Lavender

Chapter Fifteen

"So, have you told him?" Kimi asks as I dig through a cabinet in my kitchen.

"Not yet." I toss a stack of red solo cups to where she's standing on the other side of the island and start rummaging through my refrigerator in search of snacks for the boys, hoping that Kimi doesn't continue questioning me.

"The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be. On you and on him." I can tell she's frowning disapprovingly at me from the deep and solemn tone of her voice.

"I know, I know. I'm just nervous I guess." Still not meeting her eyes, I lay out a couple bags of chips, an array of sliced vegetables, a meat and cheese tray, and an assortment beverages onto the counter top.

"Well the sooner, the better in my opinion. Relationships are built on trust and honesty. Sorry for sounding like an insensitive bitch, but I don't want to see you lose what you guys have. It's special." She walks around to stand directly in front of me, so I can't look anywhere but in her face as she speaks to me truthfully. The seriousness of her usually chipper voice is like a splash of cold water, jolting me awake, and I can tell she really does want what's best for me.  For us.

"No, you're right. I have to just suck it up and tell him. I knew what getting into a relationship with him would unfold, I just didn't want to accept it. I wanted it to last for as long as possible."

I really don't want what we have to be over. The last time I felt this safe and cared for was when grandpa was still alive. It feels nice.

"I know it must be hard for you, Cora. I've got your back no matter what, though." She wraps her skinny arms around my neck and pulls me into a hug.

"What would I do without you and your voice of reason?" I blink my damp eyes dry and take a deep, steadying breath.

"Lucky for you, you found me!" She giggles, "Now where's the booze? I need a drink if I'm going to handle all of those testosterone and adrenaline filled football players without losing my mind."

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The sound of my doorbell jingles throughout the house just a short while later. On the other side of the tall front door David stands holding a case of beer under each arm, smiling like a little kid with candy. James and Stan walk up behind him laughing at something one of them said.

My eyes glide past them all, searching, until they meet the familiar sea-blue of Theo's. I saunter pass the guys and all but throw myself into his arms, inhaling his clean scent.

"Damn, I didn't get a greeting like that," chides David.

"Well, you're not me." A deep laugh rumbles out of Theo before he wraps his strong arms securely around my waist and lifts me slightly off the ground.

The guys go inside, leaving Theo and me alone on my front porch. When I go to follow them, he stops me, turning me back towards him and pressing me against the nearest wall. Tucking his head into the crook of my neck he murmurs, "Thanks for cheering me on tonight."

Then he starts planting small sweet kisses onto my skin. The heat of his breath tickles, causing goose bumps to rise all over my body.

"Any time." Is all I can manage to say, my breath hitching in my throat as his kisses trail further up my neck.

"We should get inside. Everyone will be wondering what happened to us," he whispers in my ear before lightly biting the lobe.

"Okay." I can only smile up at him dreamily as he guides me into my house.

Seriously, Cora? Pull yourself together.

Inside, James and David are already pouring beers into red solo cups on either side of my dining room table, getting ready for a game of beer pong.