Chapter 16
904 Words
**Everly**
Tonight was OK but not something I had plans of repeating. As we talked through dinner, all I could think about was Dustin. It didn’t help that all through high school I had a crush on Vince, but the reality of him was such a let down.
The moment he put the car in park, he jumped out and ran to my side to open the door. Again, it was really sweet but this evening was a wash. I could see Brayden and Gavin playing basketball as I stood in place by Vince’s car.
I wanted the night to end here. I didn’t want him to get the idea that I was going to invite him in. Goodness I hope he doesn’t try to kiss me.
“Thank you for dinner.”
“Everly, I had a really good time.”
He leaned in and I wasn’t sure what to do. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw the basketball come flying at Vince’s head. With a sickening smack, it nailed him right on the side of his face.
“What the f$ck.”
I did everything I could to hold my giggle in.
“Oh man, I am so sorry. It hit the backboard right on edge. You OK?” Gavin said, running over.
“I’m fine.” Vince replied, rolling his eyes. “These both, aren’t yours are they?”
I didn’t miss the disgust in his voice.
“Yes, they are mine.”
“I’m glad I don’t have any of those.”
“I’m glad I have mine. They are the most important thing in the world to me.” I said, stepping further away from Vince.
“Yours is almost grown, right?”
“Vince, Thank you again for dinner.” I said and turned and walked away.
Kicking my shoes off, I plopped down on the couch next to Kennedy.
“So…How was it?”
“The food was really good.”
“I meant the company, mom.”
“I don’t want to go out with him again.”
“Why?”
“Honestly, he talked a lot about this ex-wife and how much money he makes. How he has a boat. Nothing that I found attractive. I don’t think he asked me one question about me.”
“And he isn’t Dustin.”
“Yeah. I’m going to take a shower and head to bed. Don’t stay up too late.” Giving her a kiss on the cheek, I headed to my room.
After a hot shower, I crawled into bed and was asleep in no time.
**Dustin**
“I need to go.”
“Dustin, you need to figure out what you plan to do first.”
“I am losing it just thinking about her with another man.”
“It’s a first date and from our interaction with her she isn’t the kind of woman to sleep with a man on a first date.”
“I didn’t even think of them sleeping together. s**t! I was just thinking about him kissing her. Holding her.”
“ OK, calm down.”
“Does telling somebody to Calm Down ever work?”
“No.” She laughed.
“I just need to explain what happened.”
“How do you plan to do that without telling her that you are a Kappi?”
“I…I don’t know. I just know I need her.”
“Then you need to tell her what you want. Let her know you want to be with her and only her. That you want to take her on dates and spend every free second with her.”
“How do I explain the freakout?”
“Tell her you panicked because you didn’t get a chance to talk to her about everything. That you planned to explain it but she left and you had to rush home to deal with a family emergency.”
“I hope this works.” I said, standing up and opening a portal.
“You can’t go to her tonight.”
“Watch me.”
I had to get changed, and as soon as I was ready, I opened a portal again, but before I could step through, my sister handed me two dozen roses. Taking them from her, I stepped through to my hotel room. Getting in my rental, I drove right to Everly’s house.
Pulling into her driveway, I saw Gavin and Brayden playing basketball.
“I can’t believe you beat me,” Gavin said.
“I warned you I was really good at basketball.”
“Hey guys. Brayden is your Mom home?” I interrupted.
“Yeah, but why are you here?”
“I owe you Mom an apology.”
The three of us entered the house only to find Kennedy in the living room.
“Dustin. What are you doing here?” Kennedy asked.
“I’m here to see your Mom.”
“Oh she went to bed.”
“Do you think she is already asleep?”
“I’ll check.” Brayden said, walking out of the room.
I sat down waiting for Everly. I hoped she would talk to me. This had been the longest week of my life not being able to see her. I had no idea my flame would have this kind of effect on me.
“Dustin?”
- Writer
