30 Days Too Late

Our October Date

Rudy

A ding from my phone interrupts my sleep. I grumble, wondering why I left my ringer on. "Turn it off, Rue," Dex mumbles. Keeping my eyes closed, I feel around my nightstand for my phone. It rings louder, forcing me to cave and open my eyes.

"Hello?" I whisper.

"Hi there!" Lily shouts. I hang up immediately, tossing my phone across the room and burying my head in my pillow. Then the doorbell rings, and I feel Dexter shift beside me. "Did you tell Lily about our date?" he asks. I open my eyes to find him hovering above me.

Running my hand through his wild hair before resting it on his cheek, I reply, "No, I didn't."

He leans into my touch and lowers himself to kiss me. I melt into his kiss, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. The doorbell rings again and Dexter leaves my bed. I sigh and roll over, watching his nice ass walk away. I need to ask that piece of ass how his x-ray went this morning.

"We were asleep," Dexter says. I hear quick steps and multiple bodies enter my bedroom. Lily opens my blinds and I shy away from the sun.

"Rudy!" Viola shouts angrily and I shout up. I rub my eyes and everyone's staring at me. Especially Dexter, with his arms crossed and shooting me a disapproving glare.

"What'd I do?" I ask.

"Us, Viola and Devan are going to the pumpkin patch. We want you guys to come along for photos," Lily explains. I sigh, understanding why Dexter is giving me that look, and I sigh. I understand why Dexter is giving me that look, but I still didn't tell them about our date.

"We're busy," I say, and Dexter nods in agreement.

"With what?" Lily presses.

I didn't think this far ahead. "Uh... with," I mumble, looking to Dexter for support. "A doctor's appointment," I finally say. They turn to Dexter with serious expressions, and he uncrosses his arms.

"Rudy!" Dexter grumbles.

"We were planning on going to the pumpkin patch today as a date," I admit, and they relax. "Well, we have to get to the pumpkin patch before all the crazy moms. Get dressed," Devan insists. So, it looks like we're still going, just turning it into a triple date.

"I'm going like this," I announce, sliding into my slippers and adjusting my pajama pants.

"You're serious," Lily frowns and I nod. Dexter kicks them out of my room and I fall back on my bed. I'm still tired, hungry and my fists hurt from punching Marco.

I raise my hands and examine my red knuckles. I would've thought the irritation would have gone down by now. I glance at my door; Dexter still hasn't come back. I need to ask him how his appointment went. Heading to our bathroom, I notice the ice skaters in our living room, which means Dexter must be in there.

I hesitate to enter, watching from the door as Dexter retches into the sink. Blood slips from his mouth, and he sets down his toothbrush. I clutch my chest, trying to calm my racing heart, and take a deep breath before stepping in. Dexter wipes his mouth clean with a towel as he spots me. I prep my toothbrush, trying not to give myself away.

But if I don't say something, I'll have a heart attack. "How was your x-ray?" I ask. His hands grip the sink tightly as he stares down at the faint bloodstains. His eyes dart around, searching for a response, and short, shaky breaths escape his lips.

"It was fine. I should get a call tonight or tomorrow," he replies, and I nod.

He runs his hand through his hair, leaving it there. He looks overwhelmed, on the verge of tears. I step closer, and he turns to me. I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.