by Cindy Pike
“White would be better, hurry and change them, we’ll wait.” He turns to get something out of the fridge and I see on the back of his shirt it says, She’s Everything.
“Guys, turn around for me.” My feet are frozen to their spot on the floor. They all exchange looks before, one by one, they all turn their backs to me. Sure enough, they all have the same words that Owen’s does on their backs. Tears well in my eyes and Owen comes to me with the other’s drawing close as well.
“This can’t come as a surprise, Gorgeous. Go change your shoes so we can go have some much-needed fun.” He kisses the top of my hair and turns me toward Kyle’s master bedroom. I start down the hall in a bit of an emotional daze and change my shoes on autopilot. I start back out of his room to the front door, and snag a hair tie off the dresser on my way out. I’m going to need it if I want to ride any rides (read: silly kids, of course I do), so my hair doesn’t become an issue flying in my face or getting caught in anything.
“Thank you.” I don’t know what else to say and I don’t want to get emotional before we all go out so I turn to Silas and ask, “Can you braid my hair on the way? I don’t want to worry about it getting caught or tangled on the rides.”
“You know I will, come on, Doll.” Silas throws his arm over my shoulders and we all head out to Kyle’s Tahoe. All of us pile in with Kyle in the driver’s seat, naturally, and Owen in the front passenger seat. Heath and I take the next two seats leaving Flynn and Silas to get in the back. Silas sits behind me and starts on my hair immediately. His ministrations are soothing and Owens voice jolts me out of the trance I fell into from Silas doing my hair.
“Heath and Silas, one of you is with Nora at all times until we get back in this vehicle, unless she’s on a ride with one of us.” They both offer up varying responses of agreement then Owen focuses on me. “There’s always big crowds the day before Halloween and I don’t want you to accidentally get triggered, so they’re going make sure that doesn’t happen, since we aren’t bringing one of the dogs.”
Since I was worried about that, it’s a relief to know they’ve gotten it taken care of. Though that brings about a different set of worries, I want them to have fun and not have to worry about babysitting me. I take in a breath to voice this, but Heath beats me to it.
“Don’t worry about us having fun, Sweetheart. Knowing we’re keeping you safe is part of what makes us happy. Besides that’s why we both are doing this, for when one of us wants to do something or look at something.” Heath bumps my shoulder playfully.
I smile at him responding with, “Thanks, G Man,” I turn to look at Silas, “Thank you, Si.” I blow a kiss at him and he winks, actually winks, at me! Be cool, Nora, be cool. I turn around quickly and hold my breath for a count of ten before slowly letting it out. I can’t believe he winked at me! It was hot! A set of masculine chuckles reach my ears from the back seat and I know I’ve failed in being cool. I flip them the bird over my shoulder and chance a glance at Heath. He’s got the biggest shit eating grin on face I’ve ever seen. Yep, totally failed. I look ahead and see Owen with his hand covering what I’m sure is a grin on his face and Kyle’s eyes are suspiciously glued to the road. I roll my eyes and shake my head, men. Kyle turns the radio on and syncs his music via blue tooth playing, Protocol by Leon Else. Thinking about Flynn’s theory with music I wonder if he’s trying to tell me (or himself) something, subconsciously.
We reach the parking area for the fair grounds and Kyle (surprise, surprise) gets a spot in the closest row in the closest lot. Fucking seriously, I think I need to rub up on these guys and see if my parking luck doesn’t change, bastards. We all hop out and Kyle beeps the locks as we head toward the crosswalk to get to the actual fair grounds. Flynn presses the button for the crosswalk, then links his arm with mine. The light turns red and it’s our turn to cross. Kyle and Owen are in front with Silas me and Flynn in the middle, while Heath brings us up in the back.
“I need a turkey leg; I haven’t eaten anything all day in preparation for this!” Flynn shouts in exuberance, almost bouncing on his feet with every step. It’s good to see him so happy, with all the depressing stuff lately, we all need this.
“No food yet, rides first. I don’t want a repeat of you getting sick again in my vehicle.” Kyle shoots that down quicker than you can say Bob’s your uncle.
