Chapter 2
Riah
“What a pretty baby.”
Heat curled in my belly at the words as Korie approached me with her arms out. What the hell did she just call me? In front of all these people?
But when she leaned down and stroked Mila’s little cheek, heat flushed over my face.
Of course she was talking about the actual baby, you stupid, horny fuck.
I scolded myself as I let out a calming breath, ripping my eyes away from the handsome woman just inches from my face.
Her scent wrapped around me, surprisingly sweet and creamy.
“Everybody come eat!” My dad’s bellowing voice came to the rescue.
I handed Mila over to my brother, carefully snaking around Korie and making my way outside. The hot, summer air was enough to distract me from the heat simmering in my belly. Korie had grown into a fine woman, but she was here for Eddie. That’s all.
To my utter dismay, after we all gathered our food, Korie sat right across from me at the picnic table.
As everyone around us mingled and caught up, Korie’s gaze kept flickering to me.
I tried to look away, shove food into my mouth to distract me, but I felt her gaze burning into me.
Maybe she was just studying how much I’d grown.
Maybe I’d changed just as much as she had.
“So, Korie,” my aunt addressed my brother’s best friend from across the table. It wasn’t strange, she’d spent so much time around us as kids that she was basically family. “What have you been up to lately? How’s life lookin’?”
“Pretty great, actually.” She smiled, pride shining on her face. “I got my security company up and running. We’ve got some pretty great, high-profile contracts. Growing more and more every day.”
“Ooo, sounds exciting,” my aunt cooed. “Any lucky ladies in your life?”
“Pat!” Uncle Dwayne gasped beside her. “You’re so intrusive. Sorry, hon. My wife doesn’t know the meaning of personal boundaries.”
“It’s alright,” Korie laughed before gulping her lemonade.
A drop escaped her lips and dripped down her neck as it bobbed. I watched as it trailed down and disappeared under the neck of her t-shirt. Her cup hit the table, jolting my eyes up to where her thumb swiped her bottom lip. Minutes or hours could have passed by, I had no idea.
“I’ve been too busy. But maybe soon.”
I dragged my eyes from her lips to her greenish-yellow eyes, she was already looking at me, causing my stomach to flip.
“And what about our graduate?” Aunt Pat redirected the attention to me. “Meet any nice guys on the east coast?”
“Uhmm..” I hesitated, looking around the table.
I wasn’t exactly hiding my sexuality. If people asked, I would tell them. But I wasn’t going up to everyone I met saying: Hi, my name is Riah and I’m a lesbian.
“Sis.” My mom rested her hand on top of her sister’s. “Riah has no interest in boys.”
“Oh, shit!” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. Any lucky ladies then? Wait…did you have your first experience in your dorm?!” Her eyebrows wiggled.
Uncle Dwayne gently pulled the drink from her lips. “Alright, my love. That’s enough for you.”
I covered my face in my hands, trying to swipe away the embarrassment.
My dad sat across the table, covering his mouth and trying to stifle a laugh while Eddie let it burst from the depths of his belly.
When I looked up again, everyone was doing their own version of trying to hide their amusement. All but Korie.
Across from me, the dreamy green eyes gazed at me with sympathy and…curiosity. I sat back, taking a drink of my own lemonade before responding.
“It’s okay,” I reassured Uncle Dwayne. “Actually, yes. I mean..I’ve kind of always known, but college definitely confirmed it. But, no. Sadly, no lucky ladies. Maybe after I get settled back in town and work.”
“See, Dwayne, she doesn’t mind.” She slapped his arm before turning to me again, her giant sun hat flopping over her eyes. “That’s great, honey. When do you move in?”
“A few days, actually. Speaking of that…Eddie, Dad, are you free to help me move my appliances in when they’re delivered on move-in day?”
“Aw, honey. I can do the best I can, but with this busted back and old bones, I’m not sure how quick or effective I’d be. We can hire someone th-”
“I can help.” Korie chimed in.
“Yeah,” Eddie joined in. “Between the two of us hunks, we should have them in place in no time.”
“Oh, no, Korie, you do-”
“I would be happy to help, Riah. It’s really no problem.”
“Yeah,” Chrissy agreed. “These two had us moved into our place in like…two hours. I’d take it.”
“Okay, yeah. That would be really helpful, thank you.”
For the rest of the BBQ, I did my best to keep my eyes away from Korie. Every time I looked at her, my stomach fluttered wildly and that was entirely unacceptable. There was no way I was into my brother’s best friend. No way.