Talk To Me

Chapter Eight

February eleventh

James Brown had never been much of a cook. After his wife left, his mother-in-law took over most of the kitchen duties, making life easier for him. Mary had been the one to keep the household running, ensuring James and his children never went hungry.

James, however, prided himself on one dish—grilled steak. It was his specialty, his grand meal. The meat had to be fresh, marinated in his secret blend of seasonings for a few days before hitting the grill. He reserved it for special occasions, and Leah's farewell gathering was no exception. Three days before she was set to leave, he carefully prepared the meat, looking forward to a family barbecue.

The night of the gathering, Leah's childhood home felt alive again. Oliver had arrived earlier, bringing his best friend, Mark, and Leah had insisted Cassie come as well. She felt a slight pang of guilt for not inviting her other friend, Lily, but that had been a deliberate choice. Early in their friendship, Leah had decided it was best that Oliver and Lily never meet. The reasons were complicated, and she wasn't about to unravel them now.

With the house filling up, James extended an invitation to their neighbor, Kathy, as well. By the time everyone arrived, James was already outside, tending to the grill. The smell of seasoned meat filled the cold winter air. Inside, the fireplace crackled weakly, not quite pushing back the evening chill. Oliver added more logs, stirring the embers to life.

Leah and Cassie had claimed the couch, both sipping on light beers, while Mark lounged in an armchair. Across from him, Oliver settled into another chair, only a coffee table separating them.

Leah grabbed the TV remote, scrolling through the options. "Alright, what are we watching?"

Mark smirked. "No shitty chick movies, please." His voice was light, teasing, as he glanced at her.

Leah narrowed her eyes and leaned toward him. "I was asking Cassie, actually." She nudged her friend playfully. "This is our party, in case you forgot." Her eyebrow arched, daring him to challenge her.

"Maybe we should vote," Oliver suggested, taking a slow sip of beer.

"The Notebook," Cassie chimed in.

Mark groaned. "We watched that too many times! And I already said no chick flicks." He ruffled his blond hair in frustration.

"If The Notebook is out, then so is The Matrix," Leah shot back, arms crossed.

Oliver sighed and set his beer down. "How about we just put on some music instead?"

Leah shrugged and switched to a playlist. The soft hum of classic rock filled the room, blending with the warmth of the fire. She swayed her hips to the rhythm, beer in hand, letting the music settle into her bones. The alcohol left a bitter taste on her tongue, but she swallowed it down, her movements fluid, unbothered.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Mark watching her. His gaze lingered, lips slightly parted, his expression unreadable. Oliver caught the look and smirked behind his beer bottle, shaking his head.

Leah ignored them both and let herself get lost in the song. Cassie soon joined her, spinning lightly before throwing a glance over her shoulder at Oliver. Then, the back door creaked open, blasting of cold air cut through the warmth of the room.

James poked his head inside, eyes scanning the scene until they landed on Leah. "Kids, it's time to make salads," he called, directing the words at her. "Meat's almost done." With that, he disappeared back outside, shutting the door behind him.

Leah barely turned her head. "I'm not making it," she said, firm, taking another sip of her beer.

Oliver sat up straighter. "Why not?"