Moving On *Completed*

Chapter 24-Decision TIme

Emily Pov

While I am washing some of the pots and pans, I admit to myself I am dreading this game of truth or dare. There are some things I am just not ready to talk about and with the way they like to have fun, I can imagine some of the dares they would come up with. 

I know Phil said I can trust them, I am just hesitant. Deep down, I know trust is a two-way street so I have to trust them for them to trust me. Maybe I can convince them to play never have I ever. That would be better. I know it's a drinking game so I run to my fridge to get out the last of the soda and tea. We will have to use this. I hope Gabe does not get to mad at me for changing the game. 

They have already put cracks in my armor. I have to tell them to truth about what happened. It's only fair and then it will be up to them to decide if they want to be my friends or not. I won't do it tonight because it's too heavy to deal with and this is about Luke. I will tell them next time we are together. 

Suddenly I hear:

“Beep….Beep...Beep...We are sorry to interrupt your music listening pleasure, but the weather center has issued a severe thunderstorm warning. There is a storm approaching with heavy winds reaching 30 miles an hour, heavy rains and the possibility of hail. Please avoid going out until the storm passes. Please stay tuned to this station of more updates. We now return to your program already in process.”

I need to run and tell the guys. If it's too bad, they will have to stay here. I can't have them going out in bad weather. As I turn the corner, I hear my dog Heart whine and tap at my bedroom door. I grab his leash and go to my room. I walk over to him and rub his head. I grab my phone to text Mr. Blackbourne to let him know whats going on. I hook on Heart's leash saying to Heart, I know you don't like storms. Lets go baby before the storm hits.        

As I hook on his leash I hear Silas calling me from the stairs, and then my cell phone goes off. I open the door and Heart takes off barking and dragging the leash. I run out my room to see Silas rubbing behind Heart's ear. He stands up and says “Mr. Blackbourne asked me to walk out with you. Nat, North and Vic will be moving the cars and bring in our overnight stuff and medical bag just in case. They will meet us out back and we can all come in and go downstairs for the decision.”

“Alright, let go” I say as I head down the backstairs. 

Kota Pov

I am speechless. In 24 hours, she has begged Luke, us and has planned an outrageous birthday celebration. Not to mention her becoming protective of Luke and listening to how she has planned all the details was hot. I

A stunned Gabe looked at the doorway where Emily just walked out of saying “I'm not the only one who is blinded by sunshine just now?”

“No, Mr. Coleman, you are not. I am very impressed by her. I am just shocked she came up with all of this in 24 hours” Said Mr. Blackbourne.

“And it was sexy as hell when she gave her rule...” says Sean.

“Sean!” barks Mr. B cutting him off. 

Doc just rolls his eyes at him.

“She is her mother's child. Did you see the look she gave us? I think she can and would get rid of anything or anyone that pissed off Luke on his birthday.” says North.

“I bet she would and I don't want to see her angry. She is too sweet and lovely.” Nat replied.

We all nod our heads in agreement at that statement from Nat. 

“It's always the sweet people you have to worry about. Didn't the report say she was experienced with knives and guns. Yeah, definitely keeping on her good side.” Silas sighed.

“That did sound amazing though.” Luke grinned.

“Which part?” asked Vic.

“All of it.” replied Luke “I mean I was just thinking a dinner out. She has planned the whole day.” 

“I think she took into account all the different factors and concerns we might have in order to pull this off.” I say.

“Especially security for us…” says North

“And the medical personnel.“ Doc interjects. 

“Gentlemen, We have a lot to discuss and Mr. Taylor has to make a decision. Miss Sway was correct when she said she likes to plan custom birthday parties and celebrations.” Turning to Luke, he says “I think she did an excellent job reading you Mr. Taylor and planning, not just a small get together, but something that made it into an event tailored just for you.” 

“Yes, she planned all of that this morning. I see why Dr. Roberts recommended her. I have to give her credit, she is really, really good.” said Doc.

'I agree. And she is putting us up at the The Getaway Resort. That is a top notch hotel and would be perfect for us. Classy and comfortable.” says Vic. 

“I am excited about the hot air balloon ride in the morning. I know it's one of those romantic things couples go on, but I think it will be awesome to experience it."

“You would Luke, since you always have your head in the clouds daydreaming.” Gabe smirked. 

“Whatever 'Mr. I don't trust anyone with our personal items'"says Luke.

“I like the fact that we will not have to drive anywhere, and she is giving Luke time to himself in the morning.” says North.

“What can you guys tell me about hot air balloons. I am not comfortable about this and can see many things going wrong.” asked Si. His eyebrows are pulled together so I can tell he is genuinely concerned.