“That was one time, years ago!” Flynn cries in mock outrage. “You get sick one time, and they’ll never let you live it down.” He winks at me as he says the last part. Laughter bubbles up my throat and escapes, I don’t give one fuck. I’m going to enjoy myself and not worry about all the crazy shit in my life right now.
“We’re going to get our wrist bands and do some rides, then we can stuff our faces.” Heath speaks up from the back. We all get our wrist bands and then head over to the ride area and check out which one we want to go on first. I see the one I want and point to it.
“The magic carpet ride!” I unwind arms with Flynn and grab his hand, tugging him along behind me. As I pass Owen, I grab his hand too and pull him with me. With a lightness and carefree feeling inside me that I haven’t felt since before my mom died, I break out into a run. We get into the line as Kyle, Silas and Heath stand just on the other side of the railing for the ride line.
“We’ll be just outside the exit when you’re done, Doll.” Silas leans over and kisses my hair before he moves off toward the exit.
“Which ride do you want to go on next, Nor?” Kyle asks me. I look around and spot the giant rollercoaster and relay it to him. He gives my upper arm a squeeze and heads over that way. Heath stays with us as we make our way up to the front of the line. He’s telling Owen about a horse that he thinks he might be interested in.
“He’s not gonna be good as a polo pony but he’s sound and would be a good addition for you to expand your riding versatility.” Heath gives another reason.
“What’s the real reason?” Owen as usual gets right to meat of the discussion.
“Where he’s at now isn’t the best, he needs out of that shit hole.” Heath gives Owen the truth.
“Set it up.” Owen concedes instantly. No more questions, he just says he’ll do it. It’s truly amazing that he jumps on it when he finds out the animal is being mistreated in any way.
We reach the front and show the ride attendant our wrist bands to gain entrance. Owen gets into the next available car, turning to help me on with an outstretched hand. Flynn’s got his hands on my hips helping from behind. Once I’m safely in Flynn follows and Owen brings the safety bar down making it snug against him and Flynn. They are both on the slimmer side than the other’s so the bar’s not so loose on me that I’m not going to be safe. After the ride attendant checks that all bars are secure, he heads to the control panel and starts the ride. I feel the smile grow as the ride gets faster and faster. By the time it’s at full speed I’ve got my arms in the air and am yelling my jubilation! Yep, I’m a screamer. All too soon, the ride comes to a stop and Flynn exits the car and this time they reverse the placement of their hands. Flynn has my hands in his and Owen’s got his on my hips. I step off and Flynn turns, keeping one of my hands in his. I reach back in search of Owen’s hand and find it. We walk off the platform for the ride forming a chain.
Looking up, I see Silas standing just far enough back from the exit so people can get out. He’s got the coldest look on his face. It makes everyone give him an extra foot of space more, than socially allotted for personal space. His arms are crossed over his chest and his feet are shoulder width apart. He looks like he’s ready to take down anyone who might get to close to me. I drop Flynn and Owen’s hands, running up to Silas and leaping into his arms at the last second. He catches me, hoisting me up the rest of the way, like I do this shit all the time when I’ve never done anything of the sort before. One of his arms is under my butt and the other is supporting my back. I have both of mine around his neck and my legs wrapped around his waist. I’m laughing my ass off for no reason. My antics bring
a rare smile to Silas’ face and my laughter dies as we share a moment. There are people all around us trying to get to the next ride, buy food, get to a vender booth, or just enjoying the atmosphere of the fair. We don’t care in this moment the world falls away. So many emotions flow through me that I feel like I could fly from how high they’re making me feel.
“Silas?”
His smile gets bigger, “I’m right here, Doll.”
