|80| • Everest
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Miss Amelia?"
Rasu articulated in a teasing tone, bowing his head as he shook her smaller hands.
She smiled shyly, nodding her head. It had been a while.
When was the last time they saw her? I did hear she hardly showed her face at Abel's workshop before I began working there.
I admit that information made my chest swell with joy.
Knowing I was why she appeared more frequently, the thought would make any man cheese in joy.
"It has been long. Nice to meet you again, Mr Rasu." She responded politely.
I smiled at this, admiring her as she greeted the other guys here.
It was now I realized how long it had been without seeing her.
She looked so beautiful up close that I felt giddy to have her by my side.
Her braids were let down and flowed until her waist, the baby hair close to her forehead was sleeked into smooth curves with gel.
Though she'd just finished bawling her eyes out in the car, her eyes didn't puff up or look too red.
She looked good in a long-sleeved flail dress, which barely reached her knees.
"Ah-hah, no wonder he was grinning today; you'd think he just won a lottery.
" Guy jested, poking my sides which I slapped away with a scowl.
He winked at Amelia, and she giggled, rubbing her neck.
"Was he, now?" She replied, looking over her shoulder at me.
Playfully, I tugged on her waist, pulling her closer so she stood by my side.
"Why wouldn't I?" I responded, playing along.
Guy smirked, nodding his head. The sly grin remained on her face as she made light conversations with the rest of the guys; slowly but surely, we made our way to Abel.
"Ah, so she made it here,"
Abel uttered teasingly. A knowing smile arching his lips if I did say so myself.
Amelia pouted, narrowing her eyes. "Are the two of you okay now?
" He asked, his tone a bit more rigid. Embarrassed, I nodded.
He probably knew I left the condo with her in it for the past week or so; with a sigh, I cupped my neck.
"Yeah, we are. And I couldn't be happier.
" Amelia responded confidently, a grin revealing the gorgeous set of thirty-two.
I intertwined our hands. Could we go back already?
"I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be hell-bent on staying extra hours today," Abel told me, his gaze teasing mine.
I laughed, shaking my head. "I actually wanted to ask if I could go early today.
" I decided to chip in. It would be nice to spend some alone time with Amelia- or better yet, bring her to my family once more.
Abel hummed, stroking his beard as though he was pretending to think.
Amelia perked up, "R-really? You'd want to leave now?
I mean, please, Abel! I'm sure he's been working his butt off! " She cajoled, her lips pouting cutely.
Her thumb caressed the back of my palm as she said this.
Abel sighed, "Ah, how could I possibly say no to that face?
" He hummed to himself, waving his hands in dismissal.
"Go ahead, take even the week off if you'd like.
" I cackled, shaking my head. "I'll take just today and tomorrow if that's fine by you. "
Amelia squealed happily, our intertwined hands breaking off as she cupped my elbows, moving closer to me.
I liked her in my space; it was warm. "Sure, that's alright.
I'm happy for you, both of you.' He tapped my shoulders, winking at Amelia before returning to the car he was working on.
Amelia turned to face me, her cheeks beaming with a lovely smile.
"You'd really miss work for me?" She whispered cutely, her eyes glistening with hope.
This made me chuckle. Tempted to kiss her pouted lips, I settled for her forehead instead.
"Of course, we have quite the catching up to do, right?"
She bit her bottom lip, still looking up at me.
"Yeah..." I smiled at her; it was a bit obvious what she wanted, so I succumbed to her bidding, leaning into her titled face.
She released her lips from her teeth, and I placed a firm kiss there.
I was starting to understand that she didn't mind the display of affection, not one bit.
Her smile widened with her arms wrapped around my arm.
"One more...?" She asked, her voice low and suggestive.
I almost laughed at her subtle demand. It had been a while, hadn't it?
I missed her lips so much more than she missed mine.
"Say, please." I teased. I couldn't look anywhere else.
Her eyes were rather captivating as they were fixated on mine. "P-"
Before she could complete those words, I claimed her lips once more. "I'm teasing," I uttered with a light chuckle.
Wolf whistles cut us off. I then realized we were still in the workshop, open for any eyes to see. Amelia widened her eyes, playing with her hands nervously. Oh, now she was nervous? How cute.
"Here, how about you wait in the car?" I gave her the keys, "I want to pack up."
