Chapter 8 Lily
Lily
I desperately need some girl time. Everything has felt like a whirlwind since I came back into town.
It’s been a week, I officially start my job in a couple days, and Aaron is going to be here soon.
I’m excited to see him again, but ever since I’ve had to be around Parker I feel like my mind has been a mess.
Which is why some time with two of my best friends is exactly what I need.
My vote was that we go out to a bar, but apparently that looks wrong if you’re pregnant.
I told Sutton she could just get water, and that I’ll hiss at anyone who looks at her wrong.
Apparently that wasn’t good enough of an answer.
Instead, we’re meeting at Bailey’s house.
It’s currently being packed up to move in with her boyfriend, and scary sexy neighbor, Wes.
And I don’t just mean it’s scary how good looking he is.
I really mean he’s actually scary. The man is six-foot-six and has arms that look like they could crush me in a second.
He could send a bear running in the other direction just from looking at them.
The man is a fucking brick wall. But a hot one.
Can a brick wall be hot?
Well, if it was, it would be Wes.
I knock on the door using the bottom of the wine bottle I brought. I’m struggling to balance the takeout bags that Sutton said she was craving.
It swings open to reveal Bailey; I have to crane my neck to look up at her. She’s six foot and could’ve been a model, but I don’t think she realizes how beautiful she is. Also, her brother is some famous hockey player, I guess.
I can’t even deny the thought did cross my mind to see if she could set me up with some hockey player to make Parker jealous. But that was before I met Aaron.
“I missed you.” I lunge forward, wrapping my arms around her. The plastic bags in my hand swing around while Bailey freezes. I pull back and see her wide eyed expression. “Sorry, I couldn’t help it.”
“It’s fine,” she reassures. She’s a pretty closed off person, but she’s gotten better recently, though I know I can still be a lot for her.
“Lily,” Sutton calls, and I walk into the house to see my other friend with a baby bump and almost start crying at the sight for some reason.
“It’s true,” I gasp.
“What is?” Sutton’s eyebrows draw together.
“You really do have an alien growing inside you.”
“Hah, it does feel like that some days.” Sutton runs her hand along her stomach lovingly.
“Does that mean you’re going to start calling Jameson daddy?” I question.
“Who says I don’t already?” she teases.
“Oo, what about you?” I look toward Bailey.
“What about me what?”
“You going to be calling Wes daddy at some point?”
“No one will be calling him that,” she insists.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. A nun would call that man daddy,” I deadpan.
“Okay, calm down there, don’t you have a boyfriend?” Bailey diverts.
“Yes, I do,” I announce proudly, even though the first face that flashes in my mind at the mention isn’t Aaron.
“Are you calling him daddy?” Sutton snickers.
I twist my mouth to the side, “No, Aaron doesn’t really give daddy energy.”
“Hm,” Sutton starts unwrapping the plastic bag holding the take-out food. “Does anyone else you know give that energy?”
“Pedro Pascal,” I answer immediately.
They both make small noises of agreement as Sutton pulls out more food.
“I meant someone you know personally,” Sutton pushes, taking a bite of food.
I know what she’s getting at but refuse to give her the satisfaction. I think it’s revenge for the shit I gave both of them when they refused to give into their now significant others. Even though I’m happily with Aaron, they’re going to push the Parker issue.
Even if there isn’t one. He’s in my past and that’s where he’s going to stay.
“Nope, I’ll leave the daddies to you both.” I plop down on the couch next to Sutton and start piling food on a paper plate to give my mouth something to do instead of speaking too much.
The night continues without them giving me too much shit about Parker. They don’t ask about Aaron much, which is fine. I feel like they’ve already drawn a conclusion about him, despite barely knowing him.
It’s okay, though, he’ll show everyone what I see in him and why we’re together. He did save my life when we first met. Clearly, they should understand that. He’s hot and was my hero in that moment. What else could you ask for?
“Ever played smash or pass in real life?” I blurt.
They both look at me, and I continue. “Like calling out ‘smash’ when you see someone hot. Obviously not calling out ‘pass’, that would be rude.”
“Nope, can’t say I’ve done that.” Bailey bites back a laugh.
“Have you?” Sutton sputters.
“Oh yeah.” I chuckle. “That’s actually how I ended up with…” My voice fades because the fond memory of how Parker and I finally admitted there was more than friendship between us takes over when I didn’t even mean to.
“With Aaron?” Bailey nudges.
I swallow roughly and do something I never do. I lie.
“Yeah. With Aaron.”
I feel like they can see right through the lie, but neither of them call me out on it.
I never expected being home would bring back so many memories with Parker.
I did well for years. All my years away I could control how often I thought about him.
Now that I’m back it’s like he’s all I can think about.
“And on that note, let’s eat. I’m starving.”
Aaron is arriving today. I’m both nervous and excited. I’ve missed him, but I feel like my family has been making passive aggressive comments about him. I’m choosing to ignore them. I know in the grand scheme of things they’re team Parker. Even though there are no teams. And there’s no Parker.
Okay, well, there’s Parker, but there’s no Parker for me. Not anymore.
Unfortunately, Ethan seems to be best friends with my ex and asks about him all the time. Though, I think he’s doing it to annoy me more than anything at this point.
When I hear Aaron’s car pulling up to my parents’ house, I bounce outside to greet him. He gives me a small smile, exiting his car and I jump up to wrap my arms around his neck to throw myself into his arms. He wraps his around my back in a tight embrace.
“I missed you,” I tell him.
“I missed you too. I need to get my bags.” He chuckles while I refuse to let go.
“You can get them while I stay like this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I can’t carry all of this while you hang on me like a monkey.”
“Says who,” I pout.
“Lily, please.” He sighs and I let go, following him to the trunk of his sedan. “Are we meeting your aunt at her shop today?”
“Um, no, she thought tomorrow would be better so you could get settled.” I keep my voice light, despite the pang in my chest at his small rejection. I’m sure he’s just tired; it’s a long drive, I know I can’t blame him for that.
He sighs, pulling out his duffel and setting it on top of his suitcase. “I’d rather at least go see it today to get an idea of the place. We aren’t staying here for long, Lily. I do have my job back in San Francisco to get back to.”
“I know,” I defend softly. “She’s super appreciative of your help.”
“Come here.” He pulls me into his embrace again, and I let out a breath against his chest. “I’m sorry, I’ve had a lot going on lately.”
“I know, thank you for coming to help,” I mumble against the fabric of his shirt.
“Of course. It’s your family, and I love you.” I look up at him, and he presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “Come on, let’s get my stuff inside and then you can show me my project.”
I nod. “I love you too.”
He presses a peck to my lips again before letting go and grabs his bags. My mind is fixated on the fact that I hate the way I feel nothing when he kisses me. No sparks, no fireworks. Nothing.