Lucy sat in the truck feeling happier than she had in such a long time and that happiness was due to the man who was climbing behind the wheel.

“Ready?” He asked as he started the truck.

“Yep.” She giggled.

Her good mood was contagious causing Gerard to push aside his earlier feelings of guilt. He realized all he wanted was for Lucy to be happy, that meant more to him than anything else.
Rolling down his window he leaned out to speak to Rex. “Guard the place while we’re gone.”

Rex barked twice then made his way to the front porch to sit on the top step.

Lucy smiled, “You and Rex really do understand each other.”

“Love that dog.” Gerard said turning his attention back to the wheel.

“He loves you too.” Lucy touched his arm. “Just like me.”

Gerard pulled out onto the gravel road, “Uh, sorta hope you love me a bit more than Rex does.”

Lucy giggled, “Well, we do have something in common.”

Gerard gave her a confused look.

“We both like to lick you.”

“Shit” Her comment almost caused him to drive off the side of the road causing Lucy to break into giggles.

_______________________________________

“Okay, tonight I’m paying.” Lucy tried to hand Gerard the money as they inched their way in line to the entrance.

He frowned, “No you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.” She said with conviction. “You’ve been paying for everything including my medial bill and medicine, DVD’s, food….”

He cut her off, “Because I want to.”

Lucy sighed, “Well I want to pay for tonight.”

He could see she was determined, “Okay, you can pay to get us in but I’ll pay for our snacks, how’s that?”

“I am going to pay you back for my medical expenses.” This was something that had been on her mind for some time.

“No, you’re not.”

“Gerard.”

He smiled over at her, “Lucy, you pig headed woman, I told you nothing makes me happier than taking care of you. Besides it was my idea to take you to the doctor.”

She frowned, “Good thing you did.”

This topic was one that had been worrying him, “Lucy, if I hadn’t been here would you have gone to the doctor?”

She glanced away, “I don’t know. As bad as I felt I doubt I could have driven myself.”

“What would you have done?”

She shrugged.

“I’m sure Clyde or George would have driven you but the fact remains without a phone how would you have contacted them?”

Again she shrugged.

“Which brings up another point.” He said hoping she wouldn’t be upset. “I’m gonna buy you a cell phone.”

“No” She immediately started shaking her head.

“Look, I know you don’t want one but it’s important. I really do worry, you know. It kills me to think what could have happened if I hadn’t been here. You don’t have to use it unless it’s an emergency.”

Lucy turned to stare at him.

The sadness in her eyes surprised him. “What?”

Before she could answer the car in front of them had paid and moved on. Gerard pulled up to the booth and handed the young girl the money Lucy had placed on the dash. He then pulled through the gate but instead of finding a parking spot he pulled over to the side out of the way of the other cars. “Lucy, tell me what’s wrong.”

She forced herself to smile. “Nothing. Come on there’s a lot of people here tonight we have to get a good spot.”

He could see she was still upset so he wasn’t going to let this go. “Please, tell me. Why are you so upset about me getting you a cell phone?”

She looked down at her hand. “Because it sounds like you’re planning on leaving.” She whispered.

Gerard’s whole body tensed.

“Of course you’re gonna leave.” Lucy said quickly. “I mean I’ve known all along you have a life out in California. You just needed to get away….” Her words were cut off when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

When he broke off the kiss he whispered. “Yeah, eventually I’ll have to go back to California and take care of some things. But just know this, I can’t begin to imagine my life without you in it.” He stroked her cheek gently, “We’ll figure this all out, I promise you that.”

Lucy stared into his eyes, “Okay.”

“Now let’s find a good space.” He said shifting the truck back into drive.

He was relieved when she giggled, “Okay but I’m just not sure how much of the movie we’re actually gonna watch.”

“Oh woman.” He groaned, “Stop that, we’re not even parked yet.” He loved the way she simply giggled in response.

Gerard found a spot they both agreed on but unfortunately tonight the drive in was very crowded.

“Maybe people will leave after the first movie.” Lucy said echoing Gerard’s thoughts.

“Yeah, I hope so.” He said noting the car to the right of them was filled with a family of four and to the left the car held an older couple. “Hey, lets hit the snack bar before the movie starts.” Right now he needed to clear his mind, seeing the sadness in Lucy’s eyes when she talked about him leaving had affected him deeply.

She agreed. As they walked towards the cinder block building over the gravel lot he noticed Lucy had become quiet again.

“So, I think we should get hotdogs, nachos, candy…”

Lucy smiled, “You’d think we didn’t eat dinner.”