"Oh, I could help you." She offered with a smile, and my lips found themselves mirroring her expression.
"It's fine, darling. I won't be long." I didn't want her waiting around for me when she could be in the car.
Amelia nodded, taking the keys from me. Come to think of it, Amelia didn't know how to drive, did she?
It would be nice to teach her how to. Nodding to myself, I packed ou the little things I brought in, making sure to arrange my workstation before heading out.
"See you later, man!" The guys said, some snickering to themselves about how I was always one to make a scene in the workshop. Playfully rolling my eyes at their banter, I jogged over to the car, hoping it wasn't too hot for her in there.
Amelia was sitting in the passenger seat, bobbing her head to something.
As I opened the door, her head snapped to look at mine.
"Oh, you're done." She hadn't put the car on as expected, so I did so.
"Yeah. How'd you say I teach you how to move this guy occasionally?
" I brought it up lightly. Amelia hummed, looking at the car before she gasped, turning to look at me again.
"For real?!"
"For real."
"Ouu! Can we start now?" Who knew she'd be this excited? "I really wanted to ask you to teach me, but...yeah. It'd be super cool if I could learn to drive! Just like Kaji and Abel! So, like, I could drive your car as well?" Oh, so she was this excited. I found myself grinning at this, too.
"Easy baby, let's learn how to turn on the ignition.
" I demonstrated it slowly, turning the key as the engine roared to life.
She pried her eyes attentively, looking at my every move.
"I pressed on the brakes before turning the ignition," I said, pointing to the gears next. "See, it's on the drive gear?"
She tilted her head, "The 'D' means drive, oh!
Right." Amelia chuckled nervously. "Seatbelts, baby.
" She nodded, putting on her seatbelts as I did the same thing.
"Driving is pretty simple; now I'm going to release the breaks so the car can move freely.
" I did, and the car began to move. She seemed to be paying attention, which made me smile.
"But that's all for now. I'd definitely make some time out for us to go on a drive soon. "
Amelia nodded.
"Okay, thank you, Evie."
"Anytime."
As we drove to my family's house, we talked about random things; I'm pretty sure we had the same idea of having our heat-to-heart talk when we were all cuddled up. Okay, maybe that was my idea alone; who cared?
It didn't take long before I turned off the engine of the truck; since we were reaching the winter period, the sun didn't take a while to retire for the day, and a calmer atmosphere set in.
With the engine roaring out of the way, I could hear things clearer now, like the subtle hum that came from Amelia's lips.
With a small smile, I opened the door and stepped out.
"I'll do it," I told her when she stretched to open her door.
It'd been a while since I'd done this, and I missed it.
Jogging around the truck, I met her at the other side in a second, opening the door for the little lady.
Amelia's shy smile danced on her lips, "Thank you.
" Was her gentle reply; slowly clicking her seatbelt out of the way, she received my hands and climbed down effortlessly.
Liking the warmth of our intertwined palms, I kept it that way, closing the door behind her.
"I really hope they don't mind me staying the night.
" Amelia brought up, sounding nervous as we climbed the stairs to go into the family house.
Taking out the key from my pockets, I shoved it in before gazing her way.
"Mind? Of course not; you're basically family.
" I said absentmindedly, chuckling to myself.
I was pretty sure Pa got the hint when I brought her in the first time, seeing as it'd been a while; I wondered how they would welcome her back.
Saff knew a bit of what she'd done but didn't seem to mind. Would their meeting be any different?
"Aren't you?" I decided to ask teasingly, opening the door for her. She grinned, looking to the floor before walking in. "C'mon, don't leave me hanging." Before she turned around, I cupped her waist, pulling her in. She squealed, giggling. "Okay, okay."
"Okay, what?"
"I am basically family." She completed with a fit of giggles; I smirked, "That's some emphasis.
" I muttered, peppering her cheeks with kisses while she laughed, I noticed she bit her lips so it wouldn't be so loud, tilting her body to wiggle out of her grasp.
It was nice holding her like this again.
"But don't worry, they obviously won't mind.
Right Pa?" I said, knowing that masculine shadow from anywhere.
Amelia gasped, pushing me off to turn around.
As expected, Pa was leaning on the wall, staring at the both of us with a shocked expression.
"It's been a while." He muttered with a faint smile, pushing himself up.
"O-oh, good evening, sir!" She chirped in, pushing her hand forward for a shake; this made me laugh.
