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And now on with the show…
Ch. 58 Hold Me Tight, Tell Me I'm The Only One
(JEFF)
"Here, coffee and breakfast. We should probably get going, but you can eat in the car," I tell Clare. I made her some coffee and put it in a travel mug. I know how she likes it, so I didn't have to ask. I also grabbed a protein bar for her, I didn't think it would be good for her to go hiking without eating anything.
"Thanks," Clare smiles taking the coffee and bar as she gives me a soft kiss.
She leaves her purse, but I have my phone and I told Sam where we'd be hiking. It takes about half an hour to drive out to where I plan to hike. I chose the most romantic hiking trail I could think of that wasn't too far away and wouldn't be too strenuous of a hike. I park and grab the backpack I packed this morning, it has our lunch, a blanket and water inside. I lock the car and bring my phone to be safe. The hike takes us through the woods and along a stream, it's pretty even ground and more of a stroll through the woods than a hike really. After walking a couple of hours, we find a quiet spot by the stream and set out the blanket. Clare sits down while I get our lunch laid out.
"It's beautiful here," Clare smiles after taking a sip of water.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you," I reply. She responds by biting her lip. I hand Clare her sandwich, and for a few moments we eat in silence.
"Your birthday is in three weeks; do you know what you're going to do?" Clare asks.
"J.T.'s birthday is a few days after mine. We're thinking about doing a combined party. Dave was going to let us have it at his place since J.T. is billeted with him, but his dad is a cop and we didn't think that was such a good idea."
"No, probably not."
"And our place is too small for the number of people, Miles said we could have it at his place though, and he has a nice house."
"Yes, I remember his house. That is a good place to have parties. What do you want for your birthday?"
"I already got what I wanted," I respond with a grin and kiss her gently.
We finish eating, I put our trash into the backpack to throw out at home. Clare lies down on her side to watch the creek. I lie down behind her with my arm around her. Brushing her curls from her neck before I begin trailing open mouth kisses along her neck.
"Jeff, someone might walk by," she scolds yet she's giggling.
"I'm only kissing your neck, nothing wrong with that. It's not like we're going to make love out here. It is tempting though," I grin.
"I'm not an exhibitionist, if you want to make love we're not doing it in the woods," she responds.
"I wouldn't want anyone else to see this gorgeous body in the nude anyway. But we haven't had much chance of being alone lately. Even on dates, we've either been doubling with Adam and Anya or with Johnny and Sam. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them, but I miss being alone with you."
"We don't have to go out with anyone else. If you want to be alone with me all you have to do is, ask."
"With practice and school, not to mention the number of people generally at your house or mine it sure seems hard to be alone. Maybe I should go back to sneaking into your room."
"You could," she laughs, "or we could plan a date all to ourselves on Saturday. Friday is your championship game, and school days are too busy to go on a date anyway. Though, when hockey is over your schedule will free up."
"Yes, it will," I grin before capturing her lips again.
We make out for a little while, but when I hear people coming we pull apart. I pack up the rest of our stuff, rolling the blanket to put in my backpack again. We walk back to the car and arrive home in the late afternoon. My parents are home, but everyone else is out still. Clare and I help make dinner and the others return home in time to eat. After dinner the six of us pack our stuff, pack the car, say goodbye to my parents and we begin the drive back. I drop Johnny and Sam off first, then we take Adam and Clare home, I help Adam in with the bags and kiss Clare goodnight. Anya does the same to Adam, now it's just the two of us. Of course, the first thing her parents do when we come in is ask how the trip was. We tell them it was good before taking our bags back to our rooms to unpack. I wait for Anya's parents to go to bed before I go to Anya's room and knock on the door. Sam is sleeping at Johnny's tonight or she'd be here too, she's been spending a lot of nights at Johnny's recently.
"Yeah?" Anya calls and I open the door.
"I'm going to sneak over to Clare's, can you cover for me?"
"Sure," she smiles.
"Thanks," I grin.
