It was a week since Kim's birthday. It had been a great weekend with Kim's friends before working on the gardens adding color to the front of the home. It was very hard work but they were happy with the results. Adam had returned to work to find the food donation bin completely over flowing with food. He checked in at work before the team loaded the food and took it straight to the food panty. He was very excited about the amount had been donated just from his district. He even took a photo to send to Kim . He couldn't have been happier with the support from his extended family. They decided to keep the box up for one more week before taking it down. This coming week the couple would be helping at a soup kitchen. They chose to help out on Wednesday nights. This way Kim would be able to continue to volunteer even when in season. They were both excited about it for sure.
Today Adams mother and Sister were coming over to see the new house. They hoped it showed them how happy they are and continue to show that they belong together. "Hey darling. You want to head down the dock for a bit before the family gets here?" He watched as she just got out of the shower. "Sounds amazing! Let me just throw some clothes on quick." He watched her getting dressed in something comfortable while they were just relaxing. "Ready?" Kim held out her hand ready to walk. "Yes! Let's go!" He took her hand leading her to the dock. He saw her smile getting wider the closer they got to the water. He was still amazed how she shined by the water, glowing in the sun. But what really got him was how relaxed she was here. She was always happy, smiling, laughing. He loved this for here. The couple curled up on the couch together enjoying the quiet time.
It was still a bit cool outside but the sun was shining and the couple was just happy to spend the time together. No work, no business calls, no reporters, no paps, no galas, nothing just each other. "This was the best investment ever." Kim snuggled closer to Adam. "I couldn't agree more." The couple took a small nap before heading back to the house to start getting the food ready for dinner. "Are we going super crazy for dinner tonight?" Adam asked having no idea what she had planned. "Not really. Cannoli cheesecake bars for dessert. Easy orzo pasta salad with veggies and chicken on your new grill." She saw him excited over being able to use his grill. "Sounds good to me. I love the idea of grilling and a simple meal. Should we start dessert?" He knew that he wasn't needed but he wanted to offer. "I will start the dessert. You are not needed for that." She winked leaving him to do whatever he wanted.
"I will leave you to it." He kissed her softly before heading to the living room to watch some sports while Kim worked. He did watch her occasionally amazed by easily she worked in the kitchen. She looked like she did this everyday even though she didn't. He knew she loved to bake with her grandmother as a child. So he wondered if she thought about that when she was cooking and baking. It didn't take her long before she was cleaning up the kitchen and joining him in the living room. The couple watched the game pretty intently as they waited for the timer to go off. They both felt her phone buzzing. She took her phone reading the message before replying annoyed. "Did that person really just say she wanted to have one last party at Jim's before it sells?" He asked kind of surprised. "Yup! Like I know it's been reposted with a different agent and new pictures and a lower price. And I know he's moving into a facility but this is not necessary." She sighed seeing a new message. She gasped loudly.
"What?" He knew she was upset now. "She just told me she has no intention of inviting Jim. That it's for all of us to have one last drink in his home. I'm absolutely appalled." Kim looked pissed off for sure. "That's awful! You need to stop it because it's not right. That's basically using him and then that's no better than his family. From the stories you have told me they held parties there and used his food and alcohol and didn't even clean up after themselves. So this seems just as bad." He felt bad for Kim knowing she would have to deal with all this crap. "I'm texting the sons now just to stop this from happening. It's not cool at all." He watched as another text came through. "Oh lord she's ranting that she doesn't need anyone's permission to have a party there and that it's happening no matter what. I feel like this is a 44 year old temper tantrum." Kim sighed heavily.
"Child like for sure. Why are you even friends with her?" He asked watching her typing away. "Um she's actually fun to be around normally but she's been changing a lot over the last year or so. But she's definitely drama and a drunk. And she has to have her way." Kim hated to deal with drama. "Sounds like bullshit. And someone you need less time around. I hate seeing you like this over petty crap." He wrapped his arm around her. "Agreed. And I don't spend much time with her anymore because of the drama. And for someone who claims to be Jim's best friend she's not been around to help very much at all. And her husband is the shitty retired doctor who missed the fluid in Jim's lungs and heart. They also are opposed to Jim being in a facility and have been since day one. So it's caused a lot of friction for sure." Kim shrugged knowing it was a lot more but that wasn't necessary for the conversation.
