I’m just passing the door when my phone buzzes in my pocket. With my mouth filled with oatmeal and chocolate chip deliciousness, I check the notification. My heart beats a little faster upon seeing it’s Lex.
Lex
How’s your Sunday going?
We barely talked today, and as pathetic as it may sound, I miss him.
I glance at my dad, busy sawing a wooden plank, and decide he can wait a little for his cookies and my help. Instead of texting Lex back, I call to hear his voice.
“Hi there, vigilante,” he greets me. I chuckle, delighted by his teasing. “How’s helping your friend going?”
“Everything’s good now. Her ex won’t bother her any longer, and the videos are gone.”
“How did you manage that?”
“I scared him to death with my big muscles.”
It’s his turn to laugh softly. We talk for a while as I aimlessly stroll around the backyard, circling the swimming pool, and end up sitting on an old swing. Unable to resist, I take bites of cookies as we exchange. Turns out my dad might not get any sugary reward after all. At some point, I’m unable to answer for a few seconds, busy swallowing a mouthful.
“Sorry, I was eating a cookie. I should be on time tomorrow morning if the traffic allows it.”
“Is it good?”
“We’re north of Portland, so it should be fine.”
“I meant the cookie, not the traffic,” he corrects, clear amusement in his voice.
“Oh! Yes. It’s one of my mom’s best recipes. They are why my ass got this big,” I bitterly explain.
“I’ll have to thank her for baking those, then.”
An incredulous laugh flows past my lips, stunned that he so boldly affirms his appreciation for my backside. He really,reallylikes my ass, doesn’t he?
Once the initial shock passes, I realize what he just said. Was it just a harmless joke, or is he considering the possibility of meeting my parents? It may have just been a quick retort, as it often occurs during our playful banters, but the thought of him coming here with me one day, meeting my dad and mom, sends all sorts of feelings through my chest. I want him to know them, and I want them to know the man I love.
“What are your plans for tonight?” I ask, hoping the mundane conversation will divert the subject.
“Well, for the lack of a better idea, I might end up working.”
“I know you’re a workaholic, but don’t you do anything for fun?”
“I do, but she’s currently in Portland, visiting her parents.”
My cheeks heat up at his playful teasing, and then the entirety of my skin. An irrepressible laugh bubbles in my chest. God, I love him…
“We need to find you fun things to do other than me.”
“It would pale in comparison. Although… There is this movie I’d like to watch, but I’m forbidden to do so.”
“Yes, you are. And I swear if you—” I’m interrupted by a series of curses my father lets out. Crap, he just hit himself with the hammer.
“I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m supposed to help my dad with some chores, and now he hurt himself, and I’m the worst daughter ever.”
“Ah, sorry for distracting you.”
“It’s okay. I’ll talk to you later, Coleman,” I promise.
“Go save your father, Walker.”