“Hey, just trying to show my girl a good time.” He grinned happy to see her smiling again.

“I like being your girl.” Lucy said softly.

By this time they’d reached the concession stand. Gerard held the door open for her. “Well good, cause that’s what you are.”

The place was packed and Gerard was glad he’d chosen to wear the cowboy hat again. One of his deepest fears was to be recognized. In the end they decided on nachos, a large drink to share and popcorn.

By the time they reached the truck the previews for coming attractions had just started.

After the second preview Lucy spoke, “That looks like a good movie. Maybe we can see it.” However, as soon as she spoke her smile faded.

Gerard knew why, she was wondering if when the movie showed in a few weeks if he’d be here. “Yeah, it does look good.” He smiled not wanting to dwell on that thought.

They had set the tray of nachos on the set between them.

“Damn” Lucy muttered, “They didn’t give us enough jalapenos.”

“Hey you can have all of them.” Gerard, who had just eaten a small one, answered, “Those things are hot.” His mouth felt like it was on fire.

Lucy smiled, “Oh or they too hot for you?”

“You gotta admit those peppers are wicked hot.”

“The hotter the better.” She said lifting a chip with a large jalapeno on top.

Gerard grinned, “You like it hot?”

“You know it.” She nodded. “Besides I’m Hispanic, I’ve been eating jalapenos since I was a baby.”

He laughed, “Right..baby food with jalapenos mixed in.”

“Yep, that’s what my mama feed me.” She teased. She ate another chip then sighed, “I miss my mama. Sometimes I still find myself wanting so badly to talk to her, ask her advice on things.”

“Would you ask her advice about me?”

The question surprised Lucy. “No, not really. I know what mama would say.”

His attention was solely on Lucy, “What would she say?”

It was hard to admit the truth but she forced herself, “First off she’d tell me how angry she was I’d let my broken heart make me stop living.” She looked down, “She told me once that grandma said a broken heart kills slowly.”

Gerard tensed as his mind recalled those words now written on paper.

“Then she’d tell me it was good I’d let love into my heart again.”

“Do you think she’s like me?” He asked almost holding his breath waiting for her answer.

Lucy looked up, “Yeah, I know she would. She’d love how you’ve taken care of me while I was sick but more than that she’d love how you’ve turned my world around. Mama always told me to follow my heart. And I did for so long but the wrong way. I let my broken heart lead me down a lonely path.” She paused then smiled, “But now it’s led me to happiness and light.”

“God, I love you.” Gerard whispered from deep within his heart.

“Love you too.” Lucy answered.

Once their nacho’s had been consumed Gerard moved the tray so Lucy could slide over next to him. Placing his arm around her he felt so content. This woman was everything he wanted and needed. I can be myself when I’m with her, he thought but as soon as those words registered in his mind he frowned. How can I think I can be myself with her when I’m not really being myself?

Lucy saw Gerard frowning out of the corner of her eyes. Reaching over to the bag of popcorn on the seat beside her she picked up a piece.

Gerard blinked in surprise when a piece of popcorn bounced off his nose. “Hey”

She giggled, “You were frowning, don’t deny it, I saw you. No, frowning allowed tonight.”

“Was not.” He lied.

She suddenly became serious, “Is something wrong?”

“Nope not a thing.” He hated that lying to her was becoming so easy. “Just watching the movie.”

Lucy sighed then turned her attention back to the film. She was surprised when Gerard suddenly lifted her leg to place it over his. “What are you doing?”

“Not a thing.” He smiled keeping his eyes on the screen.

“Gerard.” She whispered as his hand slowly ran up her bare leg. “Stop that. There’s too many people.”

“Stop what?”

“You know what.” She hissed.

“You mean this?” He shifted slightly so that he was leaning heavily against his door giving his hand had better access. Lightly he ran his fingers over her thigh to settle between her legs.

“Gerard.” She wiggled in her seat.

“Lucy, watch the movie.” He said softly. “Just keep your eyes on the screen.”

Her eyes grew wide as she saw him lean down to pull something out from under the seat. When she heard the soft whirring sound she tried to move away but he pressed down on her leg with is arm keeping her in place. “I said watch the movie.”

“We can’t.” She whispered turning to look at him.

“Eyes straight ahead.” He said as he placed the vibrator gently against her nub.

“Oh” Lucy exhaled turning head to stare out. “Oh, my.”

“Besides” He grinned, “We’re not doing anything. If anyone walked by it looks like we’re just watching the movie.”

