Book 5: I'll Wait, Dear (Steven Adler FanFic)

Ch. 25: We Are Family

As the afternoon progressed, I caught myself sneaking glances at the blond drummer whenever I got the chance. I couldn't help it. He looked adorable in his swim trunks and "Kiss the Cook!" apron that he wore as he grilled up burgers and hot dogs for everyone. Catherine seemed just as entranced by Steven as I was, as she and CC never quite left his side ever since she had first danced for him.

I watched in silence as Catherine would occasionally tug at Steven's apron to get his attention. Her tugging would cause him to constantly crouch down to pat her on the head. It seemed as though he was ruffling her hair and leaning down to kiss her more than he was manning the grill. My heart was melting at the sight.

"Rory!"

I whipped my head in the direction of whoever it was who had called my name, and saw four other girls waving back at me. They had all huddled into the bar area beside the pool, hiding under the awning in the shade and away from the blazing California sun.

I noticed Jordyn was waving especially hard at me, her smile was cheery. Max was sipping at her beer, tearing her eyes away from me as soon as we locked eyes. Hazel was blushing slightly and sucking some water through a straw, and the mysterious blonde whom I still hadn't had the chance to meet was busying herself with her daughter, who she was currently slathering in sun screen.

"Hey," I greeted the group of girls as I made my way over to their little cluster.

"I'm so glad you made it!" Jordyn chirped, standing to pull me into a hug that was tighter than her bikini.

She smelled of fruits and bubblegum, and her skin had a healthy, bronzed glow to it. I couldn't help but smile at the warmth of her personality, as well as the tenderness in her embrace. Perhaps I had misjudged her after all.

"Me too. I haven't been out in ages."

That was true. Hours of paying bills all day and stripping all night had started to take its toll on me. It felt good to finally get some fresh air and see someone other than my daughter or Liz.

"Rory, nice to meet you! I'm Izzy's wife, Aberdeen. But you can call me Abby. I'd shake your hand but..."

The girl smiled sheepishly down at her hands, which were still coated in sun screen.

"Likewise. And don't worry about it," I reassured her.

Glancing down at her daughter, I was taken aback by how much the child resembled her father. Now that I was closer, it was easy to see the same pale skin, slim features, and dark hair that her father had. She was a spitting image of the rhythm guitarist.

"And who might you be?" I asked Abby's daughter, stooping low so that we were nearly eye to eye.

The tiny girl tugged gently on the fuscha tutu on the bottom of her bathing suit. "Izzy."

I blinked, dumbfounded. Had they really named her after her father? "Oh...what a pretty name!"

Abby laughed, a smooth sound that slid through the air like a trail of silk. "Her name is Isabel. Izzy is her nickname."

"Ain't she adorable? She's gonna' break some hearts," Jordyn said proudly, giving Isabel a knowing wink.

"Or some legs," Max grinned deviously, reaching out her fist. I watched, amused, as Isabel punched her tiny fist against Max's.

"No! Stop influencing her to be like you! I want her to be like Auntie Jay!" Jordyn whined, pouting her lips.

"I'd rather her take after her Auntie Hazel," Abby teased, sticking her tongue out at Jordyn, who feigned shock at Abby's words.