by Terra Kelly
The house erupted in laughter. Grant, the oldest, spoke up, "Isabel, don't let him fool ya, they could all be lies."
Connie smiled, "Don't listen to them, Sweetie. Let's get you something special to drink."
"So, Drew tells me you work in television?"
Isabel sat down at the bar stool at the kitchen island, "Yes, I am the local reporter at channel three here."
Connie walked to the refrigerator to grab lemonade she made earlier, club soda, and some fresh mint. "Oh, how fun. How long have you been a reporter?" She walked back to stand on the other side of the island, opposite Isabel.
"Almost four years. I wanted to be in front of the camera since I basically started talking. Would you like me to help with anything?"
"No, no dear. I was just going to prepare a pitcher of Bourbon Lemonade. It is a very refreshing Summer cocktail. I should've asked, do you like bourbon?"
"Oh yes, I love bourbon cocktails. It sounds delicious." Isabel was really starting to like Drew's family.
"Wonderful!" Connie smiled, "So were you one of those cute toddlers who loved singing, and performing with a hairbrush for a microphone?"
Isabel laughed, "Yes, I was that child."
Just then the guys walked into the kitchen. Drew walked to Isabel and lightly squeezed her shoulders. "What kind of child were you? I have to know!"
Isabel laughed harder this time, "Really, you have to know? Then I need some gossip on you as a kid in return."
The room erupted in laughter. Grant was the first to speak up, "Anything you want to know Isabel, we are glad to share." Then he messed up Drew's hair with one hand, and playfully punched him on his side.
Jim just shook his head, "See what we had to put up with, with four boys in the house."
Alex put his arm around Jim, "Awwww, pops it wasn't all that bad. Especially since I was the very well behaved one."
Joshua punched Alex in his bicep, "You wish! I think you were the worst behaved."
Finally the brothers started to settle down. Isabel was in awe of Drew's family. So much love, laughter, and complete happiness. Her family was much smaller, it was just her and Dane. Isabel's family was very close, but there was a different dynamic.
Connie had finished mixing the cocktail. She poured a glass for Isabel. "Here, Sweetie, you may need a few of these tonight. This house can get a little crazy at times, but I love every minute of it."
Drew walked back to Isabel and ran his hands down her arms, then clasped both of her hands in his. "It does get crazy for sure. I miss the crazy sometimes... remember, I said sometimes."
Isabel felt an electrical current run down her arm and all the way to her lady parts. She immediately thought, "Oh this man, my Drew, what he does to me."
Drew leaned over and looked into her eyes, he whispered, "um... wow, you're setting me on fire. I can't wait to get you home, baby."
Joshua was standing near them, laughing, "Get a room, you two."
Connie looked at Joshua with a half smile, and a half stern look, "Josh, hush! Now boys will you please set the table? Dinner is just about to be served."
Isabel looked at Connie, "Everything smells amazing in here."
Drew smiled, "Mom, Isabel is a great cook, and a baker. Her homemade bread is beyond good!"
"Well you are lucky honey, since pasta and canned marinara sauce is your speciality." She was laughing as she walked over to hug Drew.
Drew looked at Isabel with an innocent look in his eyes, "See, that is exactly what I told you."
Isabel just laughed. She was trying not to think about the Philly opportunity. But the thought was trying to push its way to the forefront of her mind. She realized at that moment what she would be missing out on. She really wanted to get to know Drew's family. They all had different personalities, yet seemed so happy with each other. How often do you find families, where everyone gets along, or wants to spend time together once a month?
Drew leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Earth to Isabel. No negative thoughts this weekend remember? Come on baby, let's eat!"
They were all seated around a huge square oak table. Isabel was seated in
between Drew and Alex. Connie and Jim were sitting at each end of the table. Grant and Joshua were next to each other, opposite Isabel. The table looked gorgeous, Connie had made roasted chicken, covered with butter and herbs. In the pan with the chicken she had thrown in baby potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic cloves. She also prepared two side dishes, a hearty vegetable salad, and some seriously cheesy mac and cheese. Plus, it looked like Connie had made homemade dinner rolls.
