Silent Love [Part 3]

by Kenadee Bryant

  Seeing as I was all ready to go, I sent Ethan and Luke a text saying we were ready. I knew Macey wasn’t totally ready—no shocker there—but this would give her that push to hurry her ass up.

  It was no surprise that I was ready first, but when I walked out of my room, I was met with Macey coming out of hers. I raised an eyebrow at her timing but didn’t say anything about it. Macey was the type that you had to drag out of her room after waiting two-plus hours for her to get ready. Normally she was the one who made us late for everything.

  Glancing at her outfit, I gave a nod of approval. Where I had gone for warmth, Mace had gone for style. Her outfit consisted of a pair of black shorts with black tights, and a grey sweater with a matching thick scarf around her neck. She also wore a pair of black heeled boots. It definitely fit her.

  “Isn’t it weird that this year the both of us are going to spend the holidays with our boyfriends? That is a first,” Mace commented as she put her keys in her purse. Normally around this time we were both single; well, of course I was single, but Mace always seemed to dump the guy before the holidays came around. I used to wonder why, but now thinking about it, it may be because of my brother. I hadn’t been sure if she had ever liked him before now, but one couldn’t be sure with her.

  “Poor Gage.”

  “What do you mean, ‘poor Gage’?” I asked, looking over at her.

  “Well, he is going to meet practically everyone in your family. Hell, even mine! The poor guy is not going to know what hit him.” I hadn’t really thought about it until now, and man was she right.

  As everyone knew, the men in my family tend to be protective of the girls. They all had to have a say or do something stupid and weird to try and scare someone off. It was more awkward than it was annoying. Although it wasn’t the men I was worried about. No, it was my aunts, especially Aunt Kay, Macey’s mother. She was just like my mom and had to make a big deal out of everything. I knew that the moment she saw Gage she would pull him into a hug and make some inappropriate joke or comment, before questioning him about himself.

  I just hoped she would go easy on him, and with his grandma there, I hoped things would go a bit smoother. But knowing my family, nothing would be simple and quiet.

  “Anyway, Luke is downstairs. We better go.” I nodded and followed after her, locking the door behind me.

  Because it was Thanksgiving, everyone had a four-day weekend. Most took off the entire week so they could go back home and be with family. Since mine only lived a few miles away, it was up to us if we wanted to go home or stay on campus. Macey and I both decided that over the weekend we would stay over at our parents’ houses just to see them.

  When we came out of the elevator, we were met by Luke and Ethan standing there. Because it was so cold outside, it was smart of them to wait in here for us. I didn’t bat an eye when Macey launched herself at my brother. I was used to that by now. Instead I made my way to Ethan, who was standing there with his hands in his pockets.

  “Hey.” I smiled at him as I came to his side.

  “Hey. You look pretty.” My cheeks went pink. I’m pretty sure I would always blush when Ethan complimented me.

  “Thanks. You clean up pretty well.” My eyes raked up and down his body. He looked nice in a blue and grey fleece shirt with a plain black t-shirt underneath. He was wearing faded blue jeans and matching blue shoes. As always, his hair was done in the messy up-front style. He looked very nice. But I noticed, as I stared at him, I didn’t get the butterflies in my stomach the way I did when I saw Gage. That gave me a small shock.

  “You guys ready?” I asked, clearing my throat and moving away from Ethan. Not even waiting for their replies, I headed for the front doors. It wasn’t that I was mad my feelings for Ethan were going away; it was the fact that I didn’t know it. I didn’t realize how easy it was to get over him and become consumed by Gage instead.

  The car ride to my parents’ house was slightly tense at first—well, to me it was—but soon we all got into a flow of conversation. We talked about midterms that were coming too quickly for us, what food Mom was making, and what games we were going to play this year.

  Per tradition, we always played football in the backyard, mostly the guys did, and then we would play a board game or something. Last year we played Twister and had four people on the little mat. Let’s just say it wasn’t easy, and in the end, we all ended up in a pile of limbs. Not our smartest idea, I’ll admit.

