Page 50 of Blurry Little Lines
“Mine did, but who knows what keeps him up?” Helen shrugs. “Okay, I love spending time with you and the grandchildren, but I really need to get going.” Helen’s brown eyes hold remorse, even though they have no need to. “You’re still my favorite, though.”
“I’ve heard that Emmett is.” I grin, knowing how much Adam and Kelsie bitch about their younger brother.
“If you’re talking about a biological child, Adam probably takes the cake this month.” Her face softens to a warm smile. “But, I’m proud of the man you have become.”
“No thanks to my own parents.” I shrug and pick up the kids’ backpacks. “I have you to thank for that.”
“Some parents' ability to take care of children ends sooner than others, but that doesn’t mean they stop loving you.”
“That’s bullshit,” Mallory whispers under her breath. Helen and I pause and decide to ignore her swearing. “Can we go now? I want pizza.” Mallory huffs, opening the door.
“Let’s go.” I follow her out.
With full bellies and a busy week at school, Kelsie’s kids fall asleep halfway through the movie. She carries them to bed, refusing to let Adam or I carry Mallory and James because she is capable too. Adam and I crack open another beer as Lauren dramatically falls onto the chair. Her arms go around her waist as Kelsie squashes in beside her.
“Move your big ass over.” Kelsie smirks.
“What ass?” Lauren fidgets, annoyed. “You’re the one with plump ass and killer curves.”Can we stop talking about Kelsie’s glorious ass?
“What’s your problem?” Kelsie gets up from the chair and sits next to me.
“What do you mean, what’s my problem? My uterus is being painfully ripped out of my body.”
“Aren’t you guys synched up?” Adam waves his beer back and forth between the girls.
“No, Kelsie is a week before me.” Lauren rolls her eyes.
“Ah, that’s right!” I laugh, a bit relieved I didn’t end up spending last week with her hormones. “I guess I moved out just in time.”
“Goodness, life has stressed me out more than it should. I shouldn’t be stressed.” Kelsie sighs, lying down on the couch. “I have help and more money than I need, but I still feel overwhelmed.” She stays quiet, fidgeting with her fingers as we sit in silence.
“Kelsie.” Lauren eyes her carefully. “Can you show me where the Advil is, please?”
“Gin might work faster,” Kelsie mutters, standing up.
“No, girl, you and I should stay away from that a while longer.” They disappear down the hallway.
“Why do they have to talk so openly about their periods?” Adam takes a long swig from his beer.
“That’s the last thing I want to think about right now, bro.” He nods, and we spend the next ten minutes talking about the most recent sports game.
“I’m going to get going when Lauren comes back. My sister looks beat.” Adam stands and walks to the kitchen with his empty bottle.
“I’ll head out too.” The conversation falls flat for the first time in our life. Luckily, Lauren and Kelsie exit her bedroom.
“Let’s go, Charmer.” Lauren grabs Adam’s arm and smirks at Kelsie. “I will swing by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Lauren, seriously. There’s no need.” Kelsie crosses her arms and rolls her eyes. “But, if you must. Then I’ll be here.”
“It’s a must, girly.” Lauren and Adam take off, leaving Kelsie standing there with her tits perked up under her arms.
The only positive thing about her period is that her boobs have become fuller. Like the time we first had sex after the charity gala. So perky and bouncy. Fuck, I want to grab them again. What makes this more difficult is knowing shedoeswant more with me. She’s too guarded right now to open up, and I get that. But damn, the things I want to do to her. For the sake of our fucking friendship, I control my urge to pin her against this door and kiss her breathless. I avert my eyes, which have been noticeably staring at her chest, and slip on my shoes. Her lips roll inward, telling me she doesn’t want things to be awkward. She’s nervous I’ll make a move and she’ll easily end up giving in.
“Busy week?” I take a step back to give her space. “Have you slept since I moved out?”
“I have. I’ve been going to bed earlier.” She yawns. “I think you wore my body out the past few weeks and it’s recovering.” A small smile lights up her eyes. “The withdrawal from your highly skilled touch is crucial.”
“I take it you’re still against my free orgasms?” I reach for the door handle with no intention of bribing her.