Return to Grassland (Where the Grass is Always Greener Book II)

By Penny Michaels

As teenagers, an uncharacteristic fling altered the lives of Belle Carpenter and Max Cooper forever. They decided right then that it was for the best if they never saw one another again. Instead they fell in love.
Now they’re back in Grassland, out of college, working at the careers of their dreams and Belle is planning the wedding of the year... to someone else.
But in a town known for a tradition of winning, Max isn’t about to accept defeat; especially when Belle’s putting up such a poor defense.
With the help of Max’s meddling sister and Belle’s protective older brother... not to mention her dad, his surrogate parents, his former QB and fullback best friends and her college roommate... is there any chance that this all-state wide receiver turned coach won’t score with the former head cheerleader?
Everyone in Alabama knows there’s no stopping a Gator when he knows what he wants, and that’s never been more true than when high-school sweethearts Return to Grassland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penny Michaels
• Release date: Jul 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463294659

Penny Michaels

Penny Michaels quite simply is a hopeless romantic... all of her characters have one thing in common. They're looking for... and always manage to find... great love.

Book preview

Return to Grassland

Penny Michaels

Copyright 2017 by Smashword

Belle Carpenter

April 2015

We’re going to need all of these shrubs ripped out and we want new-mature-hydrangeas planted; purple and white, but not stark-white, more of a vanilla-white, and we want the deep- purple. Mom insists as she marks things off her list. The bridesmaid dresses are a true eggplant, so we cannot have the lavender. It has to be…

The deep purple. Got it. Hayden says, making a note on his clip board as well.

Mom, Hayden is the most respected landscaper on the Gulf Coast. He’s doing half the properties in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach now. I think he can handle hydrangeas. I argue nervously. I hate how she’s always treated Hayden like he was the hired help… I mean technically he is the hired help right this minute, but only because this is his wedding present to me.

I know how successful Hayden is. Mom says dismissively. "But this is your wedding dear. I want everything to be perfect."

I ignore her and turn to Hayden, You know I loved yours and Georgia’s wedding… behind your house over-looking the bay. It was perfect. That’s when I decided I wanted to get married at home.

And even though I had my heart set on the church where you were born and raised, I gave in. We’re doing this your way. She insists.

I roll my eyes and I can tell Hayden is trying not to laugh. We both know when I pictured a wedding at home it, didn’t include a $100,000 tent with chandeliers and a string-ensemble.

Hayden points down to the clearing in front of the trees. Okay, you’re setting up the tent there. So, I just need to you to decide where the dance floor is going to be because I think that’s where we’re going to want to plant the ornamental cherry trees?

Exactly. Mom says, clearly surprised that Hayden Nichols has a good idea. I think that’s everything for now. We’ll meet in a few days once we get the final dimensions on the tent.

Sounds like a plan.

So, how’s Georgia? Is she still working in Mobile? Mom asks in the tone that tells me she really doesn’t care, but years of southern breeding demand that she make polite conversation for a requisite few moments.

Yes. She’s doing great, feeling great. The doctors say there’s no reason for her to stop working until closer to October when the baby comes.

Oh mom, you should see her. She’s the most beautiful pregnant woman ever. I tell her, but I can tell she’s already left the conversation. She makes her final pleasantries and walks back toward the house.

Hayden I can’t think you enough for doing this. I know working with my mom is no picnic for you. And I’ve never exactly been Georgia’s favorite person.

I’d have to disagree with that. I’d say that at one time Georgia considered you one of her closest friends and you’ll always be her family. And Claire and Avery think you’re one of theirs. He says with a laugh.

Claire and Avery are the official parents to wayward children. You’ve got to love them for it. I tease. But seriously, this means the world to me.

You’re my sister. You know I’m going to do whatever I can to make your wedding everything you want it to be. Hayden argues.

I know, but why can’t you just be honest? I say, my thin veneer of calm slipping in the harsh light of Hayden’s silent disapproval.

What do you want me to say?

Just admit that you’re not happy about this wedding.

"I think you’re rushing things. I think you are letting your mother railroad you into having a wedding and into having this wedding." He argues, motioning around the property where all her grand plans are going to be put into actions.

Just admit it Hayden, you’re not happy because I’m not marrying who you’d choose for me. I reply, shocking even myself when I hear the words come out of my mouth.

Don’t put this on me. It’s not about who I want you to be with! Hayden argues, his face revealing just how untrue those words are. But you’re right! I’d be a whole lot happier if we were planning your wedding with Max!