"She's also the one who fed Jim all the salty foods. Oh yeah I needed distance myself." Kim added before sending more texts trying to squash the party. "Oh yeah totally understandable why you put distance there. Sounds necessary and probably brings you peace." He knew she hated the drama. "It does to a point. But knowing they are so close and don't help out pisses me off. I could literally bitch for an hour about this but I won't. Let's just focus on the good right now. We both need that." Kim nodded wanting to move on from the topic. It was unproductive and just frustrating remembering all the bad shit. "Sounds good to me. We need to get dressed anyway and start the pasta salad." Adam took her phone placing it face down before pulling her to the bedroom. The couple happy to put the drama behind them. For now at least. Kim dressed rather quickly before heading out to start the water for the pasta. She headed back to get her jewelry on and do her makeup.
"You know I love you in those booty shorts but it kills me knowing you don't wear underwear under them." He patted her butt as he entered the bathroom. "Well I'm glad you approve." She laughed as she hip checked him. "Don't start something you can't finish!" He groaned as she laughed walking away. He saw her working in the kitchen again getting the veggies cut up for the salad. "Looks good darling! A little different but it looks tasty." Adam sat watching her work. "Yeah it's summer veggies and the dressing is just olive oil and lemon juice. Super light, fresh and no risk of spoiling in the heat." She looked up to see him smiling. "Very smart and healthy. You truly amazing me with how you always make healthy food but tasty. I appreciate that more than I can say." He leaned in to kiss her.
"Well eating healthy can get boring so I'm really trying to keep it fresh for us. And since we both like food and don't mind spicy food it's easy to keep it fresh." She smiled kissing him back right before adding the pasta to the water. She also cooked the veggies just a bit to soften the asparagus. "Can we turn some music on?" Kim asked knowing they had speakers set up so they could listen to music is most rooms. "Yeah of course. Love watching you dance in the kitchen." He winked at her. He moved to the closest speaker pressing the power button. He loved that it saved the channel you listened to last. So he didn't have to have his phone on him all the time. He heard the music start playing right away but had to turn it down. She had definitely been jamming out the day before.
"We can change it before your family gets here. I just need to jam out a bit. Drown the mind a bit." She drained the pasta and then ran cold water over it to stop it from cooking. After rinsing the pasta she drained it again trying to get all the access water out. She let the pasta cool a bit longer before she mixed it with the veggies. Then dressed the salad. Adam still watching her move around the kitchen. "Let me clean up the kitchen for you." He moved behind her to clean up the space, loading the dishwasher and running it for her. He noticed that she would always run it as soon as it was full or even mostly full. She watched him smiling as she wrapped the salad bowl moving it to the fridge.
"House is clean, the food started, we are dressed. Now just waiting for our guests." Kim wrapped her arms around his neck. "I like where this is going but we don't have time to do it right. So how about some sugar?" He winked leaning into kiss her passionately. He lifted her placing her on the countertop. She wrapped her legs around his waist pulling him even closer. The couple made out till they needed air. "I wish we had more time but they will be here soon. We should start the grill." Kim kissed him more hating to break the connection. "I agree completely! Till later my dear." He kissed her once more before heading out side. Kim started to dance again needing distance between her and Adam. The fire burning hot between them
It wasn't long till the guests arrived. Kim was nervous for dinner but hoped it would go well. Adam opened the door letting Kim have an extra moment. "Hey welcome! Come on in." Adam brought the guests in. "Thank you. This house is beautiful!" Melissa stated as they walked in. "Thank you! We love it here." Kim stepped in knowing she needed to face the music. "Kim this is really amazing!" Kate hugged her completely taken back by the home they created. "It was crazy with all the decisions but luckily the contractor was amazing and got all the work done plus all the extras. And never made me feel like it was a burden. They were great." Kim smiled thinking about all the work. "Yeah Kim did amazing on this place especially with how it looked before hand. Let's show you around." Adam started to show them around the house ending the inside tour in Kim's studio.