I close the door and go to my room to grab my jacket and phone. I go quietly outside and start the car, making the short drive to Clare's house. I could probably go through the front door, I don't think anyone would mind, but I like going to her window. I knock softly, and she appears a moment later.
"What are you doing here?" She laughs as she opens the window.
"Getting some alone time with my girl," I grin. She moves away from the window, so I can come in. I crawl in, wrap my arms around Clare and crush my lips to hers. "How many people are here and still up?"
"Spin and Paige went to bed, pretty sure everyone else is still up. It's not like they'll kick you out," she comments pulling me to the bed.
"I know, just want to know who will hear us," I smile lustfully as I push her back to the bed and slide my hand up her shirt.
Clare giggles, grabbing my jacket and pulling it off, "They won't hear us at all if we're quiet."
(LUCAS)
"Coming," I call after hearing someone knock on the door. I doubt it's a delivery-person since we're not expecting anything. We're not expecting anyone either, but it's not uncommon for one of the gang to drop by. When I open the door, I expect to see one of the gang, I'm more than surprised to see my sister. "Jane! I thought you weren't going to make it out for spring break?"
"I wasn't, but I didn't want to wait until summer to meet Mia, and see you," Jane replies coming in and hugging me. Mom picked me up from the airport, my stuff is there, but I wanted to surprise you," she says.
"I'm definitely surprised, but happy to see you. Mia's home she's just in the bedroom I'll go get here," I tell Jane.
"Who is it?" Mia asks when I open the bedroom door.
"Jane, she came for spring break after all. She wants to meet you."
Mia smiles and gets off the bed, I take her hand and we walk out to the living room. Technically, the two have already met, they spoke on the phone and we've video chatted with Jane a few times.
"Jane, I'm so happy you were able to come. It's nice to finally be able to hug you," Mia smiles giving Jane a big hug.
"You too, maxed my credit card to come last minute, but you know some things are more important than money," Jane says.
"You showed up on a good day, we were just getting ready to go to the Ice Hounds game," I comment.
"Ice Hounds?" Jane questions.
"Yeah, the junior pro team DeGrassi has. I told you Owen made captain."
"Oh right," Jane nods.
"It's their championship game," Mia smiles and then her face changes and she looks at me, "but the game is sold out isn't it?"
"It is, but Owen is captain and we know enough people on the team that we should be able to find an extra ticket. You might not be sitting with us, but we'll all go out after the game," I remark and get my phone out.
"Yo," Owen answers.
"Jane's in town, you think we can get her a ticket?"
"Yeah, I'm sure one of the players has an extra ticket. I'll leave one at the front for her."
"Thanks Owen," I reply and hang up. "Owen will find one for you," I tell Jane.
"I'm going to finish getting ready," Mia says disappearing to the bedroom again.
"Would you like a tour? There isn't much to see, this is the living room, dining room and kitchen. Here's our room, there's a master bath back there, this is the guest and the baby's washroom, and this will be the nursery." There's nothing in the nursery right now, but we'll have a baby shower sometime this summer.
"It's a nice apartment Lucas," Jane smiles.
"I'm all set, do you need anything Jane? Do you want to go back to your mom's house for anything before we leave? We have about an hour before the game starts," Mia says.
"No, I don't need anything," Jane replies.
"Why don't we go to The Dot, get some coffee. I'm sure some of the gang is there," I suggest.
"Sounds good, I haven't seen any of them in a long time," Jane replies.
"Yeah, coffee sounds good," Mia smiles. I grab my coat and we go down to my car, I drive us to The Dot and just as I thought some of the gang is here, most of them actually.
"Hey Lucas, Mia. Hi Jane, didn't know you were coming out," Sean greets while the others wave.
"She surprised us too, I already called Owen he's going to get her a ticket to the game. Jane, you remember Sean and Emma. I told you they were engaged right?" I question since I don't remember.
"Yes, you did. Congratulations, I knew you two would get married someday," Jane replies.
"You remember Jay and Johnny of course."
