56. Chapter 56
Jake
*Theo Lawson renamed Hockey Guy Chat to Dog Dad Chat*
Jake - Just to make sure everyone knows about the barbecue at Mom’s later?
Louis - Yep we’ll be there and also have you researched your rights for visitation or custody of Bella if you and Charlie don’t work out? Or have you got adoption paperwork ready to seal the deal?
Codey - How do I leave this chat? Or specifically mute Louis?
Theo - Unfortunately bud if we have to put up with him so do you.
Louis - Hey! That wasn’t even me, that was Kayla. I leave my phone unattended for 5 seconds to throw Remy’s ball and this happens. But she does raise a good point.
Codey - No she doesn’t.
Jake - Anyway back to the barbecue….
Codey - I’m coming
Theo - Do you mind if I bring a friend? He’s new to the area and doesn’t really know anyone.
Jake – Sure, the more the merrier.
Theo – Great, thanks man
Louis – Wait a minute, you have other friends besides us?
Louis – I’m hurt
Codey – Peoples lives do not revolve around you
Jake – This!
Theo - How are things going with Charlie anyway?.
Jake - Really good, we stayed at mine last night
Theo - WTF
Louis - You stayed in that mausoleum you call a home?
Codey - Wow that’s a big word for you
Louis - It was on my word of the day toilet paper
Jake - That explains a lot
Jake - She wanted to see my place, see if it brought back any memories.
Jake - Also we’re officially a couple.
Codey - That’s great news. Just what you’ve always wanted
Jake - I couldn’t be happier. Let’s just hope she doesn’t change her mind.
Louis - Want some tips on how to woo a lady?
Jake - From you? No thanks
Theo - I’m genuinely curious as to what tips you think you have?
Theo - Didn’t Kayla just come up and kiss you randomly at a game and that was it?
Jake - Yeah there wasn’t a lot of wooing there. Trust me, I was witness to it all
Louis - I’m the only one out of us that is married so therefore I’m the expert
Codey - I’d rather take my chances
Jake - Same
Theo - Agreed
Louis - Fuck you all
Louis - *middle finger emoji*
I pocket my phone and take a sip of my coffee whilst I wait for Lottie to finish getting ready.
I hear the tapping of her crutches against the hardwood floor. Turning the coffee machine back on, I get her iced coffee ready. “Morning, sunshine.” She wraps her arms around me and kisses me on the lips. It’s chaste but perfect.
“That bed of yours is a dream! I need that mattress on my bed like yesterday” she says, sighing dreamily.
She moves to sit on one of the stools at the breakfast bar as I hand her the coffee.
“Thank you,” she says as she takes a sip through her straw, humming in delight as the caffeine hits. “Mmmmm so good.”
“Are you up for taking Bella to the park? We can stop for breakfast on the way?” I know she’ll like the cafe down the road that does great acai bowls. My mouth fills with saliva at the thought.
“Absolutely.” Bella’s paws tap against the wood flooring in excitement over the word “park,” and Lottie’s stomach growls so loudly it’s like an animal is in the building. We both laugh at the sound. “Ok, so maybe food first, then park?”
“Sounds perfect, I know a great place.”
With that, we’re in the elevator and on our way. We grab our breakfast and take a seat outside where we can people watch. It’s still pretty early, so it’s not overly busy, which is ideal for not being recognized.
We both decided to get acai bowls as I hyped them up so much, and Lottie made me try some green juice shit that’s apparently good for my digestion. Newsflash, it tastes like grass. Ten out of ten chance I will not recommend to a friend no matter how good it’s supposed to be.
Bella’s enjoying the hell out of her pup cup and biscuits the café gave her; she’s living her best doggie life right now.
Clearing our stuff away, we start a slow walk to the park to spend some time together before seeing everyone else later. I’m not going to lie, I’m curious as to who Theo is bringing with him.