"You have your own studio?" Melissa asked. "Yes at both homes. This one much smaller than the other. The condo I built from scratch so I was able to have a much larger space to work. But this works well for me here." Kim smiled as Adam hugged her. "Let's move outside." Adam offered knowing Kim needed people out of her personal space. She didn't like people in her studio. "Yes outside!" Kim was excited to be outside again. They all moved to the deck letting them all outside. "The deck was here already. Kim wanted to add this outdoor shower. It's big enough to shower and have a change of clothes that can stay dry." He showed them the space that Kim really wanted. "That's really smart with the lake." Kate looked inside taking in the features. "It's basic but it makes tons of sense." Adam agreed as they moved towards the dock.
"And this is where I lose Kim daily." Adam laughed bringing them onto the dock that Kim truly loved. "This wasn't here right?" Melissa questioned. "Yeah Kim really wanted this space. It makes the lake more accessible and with the enclosed space we can stay bug free and relaxed at night. The whole dock has lights so it's safe at night too." Adam showed them the full space. "This is incredible guys! You did amazing revamping this place." Kate was excited for the couple. "I can see why you two love it so much here. But am I the only one who noticed Kim is literally glowing here?" Melissa was surprised no one mentioned that before. "Oh yeah that's fairly normal here. One of the reasons we really wanted to do this. She's really so happy and relaxed here." He held her close. "Really this is amazing! I'm so happy for you both." The couple was hugged by both Kate and Melissa as they headed back to the house to start the chicken for dinner.
The small group settled outside as Adam cooked the chicken. "So how was Paris?" Kate asked knowing the couple was excited about it. "God it was amazing! I loved it so much. I hope we can go back again. Maybe when Kim doesn't have to work so we can explore more together." Adam offered knowing they would both love to go back again. "Yeah I would love to go back again. But we have so many other places to explore too." She smiled wide knowing he was willing to travel and didn't mind going outside the country. "So very true." He smiled thinking about it. "Did I see you guys stayed away longer than originally planned?" Melissa asked. "Yeah we spent some time in Philly. Went to a baseball game with Kim's friends. And then we played mini golf and went roller skating. Then we headed to Northern PA to visit a friend of Kim's that had a stroke earlier in the year. Last time they saw each other face to face he was on deaths door. Though the dementia that set in is hard to handle as well. We really only tacked on two days to the trip but days well spent for sure." He looked over to see Kim fighting her emotions.
He just rubbed her back giving her some time to calm more. "You good?" He asked softly. He felt her nod a bit. "Alright dinners almost ready. You want to grab the stuff to set the table?" He saw her smile weakly as she headed in. He knew she needed a few minutes. "Was it that bad?" Kate asked worried for what she just saw. "Yeah it was brutal. And being so far away isn't easy for her. She honestly spent so much money helping him out. Sending food, supplies and things he needed that his family was neglecting. She plays the what ifs a lot. If they had taken his accident the year before more seriously. If he had a primary doctor could they have found these issues sooner? If he went to a retirement center sooner would it have helped with his health? It's a bitter blow for her knowing her friend is not really there anymore." He was heart broken for her.
"Wow. Sounds like she has a big heart." Melissa felt for the broken girl. "She does. Huge! But she uses that big heart to give to charity. And she inspired me to get into charity as well. I have been doing a food drive at the district. Platt helped me get it set up in several other districts and at Mollys. We already had to drop off the food since the bin was over flowing. And on Wednesdays we are going to be volunteering at a soup kitchen. It feels good to be giving back." He smiled wide seeing Kim coming back. "Let me help you darling." He grabbed the items from her hand knowing they needed more items. She was back quickly with the rest of the items. The group sat around the table the food being passed around. "This looks lovely. Thank you for hosting." Melissa was enjoying the time with her children and with Kim. "You are very welcome. We are happy to have you both here." Kim was really happy to share their new home with his family.