"Hard to forget them, you three used to get into a lot of trouble together."
"That's Johnny's girlfriend Samantha, she's Anya's cousin. Not sure if you remember Anya," I comment pointing at her, "she's dating Adam now. And Jeff, who's on the Ice Hounds is Samantha's younger brother, and he's dating Clare. You'll see him at the game. I think you remember the Mason kids, Spin there behind the counter, Drew, twins Clare and Adam," I comment and each of them waves as I introduce them. "That's Drew's girlfriend Bianca, the only ones not here yet, besides Owen who's at the game, are Paige, Tris, K.C. and Jenna." I don't mention Zig or Maya, no reason to bring up those memories, and I doubt Jane remembers them.
"Paige is picking up K.C. and Jenna, Tris is going to the game with Zane," Adam tells us.
"Cool. I'm going to get us some coffee, I know what Mia wants, what can I get you Sis?" I ask Jane.
"Just a medium coffee, cream no sugar," Jane replies.
Jay grabs some chairs and the gang makes room at the tables for us. While Jane and Mia sit down I order the coffee. Just after I order Spinner is off and he asks Karen to make our drinks. Spin goes into the back, coming out just as our drinks are ready and Spin helps me bring the drinks to the table.
"How's school?" Emma asks Jane.
"Pretty good, it's a lot of work and it's really expensive to live there, even with financial support I had to get a job. I like most of my classes and teachers."
"I can't imagine going so far away to go to school," Clare remarks.
"I loved it at first, but I do miss home," Jane responds.
Jane talks a little about her classes before it's time for us to leave. When we get to the arena I go up to the box office for Jane's ticket; we're happy to find that she has the seat just in front of me and Mia, she'll be sitting next to Jay.
"Lucas tells me you've been doing good and feeling better," Jane comments to Jay. We've found our seats and are now waiting for the game to start.
"I am, group has been a big part of that. It really does help to go, to talk or even to listen to the others. It helps to know that they'll understand, that some of them have been there. I really thought my life was over when I got the diagnosis, that I was going to die, never find love or get married, I really was ready to just end it. Sean dragged me to the first group, I thought it was just going to be people feeling sorry for themselves and talking about how life sucks now and they're waiting to die. It wasn't though, it really helped, I told them I had just found out and they all knew how I felt, what I was feeling. I didn't feel so alone anymore. Hearing that they had been through it, that they were getting on with their lives it gave me hope, mostly it made me want to live. For whatever time and life I have left I want to live it. One woman told me about finding love after the diagnosis, she's married and they've adopted two children. It was really encouraging to hear it all. I hate the regimen of meds, and I hate that I have this, but you know it's forced me to take care of myself, to start exercising, eating better. Except for being careful about eating, exercising and the meds my life is pretty much back to normal."
"That's great Jay, I'm really glad to hear it," Jane smiles. She opens her mouth to say something else, but the music begins and the teams skate out. As they skate out names and player numbers flash on the screen with pictures and stats. "Oh, there's Owen," Jane smiles when she sees his picture.
"Yeah, that's Jeff Clare's boyfriend," Jay points out.
The national anthem plays and then the game begins. It's a pretty exciting game. In the first period no one makes a goal, but each team comes close a few times. In the second period Owen and Dallas both score for the Ice Hounds and the other team doesn't score at all. In the third period J.T. scores, the other team scores two goals, but the Ice Hounds still win. Even sitting three rows over and two rows behind Clare I hear her scream excitedly when the Ice Hounds win. She jumps up, cheering and blows a kiss to Jeff, I think she's more excited than the team. The team skates around the ice celebrating before skating off the ice.
"Everyone's going to the house, including the team," Jay tells us looking at his phone. I'm guessing Spinner just texted him.
"Which house?" Jane asks. Were standing up now and waiting to get out of the stands.
"The Mason's, it's the house. I think we should swing by the store first, grab some provisions. I don't think Spin and them have enough to feed the whole hockey team," I remark.
