Hello, Sweetheart

C H A P T E R 18

I wake up, I stare at the ceiling that I just realized that hand drawn paintings dance across the ceiling. I take second before sitting up, admiring the way the sun blends into an orange and then a faint red. 

I carefully stand up and quietly walk to the door, not wanting to disturb Keaton. I slowly open the door, but it opens with a awfully loud creak. My head snaps over to Keaton has he changes sleeping positions. 

I breathe out a sigh of relief and open the door, walking out into the hallway and silently stepping down the stairs. I hear faint French music playing in the kitchen. I peek my head around the corner that leads to the kitchen before fully making my entrance. 

I watch Melinda sitting at the dining table, her hands wrapped around a blue mug with a bold letter 'M' on the front. I watch her softly put her lips to the rim of the mug to drink the warm, steaming beverage. 

I walk into the kitchen, a soft smile on my face. "Hello Mrs. Hayes...How're you doing?" I sit down across from her, reaching for her hand gently. She lets me grab her hand and returns a warm smile back to me. "Hanging in there...!" she rubs a thumb over my hand and hums along to the woman singing the beautiful French tune. 

I get up, releasing her hand from my hold. I walk to the kitchen, seeing a sink full of dirty plates and silverware stacked up. I grab a soft sponge and drizzle a bit of soap on the dishes and start scrubbing, the soap suds dripping off the plates as I rinse it off with water. 

"You know, ever since you suggested hot chocolate, that's all I been drinking if I'm being honest." she laughs and re-adjusts herself in the chair. I smile and continue scrubbing at the dirt silverware and plates. 

She slowly gets up and walks over to the sink and places a hand on my lower back. "Lacey, I am so grateful my son found such a beautiful, respectful young lady. You changed him in such a beautiful way love, he seems happy, you're helping him sweetheart." she touches my hand, that warm smile still plastered on her face. 

Guilt floods through my entire body. The thought of Keaton sitting at the diner ordering his psychotic beverage and having the audacity to offer me the opportunity to be his fake plus one to his sister's wedding. I feel absolutely horrible to pretend to be dating her son and for her to think I'm actually changing him makes me ache with guiltiness. 

I nod, going with her statement. "I mean...I'll always be there for him! He's really...sweet." I clear my throat and put the dishes and silverware on the drying rack and dry my hands off with a blue plaid rag. "Well, if you don't mind, I have to get upstairs and get ready...me and Rhea were planning on going out for the night." Melinda nods quickly. 

"Oh, absolutely sweetie!! I'm completely sorry if I kept you here for too long, you have fun honey!" she smiles once again and heads towards the living room to relax. 

I walk towards the steps and walk towards my bedroom. I close the door behind me and let out a scream when I turn around and see a figure sitting on my bed on their side, staring at me. 

I let out a sigh of relief when my vision becomes a bit more focused. It's just Rhea. "God Rhea! I would love a warning next time." I put a hand to my chest to catch my breath and Rhea laughs. 

She actually laughs. 

I turn around when I hear the door swing open and Keaton is standing there, fear in his eyes. "Are you alright? You look like you just seen a ghost."

Rhea come up behind me. "Or Shrek in lingerie..." I elbow her in the side to stop her from saying anything worse. She mumbles something under her breath as she rubs her side with the palm of her hand. 

Keaton grabs my hand. "I heard you scream. Is everything alright? Are you hurt? Do you need anything, need me to call anyone?" he talks quickly, checking ever spot of me for any wound or mark. 

I carefully remove my hand from his grip and laugh softly. "Keaton, I'm alright! I just screamed because Rhea decided to scare me." I turn my head to glare at her. She puts her hands up in surrender. 

I roll my eyes and face Keaton with sympathy. "Trust me, I'm perfectly fine Keaton, no need to worry! Me and Rhea were going to go ahead and go somewhere for the night." I smile and he leans against the doorframe staring at the both of us. 

"Like where? Is Callum going? You two aren't going by yourself, right?" His eyes switch to me then Rhea, his arms crossed. 

Rhea clears her throat. "Well, Keaton. I am 22 years old; I don't need a man to take me places, me and Lacey were going to have some quality girly time. By ourselves." she says the last sentence harshly, so he can get the message. 

Keaton looks at his phone. "Well, not gonna happen...sorry to tell you girls, it's at night, do you guys not watch crime shows? Anything could happen while alone. Me or Callum or going." 

Rhea tries to protest. "B-But!! Keaton, I'm 22!! I don't need my husband or my brother travelling around with me and my best friend." She gently grabs me by the arm, and I smile, knowing she thinks of me as her best friend makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. '

Keaton shakes one of his fingers back and forth and shakes his head no. "Give it up Rhea, you're not going alone, I'll call Callum and we can both come." he smiles innocently and walks towards his bedroom, making sure he has the last word in the argument. 

Rhea rolls her eyes and pouts. I laugh and pat her on the arm, leading her towards the closet. "Let's get ready Rhe." I open the door and she let out a soft giggle.