"He kissed you? Ahh!" Melinda let out a high pitched squeal before burying her face into her pillow and kicking her feet. "No way!
A nervous, giddy feeling rushed back over me as if Calum was still in the room.
"He did! I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that it was perfect!" This time I was the one who squealed.
"Leisa, this is incredible! You guys are so cute together. And his body is nothing short of amazing..."
I scoffed at her, throwing the volleyball I had been kicking around at her stomach.
"I had to check him out before I let him in my house! He is quite easy on the eyes as well." She wiggled her eyebrows and then giggled. "You know it's true."
Shaking my head, I began to gather my things. My aunt had already texted me three times to make sure I remembered to meet her for brunch. "He's gorgeous. If he was any better looking, he'd almost be too perfect."
After the last of my things had been rounded up and put away, we made our way out of Melinda's room and on to the front porch. She stayed on the steps while I made the walk to my car.
"Well, if you need my services again, let me know. I'm always down for a good rebellion." She winked before saying goodbye and prancing back into the house.
*
On the way to her favorite coffee shop, my aunt texted me a few more times questioning my whereabouts.
10:27 AM
Hi, sunshine! Hope you're on your way!
10:35 AM
Are you almost here? I'm excited to get started!
10:41 AM
I will buy you brunch for a week if you hurry.
Pulling into the parking lot of the cafe, I snorted at the last text. While Grace was highly entertaining, I couldn't help but wish that it was Calum texting me instead of her. With a sigh, I left my car and made my way to towards the door. As my hand went out to touch the metallic handle, I heard someone calling my name.
To my left, I saw Grace sitting at a table underneath a peach and yellow striped umbrella. I smiled as I walked over to her, both happy to see her and intrigued by her outfit. She sat before me in a wide, violet sunhat that drooped around the sides of her face and contained her wild curls. Her neck was adorned with a chunky orange statement necklace that glinted in the sun. Her strapless dress was a printed wildly with fuschia, lavender, and orange flowers. The table prevented me from seeing her shoes.
For that, I was almost grateful.
"Hey, sorry I'm late. I was at Melinda's house and lost track of time."
Grace beamed up at me. "No worries! Sit, sit! I hope you don't mind. I ordered for you."
Pulling out a chair, I sat my bag in the free one next to me and was instantly caught up in Grace's whirlwind. She talked about seating charts, flower arrangements, and color schemes.
Whether she wanted to go classic white or a bold red.
Or if people would enjoy crab instead of lobster. She even considered having a Candy Land theme.
I couldn't get a word in, so I nodded along, adding an occasional "Mhmm" or "yeah, that's perfect".
My plate was nearly clean when my phone began ringing in my bag. "Oops. Sorry, I'll just-"
The words were just stuck in my throat.
Calum was calling.
And I couldn't pick up.
Inwardly, I was screaming. Grace took a sip of her latte and eyed me.
"What's up?"
Drawing up my shoulders, I tossed the phone aside. "It's nothing. Really. Now tell me more about this chocolate fountain. Will there be dippable objects or-."
"Save it, Leisa. I've known you your whole life. I had to change your diapers after your father passed out. Spill it, kid."
I drummed my fingers on the table, debating on if I really wanted to tell her the truth or not. The more people that new I was sneaking around to see Calum, the higher the chance got for the information landing in the wrong hands.
But this was the lady who snuck off and eloped at 19. If anyone would understand, it was Grace.
"Fine..." I stalled for more time, still unsure if confessing was the right thing to do.
"Leisa. Now."
"Alright, alright! I-I've been seeing someone. Just this guy. And it wouldn't be a big deal if dad didn't hate him, but he does. He's bad enough with people he doesn't actually know. But with this one...he's had more than one opportunity to get to know him."
Grace frowned, stirring around the ice cubes in her drink.
"What do you mean?"
"His name is Calum. And dad says he's been sentencing him since he was 12. He also said something along the lines of 'he has no respect for me or authority'." Grace snickered at my imitation of my father.
"Oh, honey. Classic unrequited love story. Oh, I love it!"
I grinned at her, but still clung on to a sliver of fear.
"But Grace, you cannot tell anyone. And I mean anyone. If the wrong people find out, I'll never be allowed to be out of my father's sight, and Calum will be exiled for sure."
