“Do you think it would be okay for Calen to invite Drew over? I think he’s got a little crush on her.” I heard Cash call from the kitchen as I pulled out the super comfortable blankets from my hall closet.
When did we start to become so domesticated? And who would have thought Calen would have been the one to bring it out of us?
“Drew, as in his sitter Drew? To hang out as friends?” I asked, needing to clarify what was being asked here, because I had already seen the crush in Calen’s eyes when he looked at her, but I could also see the friendship in Drew’s eyes. She saw him as a little brother, little kid, more than a ‘guy’ or someone she’d consider dating.
That was okay. That’s how a lot of great relationships started, and how the guy learned you and you learned bits of him while he waited in the wings for you, slowly working his way into your heart.
It happened, I smiled to myself as I turned around, Piano Man on the radio, Cash in the kitchen and Calen walking in through the front door with his snacks and the pizza he and Cash had cooking at their place while we had apps in the oven at mine.
“Yeah,” Cash called out, noticing Calen just walked in. He talked to him for a quick minute before coming over to me to continue our conversation. “I’m helping you with theseblankets. Not talking about Calen and Drew. He wants to invite her over tomorrow, like a friendship date like I did with you, while we’re on our date.” Cash was watching me, seeing what I thought about it as we carried the blankets out, tossing them on furniture. I glanced over at Calen in the kitchen opening the oven to check on the appetizers, before looking back at Cash.
“Well, I think it’s fine as long as they stay in the main living areas. Like, no going into your room or his room with her. And you’ve got the security system if you felt like you needed to check anything,” I suggested, trying to keep my tone light and nonchalant, but I knew I had to ask if Calen knew about condoms and safe sex, and where babies came from. If not, we’d be making a trip to the coffee shop to have a chat with some of my friends. My OB/GYN friends. See if they have any really good stories to share.
He nodded, thoughtfully.
“I just don’t want to do anything that could come back to bite us with CPS or anything,” his tone measured.
“Then maybe we have a stay date? We all go out and go bowling or something? Or we order a bunch of take out and then do movies and shit in the living room, or play Mario Kart or something like that so we can all hang out?” That suggestion made him pause and he seemed to really think about it. I slowed as I watched him, the small smile creeping up his lips. I figured we’d be staying in.
“I think that would be for the best. At least until we get the okay from his caseworker.” I smiled at him. He really was such a thoughtful and thorough person, in all of his actions. Calen was setting up in the kitchen, turning the oven off and pulling the food out. Cash was laying out Calen’s sleeping bag in usual spot when he fell asleep during the second movie.
“Do you think we could set up a popcorn bar if you guys decide to stay in?” Calen asked, popping up right next to and startling Cash a little. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.
“I want to ask her tomorrow during our free class second period, or do you think I should text her tonight? The varsity football game is tomorrow night, but maybe she’ll want to hang out with me? I should have asked sooner.” His voice was curious, worried, and then just plummeting into despair. I tried my best to hide the smile I had on my face at how cute this kid was.
Drew’s a lucky girl.
“I would definitely text her tonight, probably before we get lost in the first movie. You’re welcome to invite her as long as Cash is okay with it.” I said, walking up to Cash, lacing my fingers through his. Calen looked at Cash, hopeful that he’d say yes. Cash smiled, one of the biggest smiles I’d ever seen. The look in his eyes was one that was there and gone before I could register, but his eyes looked like they were trying to mist over.
“Yeah, bud. Text her,” Calen went running for his phone, easily jumping over the back of the couch, and snagging it off the kitchen island.
“We should think about signing him up for track or something for him. Cross country? He’d be a great hurdler,” Cash said as we watched this boy, who was slightly taller than me, leap the couch like it was nothing. Cash carried two plates loaded down with appetizers, while Calen had a tray with all of the ‘extras’ we had decided on so we didn’t have to get up unless it was for a bathroom break, to the coffee table and I carried the drinks. Calen grabbed my pint of ice cream off the counter for me as I set the drinks down.
I snuggled into Cash’s side on the couch as we all settled in to watch whatever he had picked.
“It’s an action flick on Prime, called ‘The Beekeeper’. It’s supposed to be really good,” Cash’s chest rumbled next to me.
“It has Jason Statham in it too. He’s so cool,” Calen said, a fist full of popcorn making it to his mouth. Cash hit play as he pulled me in to snuggle closer and share a blanket. This was a good night.
Hopefully, tomorrow would be fun.
Chapter Thirty-Seven:
Cash’s POV
Drew had arrived Friday night, bringing a blanket and a big bucket that said ‘POPCORN’ on the side, filled with different popcorn seasonings and movie theater candy boxes, and a smile. This girl was ready for a movie marathon. She smiled at me as I opened the door, moving aside so she could come in.
“Welcome, Drew. The living room is set up for movie night. We’ve also ordered a pizza and some Chinese that will be here soon. Calen and Devin are in charge of salad and other semi-healthy snacks in the kitchen.”
“Thank you, Mr. Johnston,” she said, looking around, checking out the apartment’s slight upgrades that consisted of new, large bean bags, overly comfortable pillows, and Devin’s insanely soft blankets, as well as cushions from her couch on the floor in front of the TV for extra lounging space. Calen was coming out of his room, looking down at his shirt.
“Cash do you think this shirt makes—” he looked up and saw Drew, freezing like a statue. He stood there for about two seconds before his face blushed, flaming red all the way to his ears and the back of his neck. He looked away quickly and rubbed the back of his neck, deciding that he was wearing the shirt regardless. He cleared his throat like I did when I was nervous.
This kid really did take after me.
“H-hey Drew. Whatcha got?” He smiled as he tried to be Mr. Smooth, coming over and checking out the giant popcorn bucket she held in her arms, graciously offering to help her withher stuff. She smiled back at him, and I think I saw a bit of ‘like’ in her eyes when he was all embarrassed, and taking her blanket from her arms. They’d be cute.
Wait.
