Risk & Reward

Twenty-Five

"Calum!" Shi jumps as the front door slams, hearing whoever it is calling out. "Who's fancy pants? And why are they parked in your driveway?" Her blood runs a bit cold as she realizes who's voice that is. Not that she's afraid of him, but she was not prepared to meet Luke yet.

"Uh, hi." She stutters a bit as he comes around the corner from the entry into the living room. "I happen to be fancy pants, but most people call me Shi. Calum should be getting out of the shower."

"Do—" He freezes as well, seeming to also be trying to figure out what to say and how to say it.

"I'm assuming you're carpooling to the studio today?" She tries to break the tension some.

"Who are you?" He totally ignores her question, his eyebrows creased in curiosity.

"Shilo Thomas, or Shi for short. I take it you haven't been informed about us yet. Well, Cal told my best friend so I guess it's only fair I tell you." She laughs, "I'm Calum's girlfriend."

"His what?" Luke's eyes bug out as she says it.

"It's still fairly new, don't kill him please." Shi chuckles.

"Did I hear Luke?" Calum's oblivious voice comes from the hallway before he enters the space. "I did."

"You have a girlfriend?" Luke asks rather loudly.

"Ya, Luke, Shi, Shi, Luke." He motions between them as introduction.

"We got that far on our own, thanks though." Shi laughs.

"You have a girlfriend, Cal?" Luke repeats.

"Don't act so shocked, Luke. I'm not a lost cause yet." Calum rolls his eyes.

"How long have you two been a thing?" Luke questions, following Calum like a curious puppy dog into the kitchen.

"We met in June, had our first date mid-July, and officially got together a couple weeks ago." Calum answers calmly.

"So you decided to just let me walk into your house to meet a total stranger on your couch?"

"I banked on you being late, thought I'd be out here before you got here." Calum chuckles, enjoying the panicked state Luke is in.

"If it makes you feel better, he didn't tell me you guys were carpooling, so you're a surprise to me too." Shi offers.

"I—" Luke turns to fully look at Shi again. "I have so many questions, but I'm being extremely rude. I'm sorry. It is nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too, Luke. I'm a big fan of your music, solo and band." She offers a smile.

"Thank you. Um, we have to go, but I would love to properly meet you sometime, not like this."

"You'll all get to properly meet her, Luke, I don't plan on letting her go anytime soon." Calum chuckles, sitting himself down on the couch beside Shi. "Now, a house key is on the counter if you need or want to leave for a bit, as is my address in case you want to order food here and need the whole thing. I'll let you know when we're headed back. Don't work too hard today, you're supposed to be on a break." He adds knowingly.

"You're going to find me in the exact same spot when you get back, hopefully ahead on this week's projects. One workaholic is not allowed to tell another not to overwork. Especially when she's being left alone all day." She rolls her eyes at him. "Have fun. And maybe fill your friends in a bit, we know we can trust them." She adds.

"How's that going so far?" He frowns slightly.

"Haven't even looked. Not my issue right now."

"Alright, have a good day, I'll probably grab dinner for us on my way home."