  Another reason we went over early was to decide on what games we should play. Because if you waited until everyone arrived, you would never decide and before you knew it, it was too late to do anything.

  When Luke pulled into the driveway, I grinned widely. All of us piled out of the Jeep and headed for the door. This was basically home for all of us. Macey spent a lot of time here, and for Ethan this was his home.

  The moment we entered the house, we all groaned. It smelled like Thanksgiving. It was simply one of the best holidays because of the food. Entering the kitchen, we came upon my parents dancing. My dad must have said something because my mom laughed loudly in his arms.

  “Ew, kids in the house!” Luke yelled, covering his eyes. I thought it was sweet that my parents were still crazy about one another. Even after all these years they loved each another, and my father showed it daily. It was just cute.

  “Then get out, ’cause I am going to kiss your mom,” my dad said, and before any of us could say anything, he placed a kiss right on my mom’s lips. Luke turned away, fake puking, Ethan laughed, but looked over at me so he wasn’t watching my parents, and Mace and I made faces at one another. Yes, they even did this in public.

  “I don’t want food anymore,” Luke muttered.

  “Like you don’t do the same thing to Macey,” my father shot back at him after he pulled away from Mom. Macey blushed bright red.

  “We are young. We can kiss whenever we want. You guys, on the other hand, are too old.”

  “Old?” My father raised his eyebrow at him. Oh, shit. Bye, Luke, it was nice knowing you.

  “Did you know forty-five is the new twenty?” Luke squeaked out before he turned and ran out of the room. I laughed along with Ethan as my father pretended to go after his son.

  “While your father kills Luke, you three come help me for a minute,” my mother said before any of us could turn and leave. All three of us held back a groan as I moved more into the kitchen to help my mom. Right as we got to the counter, the clicking of nails on the floor echoed around us. Sammy came running toward us with his tongue hanging out.

  Once he had given all of us slobbery kisses, Ethan suddenly stood up.

  “I think Sam needs to go to the bathroom. I’ll go take him out.” Before my mom could say a word, he turned and ran out of the room, Sam on his heels.

  “Lucky bastard,” Macey muttered under her breath. I choked on laughter.

  “Honey, you okay?” Mom asked.

  “Yeah, all good.” I sent her a smile as I caught my breath. Beside me, Mace laughed under her breath.

  “Okay, girls, I need you two to start peeling potatoes.”

  “But isn’t that a lot of potatoes?” I asked, coming to stand beside her and placing a kiss on her cheek in greeting.

  “Yes, so you better start peeling. Here.” She handed Macey and me a peeler each before going to do something else. The both of us shared a look before we went over to the sink that already had bags in it, ready for the potato skins. We quickly got to work, all the while grumbling about how the boys didn’t have to do anything.

  An hour and a few cuts later we were finally finished, and the potatoes were on the stove boiling. I was putting a Band-Aid on Macey, after she finished with mine. After peeling thirty potatoes, our grips loosened and the stupid peelers kept nicking our fingers. Let’s just say neither of us wanted to do that again.

  After doing that, Mom still had things for us to do, but thankfully in that moment Aunt Kacey and Uncle Nick came through the front door. Macey quic
kly went to greet her parents and younger sister, Elizabeth, not once looking back at the kitchen.

  Once her parents were done asking her about school, if she was eating right, what she had been doing, was I able to squeeze in and get a hug. Elizabeth pretended she wasn’t happy to see both Macey and me, but I knew she was.

  It was as if the door opening brought every guy out of hibernation because here came my dad, Luke, Ethan, and Sammy. Yes, even the dog was hiding out. They all greeted everyone, and I noticed Elizabeth blushed when Ethan gave her a hug. Even a sixteen-year-old with a boyfriend liked Ethan. No surprise there. I had been in her shoes.

  “Ethan, where’s your girlfriend?” Aunt Kay asked as we made our way out of the front entry.

  “Amy had to go to her parents’, so she couldn’t come over.”

  “And, Carter, where is your boyfriend that I have heard so much about?” Instantly all eyes were on me, especially Uncle Nick and Ethan’s. I kind of forgot to mention that Gage was coming over too. Ethan, and I guess Uncle Nick, didn’t like me being with someone, just like my father. You could tell they were best friends for sure.