"Probably not," Jay shakes his head.
"I have to pee, and I don't feel like walking around the store. I'll see if I can get a ride with Sean and Emma, or Fitz he probably brought his own car," Mia says putting her hand on her stomach.
"Why don't you and Jane go to the Mason's in my car, Jay and I can go get provisions in his car," I comment handing Mia my keys.
She smiles and gives me a tender kiss, we finally make it out of the arena and wave to the girls before Jay and I go to his car. We get a bunch of chips, a couple different types of dip and salsa, cookies, pop, lemonade and some beers. Then we head to the party. We get help bringing in the groceries, we weren't the only ones to stop at the store first. Sean and Em did a bit of shopping too. The house is pretty full when we arrive, and the team isn't even here yet. Jane is talking to Paige and Emma, I find Mia with Jenna talking about pregnancy. I ask if she needs anything and she says she's okay, so I go to the kitchen and grab a beer before going out to the backyard.
Spin has the barbeque going, people are standing and talking or sitting at the one table. A few are sitting on the two steps that lead from the small deck to the yard. It's not the biggest yard, but it's always done well (along with the house) to host some pretty big parties. In the back near the fence line a fire is going in the fire pit. Drew, Bianca, Adam, Anya, Fitz and Alli are sitting around the fire pit.
"We brought some more food, figured we'd probably need it. Just snacks though, didn't know you'd be barbequing," I tell Spinner.
"Thanks for the extra food. Johnny and Sam are getting some extra hot dogs, we can always run out and get more if we need to," Spinner replies. "So, Jane just showed up?" He asks after a moment.
"Yeah, last I heard she couldn't make it for spring break and suddenly she's at my door. I'm glad though, I wanted her and Mia to meet in person before the summer."
"Mia's pregnancy seems to be going well, now that you know you're having a girl have you started buying pink things?" Spinner asks.
"No," I laugh, "we made a pact; no pink. We haven't bought anything for the baby yet. We have started talking about where and when to have a baby shower."
"You can have it here, everyone is generally here anyway. The girls can have the living room and house and us guys can hang in the back."
"Cool, I'll tell Mia," I grin.
"THE CHAMPIONS HAVE ARRIVED," Owen bellows from inside the house.
Now that the Ice Hounds are here it gets a bit rowdier, no fights or anything, but they are hyped up from their win. I spend a lot of the party talking with Spinner, but I talk to Sean, Owen, Johnny, Clare and Adam too. I also spend a lot of the party with Mia, I don't get to see much of Jane though, she spends some time talking with Bianca, some with Fitz, but mostly I see her talking with Jay. In high school she wanted nothing to do with me or my friends, probably why she was never really part of the gang. Either we matured, or she has come to accept us all now.
"I know the party will likely go a while longer, but I'm getting tired," Mia yawns a little after ten.
"Let's get you home then. I just need to find Jane, let her know we're leaving," I comment before kissing Mia's temple. I leave Mia and wander the house trying to find Jane. "Hey, Fitz you seen my sister?" I ask when I see him walking in from the back.
"Yeah, she's sitting at the fire pit talking with Owen and Adam," Fitz responds.
"Thanks." I walk out and back to the fire pit. Anya is sitting with Adam but seems to be making s'mores. A few of the other Ice Hounds are sitting at the fire pit too. "Jane, I'm going to get Mia home, she's getting tired."
"Can you drop me at Mom's? I flew in today and I'm exhausted, if it's out of your way I can get another ride," Jane says.
"Nah, it's on our way we can take you, meet us out front," I tell her. "Goodnight," I wave to the others. They say goodnight and I wave to or say goodnight to a few others on the way out. I find Mia, we get our coats and go out to the car. I tell Mia we're dropping Jane at my mom's and she says that's fine. Jane comes out just as we're getting in the car. "I don't know what, if any, your plans are while you're here, but I'm working most nights," I comment to Jane as I begin driving.
