by Moose, S.
Only a little.
“This is really happening.”
Lisa nods and continues to eat popcorn. “I think I’ll do the same. My parents are selling the house and moving to a condo. It’s time for them to do something for themselves. Chicago won’t be the same without you.”
“You’re going to make the move too?” Lisa nods. “Are you going to tell Jerry?”
“We’ll see how the next few weeks go, and then I’ll tell him. Or maybe I’ll drop the bomb and see if he runs or stays. Might be a good test to give him.”
“Lisa …”
She holds her hand up. “You and Justin are good. I love how happy you are, and you deserve it. Let me handle this the way I need to. I need to do it my way.”
I nod and toss a few pieces of popcorn in my mouth before answering. “My boss approved my request, and all is set in stone. I’ll just have to go to Chicago soon to sign off on paperwork. It’ll be weird, but I know it’ll be worth it. I’ll still have to attend meetings and meet with my team in Chicago, but mostly all my work can be done remotely, so yeah, it’s happening.”
“I can get used to living here too. As long as things continue to be good with us, then I think making this move will be best. He drives me crazy, and maybe he’s sending me some of his wildness. I don’t do things like this.”
Lisa’s right.
We’re planners and always know what’s going on the next day. Spontaneity isn’t in our nature, so for us to do this means something.
“Are you nervous?”
I chew on the popcorn in my mouth and slowly swallow, not taking my eyes off the television. “I don’t think so.” I think about my answer. “No. I’m not nervous. Justin makes me feel whole. It’s like all those guys back home were a test, and now Justin is the real thing. It hasn’t been long, and I’m sure my parents will think I’m crazy, but I don’t care. I don’t think I’m ever going to meet someone like Justin, and I don’t want to miss this chance to be happy.”
“Amen, sister.”
She shoves my shoulder and throws popcorn in my face. “I still cannot believe you had me worried about you.”
“Aw, you were worried, bestie?”
“Don’t bestie me.”
I laugh and throw popcorn in her direction too. “It’s not like you checked in or anything. You’re the one who left me at the bar.”
“I know. Totally a dick move.”
“It’s fine.” I bump her shoulder with mine. “Tell me more about Jerry.”
“What do you want to know?”
I shrug. “Whatever you want to tell me.”
“Well, he’s massive, and I swear his tongue can move in so many ways.”
I shush her with my hand and pretend to vomit. “Never mind. I swear you always think about sex.”
“It’s never been a problem for me. I have a very healthy appetite for sex. Now that you’ve been with a man who knows what he’s doing with his penis, you’ll appreciate all the sex.” Lisa’s phone goes off, and she reads her message. “Speaking of sex. Jerry’s coming over.”
“And that’s my cue to peace out. I’m spending the night at Justin’s.”
“Mmmk. Have fun!”
I get to my bedroom and shut the door. Before I pack an overnight bag, I pick up my cell and call my mom. This is going to be a hard phone call to make. I don’t want to disappoint her or make her think I’m making some kind of mistake.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
“Hi, honey. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. How are you doing?”
“Oh, you know. I’m doing well. Your father and I are packing to go to the lake house for a few days. We wish you were here. How’s New Orleans? Are you and Lisa having a good time?”
I smile. I love hearing how well my parents are doing, and that they’re enjoying their days together.
“That sounds like a lot of fun. We’re having a great time. Love New Orleans.”
“What are you hiding from me, Mallory Claire Elliott?”
I hate when she knows what I want to tell her before I’m able to. This woman knows everything. I can never keep anything from her.
“So, I love New Orleans, and you know I want to move on from Chicago and see what else is out there.”
“Harold! Your daughter is moving to New Orleans.”
“Mom!” I laugh and fall on the bed. “Mom, please don’t freak out.”
“Honey, I’m not freaking out. You’re an adult, and you can plan out your life the way you see fit. If this is what you want, then do it. Did you meet someone?”
My cheeks heat with the thought of Justin. “Yes. He’s amazing, but it’s more than just him. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Justin plays a major role in me wanting to move, but I feel connected here. Things are going well, and I feel free.”
“Mallory, you’re moving?” My dad comes on through the phone. “Your mother and I are coming down to see you soon. Next week. Mark it on your calendar or do whatever you need to. We need to meet the man who is taking our baby girl away.”
I sit up and straighten my posture. “You don’t need to come visit me. Trust me, I’m fine.”
“We’re coming down to see you. Don’t you think for one second you’re going to make this move without us meeting this man.”
Kill me now.
Chapter 18
Justin
I try the breakfast in bed for Mallory again. Hopefully no one dares to come and interrupt us this morning.
We couldn’t spend too much time together last night because I had to go down to the bar and help. She was understanding, and while I was working, she made herself at home. I didn’t freak out when I saw her things on my bathroom counter or some of her clothes on the chair in the corner of my bedroom. Hell, I’d give her a drawer if she wants.
Maybe I should.
“Baby,” I say when I enter the bedroom. “You hungry?”