September 2005

Okay, let me see a standing punch-front into a running cartwheel, round-off. Coach Kingsley orders, ticking it off her list.

I wait my turn as the ninth graders go first followed by me and Sarah Griggs, a seventh-grade phenom. I land it without any trouble and wait for the next commands.

One by one Coach Kingsley calls for a standing back handspring, a running front handspring, a back handspring into a flip-flop, a running double full and a running round-off, back-flip twist. When she’s through, only two ninth graders, Sarah and myself are still standing.

Okay ladies, good job. Let me see you in your squads. Jenny Abrams, call the stunts. Griggs, I want you to rotate in for Evans as the flyer. My heart sinks, as Sarah gets the nod to rotate onto the ninth-grade squad. Then she turns and says, Carpenter, I need to see you in my office.

We close the door and she says, Belle, that was a really impressive display of tumbling out there.

Thanks. But I took a big hop on one of my flip-flops and Sarah landed it clean.

Sarah is exceptional. Unfortunately, Sarah still looks like a seventh grader. You were that little birdlike girl a year ago. She says with a laugh.

I nod. Yes, I’ve grown an inch and a half over the summer. My gymnastics coach has pretty well written me off.

How tall are you, 52’?"

And a half.

She smiles again. Well I don’t think that’s going to present too much of a problem with cheerleading.

So why is Sarah flying with the ninth-grade squad right now? I ask, unable to hide my disappointment.

Because… I have a varsity flyer who’s carrying a 71-average right now and if after the first 9 weeks she’s dropped to a 69, I will have to have a new flyer on varsity… especially for the playoffs. If that happens, Sarah will have to replace you on the ninth-grade squad. Congratulations, you just got bumped up a level. You’re flying in Cami Evans place and she’s moving to spotter. What do you say?

After practice I leave school and see my mom’s Camry parked outside. I run to it excitedly and fling open the back door, talking enthusiastically before I even take my seat. I got bumped up to ninth grade squad and Coach Kingsley said that if one of her senior’s grades drop, I’ll move to varsity for the play-offs and she said she’s graduating all of her strongest tumblers, so I will almost definitely get to cheer on varsity next year when I’m a freshman! I get to start tomorrow night at the JV season opener!

That’s amazing! Mom says, putting the car in drive. So, I guess it’s safe to assume that all those extra tumbling practices you were ‘forced’ to go to over the summer paid off?

I smile, deciding I’m too happy to let her typically snide comment upset me. She drives by football practice and I strain to catch a glimpse of number77.

I miss when Hayden lived with us. Of course, mom is thrilled to have him gone, though she’d never admit it. I don’t know why she hated him being there so much. Even though dad fussed at him a lot for doing stupid stuff like skipping school or sneaking out to go see Georgia Cooper, he always just took his punishment and went about his business. And he was polite and helped around the house. Other than eating us out of house and home, I will never know what her problem was with him.

You know you’re going to injure your neck and not be able to cheer tomorrow night if you twist any further trying to see Hayden Nichols. Mom says with barely veiled contempt.

I just miss him. I mean, he’s lived with us most of my life and now he’s just gone. I say sadly.

He stayed with us because he had nowhere else to go, but now his brother is old enough to take care of him, so he’s gone back to where he belongs. He was a foster child. That’s how it works. She says coldly.

But Hayden was different from the others. I argue.

Only because he’s the only one you had a crush on. She replies. We need to stop by the grocery store.

Can I get something to eat? I’m starving.

She reaches into her handbag and hands me a Ziploc bag. Here you go.

Celery sticks? I say weakly.

Dinner is in two hours. And if you want to stay on top of the pyramid then the answer is yes; celery sticks.

Max

Stop biting your nails. You’re making me nervous. I tell Carson as we stand on the other side of the banner, waiting to run out.

Well I’m already nervous so good. He replies.

Why are you nervous? You’re gonna be great.

I’m starting at quarterback… for the JV team… for the Grassland Gators. Caleb Sanders is going to graduate and play for LSU and there’s no back-up but me. Everyone is going to be looking at me to see if I can step-up and fill his shoes next year. He says frantically.

But you can, so just go with it. I reason. Carson has been my best friend forever. We met in pre-school and we’ve been friends ever since. When we were in second grade he moved out of the city-limits and changed schools, but we stayed friends because we were on the same peewee team. Then in fifth grade when the coaches started to realize how good he was, his mom made the decision to move back into town, so he could be a Gator. He’s good; like really good. But he’s short on confidence and taking charge doesn’t come naturally to him. Sometimes I think he’d be happier just being in the background.