"When do you return to work Kim?" Kate asked knowing she had some time off. "Um middle of July I start working again. I do have some teaching gigs in June and July but it's the advanced classes so I'm excited for those dates. It's nice being able to work with the future stars. Who knows one might take my spot one day." Kim laughed a little thinking about it. "Do you enjoy teaching?" Melissa asked not knowing much about her career. "I love teaching. It will be my phase 2. But right now I enjoy helping to strengthen the stills of other dancers. Helping them to be better, to do better. To break the bad habits brought on by poor teaching. Thousands of dance schools and not all are good. It's sad when you realize some kids have danced 10 plus years and still aren't ready to be signed to a contract. All because of poor teaching." Kim explained with such passion. Adam smiled knowing that is the fire she has when talking about charity.
Small talk continued through dinner. The couple taking active interest in what the others were doing. It had been a lovely dinner. "Are you ready for dessert?" Adam asked since he couldn't wait to try it. "Oh absolutely! You know I saved calories for this." She smirked knowing everyone was concerned about her eating habits at different points. "Oh I know. Be right back." He kissed her head as he moved the left overs to the kitchen. When he returned he placed the container with the dessert and all the items necessary to serve dessert. "Oh what are we having?" Melissa asked excited. "It's cannoli cheesecake bars. Crazy full fat with ricotta cheese and mascarpone. So yummy." Kim sat back while Adam served the dessert. She watched everyone take bites before she dug in. "My god! This is so good!" Adam moaned after the first bite. "Agreed! Ridiculous!" Kate agreed as they all enjoyed her dessert. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." Kim was humbled by that reaction.
"Darling if dancing ever doesn't work out you got a job baking for sure." He loved eating the things she made. "Thanks but dance will always be first. It's all I know." He knew that and knew that she struggled with that. "4 more years to figure that out. I know you struggle with letting it go. And I completely understand that. We got this. We are good." He grabbed her hand squeezing it tight. They kind of forgot they had company. "Sounds like you two have a plan for the future." Melissa interrupted their moment. "Yeah I think we are going to be good. No matter what we face." Kim smiled wide thinking about the future if even if it was uncertain. "Damn straight we got this!" He smiled pulling her into his lap hugging her tight. "You two are too damn cute!" Kate laughed at them. "We know!" Kim laughed.
They all heard her phone ring. She pulled it out looking at the text laughing hysterically. "Should I even ask?" Adam was confused but loving how happy she looked. "It's pretty gross but also so funny and I would totally tell you if your family wasn't here." Kim was still laughing but left everyone interested. "Oh just tell us. It can't be that bad." Kate stated knowing she grew up with Adam it couldn't be that bad. "So my friend let me know that they were at Jim's house and his son's family was there. Both kids are autistic. One slightly and the other full non verbal and still uses diapers. So that child is almost 13 so he has the urges like normal teenagers so they found him in the bar area with his pants down masturbating." Kim just started laughing again so did Adam though he was looked sick. "The mother just yelled at him to put his pants back on like this is a normal everyday thing. I'm thrilled I wasn't there. That's great!" Kim laughed loving her luck at the moment.
"Okay that's gross! But I see why you are laughing. Not your problem to deal with so it's funny." Melissa shuddered about it. "Oh yeah but total creeper kids. Both kids have no issues playing with themselves around people. Needless to say Jim's aide can't wait to get him moved into a facility so she's away from those kids. And I can't blame her for that." Kim shrugged a bit but still giggling. "I'm happy you are away from that too. I wouldn't be comfortable you being around those kids. Especially since you told me one of them tried to block you in a room and tried to follow you into the bathroom. Your safety is most important always." He knew she would understand how he felt. "Oh I get it. Just sucks since they are related to Jim and I love Jim." He knew what she meant.
"Alright it's getting late so we are going to leave you two to enjoy your new beautiful home." Melissa was ready to leave them be. She could see they needed space. "Well thank you both for coming!" Kim got up to hug them and walk them out. Adam followed behind saying goodbye to his family as they left the home. Once they were gone the couple locked the front door and headed to clean up after dinner and dessert. Once it was all clean up Kim headed right back to the dock. She loved it and it was peaceful. Adam knew exactly where she was going. He didn't need to ask. He grabbed a couple of drinks and a blanket before joining her. "How are you holding up?" He asked knowing the day had been crazy. "I'm okay. It's just a little crazy sometimes. But I feel good and it's probably because I'm here with you in my happy place." She sighed leaning into him more.
