Conner answers the phone after the second ring. He looks like he's at a restaurant. "Hold on." he says and I watch him walk outside where a parking lot is behind him. "Hey what's up?" he asks.
"Just got home, about to go to bed. Just wanted to call you before I went to sleep. If you're busy I can talk to you tomorrow." I put on my side lamp and sit on my bed taking my shoes off.
"No, it's okay. How did tonight go?" he's ready for all the details.
"It could have gone better. Ross ended up showing up, and that was the first time Aiden's seen him since that party."
"Oh shit." he makes a face like he's in pain.
"Yeah, that's how I felt."
"I'm sorry sis. What did Ross do?"
"He apologized to him, but I don't think Aiden cared much for his apology. Anyway, we're all over it now." I decide not to bring up Scarlette unless he does because I don't want to upset him.
"So I wanted to let you know that you shouldn't feel guilty for hanging out with Josh and Scar. I've met someone and I really like her. Don't get me wrong, I still care about Scarlett alot, but I'm trying to move on." I'm startled by his sudden statement.
"Oh really? Con, I'm happy for you! What's her name?" I excitedly react. I'm glad he's finally moving on.
"Lucy. I'm actually hanging out with her tonight so I should let you go." I can't believe he's outside talking to me when he's spending time with her.
"Go!" I yell. "I didn't know you were on a date!" I laugh, and he smiles back.
"Nah, it's a bunch of us. But hey, look her up. She's tagged me in some photos from bowling tonight."
"Okay. Night bub."
"Good night." he says and hangs up quickly.
After I change into my pajamas, I go down stairs to get a cup of water, and a snack. When I get to the kitchen I see dad raiding the fridge. "Hey kid, have fun tonight?" he asks. He has some serious bed head going on.
"It was okay." I decide to not give him too much information, and he doesn't ask.
"Good deal. Well I'm going back to bed." he rubs the top of my head and goes upstairs with bottled water. I sit down on the bar munching on some peanut butter crackers and pull up Conners page. He's in a large group photo, and the other one is with Lucy that she captioned He's cute. Right?!
She's really pretty, and nothing what I expected. Her hair is much longer and darker than Scarletts. Her eyes are a deep brown, and she has fairer skin then Scars. I go to her page, and her profile picture is of her and a dog. I can't tell what type of dog it is. Looks like a mutt. Her information say's she's the same age as Con but she's from Oklahoma. All of her pictures are pretty, and all of her friends are pretty too. I can't help but think of Scarlett. I know when she gets home tonight and sees that photo, she's going to freak.
I see that Scarlett has already uploaded all the photos from tonight. She must have done it on the way home. The picture of me and her in the bouncy house is one of the only ones she was able to get tonight. Once I like it, I drink the rest of my water and go back upstairs to bed.
The following day I sleep in until eleven thirty. When I wake up I have three texts. One from Aiden saying good morning. The other two from Scarlett at two sixteen a.m. and the other at two fifty one a.m.
Made it home. Talk to you tomorrow.
Conner has a new girlfriend? Did you know?
I automatically text her back.
Hey, I just found out last night. I don't think they are together though. He just met her.
A few seconds later she's calling me. "Hello." I yawn, and roll over laying the phone on my ear so I don't have to hold it in place. I'm so tired right now.
"Mora, I'm freaking out and I don't know why. I didn't realize what it would feel like seeing him with another girl." she admits, and I grab my phone to hold it so I can sit up. I should feel sympathy for her, but I can't. This is the path she chose.
"They're not in a relationship Scarlett. He told me he just met her."
"I know, but it's still an uneasy feeling." her voice is strained. I can tell she's been crying.
"Scar, you had to know that he would have to move on at some point." I'm brutally honest with her. "I'm sorry. I couldn't imagine what you're going through but you have Josh now, and shouldn't worry about Conner." after I say it there's a long silence before she responds to me.
"You're right. I just..." and she pauses momentarily "what if I made a mistake." I close my eyes in annoyance but then hold back my true thoughts and feelings.
"Scarlett, you didn't make a mistake. If it was meant to be then everything that happened wouldn't have happened. Something was missing for you, and you found it with Josh. You're just so used to being the only girl for Conner. You weren't prepared to see him with someone else, but everything is working out like it's supposed to, and once you're over the shock you'll know you made the right choice." I decide to comfort her even though I feel like she shouldn't be upset. She pushed him into this.
I can tell that she's crying again. "Yeah, you're right. I just need to forget about it. Something I'll have to get used to."
"You'll be okay Scar. I promise. Last night I could tell that Josh made you really happy, and he shares a lot of the same characteristics as you. You two are really cute together. And who knows, maybe after all of this and once you and Conner take some time you might be able to be friends with him again"
"Yeah. I think you're right. Thanks for always listening to me Mora. You made me feel better. Just need some time, and I need to focus on Josh." she already sounds better.
"That's right, and you're welcome." I say, and after we hang up I text Aiden back.
Good morning.
He responds a few minutes later.
Hey, what are u doing today?
I think I'm going to stay in, and clean and do some laundry. You?