  “He should be here soon actually.” I ignored Ethan’s stare and smiled at my aunt.

  “Hon, I am going to show Nick what we added to the backyard,” my dad butted in. That was code for “we will be out back not helping.” All four guys said they would help and trailed out of the room, leaving us girls standing there. Kacey and Mom rolled their eyes but headed to the kitchen. Macey, Elizabeth, and I slowly trailed behind them.

  “Car, you have a boyfriend finally?” Elizabeth asked. It was sad that a sixteen-year-old had more of a love life than I did, but not anymore.

  “Yeah, he is coming to dinner.” I smiled at the thought of Gage. I wished he was here already, but I knew he had to pick up his grandma.

  “Where’s yours?” Macey bumped her sister’s shoulder.

  “With his family.” Yup, still sad she had a better love life than the rest of us. When we entered the kitchen, I caught the tail end of Mom and Kay’s conversation.

  “Neena and Liam are still coming, right?” Aunt Kay asked.

  “Yeah, they are with Mason and Grayson. Ariel, Alex, Zach, and the twins aren’t coming. Apparently, this year they are going to Alex’s family’s house. But they did say they would be here for Christmas,” Mom explained.

  Well at least that was five less people to worry about. I hadn’t seen my real aunt and uncle, Ariel, my father’s sister, and Alex in forever. Maybe since my graduation. They were busy with their three kids anyway.

  Neena and Liam weren’t really my aunt and uncle, but growing up, it was just easier to call them that, and to call their children my cousins. Our families were so complicated that we didn’t even try to explain it to anyone anymore. As most people knew, Macey was my best friend.

  “Okay! All hands on deck! I need someone to mash potatoes, and someone to make to help finish the stuffing,” my mom said. When my mother was cooking, you didn’t get in the way and you did what was asked of you. So immediately we all choose our stations and got to work.

  While we cooked, we all talked. It was nice to talk with my family and just have fun. The boys stayed outside or in the living room watching football, while we cooked and gossiped. Usual Thanksgiving ritual in most families, I think.

  Aunt Kacey had to ask all about Gage and what was going on between us. She did mention my crush on Ethan briefly, but I quickly got her off that topic. While my aunt could be pushy and too nosey sometimes, I knew she meant well.

  It was almost noon when the doorbell rang, making my heart jump. I was hoping it was Gage, so I set my towel down and ran to the living room. I didn’t reach the door in time, because Luke got there first. When the door opened, a wide grin spread across my face.

  Gage stood there looking as handsome as ever, and his grandma Rose was next to him. Both were holding what looked like pies.

  “Gage,” Luke greeted with a clap to the shoulder as he let them in. “You must be his older sister.” Luke, always the ladies’ man, even the older ones.

  “Luke, seriously.” I pushed him away, not wanting to scare Rose away.

  “Hi, Rose, I am so happy you made it.” I beamed as Luke walked away laughing.

  “Thank you for inviting us. Sorry if we are late,” she said, glancing around. She probably heard all the voices and thought they were late.

  “Not at all. Everyone’s not here yet.” I reached for the pie in her hands. Looking down, I saw it was a beautiful apple pie. “This looks delicious. Thank you.”

  “No problem. I don’t like to show up without something.”

  “My mom will really appreciate that. Let me go introduce you to my family.” I turned around, but I didn’t make it far. An arm wrapped itself around my waist and dragged me backwards.

  “You didn’t greet me,” a low voice said. It sent shivers down my spine.

  “You aren’t as important as your grandmother, and she has pie.” I untangled myself from his grasp. As much as I wanted to stay there, I had to introduce Rose to my parents.

  “I do too. I think that deserves a kiss.” Gage wiggled his eyebrows at me as I glanced at him. Deciding to tease him for a moment, I moved toward him. Even though I was in heels, I had to lean up a bit to reach his face. My head moved closer to his, but instead of meeting his lips, I turned at the last second and kissed his cheek.