She perks up and sits on the bed, eyeing the tray of food with a single red rose in a small vase.
“I hope I made what you like. Pancakes, sausage, home fries, and bacon. Oh and fresh-squeezed orange juice. I remember you said you like it fresh.”
She moves from the bed and over to me, placing her hands on mine. “This is so sweet. No one has done this for me before.”
This doesn’t surprise me.
Mallory told me about her ex-boyfriends, and I wanted to thank them all for being assholes and letting her go. They did me a favor. They didn’t see the beautiful woman standing before me the way I see her. Her beauty, her grace, and her all-around goodness are what makes her who she is, and since they didn’t see it, then it’s their loss.
“I told you I’m not your other boyfriends. I’m going to cherish you and show you how much I appreciate you.”
When she squeezes my hand and brushes her lips against my cheek, an electronic charge hits me.
“I’m starving.”
“Yeah? You should get back into bed and eat.”
She winks, and there’s a slight pink to her cheeks. “I want you, Justin. Not breakfast.”
Immediately, the tray of food is set on the nightstand in my bedroom, and I pick her up in my arms and make my way back to the bed. Laying her down, I pull off her panties and lift her shirt, exposing her soft belly. Burying my face between her legs, I feel her come in minutes. Quickly, I grab a condom and put it on, then I flip her over, raising her ass in the air and pushing my dick inside her.
“Harder. Justin, yes!” she screams.
I bite down on her bare shoulder and grip her waist harder, thrusting faster into her body. She tightens around my dick, and I quicken my pace so we can have our release together.
“Mallory. Shit, baby.”
“Yes. Please, Justin.”
I pour myself inside her, kneeling still and kissing her bare back. I’m trying to catch my breath as I slide out of her and notice she moves onto her
back and stares at me.
“Want to take a shower with me?”
“Of course.”
I grab her hand, and we head into the bathroom. I turn on the hot water and help her into the shower, pushing her in so we can stand under the showerhead together. I watch the water wet her hair and flow down her body.
“Do you want to know something?”
“What is it?” she asks, stepping into my arms and wrapping herself with me. “You can tell me anything.”
“You saved me. You know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“A month before I commented on your video, I was about to lose the bar. I didn’t know what else to do or where to turn. My brother’s dream was dying, and so was I. The faith I had for the bar was going downhill and fast. I was behind on the bills. Coach and Courtney had no idea what was going on. No one did. I made the decision to end my life because what was the point. My life was shit. Then out of nowhere, things started turning around for the better, but I wasn’t one hundred percent. I walked around like I was happy, and I was. For a moment.”
She stands still in my arms, listening intently while holding me. I needed her strength.
“The thought of taking my life was still in the back of my mind. Then we started talking, and you made me laugh. You made everything better. Each time we talked, I became happier, and then you walked into my bar, and my life hasn’t been the same. You saved me, baby.”
Tears roll down her cheeks. “Hearing you say all of this breaks my heart. I wish we could have met each other sooner.”
“Don’t think that. We came into each other’s lives when it was the right time. True love comes when you least expect it. When it happens, it happens after learning lessons, and you and I did. We learned that the people we had in our lives weren’t worth it, and we walked away. We deserve better, and I’m going to give you better. You have no idea what I want for us.”
“I think I do because I want the same.”
I cup her face with my hands and kiss her. She opens her mouth to me, and I deepen the kiss, feeling her tongue with mine.
“Justin.” She breaks the kiss, and I see the tears in her eyes. “Please don’t hurt me. Please don’t think this is a game. I don’t think my heart could handle it. I was trying so hard to go slow, but it was hard. My past boyfriends hurt me, causing me to lose confidence in myself. Then I met you, and everything started falling back into place. You bring so much light and hope into my life.” She continues to cry, and I hold her face in my hands because I want her to know I’m here. “Don’t leave me.”
“I promise I won’t leave you.” My heart’s breaking for her. “I know you think this is going fast, or you want to slow down or whatever you’re thinking but tell me. Keep opening up to me. If we’re going to be together, then we need to have a strong foundation of trust and communication. Baby, those are important. That’s what’ll keep us strong.”
“I’m trying so hard to believe you. I want to believe you. I’ve been hurt in the past so many times, and I feel like this is a dream. That one day you’re going to look at me and wonder why the hell you’re with me. You’re going to get bored of me and leave me behind. It’s happened so many times in my life. I know this is going to annoy you because you’re going to try so hard to get me to see that you want to be with me.”
“What’s going to annoy me is you not talking to me and thinking this is how it should be.” I kiss her lips again. “Let’s get out of the shower. You can help me around the bar, and we’ll talk more.”
“Okay.”
Once we’re dressed and down in the bar, Mallory helps me organize the vendor invoices.
“I thought about what you said, and I’m going to try harder to let you know what I’m feeling and thinking. It’s only fair that happens. I want you to know I want this to happen.”
“Good.”
“Also, my parents are coming to town next week,” she quickly says, but I heard every word. “They want to meet you.”
“That’s funny.”
“What is?”