"Well this is your happy place for sure. Do you feel like you are healing yet?" He was hopeful but didn't want to rush her. "I don't know but I feel lighter, happier. So maybe only time will tell for sure. But I know that even with the drama from earlier I still feel better." Kim was smiling still. "Sounds like progress for sure. Let's just relax a bit longer before heading to bed. We have more company tomorrow." He felt her nod a bit. It wasn't long before he heard her sound asleep. He smiled softly holding her tight. It waited a bit longer before picking her up and carrying her to bed. He stripped her down to just her tee shirt and panties before getting ready for bed himself. As soon as he settled he felt her wrap herself around him. He smiled feeling body crashed out on his.
The next morning Kim woke first looking around seeing her sprawled out again. She started to laugh a bit which woke Adam. "Well good morning! Are you comfy?" He laughed seeing her still sprawled out. "Not sure it's totally comfy but I'm thrilled to be here on you." She laughed a bit knowing he loved it too. "Well I guess this confirms how relaxed you are. You want to get up and stretch out a bit? I'm sure you could use it." He hated to move her but knew her back needed it. "Yeah maybe a workout before breakfast?" She wasn't sure he was up for it but she did need to work out. "Yeah let's go." He helped her move so he didn't get hurt. They dressed in workout gear before heading to the studio. They both stretched before getting their reformer's out for use. Once set up they both started to work out doing the same routine.
After an hour Adam was spent and Kim was still ready to go. "Go shower! I will make breakfast for us." She laughed hard seeing him in pain from the workout. "Harsh darling! Can't believe you are laughing at me!" He tried to be stern but he knew he was failing. And it just proved that while he was strong and in shape he could always be more flexible. "You are laughing too! And you know it!" She leaned up to kiss him before heading to the kitchen. He did laugh watching her walk away from him. He showered, she cooked. She was plating the food as he returned in just his boxers. "Is that how it's going to be?" She asked knowing he was messing with her. "Yeah that's exactly how it's going to be." He winked leaning in to kiss her. "You need to eat!" She pushed him back a bit playing with him. "Oh I will eat. You never have to worry about that!" He gave her his best lopsided grin knowing she couldn't get enough of it. "Oh I'm not worried! But you still need to eat food! Not me!" She winked sitting down to eat her breakfast. Adam just groaned knowing she was winning this round of the game.
They ate in a comfortable silence but touching the whole time. He cleaned up the kitchen as she ran to shower. He knew she would take a bit longer so he rushed a bit to clean before joining her in the shower. "Wondered how long it would take you to join me." She smiled wide wrapping her arms around him. "Was this your plan the whole time?" He teased. "Maybe. Even if I didn't plan it, I wouldn't turn it down." She leaned up to kiss him slowly, pouring all emotion into the kiss. Adam took over picking her up wrapping her legs around his waist. Kim broke the kiss needing air but also to figure out what he was planning since they didn't have easy access to the walls. "How's this gonna work exactly?" She asked unsure but up for anything.
"Good point. Wall is close enough for your arms to be pushed up against it?" He looked down to see her willing and ready. He placed her down, turning her around and pushing her gently against the wall. "You good?" He wanted to be sure since this was new for this bathroom so the position was different. "I'm good." Kim moaned a little. He didn't speak he just moved his hands to her hips, holding her firm as he entered her from behind. He moved one hand to her abs as he started to thrust inside her. His lips kissing her neck as he thrusted coaxing little moans with each thrust. He loved hearing her moan but the whimpers that followed he loved more. His fingers moved from her abs to her breasts, massaging them. While his other hand moved to her core needing to hear more whimpers. "Damn baby! Please!" Kim whined knowing she couldn't take much more.
Adam picked up a bit of speed as he felt her trembling. She cried out his name as her body started to spasm. Her hands clenched in fists as she came loudly screaming his name. He held back till she was almost calm before he finished inside her. He felt a calm wash over himself as he started to come down from his high. It did occur to him that she was coming down from a second orgasm. "God damn! I haven't cum that hard in a long time. So hard. No idea you had 2." His body was slumped on her but still keeping his weight off her. "Yeah crazy good. Need cooler water now." She laughed a bit. He laughed too pulling out of her. The couple sighed not being connected anymore. "Till later baby." She kissed him softly before going back under the water. She needed to shower but also cool off. Adam washed quick before jumping out to start getting food ready for the team that was coming over to see the new place.
