Authors Note: I always feel like I tell you guys I take forever with these. I hope you understand. I have two other stories so just be patient. This story is still very important to me so I will not stop updating it. Thank you for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you all still enjoy it and welcome new readers! I hope you are also equally enjoying it.
Abby and Lindsay were in a giant bundle of blankets, wearing at least 2 layers a piece and silently cursing the fact that they went with the adorable apartment complex instead of one with newer heating system. It was 80 degrees outside, the sun was shining and yet their apartment was like the arctic.
"That bloody landlord of ours is really going to make me kill him this time if he doesn't sort this out." Lindsay complained as Abby sipped her coffee.
"He said it'll be fixed in a few days. I doubt it will be long. Not with the way people complain." Abby kept her hands wrapped around her coffee mug and really didn't want to reach for her phone as it beeped.
"Really? That boy is quite persistent." Lindsay waited until Abby looked over at her before pulling a face.
"Why don't you just tell me why you don't like him and be done with it. I mean you used to tell me that I can't let one massive jerk screw up the rest of my dating experiences and that's what I'm doing. Now you suddenly have a problem with it?" Abby pointed out.
"Then why haven't you told me about him? I mean we talked on the phone a few times and you never thought to mention him? Why not? You let the guy sleep in your bed, Abs. Don't even try and tell me that isn't a big deal for you anymore." Lindsay scooted closer to her.
"I didn't tell you because if it didn't work out I was afraid of looking like an idiot again." Abby admitted finally setting her mug down. Lindsay looked at her confused.
"Honey, you didn't look like the idiot before. He was the arse that cheated on you." Lindsay reminded but Abby cut her eyes.
"But I stuck around. You know I was the fool in all of that. I knew what he was doing and I was too afraid to leave him. I hated who I was then." Abby said making Lindsay put her hand on her face.
"You aren't even close to being that girl." Lindsay said firmly.
"You're right, I'm not. I actually like myself more around Stuart. I feel like I can be myself and still be accepted. He makes me laugh and teaches me things I never really thought I'd want to learn." Abby explained making Lindsay's face soften.
"He's cocky and sarcastic and can be a complete pain in the ass but I genuinely enjoy hearing from him. He makes me feel special. I haven't felt that way in a long time, Lynz. We have the entire summer to figure this whole thing out and I really want to see how it plays out." Abby said making Lindsay let out a heavy breath.
"Fine. I'll give the doorknob a try but I want to hear the whole story, how and where you met? First date, second date, how exactly he managed to get into your inner sanctum." Abby laughed at her best friend. Abby told Lindsay about the day she ran into Stuart and how he blamed it on her, she laughed when she told her about attacking Stuart for being mean to her dad and warning him to be nicer. Lindsay didn't take too kindly to him standing her up but did ease up a bit once Abby explained that he is equally as self conscious as she is. Lindsay thought about the night she warned him about being honest with his intentions.
"Does he know about Ethan?" Lindsay finally asked watching Abby look away.
"I kind of had to tell him a little bit considering you attacked him. He was surprisingly cool about it. He said he couldn't understand why someone would risk losing someone like me by cheating." Abby said making Lindsay tilt her head to the side.
"Really? That's surprisingly mature of him." Lindsay rolled her eyes.
"He's not perfect Lynz but that's kind of why I like him. He's got baggage and insecurities but he has crazy focus and determination." Abby shifted on the couch.
"Kind of like someone else I know." Lindsay nudged Abby's shoulder.
"All I ask is you give him a chance." Abby asked putting her hand on Lindsay's. She let out a sigh and rolled her eyes.
"I'll try but I get free reign to beat him up if he hurts you. He's been thoroughly warned." Lindsay said firmly before Abby hugged her tightly.
"Hopefully it won't come to that. He is actually really sweet. He even offered for me to stay at his place until they fix the heat." Lindsay's eyebrows went up.
"Well isn't he generous." She teased.
"I'm not ready for all that just yet. I'll probably take the couch...if he has one." Abby hadn't actually been inside of Stuart's apartment yet. She'd seen the outside and it didn't look half as nice as theirs but she figured for not having a room mate and trying to support yourself, it was the best he could do which showed character in her book.
"I thought you said the kid came from money?" Lindsay said raising an eyebrow.