Since his hand was hidden by her dress she reasoned he was correct. As he slowly began to press the vibrator harder her hand gripped his thigh.

“You are evil.” She whispered trying to control her body.

“You love it.” He grinned.

Lucy had no idea what was happening on the screen, her eyes had snapped shut.

“Watch the movie.” Gerard coaxed in a low, sexy voice.

“Can’t concentrate.” She sighed but did open her eyes.

“Concentrate on the feeling.” He urged.

She shifted her other leg so now he and his wonderful vibrator had complete access.

“That’s my girl.” He said softly. Slowly he moved the vibrator down her slit.

“Oh” Lucy’s breathing was ragged.

“Yeah, that was scary.” He laughed pretending her reaction was to what was happening on the screen not the fact he’d just inserted the vibrator tip inside her.

The sound of crunching gravel signaled the couple walking by the truck. Gerard stilled his hand, then gave them a friendly nod as they passed.

“Gerard.” Lucy was trying to fight the feeling that was threatening to overwhelm her.

“What?”

“Oh” She moaned as he inserted the vibrator deeply into her core.

“Now Honey if you moan like that people are gonna wonder what’s going on over here.” He whispered. Holding the vibrator in place with his fingers his thumb caressed her swollen nub.

“Can’t help it.” She whispered brokenly, “Feels so….” Her whole body tensed as waves of passion washed over her.

When her body relaxed he slid the vibrator out then let it fall to the floor of the truck. “Feel better?” He asked.

Lucy was still trying to catch her breath, “I’m so gonna get even with you.”

He glanced around, “Not tonight I’m afraid too many people.”

Lucy pulled her leg off his then adjusted her dress. “Oh, I have a plan and it involves stopping on the way home. You’ll be able to make as much noise as you want.”

He looked over at her. “Noise?”

Deciding that two could play at his game she nodded. “Yeah” She moved closer so she could whisper in his ear, “When I take you in my mouth you’ll be able to moan as loudly as you want.”

“Oh hell.” It came out as a moan from deep within.

“Gerard” Lucy giggled, “Stop that. What will people think?”

He threw his arm around her shoulder pulling her closer. “Well all the guys would think I’m a lucky son of a bitch.”

She leaned her head over to nibble his earlobe. “Just you wait.” She whispered.

“Promises, promises.” He teased. “Now get that popcorn over here woman.”

Lucy reached over to grab the bag.

“Gotta build up my strength.” He laughed shoving a handful of the buttery pieces in his mouth.

“Good idea.” Lucy said before taking herself a handful. “You’re gonna need it.”

They watched the rest of the first movie while enjoying their popcorn. As the ending credits were rolling the parking lot lights came on.

"So, we staying for the next movie?” Gerard asked.

“No.” Lucy grinned “We have things to do but I’d like to use the restroom before we take off.”

“Good plan.” He unhooked the speaker from the window then reattached it to the post.

“Damn there is a lot of people here tonight.” Gerard muttered as they walked towards the building housing the concession stand and restrooms.

“Good for the drive in.” Lucy shrugged.

“Bad for us.” Gerard grinned.

A few minutes later when he emerged from the restroom he noticed the long line waiting for the women’s facilities. Knowing he’d have to wait for Lucy he moved over to a deserted spot then leaned against the wall. He’d just lit a cigarette when he heard giggling. Looking over he spotted two young girls staring at him. As soon as he made eye contact they turned away.

“Shit” He muttered knowing they’d recognized him. Should he return to the truck? He was sure Lucy was expecting him to be waiting for her. He saw the girls turn back around to look at him again.

He inhaled deeply letting his lungs fill with smoke while he tried to think. He’d come up with a plan just as the girls started to walk towards him.

“Gerard?” The shorter blond girl’s voice sounded nervous.

He pushed off the wall. “Uh, sorry. Names Joe.” He kept his head titled down hoping the cowboy hat hid most of his face.

“Oh sorry.” The girls walked away quickly, whispered to each other.

He hadn’t seen that Lucy had come out of the restroom and was standing a few feet away.

She glided up to him. “How come you’re Joe again?”

Gerard felt frozen in place. Had she heard the girls call him Gerard or had she just heard his answer?

“Ready to go?” He asked looking up and seeing the girls were still watching him from a distance.

Lucy smiled, “Sure, Joe.”

As they started to walk back towards the truck Lucy moved to take Gerard’s hand. He instinctively snatched it away but when he glanced over and saw the hurt look on her face he regretted his actions. Knowing he’d hurt her feelings devastated him. Not caring who was watching he stopped to scoop her up into his arms.