Pa chuckled, pulling her into a hug, "Don't be so formal with me, Amelia.
" I noticed how she stilled but eventually warmed into the hug before they pulled away.
"Ah-hah, sorry about that, Frank. How have you been?
How's Emily?" She asked inquisitively, her eyes beaming.
Pa grinned, "I'm alright. Emily's fine, too, thanks.
She's already asleep, though." Amelia pouted a bit, "Oh, but that's okay.
I'll see her in the morning. I mean, if that's fine with you. "
"Of course, dear, make yourself at home."
"Right, Everest, a word?" He called out, his voice a bit stern for me to know it couldn't be postponed. Nodding, I looked over at Amelia, who waved her hand at me. "It's fine. I'll be in the parlour." Placing a kiss on her forehead, I entered the kitchen where Pa had gone.
What did he want to say that couldn't wait? It didn't take a while to know it probably had something to do with Amelia and me. Was he worried? I wondered.
"I know what you're about to say," I spoke in haste, rubbing my neck. His eyebrows went up in confusion, "Do you?" He asked, cocking his head. Clearing my throat, I corrected myself; "Okay, not exactly. But I do know it's about Amelia." He hummed, tapping his fingers on the counter.
"It's just...you were really broken days ago, now you're beaming like it never happened.
I can't help but worry about you." This made me sigh; I knew he would be worried.
Not knowing what to say, I just listened.
I got where he was coming from, but the couple fought every once in a while; this fight just happened to hit home.
Pursing my lips, I pulled myself out of my thoughts to focus on him.
"It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together, you know?
But when Saffron's words slipped up, I knew I was right.
She...did do that to you. I know mistakes happen, but are you willing to put your heart on the line again?
I am a bit worried, admittedly." His words made me think.
To put my heart on the line again. Was I ready for that?
"The messed up things we do for love, I guess." I snorted, leaning against the counter. What else did I have to say? Shit, I was still scared of leaving my heart at her mercy, but she was also doing the same, right? Pa gave a thin-lipped smile.
"For love...ha, you really did take after me." He mumbled, running his hand through his face. I laughed, "How's that? You're a lover boy, too?" I teased. He smirked, shrugging his shoulders.
"Both times, I've fallen hard. For your mother and Emily.
" He states. The thought of how angry I was with Emily when she came along, I could imagine if I had a daughter and she didn't like Amelia.
Darn, I'd be torn. "So, for both my mothers, huh?
" I decided to say, and he gave me the widest grin, a look of realization in his eyes.
Of course, I was okay with Emily; how could I not be?
"Yeah, for both of your mothers." His tone depicted clear satisfaction, making me mirror his grin. "If you think you're ready for that, why don't you just propose?" Pa asked out of the blue. I guffawed, cocking my head back.
"Does Mr. Frank want to become a grandad?" I teased. He cleared his throat nervously, shrugging. "I mean, it's not a bad thought," Pa muttered, waving his hands in the air. "I plan to, but I don't know when," I told him quietly, folding my arms.
He hummed, nodding.
"If you need my help, I'm all for it."
"Retirement is showing on you, Pa."
"Oh shit, your mouth, your lady is probably waiting for you. I'll see you all tomorrow, okay?" He stretched out, going to pour himself a glass of milk for bed. It wasn't even 7 o'clock yet, but I guess he wanted to read one of his encyclopedic novels before going to sleep.
"Alright, goodnight pops."
He nodded, taking the glass before giving me a side hug.
"I love you, son, remember that."
"You too, Pa. I love you too." I patted his shoulder, smiling. It was nice to have conversations with him; perhaps I'd have to do this more often. Turning my heels, I exited the kitchen and into the living room where Amelia said she'd be.
"I promise." I heard my lady say quietly before another hum came after.
Confused, I poked my head into the room, seeing Saffron and Amelia sitting together; Saffron had this look every once in a while, her grave, 'intimidating' look.
Watching them, I saw Saffron break from character with a cheesy grin, pulling her into a hug.
Did Amelia promise something?
What did she promise to?
Intrigued, I came out from hiding, clearing my throat, and the two of them jumped, turning around. "Oh! You're back!" Amelia said with a gorgeous smile. Mirroring her expression, I walked towards the both of them.
"I am," I said, pulling both girls close to me in a team huddle. "So, what did you make my woman promise just now?"