Going to my dad's. I was going to see if u wanted to come with?
I don't respond for a moment. I wasn't expecting that, but I can't say no to an invite to meet his dad.
Sure, what time?
3, he's going to BBQ.
Ok.
Cool. Pick ya up at 2:30.
Dad teases me as I'm getting ready for Aiden to pick me up. I'm anxious and he can tell. "Kid, don't throw up while you're over there." he laughs at his joke.
"Dad! Stop it!" I groan while I sit on the sofa. I have my hair down, but just left it in my natural waive, and have put on my jean jacket, with tan jeans, and boots. I decided to go with a little foundation but nothing more.
"You look pretty Mora." he stops teasing me, and instead tries to comfort me.
"Thanks dad. Hey, have you ever met Mr. Bryant?"
"Yes. Back when Conner and Aiden were both on the middle school football team together. He's a nice guy from what I remember." he answers. I wish I could remember, but I can't.
A little while later Aiden knocks on the door, and I jump up to open the door for him. "Hey." I say, and kiss his cheek before he follows me inside.
"Are you ready?" he asks.
"Yep. Let me grab my purse, and we can leave." I run into the kitchen to grab my bag, and he follows me.
"Hi Mr. Andrews." he stands close to the island where my father is sitting.
"Hey Aiden, how are you?"
"I'm good. Taking Mor to my dads to eat dinner." he tells my dad as if he doesn't already know.
"Tell your dad I said hello, and you kids have fun tonight."
"Will do." he replies back, and I put my purse over my shoulder.
"Ready?" I ask him, and he nods before we leave.
My hands sweat the entire way there. I'm tense, and Aiden laughs in response.
"You okay?" he grabs my sweaty hand, and now I'm embarrassed.
"I'm a little nervous, but I'll be okay." I give him a fake smile, and he kisses my hand.
"Don't be nervous. My mom is the one you should have been nervous to meet, and you did that with flying colors." he says and it's true. His mom was a lot to handle, but very sweet.
"Yeah?"
"Yes. My dad is really laid back. He sort of reminds me of your dad."
"Well why are you nervous around my dad?"
"I was, but I'm getting better. No?" He questions, and his face looks at me with concern. I laugh now.
"Yes, you are doing much better." I admit.
"Good."
We finally make it to his dad's house. The driveway is super long, surrounded with wooded trees and a fishing pond on the bottom of a hill. The land is big enough where you can't see the neighbors. His house is smaller, and more simple than Aiden's mom's house. It is white with black shutters, and a wrap around porch. It's literally a piece of heaven.
"Aiden, it's beautiful out here. Not what I expected at all." I confess to him, and he looks at me confused.
"What did you expect?"
"I don't know, I guess something like your house. It's very nice out here. Why don't you live here?" I ask without thinking, and for a moment he doesn't say anything but then answers.
"Different school district." is all he says and I don't' dig for more answers.
"Oh." I say, and once we're finally up at the house, he asks for me to wait inside until he let's me out. I can see why too. Once he gets out there are three dogs that run up to greet us. The biggest one who is solid white with long hair is barking. It looks like a Great Pyrenees. The other two are hound dogs. Looks like a walker, and bloodhound.
Aiden opens the door, and grabs my hand to help me out. Once we're outside I hear his father yelling for the dogs to get back. "Maggie, stop barking!" he yells at the Great Pyrenees. "Sorry about that Mora. She doesn't bite I promise. Just needs to warm up to you." he yells. Maggie runs up to me, and starts to jump up but Aiden stops her.
"No Maggie." he says, and I pet the top of her head.
"It's okay." I kneel down some, where I'm eye level with her. "Hi Maggie." I say to her and she licks the side of my face from top to bottom. I start to giggle which attracts the other two dogs.
"This is Jace." Aiden introduces me to the bloodhound first. "And this is my girl here. Her name's Dallas." The walker hound is obviously Aiden's favorite.
"Hi pretty girl." I say to Dallas because Jace has already run off to meet Mr. Bryant up on the porch. Aiden holds my hand as we walk up the hill to the steps of the front deck where his dad stands there to greet us inside.
"Hey Mora. It's nice to finally meet you." he says and holds out his hand for me to shake it.
"Hi Mr. Bryant. Thank you for inviting me over for dinner." I can see where Aiden gets his looks at. He resembles his mom until you meet his dad. They share the same hair, and jawline. Their eyes are a different color, but everything else is the same.
"My pleasure. I had to meet the girl my son can't stop talking about." he winks at Aiden.
"Dad." he whines back at him.
"I'm happy to hear he can't stop talking about me." I tease, and they both smile at me.
"Well come on in. You can kick your shoes off over by the coat rack. Connie is getting the sides prepared now in the kitchen, but we can go out back and get the grill started.
I whisper at Aiden. "I didn't know you had a stepmom." I profess.
"She's not my stepmom. Not yet anyway." he answers, and I just nod to tell him that I understand.
