More to This

by Tess Keeler

  “I’m pretty sure Mace would rather be hanging out with Pierce anyway.”

  “What makes you say that?” he asked, trying to focus on the gentle breaths she would take after her words.

  “That’s all he’s talking about."

  Henley grinned, “How cute.” His brother had picked up his phone, and he wondered if he and Mason were texting.

  “Pierce, mind if Mason and I switch places?” They locked eyes, and Henley could see a trace amount of fear in his glassy gaze. He wanted to tell him that it would be okay. No matter what. “His presence will probably be a little more stimulating since he’s sober.”

  His face twisted in an unrecognizable way, and then he shrugged, “You’re going to leave me anyways.”

  There wasn’t sadness in his tone. He rarely carried emotion toward Henley beyond annoyance and irritation.

  Henley lifted his eyebrows and spoke into the phone. “Are you dropping him off and picking me up, or are you two riding separately?”

  “I can drop him off. Unless that’s an inconvenience to Pierce.” Everly was thinking, a slight hum in her throat. “We could trade back before the night is over, or tomorrow morning...”

  “I don’t think they’ve been alone yet.” Henley shrugged.

  “Oh. It’s now or never, isn’t it?” Everly asked. She was just as confused about their situation as he was. They were in an equally bewildering relationship a few months ago, so who were they to judge. “If they’re that uncomfortable, they can join us?”

  “Talk to Mason and text me. I’ll talk to Pierce.” Henley wet his lips, the conversation helping the high subside some. “I love you.”

  “I love you,” she breathed.

  The line went dead. Pierson was looking at him—curiosity sparkling in his almost mint colored eyes. “Is Mason coming over?”

  Pierson agreed that ice cream sounded like the perfect remedy for their bloodshot eyes. Mason, however, wanted them to pack something to enjoy on the ride. Henley agreed, but he didn’t plan to partake with Everly in the car. Unless she wanted to.

  They piled into his girl’s mini cooper, Henley taking the passenger side once Mason moved to the back. He leaned over and kissed his girlfriend’s cheek, fighting the spells of dizzying high still rounding through him. “How are you feeling? Any better?” he asked, buckling up and reaching for her hand to squeeze in his.

  “Eh, still kind of nauseous. My stomach gets icky after I eat red meat sometimes, though.” She gave him a soft smile, before asking him the same thing. “How are you feeling?”

  Her smile moved to one side, and Henley laughed, “I’m feeling good—better now.”

  The car had already begun to reek of the herbal bud he had already inhaled too much of. Everly had taken off, and he wondered where she was taking them. Probably a rolled ice cream joint if Everly chose. She loved those places.

  “How are you two doing?” Henley asked, eyeing them the best he could over his shoulder.

  “Fancy a hit?” Mace asked, his accent still surprising.

  “Ev?” Henley asked, and she shook her head.

  “Not while I’m driving.”

  “I’m good, too.” Henley also replied, his lips pursing.

  He heard the two of them laughing behind them, and he reflected on how much his life had changed. Mason and Pierson had become an equal addition to their party, and it was pleasant when they didn’t want to be alone. They wanted to be alone most of the time. Mason was reaching between them to turn up a song he wasn’t following, and Henley looked back to see Pierson taking another hit, his eyes surveying Mason’s lean torso as he sat back into the seat.

  “Mason William, why aren’t you buckled in?” Everly barked in her “I’m serious” tone.

  “Sorry, mom,” Mason mocked.

  Henley laughed, his eyes all over his girlfriend’s beautiful face. Every detail was already an imprint in his memory, but he loved revisiting it. She was holding a small smile as they pulled up to, he guessed it, her favorite rolled ice cream place. There were pictures all over the floor to ceiling windows, preventing them from seeing how crowded it was. Oh man, he was fucking excited. His stomach was growling, the smoke clouding the car not easing his high as much as he expected to on the ride.

  He climbed out of the car, Mason coming to his side. “I’m not going to be able to decide.”

