Just Between Us

Chapter 4

Lillian's POV

Kent's home is- a lot more luxurious than I imagined. Everything was white and looked brand new. They had a full scale view of Miami with windows just about everywhere. His fire pit was sensory and it could turn off if someone were to try and touch it.

He showed me the bathroom and there was a gigantic view of the city across from the bathtub that sat itself alone in the middle of the room. A big glass of wine after a long day would be so nice. On the other end of the bathroom where two sinks and a walk in shower with two separate shower heads and a wall mount that had a rack of wash products. Is that- charcoal?

I slipped my shoes off to closely examine the dark exteriors of the stone looking shower rooms and it smelled just like charcoal!

"No wonder his skin is great," I mumbled and giggled to myself.

I'm still stuck on the fact that main entries of the house have tiled and polished floors. The bathroom and the kitchen have birch wood polished floors. Don't even get me started on the gas stove and the marble countertops.

Just when I thought enough would be enough, I wander to a room that seemed- more down to earth than the other rooms; this one particularly had the same set up as others, but it was different. There was a lot of plants and vines going around the room and a few bamboo posts that-

"They're real?!" I softly whispered to myself shocked that this garden is surreal. I could smell hints of cherry blossoms and found a few shrubs. There was a lot of ivory white and dome shaped plant vases for the banana leaves. By the window was a small set up of a zen garden and a small pastel yellow record player with other records mounted on the wall. This room is so mellow, I love it. Orange oil scented candles were spread out across the room and it gave a soothing and pleasing aroma..:

"What are you doing in here?" A familiar voice cold and defiant sends a spiking chill down my back and I became flustered.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know" I smiled sheepishly and noticed her vanity makeup mirror had a picture of a young girl with her mother and they shared a strong physical resemblance, down to the eye color and smile..

"Ahem? I have a guest waiting in the living room. I kind of don't want to explain to them that you're my quote on quote step mother. So could you please spare us both the awkwardness and leave my room?" Stefani's foot was tapping impatiently.

"The master bedroom is on the hall and down the left," she looks at her phone.

"Kent already showed me," i chirped with a nervous shrug.

"Offfff course he did," Stefani bites the inside of her cheek and smiles in disbelief.

"Look, Stefani. Kent told me how much you don't like surprises but-" a hand goes up and stops me from babbling.

"Guest. Living room. You? Out. As far as I'm concerned, you living here will be temporary. Go post on Instagram or vlog about how stunning the view from the balcony is," Stefani stands to the side of her bedroom door and waits for me to leave.

"Right- sorry," I didn't know what else to say.

"Lord knows I'm sorry for you," I hear her grunt but I kept walking.

"Coast is clear Rachel!" Stefani's voice sounds more uplifting as I left her alone. Foot steps started to approach me and it was a young woman with freshly curled and wavy blonde hair wearing a floral dress and red heels.

She carried quite a bit of shopping bags and I offered a hand, "no, I got it! Thanks Stefani's new mom," the young lady smiles at me and her eyes averted to my engagement ring. She stared at it for some time but catches herself.