"He does but he also doesn't get along with his dad. He pays his own way which is admirable in my book." Abby finally got up after looking at her watch.
"I have to start getting ready for work." Abby walked into her room and tried to change as quickly as she could to avoid freezing and also packed a bag for classes at the studio in the afternoon. Lindsay had followed her into her room and sat on her bed.
"I wanted to talk to you about something." Lindsay said getting Abby's attention.
"How about why you're home instead of shooting for the gallery in Paris. I know you keep skating around that but I'd really like to know what happened." Abby said pulling on her fringed shorts. She knew she'd warm up once she got to the club but she didn't want to overdress.
"The models were crap, the locations they gave me were not what I wanted and I just wasn't feeling it. I got an idea and asked my publisher who said he'd give me a week to show him what I came up with and if he likes it then he won't completely rip my head off for bailing." Lindsay explained.
"What's the idea?" Abby narrowed her eyebrows together.
"You. I'll photograph you. It pays well and you're gorgeous." Abby stopped what she was doing to look at Lindsay.
"Are you being serious?" She asked earning a nod.
"Lindsay, I'm not a model. I can barely walk up stairs let alone a catwalk." Abby zipped her bag.
"It's not a catwalk, it's a series of photos. We can work around your schedule but I really need to get the first set done and sent." Lindsay followed Abby out of her room.
"This is California, you can find a real model." Abby threw her bag over her shoulder and Lindsay wanted to stop her but she knew that she was already uncomfortable with the idea of modeling for her. It didn't surprise her. She knew why she didn't want to model for her again. Modeling for Lindsay was how she met Ethan and it brought back painful memories.
Abby went to work and tried to shake the thoughts of her past as she tended the bar.
Text from Stuart:
We won another semi challenge today. Neha actually rocked it.
Abby smiled reading the message. She was glad that Stuart was finally connecting with the team. Both Nick and her dad had taken him under their wing and he actually seemed to be loosening up. Even Neha had messaged her to keep working her magic on Stuart because he's more tolerable to be around. Abby only laughed.
Text to Stuart:
That's awesome! We'll have to celebrate tonight.
Abby couldn't even pocket her phone before it beeped again.
Text from Stuart:
We're actually going out to lunch together right now so I might come bother you later once you leave work.
Text to Stuart:
I'll be at the studio after my shift so if you want to come hang out, that's cool.
Abby went about the rest of her shift passing off smiles and getting pretty decent tips but nothing that was going to really go towards school. She hated how stuck she was. She either had to overcome her fears or lower her self standards for the club and both things gave her insane anxiety. She knew she shouldn't leave early but once Missy arrived she cut out and went straight for the studio. She needed to relax and she couldn't do that in the club. She needed to be alone with her thoughts and the music. She changed her clothes and let all the tension out of her body as she stretched out and put in a mix.
Abby danced alone for over an hour ignoring her phone and anyone who walked by the studio and just danced. It had been a while since she just let herself go in the moment like that but she felt like it helped her. She had no sense of time or space around her, she just let her body flow with the music that played. She didn't realize the door opened up and Stuart walked in tossing his backpack near the wall and watching her with a smile on his face.
"Hey, how long have you been standing there?" Abby looked at him in the mirror.
"Not too long. I like that routine." He started digging into his pockets to find his phone.
"It's not a routine. It's free-styling. I'm just listening to the music and moving my body." Abby explained not paying attention to him for a few more moments until she realized he was on his phone.
"Did you come all the way here to work because if you need to go back to HQ it's fine. I can just meet you later." Abby said spinning around towards him but Stuart kept his phone up.
"Actually I'm taking an Instagram video of how amazing you are." Stuart explained as he continued to record.
"Oh god don't take a video." Abby rolled her eyes but didn't stop dancing.
"Why not? You look amazing." Stuart explained as he finished the video and started to edit it.
"Oh please. I'm not even doing anything." She rolled to the floor and Stuart pulled a face. He knew he could do a lot of things but dancing like Abby did was not one of those things.
"Besides I thought you only liked when I danced at the club?" Abby finally looked at him in the mirror as he walked over to his backpack and sat down on the floor.