Isabel almost drooled, everything looked so delicious. She wanted to eat so much, but instead she took a small portion of everything. They were passing the dishes one way, like an assembly line.
Connie looked at Isabel, "I have more of everything in the kitchen. These boys have one serious appetite. You can enjoy as much as you like, darlin'."
Isabel just smiled politely, "Thank you, Connie." But her first thought was, 'oh, Hell no. I just met you all, I have no intention of embarrassing myself.'
Alex handed her the plate of dinner rolls. Isabel took one, "Connie, these are homemade right?"
"Yes they are. I love making bread too. We should make some together sometime!"
Isabel felt a knot form in her stomach. She was trying to figure out if Drew had shared the Philly job with them. Smiling, "That sounds like a lot of fun, I would love to."
Drew squeezed her thigh under the table. She glanced in his direction, and placed her hand on his. They held hands for most of the dinner, which actually calmed Isabel immensely.
Grant was having fun sharing stories of Drew as a child. Grant and Drew were the oldest, and seemed very close. Grant looked at Isabel, "Does he still talk in his sleep? I had fun with that. We shared a room, so I would talk back to him. I would try to find out what he was talking about. Most of the time it was nonsense, but sometimes I could get some juicy info." He just started laughing at the memories.
Isabel laughed, "I sleep like a rock, I have no idea. Maybe I should record him sometime and see if he still likes talking in his sleep." She jumped and started laughing.
Drew had squeezed her leg in one of her ticklish spots, laughing, "No cameras!"
Grant and Joshua both looked at Isabel. Grant in between laughter, "You just let us know Isabel and we will hook you up."
Dinner was wow, amazing! Isabel managed to control her desire to eat more. Afterwards, they wouldn't let her help with the clean up. So she was sitting at the island again, sipping on another glass of the bourbon lemonade. This might end up being one of her favorite cocktails. She was excited to share the recipe with Dane. They both loved sharing different cocktail recipes.
As everyone pitched in to clean up, Isabel loved listening to the banter. It was relentless. All four brothers loved picking on one another. She could tell that Grant was the oldest for sure, he liked being in control. Drew tended to follow along with Grant. Alex and Joshua were definitely the instigators. They were all very funny, and under it all, truly loved each other.
Drew was standing next to Alex, "Hey, man, everything okay in L.A?"
Alex visibly stiffened, "Well... It is now. After I leave here, I'll be heading back to L.A. to finish up and pack up my stuff. It's time to get away from that crazy city."
The room went silent. Alex laughed, "Calm down, everything is fine. I was the low man on the totem poll. They decided to make some changes, and I was one of their changes."
The whole family looked upset. Drew was the first to speak, "That is bullshit! After the time and energy you invested in that place?"
Grant rested his hands on the island, "Seriously, you spent a year and half there. Did you do something to piss them off?"
Alex sat down in one of the bar stools, "It was more like they saw I was really good in my position, and felt threatened. Honestly, it is fine. I was tiring of their continuous attitude towards me. I found a Chef position in Boise, Idaho
. I have already interviewed for the position, and I'll be moving there soon."
Connie looked at him with concern, "Boise? Are you sure that's where you want to go? Why not come back here?"
Alex smiled, "I am enjoying exploring other areas of the country. I love it here, but you know me, Mom. I love change."
Jim put his arm around Connie, "You do love change, that is for sure. If you need any help with the move, just let us know."
Drew walked behind Isabel and put his arms around her shoulders. "Definitely, I have vacation time available. Just let me know a few days in advance."
They all grabbed another glass of bourbon lemonade. Grant raised his glass, "To positive changes, new friends, and safe travels."
Drew was behind Isabel, she was holding his arms against her chest, he leaned down to her ear, "You ready to head home, Love?"
On their way out, everyone exchanged warm hugs. Isabel smiled, "Thank you so much for dinner, everything was amazing. I loved your cocktail, I can't wait to share it with my brother." She turned to Alex, "Safe travels, I've heard Idaho is gorgeous."
