An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

This Warm House

STEF POV

"Oh my GOD! What in tarnation took you both so long?! We thought you fell into a ditch or worse got car-jacked and your car rolled on the side of a mountain!" Julius says rather dramatically as I carry my bag along with Lena's into Gary and Marty's home while I look at him and shake my head almost forgetting how dramatic he could be.

"Really? As if I'd let that happen." I scoff as Lena and I both engulf Gary and Marty in big hugs for I didn't realize how much I missed them.

"Ignore him, babies. How are our two favorite people? So good to have you both here as always." Gary says kissing my cheek as I squeeze his hand back smiling widely at him. "You, girls must be tired. We have some left overs and a nice pink lemonade if you want before turning in. You know the deal! This is your home, and you help yourself like always."

"Oh, we grabbed something on the way. But lemonade does sound good." Lena smiles as I wink at her not even realizing our hands had found their way back to each other as she squeezes mine. Honestly, I was grateful and relieved that our fight in the car didn't turn into some nasty and horrific fight like it used to in the past, and I think she was too.

I was working so hard on both my anger and communication in therapy, but I was human. I was, and I knew I wasn't perfect, and AA was teaching me a great deal about what my drinking had done to my personality as well as my anger and temperament. Even weaning off of it had done a great deal, but life had been so much clearer since. Not saying it wasn't a struggle, but it was very different seeing life with a clearer vision and mind.

"Well come, let's get some, honey." Marty says as we follow everyone into the kitchen that I loved and one that brought back so many good memories for their home had always served as a safe haven for us and our children. Lena and I had been very lucky to make the friends we did when we were younger, as Gary pours a few glasses of pink lemonade and Lena turns to look at me smiling.

"Want some lemonade, babe?"

"No, I'm good, sweetheart." I return the smile as she grabs her glass of lemonade, her hand finding mine again as I glance over at Julius who wiggles his eyebrows up and down at me, and I roll my eyes at his foolishness.

"Where's Philly? He turn in for the night?" She asks as Julius sips his lemonade, and rolls his own eyes rather dramatically as he huffs loudly.

"Asleep! You know he can't hang long. He goes to bed earlier than my grandmother."

"Well, it is almost one, and we need to get up early." I say as I laugh. "And what grandmother? Didn't she pass when you were like five?"

"YES, MISSY! BUT SHE went to bed at like 7!" He sasses back sipping his drink again as Lena looks at me amused, and I smile softly at her wanting more than anything to lay beside her in bed and feel her body close to mine all night.

"Well, it's late, babies, so feel free to head upstairs. You know where your room is." Marty says as Lena looks over at me blushing as she clears her throat, and I squeeze her hand gently now.

"Umm, okay, sure. Thank you, Marty. I'm actually gonna shower and crash. It's been a long day," She says gently pulling away from me and fully avoiding my eyes now as she goes to grab her bag, but I stop her and take it softly.

"I got it, love," I whisper as I look back at the guys. "Good night. We're leaving at what time? 6? 7?"

"Oh, honey, why are you rushing out the door? Is this a race??????" Julius almost hollers as I roll my eyes again and look back at Gary and Marty who are laughing.

"We planned on being on the road no later than 8, baby," Gary answers. "Don't listen to this Queen. He's dramatic as fuck! We do want to get there before dark."