"I feel like I should be offended by how shallow you assume I am." Stuart said posting the video as Abby smirked at him. The song ended and she walked over to wipe the sweat off her face before joining him on the floor. He gave her a quick peck but she held his cheek extending the kiss. When she pulled away, Stuart's eyebrows were up.
"What was that for?" He questioned.
"I was just kind of in a funk earlier. It's nice to see you." Abby explained and Stuart tilted his head down.
"You want to talk about it?" Stuart asked but Abby just shook her head.
"If you had to choose, would you face your fears or sacrifice your integrity?" Abby pitched making Stuart lean his head back as she rested her legs on top of his.
"Well I guess I'd probably face my fears but I mean, everyone has different fears. If I was afraid of like sharks or something I'd probably forget how to spell integrity let alone know that I owned any." Abby chuckled. Stuart kept his eyes on her.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" He asked curiously but Abby shook her head.
"It's hard to explain and I really don't want to drag you into it." Abby explained earning a huff from Stuart as he turned his body and pulled her by her thigh so she was almost sitting in his lap.
"Maybe I want you to drag me into it? That's what I'm here for. I help you, you help me." Stuart reminded her and Abby put her arms around his neck.
"You know this whole having a boyfriend thing isn't half bad. I wasn't aware of all the positive benefits." Abby smirked at Stuart.
"Oh yeah? What kind of benefits would those be?" Stuart kissed Abby as she twisted her body more towards his. She bit his bottom lip softly and couldn't help but smile. Abby enjoyed getting lost with Stuart. She didn't feel stressed out when she was with him. She swung her legs over his hips to straddle him just before the PA went off.
"Yeah Ab's, if you have sex on the studio floor I'm not cleaning it up." Abby laughed out loud pulling away from Stuart.
"Sorry Nina." She said loudly before the PA clicked off. Stuart let his head fall back against the wall.
"Yeah thanks Nina." Stuart yelled making Abby scoot back on his legs.
"I can't believe you put that video up. I look like stupid." Abby looked at Stuart's phone as he got likes on the video of her.
"Stupid? Seriously? I'm pretty sure you could do the funky chicken and look sexy." Stuart rolled his eyes and Abby started flapping her arms making him laugh.
"I stand corrected." He teased earning a smack on the arm. He laced his fingers with hers and she leaned back.
"I might need you to teach me a few things for my Junior's wedding." Abby's eyebrows went up.
"Mmm you dancing the waltz in a tuxedo sounds pretty hot." Abby pressed her lips together.
"Yeah I doubt I can learn the waltz that quickly but maybe some basics would work better." Stuart suggested making Abby get up from his legs and extend her hand to help him to his feet.
"Basic ballroom and such I can do but if your family starts doing the waltz, just remember I offered." Stuart got to his feet and stretched out a little before letting Abby mess with his arms and feet. She taught him slowly at first just by himself so he could get his feet down but when she picked out a slow song Stuart got nervous.
"Okay so just keep your head up. It's Christina Perri so it's going to be slow but you've got to lead me." Abby stepped up to Stuart and put his hand on her back before taking his free hand. Stuart looked down at his feet.
"Eyes up." She said making his eyes jump from under his glasses. He started counting in his head and remembering the directions he was supposed to be moving his feet but he kept stepping on Abby's feet.
"I told you I'm terrible at this." Stuart grumbled.
"You aren't terrible but I need you to take your shoes off." Abby bit her lip and Stuart let go of Abby and dropped his arms.
"I'll just stick with swaying." Stuart gave up but Abby grabbed his hips making him look up at her.
"If you let me help you with the slow dancing, I'll show you some of the new dance moves for the club." Abby promised. Stuart's eyebrows went up and he quickly kicked out of his shoes. Abby had to laugh as he put his arms up ready to start again.
"You're all class, Twombly." She teased making him smirk. They practiced for almost an hour before Stuart started to get leg cramps. He actually had a lot of fun learning to dance with Abby.
"Aren't you supposed to teach a class like 15 minutes ago?" Stuart asked as he rubbed the knots out of his thighs.
"Yeah I don't know what the hold up is." Abby walked over to the PA system on the wall and hit the button.
"What's up Abs?" Nina came over the speaker.
"Did you guys move my class to another room or-" Nina hissed through the speaker.
