Opposites Attract - Rhea Ripley

Chapter 6 - Tension.

2 Weeks Later...

My eyes fluttered open, the slight ache of my legs and back reminding me that I had spent the entire of yesterday stood up at work. Groaning softly, I rolled out of bed and stretched, my muscles protesting against the movement as I made my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. As I checked my phone, I smiled to myself, remembering that Demi would be coming over today!

After getting dressed and making sure the house was presentable, I went downstairs and poured myself a cup of coffee, sitting at the kitchen table and taking a moment to breathe in the scent of the freshly ground beans. The smell was enough to make my stomach rumble with anticipation. I glanced at the clock on the wall, noting that it was still a little early, but Demi would be here soon enough.

"Y'know, you only wake up early when Demi comes over." Dad came in, playfully smacking my arm, a teasing smile on his face. I couldn't help but laugh as I poured him a cup of coffee too, I didn't even need to ask him,

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm allowed to have a crush, aren't I?" I smirked, taking a sip of my coffee.

Dad just laughed and leaned against the counter, watching me with a fond expression. The kitchen was small, but it was cozy, filled with the smell of coffee and the sound of the clock ticking on the wall. I couldn't help but feel content in this moment, surrounded by the familiarity of home.

"I think this is the first time in a while that you've been awake before your mum." Dad smiled, sipping his coffee. I laughed, shaking my head.

I heard the floorboards creak above us, the sound I had learnt to associate with my mum padding around the house. "Morning, love," she called down, her voice muffled by the stairs. "Demi's on her way, right?"

Dad nodded, grinning. "Yep, she should be here any minute now." He turned back to me. "So, what do you have planned for the day?"

I smiled, taking another sip of coffee. "I don't know, just talk and listen to music, maybe play a few games."

As we talked, I heard the doorbell ring. I jumped up, practically sprinting out of the kitchen to the front door. Demi was standing on the porch, her bright smile lighting up the entire world. She was wearing a pair of black jeans and a faded gray t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, a few rebellious strands framing her face. Even though she was already beautiful, she looked even more stunning with a genuine smile on her lips.

I pulled her into a deep hug, breathing in her familiar scent as I closed my eyes. "God, I've missed you," I murmured into her shoulder. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I've missed you too, you big goofball," she laughed, returning my hug. "How was work?"

I moved aside, letting her in, before closing the door and leading her into the living room. "A bit tiring, I was on my feet the entire day," I replied, taking a seat on the couch. "How about you? How are things going at the bar?"

Demi shrugged, "Eh, the usual. Cleaning up vomit, refusing drinks to already drunk people...you know, the glamorous life of a bartender." She grinned, sitting down on the couch across from me. "But it's fine, I actually like my job."

I nodded, smiling back. "That's good to hear. So, what do you want to do today? We can go to the park, or maybe just stay in and watch movies or something."

"I remember when I slept over that night when we got drunk and I saw how many movies you had, you have to show me them all. I could never get bored watching movies with you," Demi said, grinning. "But first, I'm starving. I can order some pizza or something? Maybe we can pick out a movie while we wait."