  “Get one of everything,” he laughed, his hand patting Henley’s back. “Ev, I hope you brought a lot of cash. These boys are going to eat the whole place.”

  “And you’re not?” she asked, a hand on her hip.

  Henley watched Mason put his hands up, “Do I look as high as these fools? I’ve only just begun.”

  “Your bloodshot eyes say otherwise. Or, wait?” She paused and leaned into her best friend. Henley couldn’t tell if she was staring into his eyes or examining his face. “Is that just the high of being near you know who?”

  Mason’s fingers looked so long as they covered her mouth, “Everly,” he hissed.

  “What are these two going on about now?” Pierson said, finally joining his side. Maybe he was hiding the evidence. Maybe he had been there the whole time.

  A soft chuckle passed his lips. “Nothing. Just their normal bickering.”

  Pierson’s hand grabbed Henley’s shoulder, squeezing, “Good luck with those two.”

  He couldn’t wait to see what trouble the three of them got into. His adventure with Everly felt like it was truly beginning.

  1

  More to This

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Everly

  The spare room was emptied; things that Everly wanted to get rid of were separated in the garage in two sections. Garage sale and donation. Henley’s “room” wasn’t the biggest, but it would suffice for what they had planned to do with it. They had agreed to make it an office for both of them to work and study, storing their books and other prized possessions in the safe space. She couldn’t wait to decorate it with him.

  Mason was complaining about the heat, even though he was minimally dressed in his tight black Bermuda shorts and a sleeveless shirt that hung loosely off of his thin frame. His fair skin was tinted pink, even his neck due to his curly, long hair being pulled up into a messy ponytail.

  “I appreciate you helping me.” She still felt fairly fatigued and decided it was probably best to see the doctor. She hadn’t felt good in almost a week. Maybe she just needed some water?

  “I know I’ve been whining, but I don’t mind.” Mason shrugged, offering her a small smile. “You know I’d help with anything you needed.”

  Subconsciously, her hand rested against her stomach, not realizing her face had fallen.

  “Everly,” Mason began, pulling two bottles of water from the fridge. “Have you considered that perhaps you’re pregnant?”

  Her eyes widened, accepting the water held out to her. “Shut your British mouth.”

  Shaking his head, his eyebrows furrowed. “I’m serious.” He twisted the cap off of his water. “You’ve been getting sick every morning, you’re tired all the time— which isn’t like you.” He took a few swigs of his water before continuing. “You said your breasts have been sore. When was the last time you menstruated?”

  Everly’s lips parted as she processed his words. When was the last time she had her period? Right before New York, almost two months ago.

  “I assume you two have been practicing safe sex?” There was the teasing smile she was used to. She knew he was trying to lighten the mood, but she was too far in her head now to let it break through the thoughts racing in her head.

  She nodded. “Yes. Every time.” Her response was confident, and she couldn’t honestly think of a single time they made love that a condom wasn’t used. Even though they weren’t 100% effective, she still couldn’t believe it. “Oh, shit.”

  Mason lifted his eyebrows.

  “Our first time, I don’t recall us using one…” She covered her mouth, staring at her best friend. “No, s
urely not. I can’t be that cliche. I’m just not feeling well.”

  Moving over to her, Mason put both hands on her shoulders. “On our way to the twins' apartment, we will stop at the Walgreen’s at Sheridan Crossing and grab a test. Rule out that possibility so you can go from there.”

  Everly nodded, feeling panic wash over her. Not that having Henley’s baby would be the worst outcome, but how would he handle it? A baby would derail all of their hard work. What about school? Their futures? She closed her eyes to try to push it out of her head, her fingers twisting open the water and taking a few big swigs.

  “Thanks for being supportive, Mace.” She smiled, trying to ignore the pulling in the pit of her stomach. “Ready to go start hauling Henley’s stuff over here?”

  Mason smiled, his expression shifting slightly. “I’m ready to see Pierson. With it being so warm outside, maybe he’ll decide against a shirt.”