"That class was cancelled. I thought Monica called you?" Nina said making Abby grow even more frustrated than before.
"What? Why wouldn't you tell me when I came in if it was cancelled?" Abby asked annoyed as Stuart slipped his shoes back on.
"Because you looked stressed out. I thought you came in to let off some steam. I'm sorry hun." Nina sounded genuinely sorry for the miscommunication and Abby leaned her head against the wall.
"It's fine..." She let go of the PA button and shook her head.
"Most people get excited getting the night off." Stuart spoke up making Abby rub at the back of her neck.
"Most people aren't about to be kicked out of school." Abby pushed off the wall and Stuart crossed the room towards her.
"What? What happened?" Stuart asked concerned but Abby shook it off.
"It doesn't matter. Don't worry about it. I have to see if I can get in some extra hours at the club tonight or I'm going to be broke." Abby started to change out of her clothes and Stuart averted his eyes slightly.
"You worked this morning, you're probably exhausted." Stuart said as Abby huffed.
"Well I don't have a choice. I need the money." Abby grabbed up her bag and Stuart stopped her.
"Hey just slow down for a minute okay?" He rubbed her arm and she took a deep breath trying to do as he told her.
"How bad is the money situation? I mean, can I help at all?" Stuart asked making Abby narrow her eyes at him.
"You know I'm actually aware of your money situation right? Do you really think I'd let you put yourself out to help me?" Abby questioned crossing her arms over her chest.
"Honestly, I think you're too independent and proud to ask anyone for help which is why you're so upset. I get it. I just meant is there anything I can do to make this less stressful for you? I mean we can go to your place, grab up some things and I could drop you off at the club. That way it'll give me some time to straight up at my place so you don't see how truly single I live. Maybe even order a pizza for us to have after you get off?" Stuart was trying to help Abby in a way no one really had tried before. He was right when he said she was too proud to take money from people. She knew her struggles were her own doing but here he was trying to make her feel like she wasn't alone with it.
"That sounds like a great idea. You aren't going to be bummed that we can't hang out tonight?" Abby stepped into Stuart's space and he put his hands on her hips.
"To be honest, I don't think I'd be able to do much anyway after all that dancing. Eating pizza and watching TV while I ice my legs sounds like heaven right now." Stuart admitted. Abby smiled at him before wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Thank you, seriously." Abby said genuinely making Stuart nod.
"We have similar struggles. If I can help, I'm down. In the future I might also need the help of a very coordinated dance instructor to help me two step through a wedding reception." Stuart smiled at Abby.
"It's a good thing you're dating one then." Abby's eyes got big as she teased Stuart. She grabbed her bag and Stuart grabbed his own before heading down to her car. When they stopped by her place, Lindsay was on the phone with someone and had the entire coffee table occupied by photos and paperwork.
"She just walked in, I'll call you back." Lindsay hung up the phone making Abby sigh.
"Thank god! I was just about...oh you brought the nerd." Lindsay saw Stuart walk in behind Abby and he shook his head.
"Nice to see you too Fatal Attraction. Kill any bunnies today?" Stuart fired back earning a hit from Abby on the chest.
"Can you two please not start this today?" Abby said looking between them.
"I'm not worried about the spaz. I need to talk to you about these photo shoots." Lindsay held up the paperwork.
"I already told you I'm not interested. I just came to pick up some clothes for tonight. I have to head back to work-" Lindsay cut Abby off confused.
"I thought you worked the morning shift and had classes this afternoon?" She questioned.
"I did but I left early and found out that my classes were cancelled. I need to pick up another shift if I want to make enough by the end of the summer." Abby explained.
"Hello! This is a perfect opportunity to do that!" Lindsay waved the paper around as Stuart sat on the couch.
"Please drop it. I need to get my clothes and get out of here." Abby looked over at Stuart before looking back at Lindsay.
"Can I trust you two out here for a few minutes? I don't want you taking any swings." Abby said making Stuart shake his head.
"I'll be fine." He waved it off even though Lindsay glared at him.
"I mean it Lynz. Play nice." Abby pointed at Lindsay.
"You're no fun." Lindsay pouted as Abby walked into her room to pack a bag. Lindsay immediately turned to Stuart and huffed.