“Hey” She giggled, “Put me down I can walk.”

He started to walk at a fast pace wanting to put distance between them and the girls.

Lucy tightened her arms around his neck. “Gerard, really put me down. I’m not wearing any panties.” She whispered.

She felt him chuckle, “Sugar, do you think I’ve forgotten that fact? Don’t worry I’m making sure to keep your dress down. Don’t want anyone seeing what’s mine.”

His words brought an immediate smile to her face.

Once they were back in the truck he started the engine hoping to make it out before the next movie started.

“Gerard?”

“Yeah?” He braced himself for her question.

“How come you tell those girls your name is Joe?”

He relaxed slightly, her question made it sound as if she hadn’t heard the girls call him Gerard.

“Uh, I don’t know. They obviously thought I was someone else. So I just told them my name was Joe.” He knew Lucy was staring at him.

“Oh” She said slowly.

He was really working on damage control, “Honey I told you when I started my journey I was running away but mostly I realize now I was running away from myself so I sorta became Joe. It gave me a chance to be someone else.” He glanced over at her, “But with you I’m Gerard, that’s who I really am. That’s special to me.”

When she smiled he felt the tightness in his chest lessen.

Lucy instructed Gerard to head in the direction of the farm when they reached the exit of the drive in.

“Wow” He said when they left the lights of town behind them. “Look at all the stars.”

Lucy nodded happily, “Yeah, it’s the perfect night. I was so hoping…”

“Perfect night for….”

She smiled “You’ll see.”

“So I’m guessing you’re gonna tell me where we’re going?”

“You are on a need to know basis and you don’t need to know, right yet.”

“Sassy” Gerard laughed.

“Yes I am.” Lucy leaned out her window to inhale the sweet smell of the night air.

Because of the moonlight Gerard could see her face clearly. “God, you’re so beautiful.”

She turned to face him. “No I’m not but since you really seem to think so that makes me happy.”

He wasn’t sure how to take that comment. “You don’t think you’re beautiful but you’re glad I do?”

“Because you believe it must mean you really love me. If you didn’t you’d notice that my hair is a curly mess and my mouth is too big for my face.”

God, she always seemed to be saying things that shocked him. “What? Your hair is beautiful, I love all those curls and as for your mouth…damn woman it’s prefect.”

“You make me feel beautiful.” Lucy said softly.

He turned his attention back to the road, “Good, it’s good you realize the truth.”

_____________________________________________________

It wasn’t until they’d turned off the highway to the smaller road leading to Neosho Falls that Gerard couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Uh, so we’re not stopping anywhere?”

Lucy giggled, “Didn’t I explain you are on a need to know basis?”

“Well, yeah but we’re almost back to the farm.”

“Very true.” She nodded, “But we’re not going to the farm.”

“Okay” He said slowly wondering what she had in mind.

“Start to slow down.” She said as she sat up straighter in her seat. “The turn is coming up.”

He squinted into the darkness as he slowed the truck. “What turn?” He’d been down this road quite a few times and didn’t remember there being another road.

Lucy giggled “Okay, right past that big tree” She was pointing.

He had slowed the truck down to a crawl, “Where?”

“Right there”

Now he saw what she was talking about except it wasn’t a road. “You want me to turn here?”

“Yep, it gonna be bumpy.” She warned.

He eased the truck off the road turning into what looked like a field. “Uh, are you sure about this?” While he could see a path made by tires this definitely didn’t look like a road.

“Yep, I’m sure. Just keep going.”

“You sure we didn’t just turn into someone’s field?”

“We did just turn into someone’s field, my field. This is part of my property.”

He was concentrating on missing huge ruts in the path but it was proving to be impossible and the truck was now bouncing. “So where exactly are we going?”

“Need to know basis.” Lucy giggled.

Now that they had gone further he could see on his side was the creek and on her side crops.

“This field didn’t get as much damage from the storm” Lucy explained “So that’s why the corn hasn’t been cut.” He glanced over and saw she was sitting up looking out the windshield. Because his eyes had been on her he hit a huge rut.

“Shit” He quickly turned his attention back to the path.

“Almost there.” Lucy giggled.

“Good” he muttered.

A few moments later Lucy told him to stop and turn off the truck. As soon as he did his attention was drawn to the creek. “Wow”

“Pretty cool, isn’t it?”

While he couldn’t see it clearly the full moon offered just enough light to see the source of the sound he was hearing.

