Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 76: Aspirations

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

Hope leans against the counter, watching Josie help Freya and Caroline start prepping for dinner.

Josie smiles sweetly, walking over to leave a kiss to Hope's cheek, "I'm sure. I get to spend more time with your family, and Lizzie's looking forward to spending some one on one time with you. She called me out for not sharing you more often." She scoffs  softly, earning a small chuckle from the Tribrid.

Lizzie asked Hope to take her to a few shops and see a few sights in the Quarter. 

Or more accurately, she insisted Hope take her so they could spend time together.

She knows Hope is likely going to take Josie for some grand romantic tour at some point during their trip, so she thinks it's a fair deal.

Josie still senses Hope's hesitation to leave her, since it's their first night in New Orleans.

She smiles, reading the thoughts running through the auburn haired girl's mind, "It'll mean a lot to her, Hope. I have plenty of company here at the compound. You don't have to worry."

After a moment's pause, Hope nods, "Okay."

She hears Kol fake a cough and mutter under his breath as he enters the kitchen, "Whipped."

She only shoots him a glare while Josie tries to fight a smirk.

"Hope! I'm ready!" Lizzie calls out as they hear her coming down the stairs.

"In here Lizzie," Josie calls back, winking to Hope before going back to chopping the vegetables.

Marcel reminds them when Lizzie enters the kitchen, "You two be careful. If you need anything at all—"

"We'll let you know, I promise," Hope reassures him.

Lizzie turns to Hope, "I'm assuming you're gonna sneak out and meet me outside?"

Hope nods, "Go out the front door and turn left. I'll meet you at the first street corner."

Lizzie mocks playfully, "Yes ma'am."

———

A little over an hour later, the two walk down the sidewalk, taking in the sights, with Hope carrying a few of shopping bags for Lizzie.

So far, the only things that have really drawn in Hope's attention are the artwork and street performers. And luckily, there haven't been any suspicious characters lurking around.

But then Lizzie notices Hope's eyes are focused on a particular shop not too far in front of them.

Hope's stride slows a bit as they reach it, her eyes lingering on the items through the window.

Rings.

Lizzie smiles sweetly, "Don't tell me you've already got wedding fever? The wedding isn't even until tomorrow."

When the corners of Hope's lips upturn and she half-shrugs, Lizzie's eyes widen, a small gasp leaves her lips, and she stops in her tracks, "Wait, are you really thinking about proposing?!"

Hope sighs, stopping with the girl on the sidewalk, nodding almost sheepishly, "Of course I am. I've been thinking about it for a while actually."