“Kiss me.” It’s not a question. He does, it starts as a closed mouth kiss, but it’s still fucking awesome. His lips are so soft, yet strong. It’s like steel wrapped in silk. His arm behind my back gets tighter and we tilt our heads to the side and his tongue comes out and traces the seam of my lips. I gasp in surprise. He just keeps tracing my upper lip with his tongue but doesn’t invade my mouth. A few people passing by whoop out some cat calls and I pull back, embarrassed. Silas gives my butt a pat and I release my legs so he can set me down. Once I’m back on my feet Silas wraps his arm around my shoulders and to make walking easier, I wrap mine around his torso. We come up to Kyle in line at the roller coaster and Silas and I break apart.
“Come on, Nor, it’s you and me on this one.” Kyle takes my hand and moves us into the line for the rollercoaster. Flynn and Heath step in behind us. This line takes longer for us to get on the ride. I’m facing Flynn and Heath with Kyle at my back, his hands on my shoulders gently rubbing them. They are talking about the party later, but I tune them out. I can’t help but focus on Kyle’s hands. This ride is faster and bigger and I can feel the adrenaline high start to kick in when we finally reach the entrance. We repeat the steps from the first ride and wait until it starts. After that it’s a blur of rides until Owen calls it and says we all need to eat something.
“I’m surprised you’re letting us eat all this. It’s so unhealthy.” I start teasing Owen as we stand in line for deep fried Oreos.
“Junk food is not bad in moderation. Special occasions and holidays are exceptions.” Owen’s voice rumbles from his chest through my back since we are front to back. It’s an awesome feeling. When we’ve all got our food, we sit down in the eating area with park style tables and attached seating that’s provided. We all had assigned food items to get. Owen and I were in charge of the Oreos (Heath came with us until Owen said I was fine with just him). Flynn had to get the turkey legs. Kyle got us all avocado bites. Silas and Heath walk up to our table with our drinks. Owen and I are on one side with a seat open next to me. Flynn and Kyle are on the other side with the seat between them available. Heath sits next to me, leaving Silas to sit between the other two. We all dig in, devouring the food. It always amazes me how much food they all eat.
“I know I’ve said this before, but it still amazes me the food you all eat and the bodies you’re still able to maintain. If I ate like that, I’d be huge.”
“Is your weight an issue for you, Nora?” Owen volleys at me.
“It hasn’t been, but I’ve never had anyone else in my life to have to worry that it might bother.” My weight has always been healthy but I’m not on solid ground when it comes to how they feel about it.
“Ask me.” Silas orders.
“Ask you what?” I stare across the table into his cold, frosty eyes.
“Ask me if it’ll bother me.” He clips out. Uh oh, he’s getting upset and I don’t understand why, again.
“How do you feel about my body?” I ask hesitantly.
“I love it. I’d also love it if you gained a bunch of weight or more muscle. I’d love it when it becomes heavy with a kid, if you ever decide you want one. What I won’t love is if you lose an unhealthy amount and starve yourself to try and obtain what the world sees as beautiful. You fucking eat what you want and don’t worry about that kind of shit. Do you understand me?” I vigorously nod my head and look at each of the other’s, seeing they all have the same look of agreeance on this subject.
“Nora, yes, we like your body, it’s very, very, beautiful, we’ll love your body regardless of how it changes. However, we love your personality and who you are as person more.” Heath says from next to me. They all nod, making the warm fuzzies come to life inside me. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve heard. How they all have their shit so together is unheard of for me (not that I’ve dated much), maybe it’s because I only dated in college and we were all trying to figure out life back then.
“How do you guys do this all the time?” The question comes out without me planning to voice it.
“Do what, Nor?” Kyle questions.
“Make me feel like I’m the luckiest girl in the world for having you all in my life.” I say just over the noise from the crowd around us. The people milling about are all oblivious to the deep and meaningful conversation happening at our table.
“It’s easy, you make me want to be the best version of myself I can be.” Flynn responds. They all say the same thing just in different words.
“Who wants to go on the Ferris wheel with me?” I need to get out of this conversation before I start with the water works in the middle of all these people.
“I’ll go with you, Spitfire.” Flynn stands and waits for the rest of us to toss our trash into the bins placed around the perimeter of the eating area. Heath, Flynn, and I head to the Ferris wheel and the others browse more of the vender booths saying they’ll be there when we’re done.
