Beside us Cassie is gushing, and it takes me a moment to clue into what she’s saying. "So I got an "A" on a huge Algebra test, and my art teacher is displaying my latest project in the art case by the office. Aaaand….I met a new guy.” Behind me, Dylan groans. I know this isn’t something he’s ready to face again. “It’s okay, you guys. He’s in my class, so he’s not older than me by much.” Her smile is so happy and bright, who can resist, so I smile back encouragingly. Can’t wait to hear more about this. “I was going to send you a text, but I knew you would be here today.”
“Well an A and the art project sounds awesome. I need to hear more about the new boy before I can say anything about that. But it sounds like you’re rocking high school.”
She grins wide, "I love it, love it, love it!" Dylan shakes his head, with a flabbergasted smile on his face.
We all head into the living room, and Gabby gives me a tight hug. "Brooke, you're here!"
I hug her back smiling down at her. I begin to realize that these kids are feeling the change of not seeing each other every week, just like I am. It makes me hope that Dylan and I will work out, and when Dylan is granted final guardianship I can be more involved in their everyday lives. I greet Michael and Luke before taking my seat on the floor next to Toby and Gabby. Dylan grabs the space next to Luke on the sectional putting him directly in my line of vision. I am going to have to dig deep to resist staring at his hard chest and abdomen while he lounges deep and comfortable with one long leg crossed over the other.
Once we’re all comfortable everyone jumps in at once trying to talk all over each other. All except Luke, who is more quiet and brooding than he has been in recent weeks. May need to get to the bottom of that.
"Anything new Luke?"
He folds his arms across his chest. It’s his signature move when he shuts down and doesn't want to talk. When he ignores my question Dylan gives him a frustrated look and nudges him, so I try a different question, "Everything good at school?"
Luke glares at Dylan and sighs angrily. Then in his best sarcastic voice, "Everything is peachy. Look, I know these guys are bummed that you aren’t here every single week, but honestly nothing changes, so I don't get why we have to meet even this much."
Great. Luke seems to be worked up way past his usual asshole attitude. I know I need to be patient with him. There is obviously something that is bothering him badly enough to be this rude, and I need to figure out what that is and help him get over it. He runs hot and cold so much that every meeting with him is like a crap shoot. "Luke, do you want to talk privately?"
He laughs in a way that can only mean, ‘are you stupid’ and says, “No, I don’t. I want to leave. I got a date tonight.”
"On a school night?"
“Yes, on a school night. On whatever damn night I want to have a date, Brooke.” I return the pissed off glare he’s giving me letting him know I don’t appreciate his attitude. When he sees that I’m not backing down he slightly deflates. This is one kid I can’t show any weakness around.
Dylan sits up straighter, "You said you were going to study."
Luke rolls his eyes and turns toward Dylan, "Please, like you don't know what that’s code for. You invented the ‘study’ excuse."
Dylan looks angry. As often as these two butt heads I wonder if they’ll ever be able to work through their issues. The problem is that they’re too much alike. I look over at Luke knowing I need to diffuse the tension, and the only way I can do that is let this go. "I'm here if you want to talk Luke. I don’t have anything else for today, so don’t let me keep you from plans.”
He jumps up wasting no time in heading for the door. "Great. I'm out of here." Dylan stands up to follow him, no doubt wanting the last word. I don't hear any raised voices, so I’m assuming it’s somewhat peaceful.
Gabby climbs on my lap, "Are you gonna stay for dinner?"
I nod. "Of course, I am. I’ve missed you guys."
Happy with my answer she hugs me, “Yay!”
Dylan returns from his talk with Luke, "Okay guys, do your homework so I can talk to Brooke, and then I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
Gabby looks at me, "Brooke, will you come for dinner Saturday too?"
"What's the occasion, sweetie?"
"It's my mommy's birthday."
I catch Dylan's eye, and by the look on his face, he’s clearly forgotten. Then I see Cassie’s grin has changed to a slight frown. I turn back to Gabby, "It is? Are you guys having a party?”
