Chapter 41 #2
“And she’s probably feeling abandoned. That’s how I felt when Camila and Yvette would ditch me for their new boyfriends.”
Kai’s determination pierces through my soul. “Jamie won’t make us break up. I won’t allow it.”
“But, you…”
Kai scoops me into a hug, edging me off my seat and onto his lap. “I don’t want you ever thinking we’re breaking up. That’s only happening if you want it.”
I dig my chin into his shoulder. “I don’t want to break up.”
His hands press into my back, and his frame relaxes. “Good, because I don’t like losing.”
I pull back so I can kiss him, but he stops me. “What is it?”
He unravels one hand to touch his scar again. “I got this when I was six. I was at my grandparents’ house…”
“Stop,” I interrupt. “You don’t have to tell this story. You told me you don’t tell anyone.”
“You’re not anyone,” he whispers. “You’re my girl.”
Okay, I’m putty.
“My grandparents had this little dog, and I was chasing it around their house. I ran into the kitchen, and a drawer was open. I hit the corner and immediately there was so much blood. It was the first time I had needed stitches.”
“Oh, wow. That would’ve been scary at six-years-old.” I pause to think about it. “So, a kitchen cupboard? Oh, I just thought…”
“Exactly,” Kai cuts in. “I kept putting off this story. I came back to school with a bandage and stitches. Everyone wanted to know what had happened. Soon, the mystery became so much bigger than the real story. Who am I to take the conspiracy away from my friends?”
“So you’ve made it out to be more than it is?”
“I just keep the truth hidden.” He caresses the side of my face. “But I don’t keep the truth from you. I wanted to tell you that day at the arcade, but I got too in my head.”
“It’s okay. You’ve kept it to yourself for so long.”
“But I wanted to tell you. Right away. I wish I did, so you’d know you’re the only one for me.”
Tingles dance along my spine, and I shiver with the overwhelming emotion blossoming inside me.
His hands run into my curls and cup the sides of my face. “You’re too special, Tabby. You’re the person I care about the most.”
“Oh, Kai. You’ve made my life so much better. I never felt safe in my own skin before you came along.”
We embrace and meet in a kiss, which sends lightning bolts down to my curled toes.
When we pull apart, he breathily whispers, “There’s no other girl. There will never be another girl.”
I kiss his jawline and whisper, “I might be in love with you.”
His breathy laugh patters against my skin in the most delightful way. “I have a theory that I might love you, too.”
We pull apart only when my parents and my brothers return to the table. Dad yammers on about planning a golf day with Bill, and Mom mentions Susan is organizing a playdate with Corbin and his friends. And before we leave the restaurant, Mom gets all the details about Kai’s soccer game.
It makes Kai squeamish.
***
The next morning, I’m dressed in my coat and about to pull on my boots when Mom asks, “Does the soccer team wear the same colors as the football team?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well, we have plenty of face paint left,” Mom replies. “Do you want to paint your face for Kai’s game?”
The threat of embarrassment tidal waves through me. “Uh, no, Mom.”
She shrugs. “It could be cute.”
“I went to his game last week. No one did that.”
“But you’re his girlfriend, sweetheart.” Mom tenderly clutches the underside of my chin. “You’d be showing everyone how much you support him.”
I wriggle out of her grip. “Why are you being so weird?”
“I’m just excited for you,” Mom says, her chipper tone from last night still not escaping her. “Your first boyfriend. I’ve been looking forward to this for so long.”
My skepticism peeks. “You have?”
Mom sighs, looking off into dreamland. “It’s such a fun time. Planning dates, choosing outfits, and getting to know each other. Honestly, Tabitha, you’ve mellowed since being with Kai.”
“You think?”
“Mm-hmm.” She nods. “Those two gossiping twits you hang out with turned you into such a little brat.”
“I thought Yvette was the kind of daughter you wanted.”
Mom frowns. “Okay, she has some attributes I admire, but no. I would never trade you for Yvette. It was a stupid comment I wish I’d never made. You’re better than her.”
I gasp in shock. “I am?”
“And getting better every day. Your entire demeanor has shifted since you’ve opted to spend time with Kai instead of them.”
“So, you approve of Kai?”
Mom grins. “I think he’s delightful.”
“Wow, okay. Is it just because he’s a guy? Would you be happy with any guy I brought home?”
Mom chuckles. “Of course not. Why would you ask?”
“Well, you prefer the boys to me.”
Mom caresses the side of my face. “Oh, Tabby. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’ve put the boys on pedestals. But I’m aware of it now. Surely I can work on it. Don’t you think so?”
I shrug. “Maybe?”
“I will. I promise, I will.”
I nod. “Okay. Shall we get going?”
“If you believe me.”
“I believe you’ll try.”
Mom caresses the side of my face one more time. “Okay, I’ll get Corbs.” Mom searches the hallway. “Corbin?”
When I follow behind her, I hear the retching in the bathroom. “Eww.”
Mom knocks on the bathroom door and turns the door handle. “Corbin, sweetie?”
“Mommy,” he whines from inside the bathroom. “Mommy, I’m sick.”
Mom frantically moves into the bathroom, and I jump away, holding my stomach in fright. “He’s sick?”
I back away, grimacing at the ugly sounds echoing from the toilet bowl. Oh my gosh, he’s sick. Is it food poisoning from last night? Is it a virus he picked up from school and has spread it to the rest of us?
“Oh, I told you not to eat all that candy last night,” Mom chastises him. “You never should’ve snuck it in.”
I blow out a relieved breath. I can’t catch a stomach full of sugar.
I creep toward the bathroom door. “So, are you guys still coming?”
There’s another big retch, and then a groan from Mom. “Oh, Corbin.”
I back away. “I’ll see you later then.”
Once I step foot in the living area, it dawns on me. Without Mom, I don’t have a ride. I swipe across the phone indent in my pocket. I could call Freddy, but that would risk another Amber ride. Who knows where Drew is, or who he’s with?
Dad moves out of the kitchen and gives me a chipper smile. “Ready to go, sweetheart?”
“Oh.” I throw a thumb behind me. “Corbin’s vomiting.”
Dad’s face drops, and he steps toward the hallway. “What? Is he okay?”
“Mom said it was too much candy.”
“Honey?” Dad calls out. “Everything okay?”
Mom moves into the hallway, and I spy her exasperation. “It’s watery. I think he’ll be okay.”
“We have electrolytes in the kitchen cupboard,” Dad replies.
Mom nods. “I’ll make sure he gets them.”
“Mommy,” Corbin calls out frantically.
Mom disappears back into the bathroom, and Dad turns to me. “It wouldn’t feel right to leave when he’s so sick.”
“I can go to the game on my own.”
“How are you getting there?”
Hmm. Still haven’t figured that one out.
Dad catches the uncertainty in my expression. “I’ll drive you, sweetheart.”
“What about Corbin?”
“I’ll be back to check on him. Besides, he wants his mother.”
I can just imagine Kai’s face when he sees I brought my dad along.
“Problem?” Dad asks.
I shake my head, still needing a ride. “No. I’m good.”