“My. Korba, we can all fit in a balloon comfortably. The biggest one I have seen fits up to 15 people. The wicker baskets are safe and they are 3 feet high so you can see over them, but still feel safe. A balloon ride is extremely stable with very little feeling of motion. You do need a license to fly a hot air balloon and I am sure she would not put us in any danger."

Si visibly relaxes, nods and says “Alright. Then I am fine with it.”

"I am excited about the Playhouse. I wonder what types of games and competitions she has planned. I love the rock climbing myself.” says Nat. 

“Of course Mr. Outdoors would. says Vic pointing at Nat. “I can't wait to see what types of games are going to be there.”

“I like how she took the idea of us wanting to have people together and made it entertaining. It's not just the typical food and dance party.” I state. “I really like the Playhouse idea. She made it so it will be entertaining and something different to do.”

“I know its not my party, but Luke, I am excited for you and say do it.” says Vic with Nat, Silas and Doc nodding their heads.

“Yeah, I heard The Spot is the best and they work with her a lot on different parties. What? Don't y’all look at me that way. If you look at her references and Gallery pages, she lists them as one of her venues because they are so accommodating and versatile. It's a restaurant downstairs, with private parties on the second floor and a club on the third floor, plus they have a roof-top bar and pool.” says Gabe. 'Luke, I think you should do it and you know how meticulous and precise I am about planning stuff."

“Yeah Bro, I have got to give her props on this one. This is perfect for you. Plus, she got Uncle to let her use the kitchen. We both want to see how he reacts to her being in the actual kitchen.” says North. 

“Mr. Taylor, We did not celebrate your 21st birthday due to us still getting over Sang and that was wrong. You are important and we all love you. We are happy you will be turning another year older, and we want to celebrate it with you. Are you pleased with what Miss Sway has planned for your birthday? If not, I am sure she will accommodate any changes you wish to make."

“Without a doubt, I think it's awesome and it's going to rock. If she thinks she can do it without her messing up what she has planned, then let's get my party started.” as he jumps and starts dancing. 

We all start laughing as North gets up, reaches over and slaps his hand on Luke's shoulder. He leans over and says something to Luke and he smiles and slaps his hand on North's shoulder and nods. 

“Mr. Lee, please page Miss Sway so we can advise her on Luke's decision.” 

“Yes, Mr. Blackbourne”. As I get up to go the phone on the table, I had a vision of Sang nodding her head at us in approval. She would have loved this. I am about to pick up the receiver and hit number 1 to page Emily when I see Mr. B reach into his pocket for his phone. He glances at his phone and states "Wait a minute Mr. Lee. Miss Sway is taking her dog outside in the back to handle his business. She also said the weather center has issued a severe thunderstorm warning. The storm has heavy winds reaching 30 miles per hour, heavy rains and the possibility of hail. They are advising people not to go out until the storm passes."

"She does not want us to leave at the present time and is asking us to stay here until it passes. She will open the garage in the back for us to move our cars in. She said just pull out and circle to the back of the building. She will be out there with her dog. Mr. Korba, please go upstairs to Miss Sway and let her know you are going out back with her and bring them back down here when you come back in."

"Mr. Taylor Jr., Mr. Morgan and Mr. Griffin, please go move our cars and bring in any equipment Mr. Morgan has brought with him, Dr. Green's medical bag and our overnight bags just in case. 

Si jumps up and runs out the room and I can hear him going up the stairs. North, Vic and Nat get up to go get our things. I move out of the way as North, Nat and Vic move past me to go outside. I follow them to the door to make sure they get to the cars alright. It is raining hard, but does not look too bad.

Just then it thunders and lightening streaks across the sky as they get into the cars and back out to go around the building. I hear a chirping sound and then I hear a back door opening. Then I hear a garage door opening. I text Jessica to make sure is is alright. As I read her reply back, I see Nat, Vic, North and Silas come through the room with bags. 

Right behind Silas a dark brown and burnt orange pit bull with big floppy ears and a tail that looks like a question mark up in the air wagging fast. He has a red leash dragging behind him. Emily walks in behind the dog saying 'Heart, come here.' I look at the dog again and it's sitting between North and Si. On his chest is a white heart. It reminds me of Ten and her hidden hearts. 

Her dog really is nice looking as I watch North and Si rub the dog on the head and the side. Emily just huffs and says, “Looks like he's found two new friends.” Heart just looks up and wags his tail faster as Emily smiles at him. "So, have you guys made a decision?” she ask.

Suddenly she is pulled into a hug by Luke and she gasp in shock.

North booms, “Be careful with her Luke. Don't hurt her!”

Luke just rolls his eyes at North and tells Emily: “Yes. I love it and we are excited about your plans. You were able to sway us in your direction. You got the job.”