The house is very comforting and smells like vanilla and cinnamon candles. The dining room and kitchen are decorated in old duck wallpaper. It reminds me of my childhood home with all the light woodwork, and old farmhouse kitchen table. I could stay here forever.
"Hey Connie." Aiden speaks loudly once we enter the kitchen. She has a towel hanging on her shoulder, and is in a simple t-shirt, and ripped jeans that are rolled up and stopped at her ankles. She's tossing a salad. Her hair is covered in black curls. She's beautiful in a simple way. She dresses how I wish I could dress everyday. Very carefree.
She jerks her head around where she's looking over her shoulder. "Oh Hi Aiden." and she stops what she's doing, wiping her hands on the towel, and turns around walking up giving him a hug. "Hello. You must be Mora." She greets me with another handshake.
"Yes ma'am. Your house is beautiful." I say, and she looks at Aiden and back at me.
"Well it's Kent's house, but I agree it is beautiful!" She smiles, and I feel like an idiot now. I wish Aiden would prepare me before I open my big mouth. She doesn't live here. I feel blood rush to my cheeks, but then she interjects my thoughts thankfully.
"Do you like baked potatoes?" she asks both Aiden and I.
"I do." I answer.
"Yeah. Thanks." Aiden answers her at the same time. He grabs my hand seconds later. "Want to go outside with us?" he asks, and before I agree I look over to Connie to ask her if she needs help, but she declines so I follow Aiden outside.
The back deck hovers over a large hill, and the view is breathtaking. I could see why Aiden's dad bought this place. The house is older, and smaller but the land is perfect.
"It's beautiful out here." I admit, and my breath is taken back for a moment. The deck is large with built in benches that sit on each side, and a locked gate that's keeping the dogs outside. A patio table sits near the grill, and I sit down and cross my legs up on the bench. I'm glad I wore my jacket.
"Thank you." Mr. Bryant says as he unwraps what looks like steaks, and Aiden comes over to sit next to me. "So Mora, how is your brother and dad doing?" he asks. He must remember them.
"They're doing great. Dad is working hard at the shop, and Conner just left for college this year. It's been rough with him being gone, but we're finally getting used to it." I answer.
"I hear he's playing ball. That's awesome!" he brags on my brother, and closes the grill after he puts the last steak on, and comes over to sit with us. "Aiden told me he tried out for the baseball team there. I'm so proud of him." he pats Aiden on the back, and Aiden just gives him a small smile back.
"Dad, I don't know if I made the team yet so please don't get your hopes up." he's more than direct with him.
"I'm not, I'm not." he looks over Aiden to me. "Mora, would you like something to drink?" he asks.
"Yes sir. If you don't mind." I answer.
"No, not at all. We have Coke, and Tea."
"I'll take a sweet tea if you have that." I answer, and Aiden follows my lead.
"I'll take sweet tea too."
"Sure thing. Be right back." he says and leaves us alone.
"Your dad seems really nice." I say to Aiden as he rubs the bottom of my back.
"Thanks. I think he likes you too." he smiles at me and kisses my cheek.
"I can't get over how nice it is out here."
"You like the land huh?" he questions me, and I nod without thought.
"Don't you?" I ask in return.
"Oh yeah. Who wouldn't love it. I just didn't realize you were a country girl is all." he jokes with me, and I punch his shoulder.
"I can just appreciate nice things is all." I widen my eyes at him in a joking way, and kiss his lips quickly before his dad makes his way back outside with our drinks.
"So Mora, Aiden says you are looking to go to the same college."
"Yes sir. Conner is there, and my mom lives down there too. It just fits more of my needs."
"Well I'm glad you are interested in such a good school. Aiden was only going to apply for the community college here until you came along. I'm glad that you are making him take chances." he says and Aiden rolls his eyes in annoyance. Aiden's already made it clear that he doesn't want me to be the sole reason he chooses a school.
"Oh, I didn't make him take any chances. I think baseball was the main reason he chose it." I stand up for Aiden.
"Oh yeah, well either way. I'm really proud of him for branching out of his comfort zone." he admits, and goes to check on the food. Aiden squeezes my hand and winks at me.
The food takes about thirty minutes to get done, and after we eat Connie pulls out a set of dominoes and Aiden teaches me how to play. We play until the sun goes down. It was so much fun. Aiden's dad is a jokester, and Connie is very humble and kind. We spend most of the evening laughing and telling old stories from when we were kids.
Aiden's dad walks us out once we're ready to leave. "Mora, it was great meeting you again, and please come again." he shakes my hand, and then he goes to hug Aiden whispering something in his ear.
Once we pull out of the driveway I turn to Aiden. "What did your dad say to you?"
"He told me you're a keeper." he says and I can't tell if he's lying or not.
"Are you joking?" I ask him.
"No seriously. He liked you." he answers again, and I can't help but smile. It's a good feeling to know his parents like me.
"Thank you for inviting me. I had a lot of fun."
"Thank you for coming. I knew they would love you." he says, and the rest of the way home he tells me childhood stories of his brother and dad, and it makes me feel good that he's finally opening up to me more. It's like he's a carefree kid again, and it makes me fall in love with him even more.