To Catch a Sunset

Chapter 33

Ally

I watch as Nancy stirs the pot of chicken and rice. The smell in here was utterly amazing. I had to smile as I sat and listened to her explain how she first learned to make chicken and rice. It was a hilarious story about her crazy aunt and terrible grandmother. I seriously hadn't laughed like this in awhile. We were in the middle of a cackle when Mark walked in. He had been acting funny since he spent some time with Allen earlier. Don't think I'm not getting to the bottom of this. Later, but I would find out why he's been so skittish. I loved him more than words, but I also know him pretty well. I know when something is off, apparently Nancy does too.

"Mark, sweetie are you ok?" Her faces etched in concern. He does that nervous rubbing of his neck. That's a big tell for him.

"Yeah mom I'm fine, just a little tired." He gives her a faint smile. I call bullshit! He's hiding something and by the way Nancy is glaring at him she knows it too. She just smiles as she walks to him.

"Are you sure you have been a little off since the pool this morning. Are you feeling ok?" He dropped his shoulders, as she feels his forehead. Pulling away from her he huffs. I stifle a giggle.

"Mom I am fine, now stop please." He kissed her cheek and she smiled. Oh come on Nancy, you're not gonna fall for the kiss are you? Clearly this was a distraction tactic. Damn he's good, Nancy was satisfied with his answer and was now back to her meal prep. I expected more from you Nancy. Still I smiled at them both, I would peel back the layers with Mark later on. For now I was content, happy here in this kitchen with the man I love and his mother. His father not to far away, somewhere on the property with Toad. No telling what Toad had him doing, I smile at the thought. Mark settles on the stool next to me as I watch Nancy.

"So beautiful can I steal you away for a bit?" He looked nervous, almost scared but his smile reached his eyes. I gently stroked his hand as he smiled at me.

"Sure, Nancy you think you'll be ok?" Nancy laughs as she waves her hand in a shooing motion.

"Oh yes I'll be just fine. You two enjoy each other I'll call you when it's ready." I smiled at her. She had impressed me these last few days. She was a comfort and a joy to have around. I felt like we had really bonded and I couldn't wait to get to know her more. As Mark took my hand, I couldn't help but notice how sweaty his hands were. Further increasing my curiosity due to his strange behavior. What are you up to Mark? I smiled as he glanced at me as he led the way towards the stairs. I marched behind him as we climbed the stairs in silence. Entering our room I sat on the bed and waited for him to speak. Silence remained for what seemed like forever, after a few minutes he spoke.

"So I feel like we haven't had any time alone. How are you?" He was sitting next to me, he let his arm wrap around my shoulder. I leaned back and looked up at him, he was smiling, but his eyes were nervous. I brushed a few strands away from his face and smiled at him.

"I'm good." Exhaling as I leaned back on the bed, his arm landed on my stomach. Suddenly his touch distracted me, I tried to focus on his question. I sat up and looked into his eyes. "I can't tell you how much I love having you and your parents here with me. I didn't expect to come here, this trip was all about you, but I'm glad we detoured here. I feel refreshed, ready for anything." I stood up and looked down at him. The nervous look in his eyes remained, even though he wore a smile. "How are you doing? You have been acting a little strange since you were off with Allen. Anything you want to talk about? Did you guys argue or something?" His face contorted as he sprung up from the bed. He stood in front of me looking more nervous than before, he wiped his hands on his shorts and took mine.

"Believe me when I tell you nothing happened with Allen and me. We had a great time hanging out, we talked about you mostly. I'm fine Ally I wish you and my mother believed me." He took my mouth with his and before I knew what was happening, we were on the bed in a serious make out session. The sound of Jack's voice, caused us to stop. Mark jumped up and went towards his father's voice. I heard the two exchange words, not clearly hearing them. Curious about their conversation, I joined them in the hallway. Jack smiled at me nervously as he patted Mark's back. I watched as Jack turned and quickly walked to his room. Mark held his hand out gesturing for me to go back to the room. Ok now I'm more curious than before. What the hell was that about? I stopped just before entering the room. I turned to face mark, he looked shocked by my sudden stop. Before he could speak I did.