She nods happily. "Yes, mommy loved birthdays, so we have to!"
I smile at her. I'm happy she can talk to me about this, and not be sad. She seems to be getting past the trauma finally as well as healing from the grief. She’s a true testament that with enough love and care children can rebound from tragedy. "Of course, I will,” I promise her.
Dylan nods his head toward her and smiles affectionately. "We’ll talk about this at dinner and make plans. Right now Brooke and I need to get dinner going.”
The kids retreat leaving Dylan and me to head for the kitchen. As soon as it’s clear he kisses me softly but quickly on the lips. I want more as soon as it ends.
He whispers softly, "I've missed you."
I bite my lip simply because I know it drives him crazy. “I've missed you too."
He gazes hungrily at my mouth for a few beats longer before looking back to my eyes. “Dammit, I want you right fucking now. He lowers his voice and asks, "You busy later?"
"Unfortunately. I have a case I need to see about closing out, and I need to be up early to drive to Lawrence.”
He nods, "Hmm, so no time to sneak in my window."
I laugh, "Not tonight, but you can always ask me to on Saturday.”
His face turns solemn, "I can't believe I forgot Sylvia’s birthday. She never forgot mine. Even when I wasn't around for three years, I still got a package in the mail from her for my birthday."
I start gathering ingredients to help make dinner. “A lot has happened this year with huge changes. Besides, it sounds like Gabby has it covered.”
"Yeah, I can't believe she didn't mention it until now. But I guess it's better than the day before."
I season pork chops to get ready for the skillet. The first one I put in drops a little causing hot grease to splatter on my wrist. “Ow, that burns.” Dylan rushes over and pulls me to the sink to run cold water over it.
"You okay, babe?"
"I’m fine. From all the scars you think I would know by now how to avoid that.”
His body being so close to mine distracts me from the burn on my wrist. Now I feel intoxicated by his scent, and goose bumps have broken out from his touch. Before I do or say something that’s going to get us in trouble, I reluctantly pull away and go back to preparing dinner.
"Are you and Luke okay?"
"Yeah, he's been a pain in the ass this past couple of days, but I can’t get him to talk to me."
"I bet it's because of mom's birthday."
Dylan and I both turn at the sound of Cassie’s voice behind us. He widens the distance between us and looks at her thoughtfully. "What do you mean?"
She moves towards the cabinets and pulls down plates. "It was going to be her 40th birthday this year, and we were talking about throwing her a huge surprise party. It was actually Luke’s idea.”
That’s it. I turn the pork chops and think for a moment. Luke obviously wanted this birthday to be special for his mom. So far he’s been the only one to act so unaffected, but he’s keeping his grief tucked firmly inside. I know he’s never going work through his anger until he lets some of it out. I can’t address it head on, but I think I can subtly help him heal. "Then him being more angry than normal makes sense. I had a feeling there was something big going on."
She nods, "Yeah, I wish he would just learn to talk about his feelings instead of being a jerk all the time."
"It’s harder for some to express their feelings than it is for others." I give Dylan a knowing look, and h
e smiles at me.
"How about we throw a party for Sylvia. God knows she loved them.” He suggests.
"Really? Can we have it at BB's? Mom loved it there."
Dylan nods, "Yeah we can. I'll call tonight and reserve the party room."
Cassie smiles big and hugs him tight. She looks over at me, “Will you help us plan everything. I don’t think Dylan would be any good at planning a birthday party?”
“Hey, wait a minute. I plan some damn good parties.” He teases her.
“Uh, I’m sure if we were having a frat party with kegs and half naked girls it would be a blast.” She shoots back at him. Then she turns to me. "You should invite Alex." Then she looks back at Dylan, "And Jax has to be there." Then back to me. “Please say you’ll help us with it. We need you.” Then she turns back to Dylan. It’s like watching her play tennis with herself. “Dylan, tell her she has to help.”
“Okay, okay. Of course, I’m in. Tell me what we need to do.”