  Everly hit Mason playfully on his flat stomach, rolling her eyes. She appreciated the distraction.

  ______

  They both stared at the box in her hand, the two pack of Clearblue Digital Tests staring back at them. “Do you want to take one now, then another later to be sure?”

  Everly’s eyes lifted to meet the deep brown of her best friend’s irises, and she nodded quickly. She wasn’t entirely sure she hadn’t lost all the color in her face.

  They grabbed a few more things— cherry coke was a must— before ringing out. Once paid for, Everly and Mason walked through the retail aisles that led to the bathrooms. Without hesitation, Mason walked in behind her, and she grateful for his bravery. Regardless of what the test told her, she knew she would need him.

  A few minutes later, they were staring at the test resting on the sink. The small digital screen counting down as it determined Everly and Henley’s future.

  “Distract me?” Everly almost begged, staring at Mason with anxiety in her wide eyes.

  Mason blinked, obviously trying to decide on how to accomplish taking her mind off of it. His brown eyes met hers. “So, I started volunteering at the animal shelter.”

  “Wait, really? Same one I used to?”

  He nodded. “I’ve only been once, last week. But, I fell in love with this beautiful husky mix, and I want to adopt her. Except, I don’t have my own place.”

  “You know my father would not care.” Everly touched his arm lightly. “It’s my mom you would have an issue from. Of course.”

  “Eve, I appreciate that. But I really think you have enough to worry about right now.”

  Everly didn’t realize that the test had declared the results until she followed Mason’s gaze down at the sink. He lifted so that she could see.

  “It’s positive.”

  Mason wrapped his arms around her as she stood there in silence.

  “I’m going to be a mom?”

  _______

  Mason was able to talk her down enough to leave Walgreens. He reassured her that there’s always a possibility of a false pregnancy, and that after they’re done moving for the day, they can take the other.

  The drive to Henley and Pierson’s apartment felt like it went quicker than normal, but her mind was buzzing the entire time. How could she tell Henley? They had only been together for a little less than three months, but she knew she could tell him anything. But a baby? A baby was a big deal— a life changer. It would alter everything for them. Their relationship. Their future.

  No matter what Mason did, she couldn’t stop the tunnel vision surrounding the subject. When they pulled up to the apartment they both knew way too well, Everly took a second before climbing out. She needed to take a few deep breaths and compose herself— Henley would know something wasn’t right if she didn’t.

  Finally pulling herself from the car, her gaze instantly found Henley. His lean frame wearing a white, tight tank top, and his black joggers. He was loading a box into Pierce’s Volkswagen and smiled once he saw her.

  Without hesitation, he walked the short distance to her, his arms wrapping around her as soon as he could reach. That award-winning smile of his painted over his lips. She sighed, dreamily.

  “Thanks for helping, gorgeous.” He leaned forward, planting a kiss on her lips. As he pulled back, his expression fell, looking down at her. The light blue in his eyes studied her. “Everything okay? You’re not second guessing this, are you?”

  Everly rested her hands on his forearms, shaking her head. “No, not at all.” She flexed her calves to reach his lips. She kissed him again, this time with a little more of a linger. “I’m fine, H. I’m feeling gross because of the heat is all.”

  “You’d tell me, right?” His eyebrows were pulled together, and his expression still showed a slight hint of worry.

  She touched his face, offering him a smile. “Of course. I’ve never been more excited or sure of anything else.”

  “Good, because it took a lot of effort to pack up a bunch of books and clothing.” His tone was playful now, trying to pull himself from the worries he was dealing with. She swallowed hard and teasingly glared in his direction.

  “Oh? Well, I would hate to inconvenience you.” She chewed on her lip, slipping her hands around his neck to play with the ends of his hair. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  “Not at all.” He smiled bigger, showing off his straight white teeth. “I’ve never been more scared and happy in my life.”

  Everly felt her lips curl into a smile, her heart expanding inside of her chest.

  “Are you two going to snog all day, or are you going to actually help?” Mason yelled towards them as he helped Pierce carry out boxes.