“Coach and Courtney will be back tomorrow and want to meet you too.”
After I told them about Mallory and what she was doing to me, my mom insisted we came over and spent time with them. At first, I was hesitant. I wasn’t sure what to expect. They’re my parents and accepted Angie until we broke up. I wanted them to love Mallory.
It’s been a while since I did the meet and greet with parents. It’ll be alright. I’ll show Mallory’s parents I’m good for her and she’ll be safe with me.
Chapter 19
Mallory
My mind’s going a million miles a second and I swear I think I’m going to faint. My legs feel like jelly and my breathing is labored. I feel like I’m running a marathon, and this is the last lap.
Meeting the people who saved Justin and his brother, Carson.
My clothes are piled on the bed, and this must be the sixth outfit I’ve put on. I want to make a good first impression.
“Why are all the shirts I have too boobie?” I groan and rub my temples to calm down. “Okay, you can do this. It’s a lunch date, and it’s hot today. They’re not going to call you a whore because the outfit shows a little cleavage.”
“What are you stressing about now?” Lisa comes into the room and sits on the bed. “Breathe, girlfriend. You can do this. Just pick a cute dress and jean jacket.”
I point at her and turn back to my closet. “You’re so smart. This is why I keep you around.”
“Bitch, you love me. You know damn well you’d never let me go.”
“This is very true.” I find a cute and modest blue dress and jean jacket. “Can I borrow your beige wedges?”
“Sure can.” Lisa grows quiet for a beat. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah. Of course you can.”
“Can we double date soon? Have the guys come over, and we’ll cook dinner for them.”
Without hesitation, I tell her, “Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Is there a reason?”
“I need your point of view when it comes to Jerry. When we’re in the bedroom, we move together, and we’re totally in sync. Outside of the bedroom, he pisses me off and gets on my last nerve.”
I smile. When Lisa gets this way, she’s fighting hard not to fall in love and be attached.
“Are you still moving with me?”
She shrugs. “Well, obviously.”
“Let me know what you want me to do. We’ll plan tonight. Are you going to be here?” She nods. “Lisa, you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I am. Go meet the parents. Let me know how it goes.”
I kiss her cheek and give her a big hug. “I will for sure do that.”
* * *
Justin’s holding my hand and rubs it up and down with his thumb. There’s music playing in the truck, and we’ve been quiet. It hasn’t been an awkward get me out of here kind of quiet. It’s comforting. The butterflies in my belly are going crazy. I want Coach and his wife, Courtney, to love me and approve of me for Justin.
“What’s on your mind?”
“I want them to like me,” I admit. “What if they don’t? This is a bad idea. I’m not ready to meet them. They’re going to hate me and make me leave.”
“Don’t think like that. They’ll love you because you’re an amazing woman. They’ll see what I see.”
Justin pulls into the driveway and parks behind a huge black truck. He lifts my hand to his lips and looks at me. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
He gets out of the truck first and rushes over to open my door. After he helps me out, I turn and face the adorable house with rose bushes surrounding the porch, light brown shutters on the windows, and a white French door. It’s a cozy house, and I’m sure Justin has a lot of memories.
Justin places his hand on the low part of my back and guides me toward the house. I’m starting to profusely sweat and thank the Heavens I’m wearing deodorant.
“Justin
!” A slender, short blonde appears from around the corner of the house. Running over, she brings Justin in for a hug and laughs with him. “Oh, honey. It’s so good to see you. How are you?” Before he answers, she looks at me and gives me a hug as well.
“Mom, this is my girlfriend, Mallory. Mallory, this is Courtney. My mom.”
Girlfriend.
I love how that sounds.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Courtney. Thank you for having us over for lunch.”
“It’s nice meeting you too, dear. You’re a beauty. Oh.” She touches her chest and smiles brightly. “Coach and I miss you so much, honey.”
“I miss you both too.”
“Come on. Let’s head to the back.”
We follow Courtney to the backyard. It’s even more beautiful with a fenced, in-ground pool and a beautiful stone path where there’s a comfortable sitting area and a grill.
“Well, there he is.” The man behind the grill, I’m assuming he’s Coach, puts down the grill lid and comes over to us. He shakes Justin’s hand and looks at me. “Hell boy, no wonder you’re not coming around too much. Hi, darling, I’m Brian, but call me Coach.”
“Hi, Coach. I’m Mallory.”
“The girlfriend.”
Justin squeezes my hand, and Coach leads us to sit down at the table where snacks and drinks are waiting for us.
“This looks great. Thank you again for having me.”
“No, never have to thank me,” Coach says with a smile. “I know it’s a little far for you guys to drive, but it means the world to us.” He looks at Justin. “How’s the bar? Your mom and I are going to visit Friday night. Aren’t Jerry and his band playing?”
“Yeah, they are. They have a few standing nights. Friday should be a good night. Hopefully, no one calls out on me so I can spend time with you.”
Courtney comes and sits down next to us. “We’re so proud of you. Do you remember Bob and Shawna?”
Justin nods. “I do.”