"Okay listen up geek squad, I need your help convincing Abby to do these photo shoots." Stuart looked around the room knowing Lindsay was talking to him but wasn't sure why she suddenly thought she could ask him for a favor.
"So you think I should help you after you've treated me like crap, threatened and assaulted me on top of constantly taking jabs verbally." Lindsay held an unamused glare at him.
"No one has time for you to be a sensitive Stacy!" She mocked as Stuart shook his head.
"You see that sounded exactly like the opposite of an apology." He winked at her making her even more frustrated.
"You are such a child." She ran her hand through her hair wanting to pull it out.
"You're getting warming but not quite." She sat down across from him and held up some old photos. Stuart looked at the photos and they were of a younger Abby, not super young but she definitely looked like she was only 18.
"Look nerdburger, I offered Abby a job that will not only help her make her school payment but will help her secure it. All I need her to do is do a few photo shoots for me. She'll be able to keep her clothes on and won't have to bust her ass working three jobs." Lindsay explained as he finished looking at the pictures.
"If it was as easy as you're explaining it then you wouldn't need me. What's the catch?" Stuart asked handing the pictures back.
"The ex, he was a photographer too. She met him at one of my old shoots." Stuart pinned his eyebrows together.
"So you grill me about being a nice guy and you try to make her do something that brings up unhappy memories?" Stuart pointed out.
"She needs the money! You have no idea how close she is to-" Lindsay stopped herself and Stuart took note of it.
"Look, if you care about her, like honestly care about her well being and her future then you will help me convince her that she needs to do this. Otherwise you're going to watch her lose her dream all because she was too afraid of the past." Lindsay and Stuart stared at each other for a few moments before she got up and collected the paperwork. Stuart didn't want to put any pressure on Abby but seeing her stress out about money was something he knew personally sucked. He didn't want her to have to be in the same shitty predicament as he was in.
"Okay I guess I can leave the sweaters here since I'm assuming you actually have heat in your apartment." Abby came out of her room with a bag on her shoulder.
"Actually my apartment gets pretty hot at night so you can leave the sweaters." Stuart admitted standing up. Lindsay was gathering some of the paperwork when Abby looked down at her.
"Don't be upset with me. I'm sorry I can't help. Maybe I can find one of the girls to-" Lindsay shook her head.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. You two have a great night." Stuart could see Lindsay was taking a different tactic now but Abby just let out a sigh before grabbing a hold of his arm and leading him out of the apartment. Abby let Stuart drive her car to the club to drop her off but he could tell her mind was still on Lindsay. He told her he would be back at 11 to pick her up before kissing her goodbye and watching her walk into the club. He drove back to his place to straighten as much of it as he could but there wasn't much that could be done. He didn't have much to begin with. He pretty much took whatever was in his door that he thought he'd need and tried to get the rest for cheap. He knew that if he got the job at Google, he'd have to find a better place but for now, this was home. He looked at his bed and knew he didn't really have time to do anything but straight out the sheets and make sure it wasn't a wreck. The only thing he was glade he had was the Febreeze that his neighbor had suggested to get rid of the dusty smell all the apartments seemed to have.
"Calm down dumbass. She's just spending the night." Stuart had to talk himself down but the truth was he never really had a girl he actually dated stay the night. He'd dated, he'd hooked up but he'd never really held a girlfriend that slept over with him. He knew that if he was nervous, Abby would see it all over his face. He got a text about an hour after dropping her off that made him relax.
Text from Abby:
You know you don't have to clean up for me. Just hide your sex swing and make sure there's pizza and I'm content.
Stuart laughed to himself before texting back.
Text to Abby:
There goes my plan of eating and working out at the same time.
He knew Abby would laugh. He liked that she enjoyed his sarcasm, his humor. He didn't feel like he had to be so critical of everything when he was around her. He kept thinking about what Lindsay had said though. What if Abby was struggling a lot more than he was with money? His mom sent him money when he got really desperate but Abby worked three jobs. He couldn't even imagine doing as much as she does. He felt like he really needed to know the story of what happened with this ex boyfriend to know why she was so scared of doing photo shoots. Abby was gorgeous. She could be a model any day of the week. It would be easy money for a girl struggling like she was but something this guy did to her must have truly messed her up if she was passing up on easy money.
