Sweet Family Of War - Book 7

First Date

LENA POV

"How did you manage this? I'm so confused! I thought that there was a waiting list or something?" I laugh softly as Stef and I had managed to bike a couple of miles on Coronado Island, and now we are stopped at a private beach area where we lean our bikes against a palm tree.

It was beautiful here and Stef had promised to take me when we first got married but time had gotten away from us. Honestly, I really didn't think she would even remember considering how much it seemed all we did was fight and hate each other over the past year or so. But deep inside I still was very nervous about this date because I didn't want it to end up being a mistake or to cause us to have another major blowout.

"Well, that's what they'd like you to think, but if I'm honest, Phillip knew someone who got me the bike rental for almost nothing. We don't actually have to return them for 24 hours," Stef smiles as she unties the picnic basket from the back of her bike, and I hurry over to help.

"Here, let me," I say as I quickly pull my hair up, and she winks at me causing me to blush. She was still rather calm, and pretty playful and she looked so nice today. I wanted to tell her, but I didn't know how as she looks right at me and smiles and I can't help but smile back.

"You don't have to do a damn thing except look pretty."

"But, I..."

"No. Not at all." She motions me to follow her as we find a nice shady area, and she sets down the basket before pulling out a blanket from her satchel. "You can help me with this, though. Reminds me of when you used to take me to the beach on base and you'd draw and I'd watch."

"Oh my god, I sketched you without permission that first time," I laugh as I help her spread the giant blanket, and slide my shoes off before sitting on it while she laughs and begins pulling out various wrapped plates of food.

I loved thinking back on that time when we had first met and got to know each other. We were so young, we were so innocent, and Stef was...Stef was so beautiful with her long, wavy hair and bangs that covered her eyes.

"Honestly, I was flattered. I never had someone draw me let alone take much interest in me as a person before you came along."

"But you are a wonderful person that people should take interest in." I say as she looks at me and smiles. "I mean you are. You are very caring and funny and, you are kind." I continue to ramble as the smile remains on her face.

"Well thank you love. That is very nice of you to say."

"Of course. You're welcome." I play with my fingers nervously now as I catch her staring at me again and I quickly look away.

"But you were always different for me Lena. Always."

"Really? I know you've told me that before, but what made me different? I'm curious. Is it because I'm a woman?" I tease as she hands me a wine glass filled with my favorite sparkling water that has a hint of strawberry flavor in it.

This entire thing felt really nice and I had almost forgotten how romantic Stef could really be. Even if we were JUST friends. Maybe it was easier for her? Maybe she didn't feel so much pressure as obsessed compared to just being my wife.

"Yes. But it was more. I was very drawn to your...your aura as I'm sure my mother would put it," she rolls her eyes as I laugh and take the plate of food she hands me.

"But now? Now, we realize we're better off friends, right?" I ask as my heart hammers and she sets her plate of food down as she rummages for her cigarettes.

"You think that?" She looks at me as she lights a smoke and I sigh softly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get heavy. But ummm, I love all the food you packed. They're all my favorites," I laugh awkwardly as I pop a red grape in mouth.