, ma’am.”
“Yes, you did,” Jordan said. “It’s just after what happened I wasn’t sure.”
Drew knew what she looked like, but Jordan’s staring was uncomfortable. “Do I look that bad? Am I going to scare any little children?”
Jordan gently touched Drew’s nose. “You look awful. Does it hurt as badly as it looks? I’m so sorry. Do you feel okay? Have you seen a doctor? I guess that’s a silly question to ask a medical student.”
Drew wasn’t sure what to answer first. “I know. I’m just a little banged up. No need to apologize. I’m fine, ma’am. Went to the health center.”
“Excuse me?” Jordan said. She quickly dropped her hand.
“I just answered your questions. In the order you asked.” The expression on Jordan’s face definitely indicated she was having trouble following the conversation. “I’m fine, ma’am.”
“If you’ll send me the bill, I’ll pay for it.”
“No, ma’am, already taken care of. Let’s just get to studying.” Drew needed to refocus. Jordan touching her had been too intimate.
Jordan stared. “You must be in pain. I’m not usually clumsy.”
“Ma’am, I’m okay. We just need to get busy studying.”
Drew followed her into the house, taking in the ostentatious wealth. So different from her more rustic ranch life. The artwork looked expensive. Furniture looked comfortable and probably had a name label.
What is it like to live like this?
She put aside personal thoughts. “Let’s get the studying done.”
*
The evening went quickly. Jordan was surprised when she looked up and it was already nine. “Wow. We covered a lot tonight. Thank you. Would you like something cold to drink?”
“No, ma’am. Thank you for the offer.” Drew stood and gathered her notes and books. “Good night, ma’am.” And she left.
Jordan was still standing in the same place when Drew walked out the door. “She just left. No chatting. No questions.”
Where are her social skills?
Tuesday was a similar pattern. Drew arrived, again dressed in jeans and a Western shirt. Jordan had just enough time to wonder if she had any real clothes before Drew was seated at the table.
Great conversationalist!
Time again passed quickly, and then it was nine. Jordan offered to get Drew something to drink.
“No, thank you, ma’am.” Drew was quickly gone and Jordan was again wondering how she got up and out so fast.
On Thursday, Jordan had two glasses of ice on the table along with a variety of cans of soda before Drew arrived. “I thought you might be thirsty.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine.”
Jordan was frustrated. “Do you not eat or drink?”
“I do, but you’re paying for my time, and I want to make good use of that.”
“Having something to drink or chatting for a few minutes isn’t going to make that much difference. I’m sorry. I was just being polite.”
“It could make a difference if we got distracted. Not a problem. Shall we study?”
Jordan couldn’t believe how obstinate Drew was being. How was she going to get to know her if Drew refused to have a few minutes of polite talk? “Are all your family in Wyoming? What made you decide to come to Florida?”
Drew shook her head. “Ma’am, I really need to study.”
“I was just trying to get to know you a little better.” Jordan hoped she didn’t sound whinny.
“Ma’am, where my family is, and why I came to Florida, won’t make a difference in your grades. Now, if you don’t want to study, I’ll leave.”
Jordan sat back in her chair. “Fine. If that’s the way you feel, then leave.” She threw her pencil on the table and dared Drew to go.
Drew wasted no time heading out the door. Without even saying good night.
Jordan sat stunned. “I don’t believe it. She just walked out.”
Jordan picked up her pencil and stared at her unopened books. She had behaved churlishly. She had chosen Drew because she seemed focused. This same behavior was now frustrating her. Drew’s behavior just further piqued her curiosity. “Ugh! Now I’ll need to apologize.”
The next day, Jordan called Drew and was surprised when a male answered. “May I speak to Drew, please?”
“Who’s calling?” the male on the phone asked.
“Jordan.” She didn’t know what else to say. She hadn’t thought much about Drew having a life outside of school.
After a brief interval, a familiar voice answered. “Hello, Jordan.” Drew was barely polite.
“I’m calling to apologize. If you come back on Sunday, I promise to focus on studying. In fact, if you come a little earlier, I’ll even fix dinner.”
Drew’s voice had a distinct chill. “Thank you for the apology. I’ll be there Sunday at our regular time.” Drew hung up before Jordan had a chance to respond.
“How rude! Wonder what she’ll be like when she shows up?” Jordan put the phone down. “Well, at least she’ll come back one more time.”
*
Drew quickly hung up the phone. “What a pain,” she muttered.
“What’s the matter?” Mark asked.
“Remember I told you what happened last night? Well, Jordan called to apologize. She gets special dispensation to have a private tutor. She tells me she wants someone to keep her focused. Then she keeps wandering off task.”
“What’s she doing?”
“Asking questions about my personal life. Wanting to socialize.”
Mark laughed. “Nothing wrong with that. Maybe she’s interested.”
Drew glared. “She’s so straight she couldn’t see around a ninety degree corner.”
“Oh, you really like her?”
“She’s like having to go to the dentist. It may be a good thing to do, but it’s not fun while you’re there. The rest of the time she’s nice.”
“Nice? Oh, pul-leeze, save me from nice.”
“You know, most of the time you’re smart.”
“The rest of the time?” Mark asked.
“You’re smart…ass.”
Drew offered her worst scowl and slammed the door to her room. She wanted to make sure he didn’t hear her laughter.