Stuart took a shower and changed his clothes before doing one last sweep of his place and giving it a nod. He figured he could order the pizza on the way home and it would arrive by the time they got back. He took off towards the club and waited in the car for a few minutes. He wasn't sure if they'd let him in after closing or not so he just waited in the car until Abby came walking out the backdoor. She ran over to the car and jumped in smiling at him.
"Wow you look clean." She smirked making Stuart shake his head.
"Thanks? I showered." Stuart started the car up and drove back towards his place, trying to shake the nerves.
"How was work?" He asked making Abby snort.
"I got good tips when I ended up in an unexpected wet t shirt contest." Stuart quick braked on accident and Abby laughed. He looked over at her and she shook her head.
"You are so tense right now. Are you sure you really want me to spend the night?" Abby asked again as Stuart took a breath.
"Yes of course. I've already ordered the pizza and put the sex swing away. You've gotta stay now." Stuart joked. Abby reached over and took one of his hands and held it in her lap as he drove and he seemed to relax a lot more than he once was. Stuart carried her bag up the steps and actually met the pizza guy at the door. He let Abby open the door as he paid and carried it in. Even the pizza guy looked at him surprised but Stuart gave him the stink eye as he shut the door.
"Do you mind if I shower really quick? I smell like baby oil and expensive booze." Abby complained.
"Yeah of course. Let me get you a towel." Stuart walked into the bathroom and grabbed a towel from the linen closet and set Abby up. She walked in with a handful of clothes and started to undress.
"I'll um...be out here. Call me if you need me." Stuart ran out of hte bathroom and grabbed the plates and napkins. Abby didn't take too long in the shower but when she came out, she was wearing pajama shorts and a tank top that were making it very hard to focus. She jumped onto the couch and grabbed her plate before Stuart brought out two beers and sitting down next to her.
"This is really nice. I like spending nights in with you." Abby smiled at Stuart.
"Yeah it is actually nice to have some company. Usually I come home and work online." Abby pulled her legs underneath herself.
"Don't be mad but Lyle mentioned he was helping you get some side work. I'm not messing you up by being here right?" Abby asked biting her lip.
"What exactly did he tell you?" He pressed.
"Just that you asked if he knew anyone that needed some simple things done." Abby was a terrible liar and Stuart shook his head knowing he had told her about his dad flipping out on him the other day.
"I told you, I don't like taking money from my mom. The side jobs help pay back what she gives me. I mean it's no different from what you're doing with the studio and the club. Just trying to get by." Stuart said but Abby didn't pick up on him trying to fish information out of her.
"Actually the nightclub cash goes to pay off my tuition. I fell behind in some of my payments and if I don't catch up, I'll lose my spot at school so that's why I work so many jobs." Abby glanced over at Stuart and he thought back to Lindsay.
"What are you thinking about?" Abby nudged his shoulder and he put his pizza down.
"Well I guess I can't be mad at Lyle for telling you about my situation but you should know that Lindsay filled me in on why you don't want to be her model." Abby looked instantly embarrassed but Stuart touched her knee.
"Was that what you were asking me about earlier? The whole facing your fears or sacrificing your integrity?" Stuart asked making Abby shrug.
"It's just...working in the club, I know more skin gets me more money. Maybe it's stupid to have the standards that I have. I'd rather walk around topless rather than have to get back into the world of photography." Abby put her knees against her chest and Stuart swallowed a lump in his throat.
"Look I don't want to pressure you into talking to me about that guy but did he...did he like hurt you...physically?" Abby's eyes shot up and Stuart looked at her concerned.
"I know it's none of my business but I just get this vibe that you're like scared of the guy." Abby shook her head quickly.
"No no not afraid of him. I just...I hated who I was with him, because of him...I just." Abby growled frustratedly turning her body towards his.
"He was a charmer. That's what his job was. He charmed people and they basically fell hook, line and sinker. I was so into him that I didn't see what I was turning into. I've never been a clingy person, ever. But he made me feel like I needed him just to get by. So when I caught him cheating on me, I actually ignored it." Stuart's eyebrows went up in surprise.
"He had made me feel like it was my fault. I was weak and dependent and I hated myself." She breathed. Stuart was getting his mind blown with some serious truth right now.