"Oh, that reminds me; Mom wanted you guys to come to dinner tomorrow. She'll do it early so that you can make it before you have to go to work. I don't really have any plans, but I'm going to group with Jay tomorrow. After hearing him talk about it I wanted to see for myself."
"I've been with him, I found it depressing and uplifting all at once," I comment and then look at Mia to see if she wants to do dinner tomorrow night. Mia nods. "Tell Mom we'll come to dinner, I need to be at work by seven, so as long as we're eating by five it should be fine."
I drop Jane at Mom's and we drive home. Mia brushes her teeth and gets right into bed, for the most part she's been feeling pretty good during the pregnancy, but she does tire earlier than she used to. I take a shower and watch some TV, working nights it's hard for me to go to sleep too early. It's after two by the time I go to bed. I sleep in until almost noon, Mia is already up and studying. I get breakfast, but eat in the bedroom, so I don't bother her. Mom texts to confirm that dinner will be at five, and that Jay's coming since he and Jane will be coming right from group. She says it sort of apologetically, which I find funny seeing as Jay is one of my very best friends and it doesn't bother me at all that he'll be there.
Mia and I both start getting ready at four, as usual she takes a while to decide what to wear. Even though we're only going to Mom's house to have dinner with her, Jane and Jay Mia still does her hair and makeup. I start getting ready at four because I want to be ready for work, I'm assuming I'll be leaving right after dinner to get to work. I know Jay or Jane, or Mom will get Mia home safely.
"Mom we're here," I call using my key to get in.
"Hi," Mom smiles coming out of the kitchen. She hugs me and then Mia before feeling Mia's stomach, "How are you feeling Honey?"
"Other than tired I've been feeling great," Mia smiles.
"Good, dinner is almost ready. Jane and Jay are just setting the table," Mom says taking Mia's hand as she walks back to the kitchen.
"How was group?" I ask Jay and Jane as we begin eating.
"It was really good, I enjoyed it actually. Hearing some of their stories and what they've been able to come through. Seeing the support that they all get from each other, it's very encouraging," Jane replies.
"It was good, it's always good for me. Whether I'm listening or talking I always get something out of it. I always feel better afterwards, it was nice to have Jane there," Jay grins.
Jane asks Mia about the pregnancy and that's what a lot of the talk over dinner is about. The pregnancy, the due date, when we'll be having the baby shower. I tell them Spinner offered their house for the shower and Mia likes that idea.
"I need to get to work, can you make sure Mia gets home okay?" I request after eating my dessert pretty fast.
"Of course, Honey," Mom replies.
"I'll swing her home when I leave," Jay tells me.
"Thanks Jay. Thanks for dinner Mom. Jane, I'll see you tomorrow or something I'm sure. I love you," I smile before taking Mia's lips.
"I love you too, be careful tonight."
(PAIGE)
When the alarm on my phone goes off Spinner groans. Even though it was a Sunday night Above the Dot didn't close until after two this morning and Spinner didn't get home until nearly three.
"You don't have to get up, sleep as long as you need I'll make sure the kids are quiet," I tell him leaning over to give him a soft kiss.
"I love you," Spin whispers and within a few seconds he's back to sleep.
I smile and get out of bed going into our washroom. I get ready for work and go out to the hall, I hear Drew and Bianca up and moving around in their room and someone is in the washroom, Adam judging by the open bedroom door. I pass by Clare's room and the door is open, doesn't look like her bed was slept in. I find her in the living room, asleep on the sofa with Fitz on the floor, Johnny's sleeping next to Fitz. Clare's eyes open when the living room floor creaks under my feet.
"You and Fitz better get up, you'll have to leave for school before long. Just be quiet, Spin needs to sleep," I tell her in a low voice.
"I know, he got in very late," she nods sleepily and reaches down to shake Fitz. "Mark, we need to get up."
I smile at Fitz when his eyes open. On my way to the kitchen I hear Clare, Fitz and Johnny all getting up. I make myself some tea, and a breakfast of fruit and yogurt. While I enjoy my breakfast the rest of the house, all except Spinner, come in and out of the kitchen as they get ready. I say goodbye and tell them all to have a good day as I leave the house. I get into work just after 8:30, turning on the lights and the office coffee maker.
