“I want to give some time to this, so if everyone can be a little patient a little longer,” I tell Lexi.
She nods then tips her head in the direction of a face-painting stand. “Of course. I totally need to get a unicorn painted on my cheek anyhow.”
We both lean in for a kiss. God, it feels good not to have to sneak around. We’re in the open with no worries in sight.
That’s how it should be.
* * *
Lori throwssome popcorn at her brother while we’re all set in our places in the living room. Harry and Lori on the other ends of one sofa and Lexi and me on the other. We all have a blanket and snacks as we watch a movie. I should be a little stricter with what Harry watches, but I agreed to PG-13 since it was his choice to pick, and he wanted to watch an action move.
Lexi rests her head against my shoulder as she snuggles into me. Never thought I would see this scene where someone else joins the three of us for casual family time. Nor did I expect to have a woman in my arms who isn’t just instant gratification behind closed doors.
This feels like a right fit for all of us.
My phone vibrates on the side table next to the couch, and I feel compelled to answer it to ensure that everything is fine at the inn, as I haven’t checked in all weekend. My screen only shows me an alert related to news… on me. Probably not the brightest idea, but long ago I set up alerts about my name in the news. It was more to ensure Lori and Harry wouldn’t have to be blindsided by anything from others, although I do my damnedest to keep them out of the public eye. Another reason that I appreciate Lake Spark Academy; they take these kinds of things seriously, especially as there are other high-profile parents too.
Swiping my screen, I’m not sure I want to smirk to myself or be kind of pissed.
“What is it?” Lexi asks as she notices my interest on my cell. Her eyes travel down then move in different angles. “Is that us?”
“Yeah, seems it is. I forgot there was a photographer at the charity event yesterday.”
Holden West in a Relationship with Former Coach’s Daughter.
The photo only shows us holding hands, but it shows enough to make assumptions.
Lexi pops her lips. “At least it’s a good angle,” she quips.
It’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve appeared in any photos this way, but I guess I don’t seem to mind.
“Ooh, someone is going to get some glaring eyes on them at the next school drop-off.” Lori seems excited.
“Yep, my life’s goal,” I joke.
Lexi yawns. “Just roll with it.”
“It’s fine. Nobody will care tomorrow, and there are no photos of Lori and Harry.”
Stretching her arms, Lexi gives me the clue that she’s tired. “Guys, are we sure we’re close to the end?”
“Five minutes,” Harry informs us.
“Okay, I can cope with that,” Lexi promises.
But it felt like a long five minutes, even for me. The movie dragged, and after picking up kernels of popcorn that seemed to have scattered everywhere and folding blankets, everyone was ready to call it a night, as tomorrow is a school day.
Every night lately, it’s been the same routine. Harry and Lori to their rooms. Harry to check his financial portfolio on his tablet and me promising to actually talk to my financial advisor. Lori scrolling her social media on her phone, and me reminding her to turn her phone off. They both make their way to sleep on their own, and it works.
Lexi? It’s a humorous scene every damn time. I lie on the bed waiting for her, and she hesitates in the doorframe of my bathroom, doubting what she should do.
I offer the same easy and assuring smile every night. “Come on, woman. I’m getting impatient.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Shaking my head, I’m not sure how many times I need to repeat this. “Yes.”
She takes a few more steps, slowly adapting to the idea. “I mean, it must be a little weird for them to know that I’m inhere.”