Kim finished her shower and continued to get ready for the day. She finally returned to the kitchen close to an hour later but fully ready for the day. She found Adam working on the snack trays so it was less for Kim to do. "Thank you for helping out!" She whispered as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. "You are welcome. Happy to help out. So what's the plan for today?" He knew she had tons of plans any time company was coming over. "Well I planned turkey tenderloin on the grill. A corn and pepper hash and green salad. And a banana cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert." She fingered it was easy and tasty. "Sounds good to me. Also sounds easy enough so should we start working on it?" He asked unsure what she needed help with. "Well if you want to start with the corn taking it off the husk that would be great. I'm gonna start the cake since it takes an hour to bake." He nodded and started on the corn she purchased.
He was confused when she handed him a bunt pan and a kitchen tool he hadn't seen before. "Once the corn is cleaned up you put the stalk piece in the hole of the pan and then this will take the corn off the husk easier and the pan collects the kernels." She smiled knowing he wouldn't have expected that. "You amaze me again. Good job thinking ahead." He smirked knowing she was crazy good in the kitchen. They both got to work trying to be efficient with their time. As Kim placed the cake in the oven, she cleaned up the kitchen placing everything in the dishwasher. She took the cream cheese out to soften before working on the peppers and onions for the hash. The couple stayed busy till the cake came out of the oven. "That's looks good and smells good. I can't wait to taste it." Adam looked over at her beaming with pride. "It is pretty damn good." She winked moving around the kitchen.
The finished prepped items were placed in the fridge for later and the kitchen cleaned up again. Kim worked on the frosting knowing she wouldn't be able to use it just yet as the cake was too warm but it didn't hurt to start it ahead of time. "I love that we are doing this. Feels like a normal couple thing." Kim looked at him lovingly. "Well it is a normal couple thing. And I'm happy we are doing this too. This makes me happy." Adam was thrilled to be having his friends over and that they loved Kim. That made him incredibly happy with his current life. "Speaking of they should be here soon. So let's get the snacks set up." She was excited for them to see the finished product.
They had just finished setting up the snacks as the door bell rang. Adam headed to the door to greet his team. "Hey guys! Welcome!" He opened the door wider letting his whole team in. "OMG! This is not the same place! Are you kidding me?" Erin was shocked looking around the open area. "It's the same but it's amazing right?" Kim had joined hugging everyone welcoming them to their new home. "This really looks amazing! Really guys this looks great!" Kevin was surprised but happy for his friends. "Thank you! Alright let's show you guys around." Adam led them around the house knowing it would blow them away. They ended the inside tour back in the kitchen seeing Kim icing her cake. "So what did you guys think?" Kim asked seeing them starting on the snacks. "It's beyond gorgeous! I can't believe this is the same home. You two did an amazing job!" Jay loved what he saw so far.
"Just wait till you see the outside." Adam smiled wide knowing all the hard work paid off. "Well let's go then." Antonio was speechless before this. Voight, Al and Mouse still shocked looking around. Kim started the walk outside now that she finished the cake. "So that is Kim's outdoor shower that she wanted." Adam let them all take turns looking inside though it wasn't anything special but still helpful and designed well. "Now in to the dock. Where we need to install cameras so I can find Kim." He laughed but so did she as they walked. "Oh wow! You guys really made a nice dock space. I wasn't expecting it to look this good. You guys thought of everything didn't you?" Voight looked around surprised. "Yeah Kim really wanted this safe but also really useful. Tons of lights, screened in, ceiling fan, electric for speakers or what ever. Also a few rope ties so when we use floats we don't have to worry about floating too far off. It's perfect here." Adam hugged Kim seeing her glowing again.
