Chapter 26 Covey
Covey
After Cord left and we finished picking out everything for the house, I finally got to take Cici out for dinner. Before we even finished eating, Smithy texted and wanted us to meet for drinks later on.
We push open the door to Kennedy’s Pub and I smile when I spot Smithy and Liliana with a few other guys from the team at our normal table. They wave to us and I wave back, but lead Cici towards the bar to grab a drink.
“Are you sure you want to rip the rest of the house down to studs? You said the master bedroom didn’t have a lot of damage,” Cici’s practically screaming to be heard over the noise.
“I'm positive, sweetheart. I want the entire house to be designed by you. This is the home we’re going to raise our family in.” I kiss her neck, sandwiching her between me and the bar, planting a hand on either side of her.
“That’s really sweet. Are Blake and Wes going to kill you?” She nibbles on her bottom lip looking too adorable.
“Nah, I think they were relieved when I texted them. Especially Wes. Apparently, he’s been really anxious about that side of the house after the issues they found in the other side, but he didn’t want to overstep and assumed I was itching to get back into the house.
When he found out I was in no hurry, I think he relaxed a little.
I told them to take as long as they want because I kind of like my roommate. ”
“Just kinda?” She laughs, leaning her head back against my chest.
“Well, I had to play it cool. They’re tough construction guys. I had to seem strong and manly.” I bounce my pecs, making her laugh even harder.
As soon as we have our drinks in hand, we head over to the table. The guys happily slide over to make room for us and I drape my arm around Cici’s shoulders.
“Oh my gosh! You two are adorable together,” Liliana gushes. She’s tucked under Smithy’s arm too. I swear he doesn’t know how to be close to her without touching her.
“Thanks. We’re happy.” Cici glances up at me with a big smile.
“Deliriously happy.” I kiss the tip of her nose before glancing back at my friends.
“Can we do an interview for the podcast? Finding love in left field.” Liliana clasps her hands in front of her chest like she’s begging.
“That’s up to Cici. I'm not making that decision.” I hold up a hand to stop her. I don’t mind the world knowing I'm taken, but I'm not sure how Cici feels about that.
“I don’t mind.” Cici laughs. She’s a good sport when it comes to stuff like this.
I'm sure growing up in the Powell family, she’s probably plenty used to being in the spotlight and being interviewed.
Somehow this feels different though. She’s not being interviewed because of her family name or her position at Scott, Powell, and Coleman.
She’s doing it because of who she’s dating.
“Yes! We can meet whenever your schedules allow. I’ll make sure I’m available. I'm so excited!”
“Are you liking your new recording studio?”
“Like it? I freaking love it! It’s great to have everything set up and ready to use at all times. I don’t need to edit out background noises or anything like that. It makes everything so much easier.”
“That’s awesome. I always listen to the podcast when we’re traveling. It makes traveling a little bit more tolerable.”
“Really? That means the world to me! I didn’t think many athletes would listen, but I get emails all the time from pro athletes saying they love what I'm doing and they listen to every episode. It’s kind of awesome.”
“She literally fan girls every time she gets an email.” Smithy chuckles.
We continue chatting about the podcast and what Liliana’s planning to do next.
She has some amazing ideas and I know she’ll keep making this more and more amazing.
She really puts her entire heart into this and she’s so passionate about helping athletes get out of the bad light and get the real story out there.
She’s turned away some people after she looked into their story and didn’t believe them or couldn’t decide if they were being truthful or not. She’s very dedicated to sharing the truth and nothing else.
“I’m going to grab us another round,” Cici murmurs as she rises from the table.
“Thanks, sweetheart.”