“My job is easy; I’m calling BB’s and reserving the room. Done.”
I glare over at him, “That’s not all you’re doing, bud.”
“If I can’t order kegs and invite half naked women then what else is there for me to do?”
“Ha, ha,” Cassie and I both fire back.
“It’s not fair if you two gang up on me.”
“Cassie and I will talk to the other three, make some plans, and then I’ll delegate.”
“Yes. I can’t wait to tell them,” Cassie says excitedly before running to the bedrooms.
I turn my attention back to dinner. “You don’t think this is too soon in our relationship to be around Jax and Alex at the same time?
“I think we’ll be okay, Brooke. We can’t be unsocial with our friends. If we avoid each other too much, then that will also throw suspicion our way. We’ll be fine.”
“You’re right, and besides, it’ll mean a lot to the kids.” I think for a moment. “I'm not sure if I want to invite Alex though, but if I don’t, and she talks to Jax and finds out I didn’t invite her when Cassie told me to then she’ll be mad. And, oh shit, I’m right back in high school.”
He looks over at me like I’m crazy. “You need to calm down. Just relax. It’s a party, and we’re going to have a good time. Let’s finish dinner right now so the kids can eat, and you can get home to bed. I hate you having to drive all the way to Lawrence, especially with tomorrow’s forecast.”
We have dinner with the kids and everyone shares input on party plans. I take notes so I can make sure everyone has a part of the planning. I want each of them to feel like they had a part in doing this for their mom. No matter how outlandish the plans that Gabby’s 6-year-old comes up with, both Dylan and I promise, we’ll try our best to grant each one. Of course, she has so many that the ones we do get to do will be enough that she won’t remember requesting the others, hopefully. Each of them gets to invite a friend or two, so we know there will be enough young people there to keep them from getting too bored at a grown-up birthday party. Dylan plans on inviting some of their parent’s closest friends. It’s not going to be a small guests list. It sounds like their mom and dad were well loved and respected in the community.
After dinner and clean up I promise Cassie to go through the list, hand out job assignments, including some for Luke. When I finish, I’ll get in touch with her and Dylan. It’s close to 8 when he finally walks me to the door. Everyone has gone to their rooms, so we have a private moment before I leave. After helping me with my coat, he pulls me close and brushes his lips across mine. “Call me when you get home so I know you’re there safe.”
“Okay.”
“And call or text me tomorrow, so I know you made it back to town okay.”
“Yes, daddy.” I tease.
“Don’t laugh, Brooke. I’m not your daddy, I’m your boyfriend, and I’ll worry until I know for sure you made it back safe.”
His protectiveness takes my breath away because no guy has ever been like this with me. What can I do but indulge him, because wouldn’t I want him to do the same, “I promise as soon as I get back.”
He opens the door. “Good, that’s settled. Now get your ass home and get some rest. And don’t forget to let me know you got there.”
I drive home overall satisfied with our first time not being around people in our secret relationship. He’s right, Saturday will just be more practice for us until we can share our feelings with everyone that we care for. After crawling beneath my covers, I shoot a quick text.
Me: Safe and sound in my bed.
Dylan: Wish it was my bed. Night.
The next day I return from Lawrence around midday and once again shoot Dylan a promised text. He returns immediately with a promise to call to talk about the party. I know I need to look over the plans so that I can discuss the plans with Cassie. I also shoot Luke a text giving him the specific task of picking out his mom’s favorite music so it can be playing while the party is going on. I know from Cassie and Dylan both that she loved dancing, and I want to make sure everyone that comes knows there will be dancing. I’m totally surprised when he returns my text thanking me. I will win this boy over and get him over this anger by any means necessary.
That evening I talk to Cassie about decorations, which she’s going to have Dylan take her to get. He’s already booked the room, and I suggest they also send out invitations to their parent’s friends. She, of course, is excited and on board with all of my suggestions. I told her to delegate the task of what to have the restaurant prepare for food to Michael and Gabby. Dylan shoots back a text saying he thinks there should be a bar. I let him know I’ll have to think about it since there will be kids there. He doesn’t care, because he wants a beer. I decide to let him make the plans for that one.