  “There you go,” I whispered as I pulled away. Seeing the look on his face was priceless. He looked shocked and confused. Grinning, I pivoted on my heel and led Rose toward the kitchen. Gage slowly trailed behind us.

  “Mom,” I called out as we entered. All conversation seemed to stop as we entered the room. Not wanting it to be awkward, I started talking.

  “Mom, this is Rose Harper, Gage’s grandmother. Rose, this is my mother, Layla Miller.”

  “It is so nice to finally meet you!” my mother immediately gushed, rushing forward to hug Rose. While my mom introduced Rose to everyone in the kitchen, I set the pie on the counter and went to grab the one from Gage. I sent him a sly smile as I took it from his hands.

  “Hello Gage,” Mom said, coming over to pull Gage into a hug also. Did I mention that my family were huggers?

  “Thank you for inviting my grandmother and me, Mrs. Miller.”

  “Call me Layla, sweetheart. Thank you for coming and for the pies.”

  As my mom showed Rose around and as they started talking, I moved over to Gage. Macey and Elizabeth backed slowly out of the room before turning and walking away, using Rose as a distraction to get out of helping even more. Not wanting my mom to get Gage and I to help, I grabbed his hand and quickly pulled him out of the kitchen.

  “You do not want to stay in there,” I explained.

  “Why not?”

  “My mom will make you cook until your hands bleed. Trust me.” I held out my own Band-Aid-covered hand as proof.

  “I better thank you for not letting me get sucked into the trap,” Gage said as he pulled me to a stop in the hallway. I was just pulling him somewhere, anywhere, not wanting to go to the living room where everyone was just yet.

  His hands came up to cup my face before his head lowered and he lips met mine. Even though I’d seen him last night, I’d missed him. I missed his lips and the way he smelled. Yes, I had come to the conclusion I was addicted to Gage Harper, but it could be worse though. I could be addicted to drugs or something.

  “I missed you.” I breathed out as I came up for air. My eyes met his and he grinned.

  “I missed you too.” He placed another peck on my lips. I leaned into his body for more, but the sound of voices getting louder made me stop. As much as I wanted to continue our little make-out session, we were at my parents’ and if anyone caught us, we would be in deep shit.

  “Let’s go before my dad or brother comes to find us.” With his hand in mine, I led him to the living room. While we walked, I looked him over and nodded in approval at what he was wearin
g. He looked good in a gray sweater and black slacks. His hair was styled perfectly as always, and I itched to run my fingers through it.

  “Hey wait! Where’s Dylan?” I asked, suddenly realizing he wasn’t here yet.

  “He ended up having to do something with his family. He wasn’t too specific about it,” Gage said, but I knew he was leaving something out. Instead of pressing, I nodded.

  Before we stepped into the living room, I squeezed Gage’s hand.

  “Don’t worry about any of them. They are all bark but no bite.” I know he wanted to ask what I meant, but instead of saying anything else, I pulled him into the room.

  Seated all around the living room were my dad, Uncle Nick, Ethan, Luke, Macey, and Elizabeth on the far side of the room. Even Sammy was lying down in the middle of the carpet chewing on a toy.

  My father was the first to notice us and got up to greet Gage. At least my father didn’t mind him or he just didn’t show it—for that I was glad. After my dad gave Gage a firm handshake, Uncle Nick came forward. He was just like my second dad.

  “So this is Gage, huh?” He looked him up and down. I rolled my eyes.

  “Uncle Nick, cut it out. You aren’t scary, and we both know you know who Gage is.” I sent my father a look. Guys are worse than girls at gossiping, I tell you.

  “You couldn’t let me scare the poor kid, could you?”

  “Nope.” Shaking his head, he greeted Gage before sitting back down. Gage gave Ethan a small nod before we took a seat on the only open part of the couch. The guys were watching a football game.

  For a split second it was completely silent before Uncle Nick started talking. Things then started to flow. The conversations in the room flowed easily and stayed on simple topics. Gage talked to both my dad and Nick about football and other things, which I was glad for. Everyone seemed to be getting along.