friends //cody bellinger

twenty

   "How do you keep getting these late flights booked?" I ask Cody while I finish packing the rest of my stuff.

"We have an option to go with the team when the next day is an off day."

"Okay, so that explains the trip here and the trip we'll take in a few days, but how'd you get a later flight for this trip?"

"I told Doc that I have family out here and that they wanted to go to dinner, so he let me take a later flight."

I nod and zip up my suitcase. "Can't I just stay home next time you're on the road?"

"Are you crazy? Last time I left you alone-" He cut himself off but quickly started speaking again. "You know what happened. I'm going to risk you getting hurt."

"The guy who did that to me in the first place is on your fucking team! Who's to say he's not going to do it while I'm here with you?"

"Because anytime I'm away from you while we're on the road, it means he's gone too. Whenever I'm away from you, it means he is too."

"That doesn't give any reason why I can't stay at the apartment! I'd be even further from Chase. Technically I'd be safer. "

"We're done discussing this Emberly, get your suitcase, the uber's here so let's go."

I roll my eyes and grab my suitcase. Cody opens the door and lets me go first. I lead us down the hallway and out towards the lobby. Cody checks out with the front desk lady then we're going out the front doors where there's a car waiting.

Cody holds my car door open for me, but I walked straight past him and open my own door on the other side of the car.

"What are you even mad about?" He whispers angrily to me

"Apparently I can't tell you since we're done discussing it," I reply with a shrug.

"Because there was no reason to keep the conversation going!" His tone sharpens, and his voice raises.

"Then there's no reason to keep this one going either."

"I swear to God Emberly! You're being ridiculous right now you know."

"Check yourself before you try to put me in my place."

Cody ran his hand through his hair and stayed silent. I lie my head on the window and quietly sigh.

Maybe I was blowing this out of proportion, but can you blame me? This is stressful, and it's really starting to wear on me.

We get to the airport, and I get out of the car. Cody tips the driver and stands next to me. We walk through the parking lot to the entrance.

Cody pulls me back, and I was taken aback at first until he pulled me to the inside of him. Then I understood. When Cody and I are walking somewhere, he always makes sure I'm on the inside of him so that he's the one closest to the street. He did it so instinctively; like he didn't really know he was doing it.

I grab his hand and lightly pull it, causing us both to stop. He turns and before he can say anything I reach up to kiss him. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer, deepening the kiss.

"I'm sorry," I whisper when we break away.

He pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead. "I am too. We'll try and figure something out for the next road trip. Maybe you and Victoria can stay at the apartment together. We can figure something out."

I smile, kissing him once more before we start walking again.

We had gotten to the sidewalk when my phone goes off. I pull it out of the pocket, and when I check the text, my heart stops.

"What is it?" Cody asks, and I turn to show him.

It was a picture of Cody and me kissing in the parking lot.

Glad to see you're on the road trip with us. Can't wait to get you in bed once Cody leaves ;)

~ Silver Fox