The crowd is cheering, the pep-band drums are sounding, and the cheerleaders are getting everyone fired up. And then the buzzer sounds, the fight song starts, and we tear through the banner at our first JV game.

And that’s when I see her for the first time; it’s just a glimpse of legs and a red ponytail tumbling down the sideline, but it’s enough to make me trip and almost face-plant during my first run onto the field. Who’s the new cheerleader? I ask breathlessly, as Carson and I jog along.

Are you kidding me? I’m about to make a total ass out of myself and you’re looking at cheerleaders.

I shrug. What exactly is the point of playing football if not for the cheerleaders and the Gator Babes? I tease and then I realize that sounds like something my sister’s boyfriend, Hayden, would say, and I groan inwardly. Maybe Georgia’s right and playing football will invariably turn me into a brutish, Neanderthal who treats girls like disposable property. But I like football and I’m pretty good at it. And this is the only thing I’ve ever done that makes my dad even acknowledge my existence.

Carson looks quickly and says, I think that’s Belle Carpenter.

No way. I argue, looking again at the curvy, petite redhead with the enormous smile. No way. Georgia’s boyfriend has lived with the Carpenter’s for years. That’s not Belle.

Carson gives me a condescending look. People grow up stud. Come on. We’ve got to go out for the coin toss.

We win the coin toss and opt to start on defense. As we’re running back to the sidelines I look into the stands and find Georgia clapping proudly. She’s seated with Caleb Sanders and Aimee Asher. The varsity players are encouraged to be at our games as a show of support, but I’m not surprised that Hayden isn’t with Georgia.

Was your mom able to get off work? I ask, as we watch the defense take the field.

He shakes his head with tight lips and I don’t ask him to elaborate. His mom is great, but she has to work all the time in order for him to be able to play. As a result, we spend a lot of time taking care of his little sisters. I start to ask who’s got them tonight, but Carson looks like he’s about to puke and he’s turned ghost pale… which is no small event since he’s only half-white to begin with.

The defense holds the other team to only one first down and then the punt receiving team takes the field, and they run the ball back to our 45-yard line.

Come on QB. It’s do or die time. I say, popping him on the helmet. We take the field. The center hikes the ball to Carson. I run wide around the defense and down to the other team’s 47-yard line. Carson drops back, passes, and on the first pass of our first JV game, the pass is complete, and I run it in for a touchdown. Gators are up by six, the nerves have vanished, and Carson and I are in the zone.

We go on to win easily with a score of 27 to 6. The cheerleaders all run out to congratulate us and I try to find the one who may-or-may-not be Belle Carpenter. I see that her parents have whisked her away from the others, and I do recognize them as Hayden’s foster parents. I’m contemplating going over to introduce myself when Cami Evans offers me a congratulatory hug that feels anything but platonic. I smile down at her and think; I’ve seen my sister twist herself in knots trying to be good enough for the Carpenters and that was just because of a foster kid. I can’t imagine how hard they’d be on someone who tried to date Belle. And besides, I’m well on my way to being a Gator superstar. I can have anyone I want so why would I waste my time on an 8th grader?

But as we turn and run toward the field house with the cheerleaders running behind us, I can’t help turning around to watch her walk away with her parents. Man, she’s really cute.

Carson

By Monday morning, Caleb Sanders’s car-wreck on Friday night has everyone spinning. At the end of the day we all go to practice, but I get called off the field and into the office.

Caleb Sanders is out for an unspecified number of games… we could be looking at the end of his high school career, especially if we don’t make it into the play-offs. Coach Reynolds says sternly. I’ve never sat across from the head-varsity coach before, but it’s proving to be as deeply terrifying as I would have imagined.

Y... yes sir? I stammer, my voice barely audible.

What’s that son? He says, and I realize that he heard my answer but he’s referencing my quiet response.

Yes sir. I say with a little more volume.

I assume you understand how important Caleb Sanders is to the tradition of Gator football.

Yes sir. I repeat.

Therefore, we are not only trying to get to the playoffs because it is our job and what is expected of us, but because it is the best chance Caleb Sanders has of getting back on the field and in front of the scouts that have the power to give him a scholarship. Are you with me Jennings?

Yes sir. I say as loud and strong as I’m capable. And I just want you to know that if you put me in as back-up quarterback on varsity I will know the playbook inside and out and I’m steady if you need me to hold the ball for the place kicker. I’m good at taking notes and analyzing the plays and yardage. I’m ready and I appreciate the opportunity to play… and I know that when Caleb Sanders comes back I’ll move back to JV and I’m fine with that.

