Good Morning, Arizona! by Kaleb Richardson (romantic novels to read txt) 📗

“It felt right.”

“I felt it too.”

…

While going through some paperwork in the dining room, I heard a knock on the door. I checked it out and it was Cindy. Heather did say she wanted to speak to her alone for a bit. I understood.

“Hi Cindy! Welcome. Come on inside; you know where Heather’s room is.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hendricks.”

“Please, call me Cordell. I’ll see you soon.”

“For sure!”

Cindy walked up the stairs and I headed towards my office. I needed to pull out all files I had on Louis Gladys. For some reason, I could not find them for the life of me. Just papers about the case and a stamped paper from Judge Flynn. Heading back into the dining room with all that paperwork, I realized that Gladys has never owned a property in Vanetta or Tope after the name change; that is until now. He did have a home in Phoenix for a bit when his fame first started, but apparently, he came back without anyone knowing and committed the crime against my wife. It does say that he is a very wealthy man, which I already knew, and he wants to buy his own jury. If not, then he’ll go ballistic to make sure this trial is rigged. I called Harry to make sure everything is running smoothly, and this trial will happen the way it should.

“Hello Cordell.”

“Hi Harry! Regarding the jury, Flynn will keep it unbiased, correct?”

“Of course, Cordell. No matter the amount of money, they can’t do anything like that. The court system will be okay. It should end with that filth of a man in jail.”

“Okay good, so we—”

“Sorry to interrupt you, I need to answer this call quick. It’s from Flynn. Call you back.”

He ended our call. I hope that Judge knows what the hell he’s doing. I’ve dealt with Flynn multiple times when I was called for jury duty. He seemed to be a fair judge. Hides his political views well so no one goes in expecting to win or lose based on the trial. I’m just hoping that this will all— wait, I’m getting a call back.

“Cordell. You need to come into my office as soon as possible.”

“Okay I’m coming.”

I hung up. I know not to ask why over the phone with my lawyer. I don’t want to let Heather know that’s where I’m going. This is her day. I’m not going to ruin it.

“Heather! I have to run into work super-fast! I’ll be back!”

“Okay dad!”

It wasn’t a complete lie, I did want to stop by ComBox on the way home so as long as I did, I wouldn’t be lying. I saw a car pull up as I was heading out. It was Derrick. Damn, is it that late? He was carrying a small box.

“Hi, Mr. Hendricks!”

“Please, call me Cordell. How are you Derrick? Another present?”

“I’m good, Cordell! Yeah, one more present. How are you?”

“Alive.” We both laughed. “I’m pretty well! I left the door unlocked. Heather and Cindy are upstairs. Just lock the door behind you, please.”

“Will do, sir! Thank you. See you when you come back!”

“Bye Bye.”

Derrick is such a fine young man. So kind, especially to Heather.

…

“Hey y’all!”

Derrick finally showed up. Cindy and I just kept talking to each other about some random ass shit after our kiss. I think that will stay a secret between us. For now, at least.

“Hey D-man! What’s hanging?”

“Not much C. How about you Jimi?”

“I see both of you had the idea already. It’s pretty decent. Are you ready for graduation!”

“Oh, don’t even remind me. I feel older than all hell.”

“Bitch please, you’re hardly 18, Derrick.”

“CiCi’s right, I’m not even 18 yet!”

“Oh, whatever y’all, I’m allowed to feel old.”

“But I’m the oldest.”

“Cindy, your 19-year-old ass was a mistake. And you failed a grade.”

“I did not! I started school later because I didn’t feel good about it. Plus, my class was full of assholes.”

“Whatever you say. Anyways, I brought y’all something!”

Derrick pulled out some bracelets.

“They’re friendship bracelets. But y’know. Cooler.”

“Aww Derrick, that’s so sweet of you.” I said.

“Surprised it wasn’t your V-card. Oh wait, you still have that.”

“Really, Cindy. Resorting to virginity jokes?”

Cindy and Derrick continued to go back and forth. They’re hilarious. How was I so mean to Cindy before? And how was I so distant from Derrick? These two are probably the best friends I’ve ever had. We continued to chat. Just talked and talked until our lips were sore.

“We better get going before we miss our pictures time.”

“Yeah Derrick’s right. We should get a move on. It’s pretty far away too.”

“Okay y’all. I’ll drive. I gotta call my dad quick.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed his number.

“Hey dad. It’s getting late and we gotta leave. I’ll call you when we leave from pictures so you can know when to be at the school.”

“Okay honey. Thank you. I love you so much. Have fun.”

“I will dad! I love you bunches.”

We all got our gowns ready and piled into my car. We started off and we were jamming out to some music until Cindy got all excited and turned the music down.

“Oh my god, how could I have almost forgot! You’re going to South Cal State, right Heather?” Cindy asked.

“Yeah I am. How come?”

“Well… we wanted to pitch in to get you a gift. From both of us. A little going away present.”

“You guys, seriously? I don’t want any more gifts.”

“Well good, ‘cause you didn’t get one.” Derrick said. We all laughed together.

“But technically, we did.” Cindy started again. “Both D and I are giving you the best present we could find… us!”

“What?”

“We’ve been accepted into