I didn't picture myself being an administrative assistant for a fashion magazine when I thought about careers in high school. This is where life brought me, it's not a terrible job, I like the people I work with, it's just that there isn't much to answering phones, opening mail and greeting people when they come in. On the other hand, I'm ecstatic every day to wake up as Mrs. Spinner Mason, I love him more than anything. I love his siblings and everyone else that spends a significant amount of time at the house. Clare, Adam, Drew, and Bianca will all be heading off for college or work in the next few years though, and I would like Spin and I to have our own kids one day. I don't think I can stay in this job and have a baby though. I don't have time to think about it during work there's too much going on.
I decide to go out for lunch though, normally I eat at the office in the breakroom, or I'm running errands on my lunch. Today, I leave the office and walk to the restaurant down the street. I order a salad and a lemonade, choosing to sit on the patio because it's a pretty nice day for mid-April. I get out my phone and begin searching courses at Centennial while I eat.
"Hello Spirit," his voice chills me before he even sits down across from me. He's smiling. When I first saw that smile it made my heart flutter, I thought it was sexy. Since that night at the party seven years ago his smile has seemed nothing but evil. Seven long years, so much good has happened in my life since then and yet seeing him here across from me, so close I can smell his aftershave, I feel like that frightened fourteen-year-old again. "You're looking good Spirit," he grins reaching across the table to stroke my cheek.
"Don't touch me you bastard! Stay away from me," I spit at him batting his hand away and tossing the rest of my salad on him. It's a good thing you pay when you order because I get up and run from the table, run from Dean. I stop just before getting back to my building to compose myself.
I manage to get through work, but Dean stays on my mind all afternoon. I am more than relieved to get off, but I look very carefully before going out to my car. I'm nervous for the whole drive and happy to see a house full of people when I get home. Drew is at work, Spinner is too, but he's not closing tonight. Bianca is at Bright Sparks this afternoon with K.C., but Clare, Adam, Anya and Jenna are all here. Jane is here too, along with Lucas, Mia must be at school.
"How was work?" Clare asks.
"It was fine, same as always. Has anyone started dinner?" I question.
"Not yet," Adam replies.
"I'll start dinner," I smile setting my purse down.
"I'll help Paige," Jane volunteers.
"Thanks, Jane. Let's see, we better make something easy that can feed a lot. Spin won't be home until around ten, so he's not eating. Bianca and K.C. should be home soon though," I comment to Jane as we go into the kitchen. "What time is Drew off?" I ask the twins peeking back into the living room.
"Nine, he's closing," Adam and Clare say at the same time in the same way.
"Whoa, in stereo," Jane laughs.
"Yeah, I've known them most of their lives and I'm still not used to it. Pretty sure Jeff will be over, he and Anya may stay. I think we have some chicken we can do a couple pans, chicken should be in the freezer," I tell Jane and she gets it out.
I get the rice out of the cupboard and start the water, I tell Jane where the pans are, and she gets out two skillets. I tell her where to find plates, so she can start defrosting chicken in the microwave. With Jane's help we make chicken, rice and salad, enough to feed all of us. Jeff, comes for dinner and Owen stays for dinner since he dropped Jeff off. I enjoy having so many people in the house and for a little while I forget that Dean even exists let alone that I saw him today. The twins and Bianca clean up after dinner and I take a shower. It's while I'm showering that Dean's visit comes back to me and my mind races. I wonder if it was coincidence that he was there, or did he follow me? Has he been following me? If he just saw me sitting there eating why did he come over and sit down? Was it just to torment me? A sick game?