Well I appreciate that son, but I’m not planning on putting you in at backup quarterback.

Oh. I saw, my voice shrinking again.

You’re the new first-string quarterback for the Grassland Gators.

I stare at him, trying not to gape open mouthed. W…w…why?

Why son?

Y…y…yes s…sir? I stammer.

Well because from what I’ve observed you have a hell of a good arm, better than Langley, and you’re a damn sight faster too so from where I sit you’re the only quarterback we’ve got without Caleb Sanders here. Can you understand that son?

Yes sir. I nod, sitting up taller and straighter under his intimidating gaze.

So, let’s get to work cause it’s a long way from where you are to Auburn.

***

He made me starting-quarterback! I scream to Max as we break away from the rest of the team and start toward my house.

No way. Max gasps before clapping me on the back. No freaking way! Are you kidding me now? Are you freaking kidding me?

No, I’m not kidding you and stop acting like this is a good thing. This is not a good thing. I’m gonna get killed. I’m going in this week… on the road. With Caleb Sanders listening on the radio while I throw away the season and his future! I say frantically.

Dude, listen to me and chill out. Max says, shaking me a little. The season is blown… everybody knows that. Putting you in is like a Hail-Mary. If someone is going to make the long pass and make something happen this season, your chances are better than Mike Langley. But in reality, they’re putting you in because Mike Langley has no chance in hell of getting this team to the playoffs. You have a sliver of a chance in hell, but more importantly … you’re the superstar for the next three years. You’re the next big thing. And if this year’s in the toilet, the next big thing better be pretty freaking big.

Really? I ask, looking at him quizzically and everything he’s saying makes sense. I’m the better player, but Max understands the game way better than me. He’s also a much stronger leader.

Yes, and in the meantime… starting-quarterback gets the starting-quarterback ’s Gator Babe.

Dena Baker? I say, feeling my first glimmer of excitement. Dena Baker is built and beautiful and famous for her homemade cow patty cookies.

Dena Baker.

Maybe being starting-quarterback isn’t going to be such a bad break after all.

Max

October 2007

You were A… MAZING! Addison Macon says, twirling her hair and touching my arm, my shoulder, my arm again to punctuate every word. Everyone is high on our post homecoming victory and I’m no exception.

More like AMAXING! Rebekah Moore adds. I don’t even have a clue what that’s supposed to mean, but she and Addison laugh likes it’s really funny and Addison touches me about five more times, so I laugh boisterously too. Carson smiles nervously, but they love it. He’s QB1 and he’s got the whole humble-aw-shucks thing down pat. Not that it’s an act, but it works all the same.

So, we’re going to Maci Ellis’s house for the after party. Will we see you there? I ask, draping an arm around Addison. She’s 5"9’ with long blonde hair and big boobs and she’s a senior Gator Babe. What more can a sixteen-year-old junior ask for?

Rebekah cozies up to Carson, who makes no move at all, but the sexy brunette with the legs that come from being a cross-country star and the face that goes with being Miss Grassland, Miss Cotton State and Miss Gator City is undaunted as she says, Oh we’ll totally be there.

Well we will totally look for you guys there. I say, as we head toward the field house where Hayden is waiting to congratulate us. Carson thinks Hayden walks on water, and, why shouldn’t he? When Caleb Sanders went out for the season, Hayden stepped in and dragged Carson all the way to a state-championship as a Freshman. Along the way, I learned to like Hayden better than I once did. He’s been really good to us this last year, helping us with tackling drills and just keeping Carson calm as the pressure mounts with another State Championship in our sights. We only made it to the first round of the play-offs last year with no one on defense who could step into Hayden’s shoes. We’re still a little weak on the defensive side this year, but our offense has been virtually unstoppable; in no small part because Carson is the best QB in the state right now, but I’ve led the region in receptions and receptions run-in for TD’s so I’m doing my part.

Okay… good game, great looking Gator Babes. Hayden says, when we reach him. Please tell me you’re hooking up with them tonight.

It’s under consideration. Carson says.

Dude, you’re QB1. Get in the game already. He says, smacking Carson on the shoulder.

I see Aimee Asher hanging back behind him. I don’t get them together at all. Anytime I see them, it’s obvious they don’t even like each other. And I get it that Hayden is still in love with Gigi. God knows she’s still in love with him. But Aimee Asher is gorgeous. She doesn’t deserve to be second best to anyone. But the sad thing is, I get the distinct impression from her that she thinks that’s all she deserves these days.