Alex leaned in and gave Isabel a hug, "Thank you." Quietly he said, "Take care of my brother, I can tell he really cares about you."
Isabel was a little shocked by that assessment. Keeping herself composed and smiling "I promise I will. I really care about him, too."
Drew put his arm around her waist and pulled her in tight. He started heading to the Jeep, waved and said, "See you in a month!"
They hopped in the Jeep and waved one last time. Isabel turned to face Drew and rested her head on the back of the seat. She was smiling and drinking in the site of him. He had a beautiful profile, chiseled jaw, his five o'clock shadow starting. Her mind started wandering, what was she going to do? Would he maybe move there for a short period? She was so lost in her thoughts, she missed what Drew had said.
Drew let out a sexy laugh, "I lost you again. Where are your thoughts tonight? Or do you not want to share them?"
"I was just enjoying the sight of you."
Laughing, "Well, that is not fair, since I can't look at you right now."
"Drew, can I ask you something, but with no pressure? You don't have to give me an answer tonight, just answer whenever you are ready."
Drew looked at her tentatively, "Um, okay."
"No pressure, okay?"
"You're killing me, Izzy."
Isabel took a deep breath, "If I took the job in Philly, would you move there with me? It would be temporary, just for the experience. Then we could come back here. We could even try to buy one of cottages as a place to go to when we visited here. I know it sounds crazy, since we have only been together a short time. One thing I do know, one thing I am sure of, is you. I want to be with you. I hate when my thoughts drift to you and we are not together. You make me so happy. I just want to keep exploring, and see where our relationship takes us. Okay. I will stop now. You can kick me out if I have freaked you out." She bent her head and looked at her hands in her lap.
They were five minutes from the cottages. Drew wanted to pull over and take her into his arms. Instead he stayed silent for the rest of the drive. Not to stress her more, but to take in her words.
The fact is, he was willing to move there. The thought slammed into him like a ton of bricks. He was willing to make that change for her, because he knew he loved her. What he didn't know, did she love him back?
The last few minutes of the drive were quiet. The wind was loud around them. The salty scent of the ocean was getting stronger. Isabel was still turned in her seat, with her head bent facing her hands. Drew was absorbing her words. Everything she shared only further solidified his feelings for her.
When he pulled into the driveway, Isabel attempted to get out quickly. Drew grabbed her arm before she could leave the confines of his Jeep. He moved his seat back, and pulled her on his lap. He looked at her tear streaked face, and softly with his thumb brushed new tears away. "Why the tears baby?" With a slight smile, "I thought I was allowed to think about my answer?"
Isabel remained silent. Just slight breaths from crying. Drew pulled her to him, and held her tightly. "Baby, I don't know what the future holds. I am more of a here-and-now type of guy. One thing I do know, without a shadow of a doubt, is how I feel for you."
Isabel looked up into his eyes, quietly she said, "What did you just say?"
"I care so much about you, sweet Izzy. You seriously make my days brighter. I look forward to holding you, kissing you." He bent down and kissed her softly. He felt a tear fall. "Baby, why are you crying, please help me understand?"
Isabel moved his hair off his forehead. Brushed her hand down the side of his face. Then moved her hand behind his head, and pulled him down to kiss her again. "Drew will you just kiss me, love me, please?"
Drew pulled her into him, opened his door, and walked to her cottage. She continued kissing his face, his neck, biting on his ear. He opened, and then closed the door with his foot. He walked straight to her bedroom. Sat on the side of her bed with her still in his arms. He slowly moved back, and laid down on his side, with Isabel still cradled in his arms. Isabel slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in the curve of this shoulder, then tangled her legs with his legs.
Isabel looked up into his eyes, "Will you just hold me?"
"Always Izzy!" Drew held her tight, kissed her forehead, and rested his head on hers.