It's not until the water begins to turn cold that I realize how long I've been in the shower and haven't actually showered. I turn off the water and get out, put on pajamas and my robe, towel dry my hair and go out to the living room. Jane and Lucas have left, Jeff and Anya are gone along with Owen, K.C. and Jenna. Bianca, Clare and Adam are watching TV, Bianca is also doing homework. I sit down with them and watch TV, though I'm not really paying attention. Drew gets home first, he looks tired but sits down to do homework, which his younger siblings and Bianca help him a great deal with. Drew is just finishing his homework when Spinner gets home.
"Hi family," Spinner greets when he comes in. "Hi Gorgeous," Spin says greeting me with a kiss.
"Hi Honeybee, can I get you some dinner?"
"No thanks, I ate at work," he says sitting at my feet.
Spinner only watches TV for a little while before he gets up and goes back to the bedroom. I say goodnight to the kids and go back to the bedroom with Spin.
"I'm tired, it was a long busy day. I swear those teenagers drink more coffee on Monday than any other day," Spin yawns sitting on the bed and taking off his shoes.
"Didn't you always want good caffeine fix after the weekend when you had to go back to school?" I remind him. Spinner liked school about as much as Drew does.
"Yeah, but it makes for a busy day at the café. How was your day?"
"Fine," I answer quickly. I don't want to tell him about Dean, I don't even want to think about Dean.
Spinner opens tomorrow, so he gets ready for bed and I get ready for bed too. I get in bed with Spin, he puts his arm around me and I lie happily with my husband. Being in his arms I start to think about us having a kid of our own someday, and me needing a better job. Spinner falls asleep before too long, I lie with him for a long time, but I can't sleep. The more I try to fight Dean from my mind the more he comes into my thoughts. With Spinner fast asleep, and my mind turning over a dozen thoughts at once I know I can't sleep. I get out of bed carefully and go out to the living room.
"Can't sleep?" Drew's voice in the dark startles me and I gasp. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep either, didn't want to bother Bianca."
"It's alright, I just didn't think anyone else was up," I reply turning on the kitchen light. "So, why are you up?" I ask Drew turning on the electric kettle to make some tea.
"I don't know, just thinking I guess," Drew shrugs. He gets out a pot and the milk to make some warm milk. "How come you're up?"
"Same, couldn't stop thinking and didn't want to disturb Spinner," I reply as the kettle boils and I turn it off.
"Thinking about what?" Drew asks as he stirs the milk in the pan and pours it into a mug.
"You know…things," I shrug stirring my tea and not looking Drew in the eye.
Drew sits down and puts his hand over mine so I stop stirring the tea and look at him. "I've known you most of my life, and I grew up with Clare, queen of misdirection and not talking, what were you really thinking about?"
I sigh and slump back in my chair a little, "Dean."
"Something happen today?" Drew asks with his brow furrowed by concern.
"I was eating lunch and he sat down across from me. I only saw him for a few minutes it's just it brought it all back."
"Did you tell Spin?"
"No, it was only for a few minutes, I threw my salad on him," I tell Drew.
"Wish I had a picture of that," Drew laughs. "Look I know you don't want to worry Spin, but if you're worried he's gonna know and he's going to be worried anyway. And if you see Dean again, anywhere at all you'd better send a text out to all of us."
"I'll tell Spin tomorrow, thanks Drew," I grin kissing his cheek. "You know you don't give yourself enough credit, you're really smart, and you're really good with people."
"Great, can you tell school that?"
"Book smarts aren't everything. You're good at your job, even if it is just a cell phone kiosk you make a lot of sales and that's because you're good with people."
"Yeah, but I can't sell cell phones the rest of my life."
"You're not done with school yet, and you can take other classes. I think I can sleep now, thanks for the talk Drew," I smile drinking the rest of my tea. I set the mug in the sink and hug Drew before I go back to the bedroom. I get in bed and Spinner rolls over putting his arm around me.
"I love you Spinner."
"I love you Paige," he yawns kissing my temple.
I smile and close my eyes as I start to feel heavy with sleep.
Update soon picking up from about here, and probably also including Jeff & JT's birthday party. Next story to be updated is Live in My House, I'll be Your Shelter.