We talk to Hayden for a few more minutes and then we start for the locker room and I’m already mentally rehearsing my pick-up lines for Addison, when I turn my head and it all goes to hell in a handbasket.

Belle Carpenter is talking to Hayden, all smiley and bubbly and happy. Belle Carpenter with the compact curves, the flaming auburn ponytail and the peaches and cream complexion. Belle Carpenter, the one girl I don’t know if I will ever have the courage to talk to.

Oh god. Oh no. Please tell me we’re not back to that. Carson says, dragging me into the locker room.

What are you talking about?

I would take my next paycheck and rent a room for you and slutty Addison Macon if you’d just get the hell over Belle Carpenter. Carson says infuriatedly.

I’m not… not over her! I argue.

For two years… two years you’ve been after her like a dog with a bone.

There’s nothing going on with me and Belle. I argue.

Oh, I know that. He says sarcastically. I’m well aware that there’s nothing going on with you and Belle. Everyone in the world knows there’s nothing going on between you and Belle. The only person who doesn’t know that nothing’s going on with you and Belle is you!

I make up my mind to go to the party and close the deal with Addison just to prove Carson wrong… and also maybe I’ll prove to myself that Carson is wrong too.

But we get to the party and Belle’s there and all my well-rehearsed pick-up-lines fly out the window and are replaced with strategic ways to put myself in the Belle’s orbit. I duck behind a fichus tree to avoid Addison and take an offered solo cup, contents unknown. It’s going to be a long night.

Belle

OMG! Max Cooper is totally eyeballing you. Sarah says excitedly. I’m just excited to be at a party. Of course, if my parents knew I was here, and not at Sarah’s; I’d be in it deep, but they figure that since Sarah is only a freshman her parents are super strict. What they don’t know is that Sarah’s parents are not super strict as long as they know she’s with me, because I’m Belle Carpenter, president of Fellowship of Christian Students, True Love Waits and Students Against Driving Drunk.

Please go talk to him. He’s so insanely hot. Just do it for me, so I can stand next to you and live vicariously. Sarah begs, pointing me in Max’s direction.

She’s right. Max is definitely looking at me over the rim of his solo cop, and I’m not so obtuse to the rest of the world that I’ve never noticed him checking me out before. And she’s right about him being insanely hot. There’s nothing about Max not to like. He’s tall… like if anything ever were to happen between us I’d need a step ladder just to kiss him. He’s all muscled and tanned with close cropped dark hair and a killer smile. And right now, in his number16 jersey, jeans and boots he’s any girls high school football fantasy… any girl but me.

Max is cute, but he’s not… I don’t know. I say, with a shrug.

Oh God, he’s not Hayden Nichols. She says, and I tense internally because I tell myself that I do a really good job of hiding my feelings for Hayden. Even my mother doesn’t lecture me anymore about my crush. But if a nitwit like Sarah can tell it, then who else knows?

What are you talking about? I ask irritably.

Oh, come on. You did everything but shoot daggers straight out of your eyes tonight when he was standing there with Aimee Asher.

I did not. I argue, thinking that Aimee is not the one I’m jealous of. He could care less about her. No, the daggers came out when they were joined by Georgia Cooper and Caleb Sanders. When Hayden and Georgia broke up senior year, I was celebrating right along with all the Gator Babes. I thought now, all I needed was for him to stay with Aimee a couple of more years till I was old enough for him to notice me and I’d be golden. But seeing him tonight with Georgia reminded me of the way he used to look at her; the way I wanted him to look at me. If she snapped he’d be wrapped around her finger before she could say, Aimee who? Or Belle who? for that matter.

Isn’t that kind of gross? I mean, he’s practically your brother. She points out.

Well that depends on who you ask. My dad would say he was practically my brother. My mom would say he was a stray dog. I explain, not adding that both of them would roll over and die if they thought anything was actually going to happen between us. But the point is, he’s not my brother. He’s more like a close family friend… not that it even matters because I’m not interested in him.

Well why don’t you prove it? She replies.

Sarah can be snarky and she’s still not over me getting moved to the varsity squad instead of her.

How do you want me to prove it?

Go hook up with Max Cooper.

"That is

Reviews for Return to Grassland (Where the Grass is Always Greener Book II)

[moonfaith16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is so good I love the way it included all the characters and how their lives were going and affected