Then I Met You (Sequel to Accidental Romance)

Chapter Three

"Please Theresa let me help with that!" I said, as I tried to help Cole's mother with dinner.

"No, don't be silly. You just sit and relax, you've been at work all day!"

"I can still help" I said, trying again to take the spoon off her.

"No. Now out of my kitchen, shoo!" Theresa shooed me out of the kitchen and into the living room where Cole and Dalton were sitting on the couch playing PlayStation.

"She still won't let me help!" I huffed as I flopped onto the couch.

"Stop trying" Dalton suggested, not taking his eyes off the screen.

I gave him a look, and saw him smile.

"It's not right, I should be helping"

"Megan, you already do your own laundry and clean up after yourself and do the housework on your days off." Cole said, pausing the game and looking at me.

"I know, but I'm not really a guest, I'd like to pull my own weight, especially since your parents wont accept any money for rent." About a week after I had gotten back to L.A. with Cole and his mum, I had begun looking for my own apartment, which had resulted in a very big argument between Cole and me, with his mum firmly on his side. When I had finally relented, I tried to give Theresa money for board, which she had flatly refused to accept. I was 'family' now. No matter how many times I'd tried arguing or guilting her and Cole's dad into taking money, it wasn't going to happen. So, since they wouldn't accept any money, I tried to help out as much as possible around the house. Theresa was always busy running errands and doing stuff for or with Cole for the band, I wanted to help out around the house and make her life a bit easier.

"Just let that go would you?" Cole sighed.

I rolled my eyes at him. He saw nothing wrong with me not paying rent in the first place.

"Dinners ready!"

I got up and walked to the dining table, the boys trailing behind me.

"Smells great, thank you." I said, sitting at the table and smiling at Cole's mum.

"Thank you sweetheart."

"Yeah thanks Miss Therese" Dalton said.

"Thanks momma" Cole said, kissing her cheek before sitting down.

The rest of the evening passed rather quietly. I managed to get Theresa to agree to let me do the dishes, on the proviso that they boys helped as well (much to their disgust), and then relaxed on the couch with Cole and his mum.

"Oh I meant to ask you Megan, what are your plans for Christmas?" I looked up at Cole's mum who had just spoken. "Cole and I are going back to Texas, and of course you are more than welcome to come with us, I just wasn't sure if you would be going home for the holidays or..." She trailed off, looking at Cole's face.

I glanced up and saw fear on his face.

"Oh, uh." I stammered a little. "I hadn't really thought about that." I said, glancing from Cole back to his mother.

"Well that's ok, you just let me know when you've figured out your plans."

"I will. Thank you" I smiled at her and returned my attention to the television, worrying making knots in my stomach.

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"So, are you going home for Christmas?" Cole blurted out, as we got ready for bed later that night.