"Well I think I can help with the camera system down here. From the look of Kim I doubt she will leave here often." Mouse saw Kim glowing and knew they both needed this. Kim needed to be by the water and Adam needed to know where she was since she didn't answer her phone. "You know there is a word for this type of person. It's Thalassophile. Someone who loves the ocean, finds thrill and calm. I think in this case it applies to all water." Al watched her seeing a glow he didn't know was possible. "Yeah sounds about right. It's any time we are by the water. Even in Philly by that dirty river. It's why this was so important. It's healing her slowly but healing nonetheless. It's been amazing so far." They all hung out for a bit longer before heading up to the house again. Though they left Kim behind. "I will come back to get you when it's time to start cooking okay?" He watched her nod but she stood tall. He picked her up moving her a chair to relax in.
They entered the house getting more snacks before sitting on the deck. "That was insane. I have never seen anything like that before." Al was still watching her. "Yeah it's so crazy. But I really think this is going to save her. This is literally the only place she relaxes. It's the only place where she stops running. It's great watching her become a new version of herself. Healthier, happier, more relaxed, calmer. It's been beautiful to watch." He knew very few people saw this side of her but he was happy that she was letting more people in. Opening her circle even just a little. "That's great man, really. I think we all saw a different side of her at her birthday party. But today is just crazy because it's like the complete opposite. But still the true her." Kevin was truly surprised by the different sides of his best friend's girl. "Yeah I hear ya. These are the sides I see often but she doesn't really let people in. She's guarded for sure. But I get why. And I'm proud of her for opening up, trusting more people, allowing people to support her. It's beautiful, she's beautiful." He sounded so soppy but he couldn't care a less.
"It's great man. Really. This whole thing makes sense to me. Just seeing her like that makes sense why you guys did this. And really it's awesome. I see lots of summer parties happening on the dock." Jay laughed as did the team. "Oh yeah we see that happening too. But it will be great." Adam heads in to get drinks for everyone as the relaxed longer on the deck. Around 5 Adam heads down to get Kim at start dinner. "Hey darling. Time to start cooking. The grill is already started." He watched her nod getting up to stretch a bit. "Okay let's do this." She smiled leaning to hug him. He caught her off guard when he picked her up throwing her over his shoulder. She squealed in surprise but laughed in delight. The team laughed watching the couple.
He placed her down on the deck still laughing with her. "Alright cooking time!" She tickled him as she ran inside. "Brat!" He laughed as she took off. They all watched as she turned around sticking her tongue out at him. They just laughed again at the silliness between the couple. Erin followed Kim inside. They got along well and Erin could always use more female friends. "Do you need any help?" She asked joining Kim in the kitchen. "I'm good actually. Not too much to do. I started most of the work earlier. But thank you." Kim started with the onions in a fry pan with some oil before grabbing the items to make a salad. "I feel like I need to get Jay to buy one of these homes." Erin stated looking around the home again. "That would be awesome. I'm sure Matt would love the extra work." Kim laughed a little knowing how much work it was. "Do you mind me asking how much it all cost? To see if it's even possible for us to think about." Erin didn't want to be rude but wanted to see if it was something they could afford. "No problem I understand. We paid 220,000. And with the dock and all the up grades was another 140,000. So all in 360,000." Kim,shrugged a bit knowing it was a lot of money but not impossible.
"Well that's actually not terrible! I really wonder if we could swing it. Might need to work him some." Erin laughed plotting how to make it happen. "That's funny! Maybe hit up in the bedroom." Kim laughed knowing Adam would agree to most things to get what he wanted in the bedroom. "Good idea! Love it!" Erin was laughing as Adam started walking in. "Oh no! Jay they are plotting against us in here!" Adam was kind of scared but laughed. "Damn straight!" Kim laughed knowing she was messing with him good. "Oh I will get it out of you later. Trust me!" He poked her sides as he got things out of the fridge. "Yeah we will see about that!" She laughed getting him riled up. Kim added the peppers to the pan making sure to get a good char on the onions. "Well whatever it is I'm glad you are having fun." He kissed her forehead before heading back outside. He saw Jay shaking his head.
