Chapter 8
1141 Words
Aubrey
Giggles in the house had me running to lock the door, heart thumbing loudly.
I hear one set of footsteps going to the master bedroom. The two came back into the house from the beach.
Instead of focusing on them, I move back to the bathroom, staring at myself in the mirror.
The person who looks back at me is flushed, sweaty, and ashamed. Running a hand through my hair, I decided to take another quick shower.
For the next hour, I just hide in the room, putting my clothes in the closet. The week ahead hadn't even started yet, but I already felt ready to go home.
Figuring the pair continued the party in their room, I tip toe out of the room and head to the living spaces downstairs.
The kitchen is huge, lined with windows and no upper cabinets to take advantage of the views. Grabbing a drink from the fridge, I look at the ingredients, contemplating what to make for lunch. I knew we would be having dinner out, but I needed a distraction from the people I would be habituating with.
Looking at the freezer, the steaks catch my attention. They are certainly going to need something hearty from the day's actions. The thought makes me laugh.
Putting on my headphones and a playlist, I start on the sides. Peeling the potatoes to make mashed potatoes is only the start of labor of love. The Mexican style corn and chicken salad is next, along with the Southern style macaroni and cheese.
Looking at the time, I decided to make a dessert of some sort, its well past lunch, and they haven't come out, and my mind hasn't stopped racing with thoughts of them.
The apples on the counter inspire me to make some apple pie with about 7 of them. It goes by quicker than I want it to, leaving me no choice but to start on the steaks. They too finish way too quickly, leaving me to start putting the spreads on the dining room table. The view of the pinks, purples, and orange makes me pause, no matter how crazy this day has been. It's been beautiful. I take a seat at the table and sigh at the abundance of food.
The idea of stepping anywhere near that room has me tense. Instead, I pick up my phone and call James. Surprisingly, he picks up on the first ring.
"Dinner is ready, Mr Kennedy." I speak staring at the view.
"We'll be down in two seconds, puppy." Zara speaks, voice low, the wind from the beach affecting the speaker.
That name again. It brings a pause to all thoughts, and I try to blink all thoughts, not appropriate away. Instead of answering, I just dropped the call.
Indeed, two minutes later, Zara comes down wearing another tiny bathing suit, with an open dress shirt and flip flops. Looking at her reminds me of her sandy body against James in the throes of pleasure. I can feel the heat rising in my body. She takes in the table, eyebrows rising.
"You cooked up a storm in here. Everything looks so good." She smiles, taking a seat next to me.
"You can't not in that beautiful kitchen." I respond smiling back.
"Is James going to join us, or is it going to be just us?" I ask, handing her a can of coke.
Opening my own can of coke, I use both hands as I notice my hands are slightly shaking. I catch her eyes, looking at me in my peripheral.
"I need some ice-" I speak unexpectedly, rising from my seat and moving to the kitchen with my glass in hand.
The peace in the kitchen is short-lived as Zara is also on her feet following me, "I need some too." She smiles, standing flush behind me.
"What did I miss?" James asks, making me jump in my spot.
"N-nothing." I stutter out. Closing the fridge and moving away from Zara to the island.
"We are just getting ice, Aubrey cooked us a feast. Doesn't it look amazing?" She asks, pointing to the table.
James approaches slowly. Admiring the table.
"Everything looks amazing Aubrey, what would we do without you?"
For the second time I flush cheeks heating up, I take an ice cube and put it in my mouth.
"Let's taste it first." I laugh, moving past Zara, back to my seat.
When the table has all three people, we start eating. The entire time compliments come my way from Zara.
"Your hands are magical, I could marry you. This pie is heavenly." She speaks hand over mouth.
The entire time we have been eating, my face has been flushed. "I needed this after today. Thank you, puppy. I don't think I can go swimming after this. Do you want to join me for a movie while James cleans up?" she asks eyes on me.
Against my better judgement, I agree.
The rest of the night is spent watching the entire trilogy of pitch perfect. When a song came on from the musical that she knew Zara would stand performing in the corner doing the routine.
For those few seconds, I would watch clapping along laughing. By the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.
The second day in Miami is spent working, following behind my boss. The entire time, I think about being at the house. The heat of the city is starting to lull, with the coolness of the night filling the car. While I had said I was looking forward to the beach the second I get home, I excuse myself to my room.
A call disturbs me from my routine. The first few numbers let me know it's from my home town. Almost on instinct, I answer the phone. The call is filled with noise and movement in the background.
"This is the Four ways Hospital, Nurse David's calling in regards to Rebecca Blake. Is this Aubrey Blake?"
My heart falls, simultaneously beating louder. "Yes this is he."
The time it takes for her to answer I've stopped breathing. We have you listed as a next of kin for Rebecca Blake, we have been trying to get in contact with her for the last three weeks with no avail. The results of her bloodwork confirm she is indeed pregnant. Congratulations, Mr Blake, you are expecting."
Air finds its way back into my body, sighing in relief.
"Thank you, Nurse. I will relay the message."
Pregnancy. Well, that was unexpected. Instead of dwelling on it further, I send a text to my cousin, she's sure to know what's up.
I forgo the shirt of my pyjamas and fall back into the bed, closing my eyes and listening to the crashing waves. I'll deal with it later.
- Writer