I’m cleaning up our kitchen when my phone buzzes again. Alex picks it up before I can dry my hands. “It’s Dylan. Is that who has been texting you all night? You’ve barely paid any attention to me at all.”
“Stop whining,” I tell her grabbing my phone. “I’m helping Cassie and Dylan plan a birthday party for their mom, and we’re just batting things back and forth.” I read the text. Now they want to know about how to tell people to dress before they send out invitations. This has gotten out of control. I need to think about this. Maybe invitations are a little much, and Dylan should just make some calls. Would it even be too late to send invitations? Yeah, no invitations. I’m so lost in thought that I nearly drop my phone when it rings.
“I was just fixing to text you back,” I answer.
“So what about the dress code? I’m thinking since its BB’s it should be pretty casual, especially with the kids running around and the weather. What about you?”
“You’re right, and I don’t think the invitations are doable. If we had had another week, it would have been okay. I say you and Cassie divide the list of friends and call with open invitations.”
“You’re right. So, about after the party. I’m expecting a knock on my window.”
“Uh, okay. That’s definitely a plan.” I shoot a look at Alex making sure she didn’t catch the hitch in my voice.
“Good. And remember the rule, Brooke. If you break it, I’m going to spank your ass.”
“Oh, yeah?” My voice raises an octave at his sexy threat.
“Brooke, come on, SOA is fixing to start.” Alex interrupts my inappropriate thoughts.
“Okay, I’ll definitely do that.” I straighten my spine and my voice.
He laughs carries across the phone line. “You’ll definitely remember my rule or you’ll definitely break it?”
“Yes,” I say shortly.
“Hurry, Brooke,” Alex urges.
Again, he laughs at the predicament I’m in. “Okay, I’ll do it, just plan on it.” I have no clue what I’m even saying anymore. Did I just agree to a spanking? No…wait, oh, whatever. “I’ll call you tomorrow with the answer to that one, okay? Bye, Dylan, and thanks for calling.” I hear his amused chuckle as I
hang up.
“What was that all about? And why are you even helping with this party?”
“Because Cassie thinks if Dylan does it that it’ll turn into a keg party with half-naked women, so she enlisted me. And Dylan said Cassie wants me to invite you. So, can you be at BB’s Saturday night at 7?” Damn, this is getting complicated.
“Really? Ahh, of course, I’ll come. I love hanging with Cassie. I suppose Jax will be there too.”
“I’m sure. He’s Dylan’s best friend, plus he’s like part of the family.”
“Well, I think it’s sweet what they’re doing.”
“Yeah, and that’s why I’m helping.”
Finally, we settle down for our favorite MC show before heading off to bed.
The rest of the week is full of back and forth texting with the Monroes. I’m honored that they wanted me to be a part of this. Cassie and Dylan both informed me since I did so much of the planning, really the delegating, that I’m an official co-host. This makes me swell up with pride. It also makes me wonder how many times in the future I’ll get to play co-host to events with Dylan. It’s a seductive dream all in itself, because I know for a fact that I want many, many years of being by his side, and I hope he wants the same.
Saturday arrives in no time, and at 5:30 I head to BB’s to meet with Dylan to make sure everything is in order and ready for guests. I’ve only been to the barbecue restaurant once before. I know in the main restaurant they have live jazz, but from what Dylan told me, in the event room that he booked, we can play any music we want through a private sound system. After I park, I make my way in to find Dylan. He’s talking to one of the caterers about the food and tables I’m guessing because it looks like he’s pointing to where he wants them moved. Other employees enter the big room and after receiving orders begin rearranging chairs and tables to make for what looks like a bigger dance floor. I hang back and just take in the commanding appearance of my sexy-as-hell boyfriend dressed in dark jeans and fitted gray button down shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to just beneath his elbows showing off his strong forearms. I would love to drag him somewhere private for just five minutes of alone time.
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