An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Lena's Home

LENA POV

"Thank you for driving me home, Stef. But I feel like I shouldn't have left my car here. You had a long day." I say as we head up the walkway, and I turn to see her shaking her head.

"Len, even if you brought your own car I'd ask you to call me when you got home. And you know how badly you are at that." She jokes as I crack a small smile and we stand outside my front door. "Thank you for being there tonight. Your support meant a lot to me, Len, seriously, and you don't need to come tomorrow night. I know you have a life and it's your turn with the kids."

"Stefanie Marie Foster, I care about you, so it was very easy for me to be there. And OF course I will be there tomorrow with our kids. It's their family too. How many times do I need to tell you I care about you?Mm?" I ask moving closer to her and cupping her cheek as she stares back into my eyes gently grabbing my hand.

"Probably forever." She jokes as I lean in and kiss her cheek.

"Thank you for taking me home. Listen, I know we had dessert, but would you like a cup of tea?" I ask as she softly smiles at me gently grabbing my hand for we had been affectionate all night and I wasn't sure if we were even aware of it

"Honestly, I'd love one."

Unlocking my door she steps in as I realize this is thr first time I've invited her in for the last few times, Stef showed up on her own which well was just like her.

"Which would you like Chamomile, Peppermint? Or no, I know Earl Grey."

"You know it." She winks pulling a chair out as I boil some water with my kettle and grab two mugs. I hear her light a smoke as I turn around watching her run her fingers through her growing hair.

"How did you feel about seeing them? It seemed you enjoyed it, love."

"I have to say it went better than how I built it up in my damn head. It was nice to see them, and well, I missed them, Len."

"I know you did, but I think it was too painful to realize that. I think it also helped that they apologized to you and I'm glad they did. I'm also glad you accepted it." I say pulling a chair out and sitting across from her as I grab her smoke and take a puff as she continues to stare right at me.

"Unfortunately you know me well which is both a blessing and a curse." She laughs as I smile.

"I think that tattoo created a sense of closure for you too, Stef. And like I told you in the car, I'm proud of you. "

"Yeah, well I'm proud of you too, honey. Making something of yourself and using your talents. I love seeing it."

"Oh well, I'm trying. I could do more." I say hearing the tea kettle as I stand and bring our mugs over. Sitting back at the table with her, she looks at me confused.

"Well, we could all always do more but what do you mean, sweets?" She asks as I find myself hesitating as I sip my tea. "Len?"

"Stef, I'm about doing things for myself, you know. Not for favors or because people in higher positions can get it for me."

"I know that very well about you, but what are you referring to, love? What? Denni trying to move you up on the food chain because she has clout and you don't want it?" She asks as I wish she had not guessed, and I can only laugh.

"I mean, you're not wrong, but she...her contract was renewed through the end of the year and she wants me to have my own class, but I didn't earn that! I lost that chance when I decided gambling was more important than life in general," I say as I didn't even realize that's how I felt until now as Stef frowns and moves her chair closer to me.