"I'm sure it's not that bad. It might actually be a good thing. Though we should probably not have this conversation in front of the boss." They all busted out laughing since Voight looked sick getting what Adam was trying to say. "How about I take the salad out so I can mess with Jay a bit?" Erin laughed but was excited to rile him up. "Have at it. Get him good girl!" Kim laughed adding the corn to the pan getting a good char on everything really bringing the flavors together. "Hey Jay!" Erin winked at him causing more laughter while he gulped hard. Erin put the salad down walking back into the house to get plates and silverware for the table. "He looks scared! So much fun!" She laughed. "That's great." Kim laughed handing Erin the items to take outside.
Erin went back outside with all the items seeing Jay fidgeting. "Dude they are probably messing with you. And they are winning getting a rise out of you!" Kevin figured out the game already. "Wait really?" Jay almost yelled. Erin just laughed taking off towards the dock Jay running after her catching her before she hit the dock. Tickling her till she was crying from laughing so hard. The team watching laughing though Voight was just shaking his head. "Bunch of children today." Voight laughed half heartedly. "Better now than at work." Al shrugged still chuckling. "Yeah maybe. But still." He shook his head again as Kim came out with corn hash. "Dinner ready I assume?" Kim asked smiling. "Yup. Just resting the meat a bit. Let's eat." Adam cut the meat and Kim got drinks for everyone. "Alright help yourselves." Kim started to pass the bowls letting everyone serve themselves. "This looks great!" Antonio stated as he filled his plate. "Music to my ears!" Kim smiled as the plates moved more. She was the last to take a bite but watched everyone enjoying the meal.
"My god this corn is good. What did you cook it in?" Kevin asked moaning with happiness. "Nothing fancy. Just onions, peppers, corn all charred in a fry pan. Super easy to make." Kim smiled watching them enjoy it. "Wow I'm gonna have to try that. Sounds easy enough." Kevin went back for seconds. "You can always take left overs home with you." Kim reminded him. "Hey don't be giving away my left overs!" Adam laughed but was serious. "Don't fret I can always make more. Kevin doesn't have that luxury. So share." Kim smacked his arm lightly. "I know but still." Adam pouted but Kim just smiled brushing her fingers over his lips trying to get rid of the pout. "Just remember there is cake too." She knew that would change his pout quickly. "Good point! I'm excited for that!" He really was excited.
"I see why she works out so much now. Cooking like this, I would need to as well." Mouse took more food loving how good everything was. "Ha! Adam said the same thing last weekend!" Kim laughed a bit knowing she did cook and bake a lot in the off season. "I'm just happy she likes to try new recipes so we don't get board. That taco pasta was insane. We need to make more of that soon." Adam loved how she liked to change it up and liked to make food spicy. "Sounds awesome! Please make more so we can try it." Jay asked loving to eat as well. "I will I promise." Kim smiled agreeing right away. The group continued to eat dinner till they were all full but Kim wasn't finished. The boys cleaned after dinner taking everything to the kitchen. Packing up the left overs and loading the dishwasher.
They returned cake in hand with new plates and new silverware. Adam served the cake and Kim served the drinks again. The moans after the first bites ket Kim know she had done good. She was proud of herself. She had come a long way from the girl who first moved back to the US. She no longer felt broken, alone, unloved. She was starting to see this as a family, dysfunctional but a family nonetheless. As the night came to an end the couple was exhausted but happy. They enjoyed sharing their labor of love with their friends, their family. Kim was washing up before bed as Adam strolled in behind her. "What were you conspiring about?" He whispered close to her ear. "About how to get Jay to buy a lake home too. I suggested asking him in the bedroom." She watched his eyes go from confused to pure amusement in the mirror. "That's hilarious! I love it!" He hugged her tight leaving her to finish washing her face.
"Well Erin really liked ours. And I was honest about how much we spent with the purchase price and the renovations. So we shall see." He watched her yawning as she washed up. "Hurry up and get into bed. You need sleep and I need my weighted blanket known as you." They both laughed knowing she would probably sprawl again tonight. "I'm coming." She yawned again as she turned out the lights curling into his side. "Good night my love." "Night baby." He watched her drift off to sleep. It wasn't long before the sprawl happened and he fell asleep loving her body weight on top of him. He would miss this when she traveled but that was a worry for another day.