Pawliday Love

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

EVERLEIGH

“ P inch me Auds! Are we really doin’ this?” She does and “Ouch! you could have been sweeter about it, jeesh.”

“Oh my cajun-ette. Take this all in, it will be the first of many you dance in.” She takes a selfie of us, looking chic in our strapless candy cane sequined leotard adorned with white feathers and matching head piece. Ellis joins us for another picture and we all take one more look over each other before lining up to head into formation for the Macy's Day Parade.

The cheers of the crowd, and cameras in our faces are electric. The oohs and ahhs as we knock out our kick line transition into separate circles seamlessly back into two lines. I feel like a shining star as we move in sync all grinning from ear to ear as we dance our hearts out to the Old St. Nick in our bedazzled heels in thirty-degree temperature. With the last note of the song and final pose set, we freeze until the camera is done panning around us and then we quickly do a synchronized shuffle out of the way for the next to get ready.

Once at the sidelines, Ellis, Audrey and me shout with giddiness and hug each other. Then I rush over to see my parents because I have no doubt I would not be here without their encouragement and selflessness. They got in late last night and the Vandermark’s offered to house them and make sure they got to the perfect viewing spot this morning.

“You were beautiful honey.” My mama cries out holding me tight.

“Now if this ain’t a New York welcome, I’m not sure what is.”

“Oh daddy,” I say, rushing into his arms. It’s been two months and I’ve missed them like crazy and I’m already bummed this will be my first Christmas without them. But it means all the lightin’ bugs in the bayou that they are here right now. A strong arm wraps around my waist, twirling me around to him.

“You were perfect out there baby.” As much as I try to deny myself and him we are nothing more than friends, Benjamin makes it hard when he charms his way into every aspect of my life.

Benjamin

Over Thanksgiving dinner, I have won over her parents, who think we are the cutest couple and our moms can’t wait to plan our wedding. I watched Everleigh squirm with anxiety over the prospect. But I need her to realize I’m not ever going to make her choose. I steal kisses from her constantly, show up in her life unannounced, send flowers daily along with her favorite pastries. I try to make her laugh every chance I get and even let Leo have sleepovers at their apartment, just so I have another excuse to see her.

Now I am watching her squirm under my touch, because somehow the odds were in my favor tonight and she agreed to come back to my penthouse with me for a nightcap. I watch the goosebumps speckle her smooth creamy skin. “Cold?” I ask.

“A little.”

“Here let me make you some hot chocolate to warm you up.”

“That would be great, thank you,” and she lifts herself up to sit on the countertop and watch me. “Will you now tell me about your infamous Granny?” Earlier tonight the picture of my grandmother finally caught her eye, and no one could pass up the chance to share her story of being a Rockette and why Ellis wanted to be one so bad. Everyone called her Granny Eve and I hated the conversation turned solemn once her death and my grandfather's was mentioned.

“I’m not sure you are ready for that bit of information.” I catch her right eyebrow arching up and her dimple deepening with curiosity. I stir in the cocoa grabbing a chocolate covered peppermint spoon to stir in, before handing the mug to her.

“Purty please, I would really love to know as I feel like I’m being kept in the dark on this hushed secret when she comes up.” This makes me chuckle and I grab the mug from her hands before she can even take a sip. Pinning her in with my arms locked on the outside of her thighs.

“Granny Eve was my grandfather’s love of his life. He died of a broken heart two days after she passed. The secret about Granny Eve is her name.” I lock my eyes on her whirling gaze, wanting to soak in her reaction, “Her full name was Everleigh Rose.” She soaks in a breath, “He asked her to marry him by saying, “Everleigh, will you be my forever,” and every day until he died, he said, " Everleigh, my forever.” Tears trickle down her face.

“That’s so beautiful and oh my god how crazy we have the same name. What does that even mean?” I can tell she has become overwhelmed.

“It’s kismet baby. You and me. I fucking love you. And I know that seems rushed but since the first day I met you, I felt a current that was deep between us and the more I have gotten to know you the harder I have fallen.” She goes tight-lipped, twisting her hands together. Locking her chin between my thumb and forefinger. “Look at me Everleigh… Really look at me. Tell me you don’t feel this between us. Tell me you don’t long for me when we’re not together and I will back off.” Tears fall again, “I…I can’t say any of that and it scares the daylights outta me. I keep telling myself I can survive without you, but my heart breaks a little more when I pull away from you.” Kissing her forehead. “We won’t survive this apart.”

“What do we do then?” she asks with a shaky voice.

“Tell you what. You have until Christmas day to make your final decision about me. About us. Till then we will keep enjoying each other without an official title. But know, on Christmas day, I am going to ask you a very important question and I’ll need the right answer from you.” She nods and wraps her arms around my neck.

“You are becoming a dream I never thought I would have. I’m falling so hard and fast for you it’s petrifying.”

“I know baby, I know.” Picking her and carrying her to the couch so I can just hold her close to me as she wraps her mind around the certainty of the situation.