October
Jordan remained focused. Her curiosity hadn’t dimmed, but she was determined to prove that she was serious. By midterm, her grades had improved and she was well on her way to making the dean’s list.
Drew was the reason. She’s patient and respectful. No matter what questions Jordan asked, Drew acted as if it was important,
unless it was personal
. Each tutoring session gave Jordan another reason to like and appreciate Drew. Yet, the semester was half over and still she knew little about her. Except that she was a medical student from Wyoming living with a man. “Why did you decide to become a doctor?”
“Are we finished with studying?” Drew asked. She stuffed her books and notes in her backpack.
“No!” Jordan sighed. This was getting her nowhere. “Yes.” She reached across the table and grabbed Drew’s arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that was a personal question. I was just curious.” Drew looked as if she was going to answer, then thought better of it.
Time to change the subject.
“I just got my Calc I midterm back.” Jordan pulled out the exam. She’d only missed one problem.
“Jordan, that’s fantastic. You’ve been working hard and will make decent grades.”
Drew’s praise was a balm. Jordan relaxed and smiled. “Thank you. I owe it to you.”
“No, ma’am. You’re the one taking the quizzes. I’m just the guide.” Drew stood and grabbed her backpack. “You’re smart. About one-third to one-half the students taking calculus for the first time have to repeat it. You won’t be one of them. Congratulations again. Good night.”
Drew was again abruptly ending the evening. Tonight, Jordan didn’t care. Drew said she was smart.
She watched Drew walk out of the house and realized she liked her.
*
November
The first week in November, Drew called Jordan. She needed to take off a few days from tutoring. This may be her last rodeo final, and she wanted to end up in the top ten overall. This may be her last chance.
“Are you getting behind in your classes?” Jordan asked. “I’m sorry. I haven’t even asked how you were doing or if you were struggling.”
“I’m fine. I just need to be out of town for a few days.”
“Is your family okay?”
“My family’s fine.” Drew struggled to keep a normal tone of voice. “I just need to be out of town. Do you want a sub for a few days?”
“No!”
Well, there is no need to bark at me, then.
This was not the reception Drew expected. After all, she would only miss two days.
“I don’t need another tutor, thank you.”
Jordan hung up and Drew found herself staring at a silent phone. “She’ll get over it.”
*
The next morning, Mark drove Drew to the small Gainesville airport. “I can’t believe you’re taking off from classes for some rodeo.”
“Mark, it’s not some rodeo. It’s the finals. I can pick up some quick cash if I’m successful. This may be my last chance to participate in finals, and this has always been my dream.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Probably, but I don’t want any regrets.”
“How’s things with Jordan?”
“Okay, I guess. Didn’t say much except that she didn’t need a tutor while I was gone.” In spite of that, Drew’s respect for her was growing. Jordan was staying focused and making good grades. She was one determined person. “My parents are driving out to meet me and bringing the horses. I can’t wait to see them.”
“The horses?”
“No, my parents. They’re bringing a couple of my roping horses and my saddles.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
*
Jordan kept looking at her watch. Her sorority was gearing up for homecoming, and this was one more party. She always felt a little out of place at these. Tonight, a Sigma Chi was hitting on her.
“Come on, Jordan, let me get you another drink.”
“Thanks, Sam, but I still have my drink.” It was cranberry juice, but she wasn’t going to tell him.
He leaned close and lowered his voice. “Why don’t I get you something a little stronger and we could go someplace private?”
It was the second invitation she’d gotten this evening. She was not the most attractive female present, but being the First Daughter made her a boasting prize.
Probably has a bet on how long it will take before I give in.
“Can you excuse me for a moment? I need to catch my big sister before she leaves.” She quickly walked away without looking back. She heard him call her a bitch.
One of her sorority sisters pulled her over to a busy corner. She wanted to go home, but she should stay a little longer. When she was finally alone, she knew she would be wondering where Drew was and what she was doing. At least the party was a distraction.
Darn Drew!
She smiled and shook hands.
Around midnight, she grabbed her coat to go. Most of the crowd was into serious party mode. Some of the corners were now occupied by couples making out, including the Sigma Chi. Jordan shook her head. She was a trophy, that’s all. How would she ever find someone to love her just for herself? She needed to get out of there.
*
On Sunday, Drew called to let Mark know she was on her way back to Gainesville. She was sitting in a wheelchair when he finally drove up to the front of the airport. She struggled to balance her gear, her luggage, and her crutches. Mark jumped out of the car and helped her to get in.
“What kind of rodeo is this?” he asked as he gathered her belongings and placed them in his car.
“Stupid luck.”
“Stupid luck? Sorry, girlfriend, but you don’t look lucky.”
“Do you want the good news or the bad news?”
“There’s good news?” Mark’s voice rose an octave. Drew grinned.
“Yeah. I stayed on and won the final go-round.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. If that’s the good news, I don’t know if I want to know the bad. Did this have something to do with how you look?”
Drew grimaced and tried to get comfortable. “My hand got caught in the rope as I tried to get off the bull. It’s supposed to slip loose, but I got tangled. Happens sometimes. I dislocated my shoulder, and the critter stepped on my foot.” She smiled and pointed to the buckle. “But I got high score for the ride.”
“High scores? For insanity? I guess your foot is broken, too.”
“Actually, just bruised. I’ll need to go to the health center so they can follow up. But I made some money!” She leaned her head against the back of the seat. She had no doubt she would be asleep not long after she got back to the apartment.