"sometimes when i look into your eyes, i pretend you're mine all the damn time"
chapter four.. delicate
...
"A FEW SMALL housekeeping bits i'd like to go over, we have a lot to look forward to this season. now i understand that some of you may think that debbing is outdated, it's something you're doing to appease your families, but the cousins debutante ball is a part of history." paige explained
belly nudged kaia's shoulder discreetly and tilted her chin toward shayla, who was holding a flask, pouring the alcohol into her teacup. kaia covered her mouth, stifling a laugh as the flask made its way around the table
paige carried on "debs, at each table is a big sister who will guide you through the season. so please, introduce yourselves!"
nicole turned in her seat to face kaia and belly, "hey little sisters!"
kaia smiled warmly, "hey!"
belly laughed nervously, "hey!"
nicole leaned in slightly, her tone casual, "honestly, my parents made me do it last year because y'know like, all the women in my family have done it" she started, "but my big sis was great and i actually ended up having a lot of fun! so just.. don't be nervous. okay?"
kaia nodded appreciatively as nicole passed the flask toward them. kaia politely shook her head
"uhh, no thanks, i'm good, but uh, i'll be right back," belly said, rising from her seat and heading out of the room
as belly left, kaia realized she didn't know much about nicole and her brother's relationship, she wanted to do a little digging. she nonchalantly turned her body towards the older girl, placing her hand on her chin
"sooo, nicole, you and my brother" kaia started, "hows that going?"
nicole gave a small laugh, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, "i think good?"
kaia tilted her head, "why the hesitation?"
nicole sighed, glancing down at her teacup filled with alcohol, "sometimes we're great and then other times it feels like" she paused and took a sip, "well, he's just not really connecting with me"
kaia nodded in understanding, "yeah, thats conrad"
kaia couldn't help but feel a little bad. nicole seemed genuine, kind even. and she probably deserved more consistency than conrad was capable of giving
"but," kaia added, softening her voice, "i think conrad's just in a weird headspace right now. i know he likes you, he's mentioned you a few times"
nicoles expression brightened and she gave kaia a warm smile
"i'll actually take some of that" kaia said, nudging her head toward the flask
nicole grinned and poured some in her cup, kaia took a sip, her face scrunching up in surprise. kaia had never had serious alcohol, only a few sips of beer here and there
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close to you ☼ steven conklin
Romanceevery summer since kaia fisher was born, her mothers best friend laurel and her two kids would join them at the beach house. fortunately for kaia, she looked especially forward to seeing laurel's son, steven conklin, who she's been in love with sinc...