At about 4:00 AM, Drew heard a sound that woke him suddenly. Isabel was not in bed with him. He then realized what the sound was, he heard her talking. He slowly got out of bed, and made his way to the living room. She was curled up in her comfy chair by the big bay window. Her hair was tousled. She had removed her shorts, and was only in her t-shirt and panties. From the light shining in from the moonlight, her eyes looked sad.
He heard her say, "How do I make a choice like this, Dane? How? This is where I want to be, not there anymore."
He walked back to the bedroom slowly. Then he removed his clothes and crawled under the covers. His body wanted to cheer, but his mind told him not yet. Moving to Philly was not something he wanted to do, but he would. Maybe. As his mind continued to turn everything over, he grew tired, and let himself drift to sleep.
Isabel could not sleep. Which was unusual since she usually slept like a rock in Drew's arms. At about 3:00 AM she carefully untangled herself from Drew's embrace, removed her shorts and bra, then went into the living room to sit and think. She needed her brother tonight. She dialed Dane's number and hoped he would pick-up.
Dane was sound asleep when his phone started ringing. His first thought was, ignore it. Then he realized it had to be Izzy, she was the only one who would call late at night. "Izzy? You okay?"
"Hi big brother. Yes I am fine... I think."
Dane sat up in bed and rested his head against the headboard. "You think? What's wrong little Siss?"
"I'm top of the list at my old station in Philly for a morning anchor position." She fought back her tears that were threatening to surface. Her voice sounded low and shaky.
"You should be excited at an opportunity like this... but you sound sad."
"Mom and Dad told you about Drew, right?"
Dane smiled, "They not only told me, they made him sound like a Greek God. I think I have a crush on him. So... my guess is you're happy there, and want to explore North Carolina for a little while longer?"
She let out a deep sigh, "You guessed right."
"So why does it sound like the world has ended? You have your answer, you know what you want. Or do you feel like you're making the wrong choice?"
Isabel made an exasperated sound, and softly laughed. "How do I make a choice like this, Dane? How? This is where I want to be, not there anymore." She paused, thinking about her words. "But I feel like I am rushing. Well, part of me feels like I am rushing, the other part is just... in love. Is it really possibly to fall into love this fast?"
Dane let out a sigh, "Izzy, only your heart knows that a
nswer. How about this, stop freaking out, because I know you are. Go back to bed. On Wednesday, you come here, if you decide to stay for the weekend... okay. Give the station the satisfaction of seeing you, but that doesn't mean you have to take a job."
Izzy softly laughed, "okay, I can do that. Dane?"
"Yeah?"
"You know how much I love you, right? I appreciate you, and how you are always there when I need you."
"I love you too, Izzy. Now let me get back to sleep. Some of us have morning jobs."
Isabel just laughed, hung up the phone, took a deep breath. She gazed out the window loving her view, and loving North Carolina. Dane was right, why am I freaking out? They can't make me take the position. So, until Wednesday life was going to be just fine.
She walked into her room, smiled, and just took in the sight of Drew.
Drew knew she was not on the phone anymore. He opened his eyes, and loved the sight before him. She had her hands tangled in the bottom of her shirt. Showing all of her gorgeous legs, and her panties were sneaking out under her hands. Her shoulder and head were resting against the door frame.
Drew smiled, "You going to stare at me all night while I sleep?"
Isabel jumped, untangled her hands from her shirt, and placed her hands on her chest. "Oh! You totally just scared me. I really thought you were sleeping. I am sorry if I woke you."
He sat up and reached his arms out to her, "I heard you talking, and heard you say Dane's name. I wanted to give you your privacy."
She walked forward, sat on the side of the bed, and leaned into his embrace. "Thank you for that. I am sorry I woke you. I have a nasty habit of calling him in the middle of the night when I need to talk."
He laughed softly, "That is what brothers are for." He held her tight, "You feel better now?"
She leaned up and out of his hug, "I do feel much better. Instead of freaking out, I plan to have loads of fun. Starting with you." She laughed and stood, wiggled out of her panties, then removed her shirt.