  Rolling her eyes, Everly let her hands slide down over Henley’s chest. “I suppose we should go help.”

  “I suppose. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can be alone.”

  _____________

  They were able to get all of Henley’s boxes in the three cars, and Everly felt the relief of only making one trip. Henley was right— the sooner they were done, the sooner they could be alone.

  Once they were to her house, they instantly got to unloading. Mason refused to let her carry anything too heavy, and she wanted to kick him with how obvious he was being.

  “Stop treating me like a delicate little flower. Henley will notice, and I don’t want him to find out this way.” Her voice was a hushed whisper as she stared at her best friend.

  He sighed, his lips pulling together. “Alright, I’m sorry. But, you need to promise to not overdo it. It could complicate things.” His chocolate brown eyes glanced down at her stomach, and she nudged him.

  “Mason William, I mean it.”

  Pierson walked up to them, a half smile covering his lips. “This is a nice place, Everly. I’ve never been inside before. It’s big. So much room.” He laughed a little before adding, “No wonder you’re allowing my brother access, you have enough space where you won’t even notice he’s here.”

  Perfectly timed, Henley was walking past and hit him lightly on the back of his head. “I can hear you, asshole.”

  “Well, I mean, that’s the only reason I allow Mace in here.” She flashed her grin at Mason before walking away from them in order to catch up to Henley.

  “Hey!” Mason said defensively, and Everly just kept walking.

  “Love you. Mean it,” she said without turning around.

  The last of the boxes were being placed in the spare room, and Everly watched Henley pull at the length of his hair.

  “Finally,” Pierson said, both hands on the top of his head. Everly watched her best friend’s brown eyes drift over the oldest twin’s form, which was, much to Mason’s disappointment, fully clothed. “I’m way too sober for how much shit you have, Hen.”

  “Now that you have the room, maybe Mason can move in with you,” Everly said it before thinking, and Pierson’s eyes widened. She chewed on her lip.

  Pierson cleared his throat, “Mason would get bored of me.”

  Mason’s eyebrows lifted, his features fa
lling slightly. “I could never, for the record. But don’t try to pawn me off on a poor, unexpecting Moore twin.” He shook his head. “I’m ashamed of you.”

  “Whatever.” She rolled her eyes, curling her arm around Henley as their fingers tangled.

  “You wouldn’t have to be alone,” Henley added with a grin at his brother.

  Mason and Pierson looked at each other for a few moments but seeming bashful in regards to the other.

  With a short laugh, Mason spoke up. “I’m over there all the time hanging out, he won’t be lonely. However, I’m still keeping my stuff here, thank you very much. My surrogate father would be appalled at both of you for trying to ditch me.”

  “Ditch you? Never.” Henley’s smirk showed off his dimples, and Everly felt her heart flutter at the sight. Her eyes danced over the familiar beauty marks decorating his skin as the boys continued their conversation. Everly, however, got lost in Henley’s presence. It was the most comforting part of the day and actually made her feel like, even though it was scary as hell, it might be okay.

  ————

  The second test gave the same result. Mason gave her a reassuring hug before exiting her bathroom. Both of the Moore twins downstairs waiting for them.

  It wasn’t long after that Pierson and Mason left to grab dinner, and Henley closed the door behind them and locked it.

  “Finally,” he breathed, the smile never faltering through the day. “Are you hungry, babe?”

  Everly felt her eyelashes flutter as Henley’s finger lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Want to order Chinese?”

  “Sounds good. But first…” Henley trailed off, his lips pushing onto hers. She sighed beneath the kiss as his arms snaked around her waist. Their bodies met, and she felt a vibration come from Henley’s throat.

  Everly could tell by the way he held her that he wanted her. Most of her wanted to feel the comfort he provided. To love and be loved, and not think of the stress thundering in her mind; but the other part, the smaller one, encouraged her not to procrastinate. With one hand on his chest and the other around his neck, she broke the kiss slightly and leaned her forehead against his.