"I flew to my aunts for Christmas one year and when I came back I found him in bed with an old friend of mine. He didn't even jump out of the bed. He just acted like I was an inconvenience for coming home, to my home." Abby rubbed at her arm like she felt gross just talking about him.
"I'd hit rock bottom after finally breaking it off with him. I was a mess. I couldn't even dance anymore. I got behind with school and almost lost my spot once before which is why they won't give me any breaks now." Abby ran her hand through her hair.
"To make an already long story short, I hated who I was and it took me a really long time to get back to loving myself. I'm afraid that going back into that world will make me feel less of who I am again." Abby admitted.
"Well it explains a lot." Stuart said making Abby snort.
"Wow thanks." She rolled her eyes.
"No I mean, you thinking that you aren't some super hot girl dating a Google intern, you have no idea how much of an 16 you are on a scale of 1 to 10. I'm glad you figured out who you are though. I think you're pretty great." Stuart smiled brightly making Abby lean forward on the couch and kiss him. She grabbed a hold of his neck and was about to swing her leg over his lap when there was a series of loud noises from outside his door. He jumped up quickly and unlocked his door.
"Stuart?!" Abby jumped up and followed him out the door to see him helping an elderly lady at the bottom of the steps who was picking up her groceries.
"Roberta, you know you can always buzz me. I thought we talked about this." Stuart gathered the woman's groceries as she held onto the banister.
"I knew you were having your girlfriend over and I didn't want to bother-" Stuart shook his head at the woman.
"Come on Roberta, you know our bond is unbreakable." Stuart looked up as Abby came down the steps in sweat pants and a jacket.
"Here let me take those and you help her." She offered.
"Oh she's lovely Stuart." Roberta looked at Abby and she smiled.
"Roberta this is Abby, Abby this is my lovely neighbor Roberta." Stuart introduced them and Roberta patted Abby's hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Roberta." Abby walked up the stairs slowly to keep the pace with Stuart as he helped Roberta.
"Oh the pleasure is all mine sweetheart. Stuart, she looks like a movie star." Roberta whispered loudly and Abby blushed.
"I know I keep asking her to get glasses so she'll know who she's dating." Stuart teased earning a hit from both Abby and Roberta as he helped her into her apartment. Once he got her settled in, Abby watched him closely from the kitchen as she put her groceries in the fridge. Stuart had always thought of himself as a loner, unable to socialize with people but he had a kind heart. He didn't show it to many and he hid his insecurities under his intelligence and sarcasm but Abby saw much more than that in him.
"You two come over and have dinner sometime. I'd love that." Roberta smiled at them as they walked out the front door.
"Will do, make sure you lock the door okay?" Stuart said as he shut the door. He waited a few moments before using the key over the top to lock the top lock. When Stuart walked back into his apartment, Abby was standing there staring at him.
"Sorry about that. I know we were in the middle of a serious talk but she's-" Abby crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Stuart's neck kissing him suddenly. Stuart's eyebrows went up and he held his arms out surprised by the kiss before letting his hands go to her back to pull her closer. He wasn't quite sure what the kiss was for but whatever he managed to do to be rewarded with such enthusiasm, he'd gladly continue doing it.
When she stepped back he looked at her confused and a bit saddened she was no longer kissing him.
"I like who I am now too but I like who I get to be around you too." Abby said softly with her arms still around Stuart's neck.
"Good because I like how I feel about myself when I'm with you." Stuart said honestly earning himself another kiss.
"You know, you can play up the whole cocky jerk thing all you want but I just watched you help your elderly neighbor with her groceries. Face it Twombly, you're a softy." Stuart laughed into the kiss and shook his head.
"It's getting late. We should probably get to bed." Abby suggested. Stuart nodded his head and started locking up his front door and cleaning up the living room, putting the pizza in the fridge.
"Do you have any sheets for the couch?" Abby asked making Stuart eyeball her.
"Why would you think I'd make you sleep on the couch?" Stuart asked confused.
"Well as much as I'd love to take advantage of your whole Superman thing, I don't think we're ready to get too physical just yet. Some guys only want girls in the bed if they're going to put out." Abby shrugged as Stuart pulled her by her waist towards him.
"You know why there's never been a good Superman movie? Because no one wants to be Superman." Stuart pulled on Abby's hand and she cocked her eyebrow.