“I love the sound.” Lucy said softly.

Gerard had to agree, the sound of the water going over the natural rock damn was soothing. “Me too.” He was surprised when Lucy suddenly opened he door. The dome light came on giving him the opportunity to see her grab a blanket from behind the seats. “Uh, we’re getting out?”

Her answer was a giggle.

She closed her door then moved towards the back of the truck. Gerard turned in his seat wondering what she was doing. When he heard the sound of her climbing into the back of the truck he opened his door and got out. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he saw that Lucy had spread a blanket in the bed of the truck and was laying there.

“Won’t you join me?” She asked softly.

Quickly he climbed into the bed of the truck to lay beside her. “This is perfect.” He whispered softly as he looked up into the night sky littered with stars.

“This is my favorite part of the creek. I love the sound of the rushing water. See that’s what I meant when I said I’d hoped…I wanted the sky to be filled with stars for us.”

“Even if it wasn’t full of stars this would be perfect.” Gerard said taking her hand in his as they lay side by side. “As long as you’re beside me...it’s perfect.”

Lucy rolled her head to stare at him. “I feel the same way.”

He too turned to look at her thankful for the moonlight that let him see the love in her eyes. “Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”

“There is nothing I have I wouldn’t share with you.” Lucy said squeezing his hand.

Gerard rolled over on his side then lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle and sweet and over much too fast when Lucy pushed him away.

“Lay back.” She smiled.

His eyes were on her as she slipped out of her dress. Then her hands were on him, unbuttoning his shirt slowly. When the last button was undone she ran her hands over his chest. She lowered her mouth to the base of his neck leaving a trail of soft kisses down his exposed skin.

“Oh Lucy.” He moaned. “That feels so good.”

“Just lay there and look at the stars.” She said sitting back up.

Try as he might the stars where not what had captured his attention. She moved to slip off his shoes and socks. His body was already aching for what he knew was to come.

Next she slid her hands up the legs of his jeans smiling when she heard his shape intake of breath as her fingers worked on releasing his belt. Once it was done he lifted his hips as she tugged down the jeans and boxers. Now they both were naked, in the back of a pick up truck in a field. Gerard wondered fleetingly how this could seem more perfect than any place he’d ever been in his life.

Lucy again lowered her mouth to his chest, kissing and licking his skin. However when he lifted his arms to place them around her she shook her head. “Please just lay still, look at the stars while I love you.”

Her words touched deep in his heart and he once more knew what he’d told her earlier tonight was true, he couldn’t imagine his life without her being a part of it. She’d touched his soul.

Lucy kissed every inch of his chest taking her time. Occasionally she lifted her head to see if he was still looking up into the sky. When she moved her body down she heard his breathing become rapid.

Gerard realized as much as his body was craving hers he didn’t want this time to end. Lucy was making love to him, slow beautiful love. Her lips now were pressing kisses against his hip bones. Soon he knew that beautiful mouth would take him in.

And then it did, slowly. First she licked the tip of his throbbing penis teasingly. Gerard moaned as her lips closed around him, her mouth welcomed him.

“Oh Lucy” His voice was heavy with emotion.

She continued to slide him in and out of her mouth while her hands gently cupped his balls. The feeling was so intense, so overwhelming but he fought it. He never wanted this to end. But soon his release was becoming too close.

“Honey, please.” He tried to catch his breath, “I don’t want to come this way. I want to be inside you.”

Lucy lifted her head to look into his eyes, “Yes” She whispered. “That’s what I want too.”

Carefully she straddled his body, but for a moment she paused his need pressing against her core. “I love you.” The words were spoken the moment she lowered her body onto his, taking him inside her.

“I love you.” He answered from the deepest part of his heart. His hands cradled her bottom to help as she began to ride him slowly.

Lucy sat up on her knees so she could control the movements of her body. She locked her eyes with his as she took him in deeper each time. Soon her body felt desire pooling, intensifying.

“Oh Sugar” He could feel his release moments away. “Come with me.”

“Yes” Lucy could barely breath, “Oh yes.” Her muscles contracted as she stopped moving feeling him deep inside her, filling her.

Gerard’s body was shaking from his release. Not wanting to leave her warmth he gently pulled her arms bringing her body down to lay on his. Then he rolled her onto her side so that they were still connected. “That was beautiful” He whispered.

Lucy smiled as she buried her face against his chest. “Yes, beautiful”

For several minutes they simply held each other. Neither wanting this feeling of love to end.