“I’m not riding, just going in case you need me.” Heath tells me as we enter the line queue and he stands on just the other side of the barrier.
“He doesn’t like heights.” Flynn puts in, oh so helpfully.
“You don’t?” My head whips around to Heath at Flynn’s revealing information.
“No, I can do them if I need to but I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.” He’s giving Flynn a look like he’s going to pay for telling me that information.
“How are you okay with your loft?” This is just amazing to me; I’d never have guessed gigantic Heath didn’t like heights.
“It’s not that high, only when I’m higher than two stories do, I have an issue.” Heath explains. “It’s your turn.” He gives a chin jerk toward the waiting ride attendant and moves to the exit. We show our wrist bands and then get into our passenger car. The gate closes and moves us so the next passenger car can be loaded. As it does, I get nervous at the jerking motions from the stop and go and grab Flynn’s hand in a death grip.
“it’s okay, let me play some music to help calm you.” He pulls out his phone and ear buds handing me one as he puts the other in and searches his phone for a song. The ride starts to move and Flynn plays I Want It by Two Feet.
The song is sensual and I slide closer to Flynn. Feeling like we have at least some privacy is helping me to be bold. So, I toss my arm around his neck and give a slight tug to get him closer to me, where I seal my lips to his. Our kiss is slow and steamy, with lots of tongue. We play with each other’s tongues and he nips my bottom lip with his teeth in a gentle way. I slide my hands up to his hair and grip it tight putting just a bit of tension on it. Flynn moans and guides one of my legs over his lap so that I’m semi straddling him. He pulls back and turns my head so that he can kiss his way down my jaw to my neck. It sends heat to my core and I moan out my pleasure.
“You’re very sensitive on your neck, Spitfire.” His breath makes the spot he was just tracing his tongue along feel cold and hot all at the same time. The next song that comes on is You Say by Two Feet. Before that song ends the ride starts letting passengers off. We’re close to the bottom so we don’t have long to wait. As we do, I check myself to make sure that I don’t look like I’ve just been in a hot make out session.
“You look fine, there’s a beautiful blush to your cheeks and your lips look swollen, and every one of them are going to know why. There’s no way around that, but I doubt they’ll say anything.” Flynn looks me over and delivers the news. I reach up and touch my lips in question.
“You’re rather proud of that, aren’t you?” It’s kind of hot that he
wants the others to know we’ve been making out, but it also terrifies me not knowing their reactions.
“Don’t move. Why wouldn’t I be proud to have been making out with you?” I freeze as he gets his phone out and snaps my picture.
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t be… You sure do have a thing for taking my picture.” I state, letting the kissing subject go.
“I’m working on a project and some moments I’ve been with you lately would go with it perfectly. So, I take a picture for it.” Simple as that, he gets off and helps me out. Heath is waiting by the exit doing something on his phone. He glances up and puts his phone away when he sees us. That’s something I’ve noticed with all the guys; they don’t mess around on their phones much. They like to be present in the moments we share. That and I’m sure none of them have much time with all the things going on in their lives. As we get closer Heath’s gaze drops to my lips then he looks to Flynn, but like Flynn predicted, he doesn’t say a word.
“Let’s go find the others.” Flynn tucks me close to him and we set off toward the vendor booths. We find them at a car restoration booth and Silas is discussing some remodel with the man standing behind the table.
“So, I’ve got the paint job left and then it’s done.” The man says.
“Good, let me know when I can come pick it up.” Silas shakes hands with the guy and turns toward us.
“All done?” Heath asks him.
“Yep, let’s go find the other two.” Silas leads us down the row until we find Kyle at a gun booth. He’s handing money to the vendor and has a bag hanging from his hand. Owen comes up from the opposite direction and we all make a circle off to the side of the row.
“It’s about time to go. Anything else anyone wants do before we head out to get ready for the party?” Owen checks with all of us. The guys all look at me, waiting for my answer. With the sun starting to get lower in the sky I want to make sure I’ve got enough time to get ready.
