32
The sky was cloudy and gray. The smell of rain was still fresh in the air from the night before. Fall was officially here and I honestly wasn't mad about it.
As nice as it was to feel the warmth of the sun hitting my skin during summer, I loved the light dew and chill that hung in the air so much more.
This morning I had come outside to help Serena in her garden.
Now that fall was in full effect, winter would be just around the corner and it was better to be prepared early. Especially with how recently everything had been planted.
She didn't ask for my help nor did she probably need it.
I was certain Serena could have done all of it herself but that didn't mean she would want to.
Since I had started attending school in person again, there hadn't been much time for the two of us to spend together.
Between that and her vying for a promotion, we had each been missing the other.
I could see it in her eyes when I walked outside this morning. She needed this time with me just as much as I needed it with her too.
We spent hours moving around the garden, adding a thick layer of mulch over the top of the soil - an extra level of protection for the roots.
It was nice, grounding work.
I had missed the peaceful lull that came with reconnecting with nature. My entire morning consisted of listening to the birds softly chirping in the trees, the smell of wet soil and leaves filling my nose, and the feel of cold mist tickling my face.
When we finally finished, I would have been sad that it was over if not for the great ache in my knees from the constant kneeling.
Serena and I collapsed on the couch an hour later after both washing up.
She slid a fresh cup of hot coco into my cold, waiting hands.
"I'm proud of you, Annie." She said after taking a sip out of her own cup.
A great warmth washed over me with her words.
I knew I had been making a lot of progress recently, but to hear that Serena not only noticed this progress but was proud of it too was such an immense relief.
"Thank you." I whispered into my hot coco.
"I know you've been dealing with a lot, but I am so proud of how you have handled everything with such grace." She paused, a gentle smile pulling at the corners of her mouth before she continued, "For as much as you have pushed yourself, I know Knox too has been a great help."
I nodded, "He's my comfort." I confessed.
Serena smiled again, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I want to invite him to dinner tonight. I think I would like to get to know the boy who you spend your every moment with." Serena said.
I licked my lips, thinking.
It was understandable that Serena would want to actually meet Knox properly. Even if he had introduced himself briefly before, it wasn't as if Serena was given the opportunity to ask him anything at the time - to get to know anything about him.
I too found myself wanting Serena to know Knox better - to see why I cared for him so deeply. I wanted her to see just how great he was not just for me, but for who he is as himself.
"I'll call him and see." I said, nodding as I set down my half-drank mug on the coffee table.
Serena nodded, smiling at me as I stood to make my way to my room.
Knox picked up on the third ring, "Baby..." He answered, his tone a husky rasp as if he had just woken up.
"I'm sorry if I woke you up." I frowned, guilt seeping into my words. I had forgotten how early I had woken up so I could garden this morning.
"I'd gladly wake up to your voice any day, Annie." Knox assured, already sounding more awake than he had seconds before.
A slight blush crept up my cheeks, making me almost grateful he wasn't here to see it but not quite. I quickly change the topic to that of why I was calling - anything to distract from the flip my stomach did when he said such sweet things.
"Would you like to have dinner with me and Serena tonight?" I asked softly - slightly nervous he might not want to.
This worry had no evidence behind it but it was a worry nonetheless.
Maybe he would think meeting Serena properly would make our relationship too serious.
Maybe he doesn't like meeting parents - if he's even done that before.
What if he's met some other girl's parents - has any of his previous relationships led to that?
My worry only grew as red hot jealousy gripped my heart.
"Of course, baby." He spoke without hesitation, effectively cutting my thoughts off.
I let out a small sigh of relief, the squeeze in my chest instantly easing.
"I have some stuff to take care of today but I'll be over as soon as I'm done." Knox continued vaguely.
"Okay." I frowned, curious as to what he wasn't saying.
Before I could ask, Knox spoke again, "Goodbye, baby." Knox cooed teasingly as if he could sense my frown.
I blushed again, his teasing successful at distracting me. I said 'bye' back before hanging up.
I immediately raced back downstairs, confirming to Serena that Knox would indeed be joining us for dinner tonight.
I spent the rest of the day helping Serena clean the house and my room before starting to work on some homework. I kept my phone glued to my hand the whole time - waiting for a call or text that Knox was on his way. It wasn't until almost 5 o'clock that it finally came.
A single text that said he was pulling up in a couple of minutes.
I slammed my textbook closed, rushing to brush my hair one last time and give myself a once over. I smoothed out my short, white, lacy dress embroidered with small flowers before all but running downstairs.
It wasn't a formal dinner, yet Knox cleaned up nicely - not that he could ever look anything but nice.
"Hi." I greeted, breathless from my race down the stairs.
Knox grinned, taking hold of my chin as he left a light kiss on my forehead. My eyes fluttered closed as I soaked up his touch for what was only a brief moment. I was pulled out of my weak trance by the brush of his thumb tugging at my bottom lip.
He sent me a quick wink, the corner of his mouth lifted lazily. He knew exactly what he was doing to me and he was enjoying every moment of it.
He lifted his head, looking past me before stepping around and into the house.
I heard him greeting Serena who must have entered the room without me realizing. I mean how could I realize when Knox consumed all of my senses so easily. Taking a stabilizing breath, I shut the front door.
I followed the two of them into the dining room. Dinner was hot, steaming as it sat in the middle of the table. Serena made lasagna - my personal favorite meal she makes.
We sat, Knox at my side as Serena took the seat across from me.
Serena smiled, gesturing at Knox to help himself to the food. I chewed my bottom lip nervously. I wanted - more like needed - desperately for Serena to like him and vice versa. I couldn't even begin to imagine what I would do if this didn't go well. I didn't want to imagine.
Knox slowly cut into the lasagna, grabbing my plate and filling it before setting it back down in front of me. He did the same for Serena next - her eyes crinkling as her smile grew.
I loosed a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
I knew then for sure that I didn't have to worry about Serena liking Knox.