"Are you sure you don't mind?" Abby asked one last time before Stuart opened the door to his room and gestured for her to come in. She turned the lamp off before walking in and looking at his bed. It looked comfortable and but kind of old.
"Yeah so it's nothing like your bed but I've actually been saving up for a really nice one. I figured if I got the job at Google, it'd give me a reason to splurge for a big, comfy one." Stuart explained.
"That's practical." She sat down on the bed and it moved slightly hitting the wall. She covered her mouth and Stuart shook his head.
"Yeah, about the whole putting out thing. I doubt we'll be doing much in this bed considering it moves so much." He tried not to blush but Abby laughed.
"That's actually priceless. I like your old rickety bed." She smiled up at him and he rolled his eyes before getting kicking off his pants and getting into the bed with her. They both laughed the more the bed moved but when they finally settled in Abby was facing Stuart as he sat his glasses on the nightstand with his watch. He let out a sigh and smiled at her cuddling up with one of his pillows.
"Still freaking out?" Abby asked quietly.
"No not really. I'm actually kinda exhausted from being anxious all day. Now I feel really relaxed." Stuart's eyes grew a bit sleepy now that he was comfortable. Abby put her hand on his cheek to stroke up to his hairline.
"I'm glad you can relax with me in your bed." Abby felt Stuart searching for her under the covers and pulled her closer to him so he could lace their fingers together.
"You know I think you would make an amazing model." Stuart said honestly.
"Oh yeah? You think so?" Abby smiled.
"No I know so. You're beautiful. I know you're scared though and that's okay." Stuart accepted the fear and Abby appreciated that about him.
"What are you afraid of? Other than the ferris wheel, that is." Abby asked curiously.
"What makes you think I'm afraid of the ferris wheel?" Stuart lifted his head and Abby chuckled.
"The look of sheer terror you got when you thought I was going to make you ride it on our date." Abby reminded. Stuart rolled his eyes putting his head back against the pillow.
"I had a bad experience once..." Stuart filtered off and Abby stared at him like she was waiting for the story. He wiped down his face before rolling his eyes.
"My brothers thought it would be a good idea to help me get over a fear of heights by forcing me into one and then leaving me up there." Stuart explained. Abby's eyebrows pinned together.
"How old were you?" She inquired sitting up slightly.
"I was only 8 and I was so terrified to move that they actually closed the carnival with me on the thing. I was stuck at the top, in the cold for most of the night. When I didn't come home my mom called the police. By the time they found me, my dad was so pissed off that he never let me go to another carnival with Junior or Russ but I was so freaked out, I never really wanted to go back anyway." Stuart explained staring at the ceiling. Abby held a frown at him when he finally looked over at her.
"It's okay, I was 8. I've gotten over it." Stuart chuckled.
"I'm not sure I ever want to meet your brothers. They kind of sound like dicks." Abby said making Stuart smile.
"Well you kinda thought I was a dick when you met me." Stuart quirked his eyebrow at her.
"No I thought you were a jerk. A cute jerk with sexy beauty marks." Abby traced her fingernail over his moles on his face.
"You mean my moles? Not really sexy-" Abby covered his mouth with her hand.
"Take the compliment, nerd." Abby said making Stuart chuckle. Abby rested her chin on Stuart's chest looking at him.
"Would you ever considering going on the ferris wheel with me?" Abby tested and Stuart let out a sigh.
"I'll make a deal with you, you give the modeling thing a chance again and I'll let you take me on the ferris wheel." Stuart pitched making Abby's face dropped slightly.
"O-okay. Deal." She put her hand up and Stuart shook it. He pulled on her hand and brought her to his lips feeling how lazy hers were starting to get.
"Sleep now?" He mumbled against her lips.
"Mmmhmm." Stuart reached over and turned the lamp off and settled back so Abby could rest her head on his chest. Stuart held her close listening to her breathing slow down as she drifted off to sleep. Stuart looked down at her face and saw how peacefully she was. This was the second time they'd spent the night together and Stuart was able to hold her while she slept. He never realized how nice it felt to have someone in your arms at night. He grew nervous to just how comfortable he was growing with the feeling but tried to focus on the feeling of Abby holding onto him.