Chapter 32
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Lexi
I turn around after closing the front door. The caseworker is gone and it’s just Camryn and I. “It’s not the best course of action on my first night as your guardian, but I’m thinking pizza, movies, and video games?” Her face lights up with excitement.
“I’ve got ice cream for later and if you’re like me, I love to add toppings and extra sugary goodness to mine.”
“Me too.” She nods, setting her bag down onto the floor next to the couch.
“So if anyone asks, we had a nutritious dinner, a family friendly movie, and we were in bed by nine, got it.” The smile that stretches over her face is adorable.
“And we made breakfast together tomorrow.” She adds with a laugh. Lifting her hand she holds out her pinky like she wants me to link mine with hers for a pinky swear.
I start to and then her words click. “Wait,” I pause, “we can make breakfast together tomorrow.”
“We can?”
“Of course we can. We can make eggs, bacon, and toast, or french toast?”
“Yes,” she says, “all of that.”
Her reaction triggers a laugh and I finally link my finger with hers.
“I already loaded in Minecraft and Mario Brothers, plus a princess game and a makeover one that looked pretty fun.”
Opening the bottom of the hutch I pull out the console and she hurries toward me to sit down at my side.
“Is this new?”
“Yeah, I got it for you.”
“Me?” Her brows furrow.
“Well, yeah,” I say, turning my body to face hers. “Tonight is a trial run and I hope you like it. Because like I told you before I truly want you here permanently. I want this to be your home too.”
There is a knock on the door and I assume it’s the pizza. Grabbing my wallet I pull it open and find Bennett standing on the opposite side. He’s wearing jeans and a hoodie, with his hat turned backwards.
“Hey,” he offers with a smile and just one word rolls straight through me and I fight the shiver. “Little lady here yet?”
“Yes.” I look back to find Camryn already navigating through the startup of the game. “We ordered pizza, and she’s setting up the games.”
“Pizza and video games, that kid is in heaven.”
“Do you think it’s too much?” Suddenly I’m feeling like I should have done the home-cooked meal and a family friendly animated film.
“Are you kidding me, babe?” Bennett leans in and kisses my cheek. “There is no reason to change who you are and what you like. She needs to love you for you and not for you trying to be someone you’re not. This is you. Who knows, maybe when she’s here every night we can break out Old Maid.”
I smile remembering his night of torture. I think he secretly loved it, even if he complained the entire time.
“Is it too soon for me to meet her?”
Again I look over to find him smiling as she shuffles through the different options of frilly dresses.
“She’s playing makeover.”
“I love makeovers,” Bennett says with any overly excited laugh.
“Come on.” I motion for him to come inside, needing to see this unfold. Closing the door behind him, I turn toward the two of them. “Camryn.” She bites his lip focusing really hard on the task at hand.
“I have someone I want you to meet.” Bennett and I move into the living room and I watch as Camryn turns and looks up. Up and up, Bennett is pretty tall and Camryn’s eyes widen.
“Hey, little lady,” Bennett says, kneeling down at her side. “I’m Bennett.” He holds out his hand and Camryn looks at it. “I’ve heard so much about you from Lexi, I couldn’t wait to meet you myself.”
“Are you her boyfriend?” Instantly my stomach grows tight as I imagine how awkward of a position this puts him in. But Bennett doesn’t even hesitate to respond.
“Yeah,” he says, surprising me. “I am.”
Camryn holds his stare. “Cool,” she says with a nod. “Do you want to play Mario? I bet I can crush you.”
I step back, sitting on the edge of the couch, and taking it all in. Camryn is so comfortable and Bennett is completely at ease. I am in awe of how easily the two of them become best pals. It’s not even like they just met but have truly known each other their entire lives.