"yeah, there's something i've been meaning to say to you, baby, but i just can't do it"
chapter five .. i'm in love with you
...
TODAY WAS BELLY'S birthday, and the whole house celebrated for her. the six of them were downstairs, getting everything ready for the celebration. kaia had already turned 16 in december, she liked having a winter birthday, but part of her wished she had a birthday in summer like belly's
kaia stood next to steven, helping him with the pancakes. every year belly would have mickey mouse pancakes for her birthday breakfast and today, they needed to be perfect
"let me flip it," kaia said, already reaching for the spatula in steven's hand
"hey!" he protested, grinning, holding the spatula above his head, just out of reach
kaia crossed her arms over her chest, "okay let's make a bet" she started, "whoever flips the pancake better gets... 5 bucks" she countered
steven narrowed his eyes at her in speculation, "hm, okay, fine. you're on"
kaia nudged her head towards the pan, ushering him to flip the pancake. kaia knew this was an easy win, she just wanted the 5 dollars
steven slid the spatula under the pancake and flipped it, but it landed on the edge of the pan, slightly folded
kaia blew out a breath. "tough luck"
steven rolled his eyes before grinning, "okay whatever, so i can't flip a pancake"
kaia grabbed the spatula from his hand. she angled the pan, slid the spatula under the pancake, and flipped it smoothly. it landed perfectly
kaia turned to face steven, smiling at him. "5 bucks please!" she held out her hand, as if waiting for the money
"fine, fine. later, i promise" he said while laughing
kaia smiled to herself, happy to become 5 dollars richer before belly came into the kitchen, "morning everyone!"
"heyy!!" the group greeted back
susannah went up to her first and hugged her, "theres the birthday girl, looking like a vision in floral, happy birthday!"
jeremiah went up to hug her next, "happy sweet sixteen bells!"
steven turned from the stove, chewing on a piece of bacon. "belly buttons getting old now finally, happy birthday!"
"happy birthday bells! you look stunning, as always!" kaia complimented, turning to look at her from the stove
"thanks everyone!" she said with a wide smile
laurel stepped forward and pulled her into a soft hug, "your mickey mouse pancakes are ready"
belly hesitated for a moment before responding, "actually, i'm not really, uh hungry"
there was a brief pause. laurel nodded gently, her voice quiet "oh"
YOU ARE READING
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...
