“I really don’t want to go home.” I peered at him sideways, and he laughed, scooping up my hand to kiss each of my fingers while he continued to drive to my house.
“I know, but I have to get back to work tomorrow. You have school. And now that we’re back, I don’t think I can keep my hands to myself. So, you’re going home.”
I sighed loudly, and he laughed again. “Don’t worry, as soon as things slow down a bit, I’m not gonna let you out of my sight. In fact, maybe we should get those handcuffs out again, and you won’t be able to leave my bed.” His dimples popped out, and I leaned over, brushing my lips against his ear.
“Sounds good to me.”
AFTER OUR TRIP, the crazy routine of school and work resumed, made even busier because Justin and I tried to squeeze in as much time together as possible. Things this time around seemed different, a good different, though. I didn’t feel like we were just together for fun, even though we had plenty of it. We both seemed equally invested in making things work.
I slammed one of my books shut, closing my laptop as well, and breathed a sigh of relief. I had been working hard on a paper that was due in two days, and I told Justin I wasn’t going to be able to go out tomorrow with him if it wasn’t completed. He demanded that I shut off my phone and anything else that was a distraction so I could get it done, and I was glad that I’d finally finished. I was looking forward to the next date, each one made me antsy.
We still hadn’t done anything physical, other than holding hands and the occasional hot make out session. Those could definitely keep me satisfied, but I needed more. Justin was actually trying to be somewhat of a gentleman about the whole thing, though. I didn’t know it was actually possible and the anticipation of when was literally killing me. I felt like a sex-starved maniac. If he kept going at this rate, I was going to have to take things into my own hands. Yeah, I know, that kind of made me sound like a sex addict or something, but I had Justin back, I needed to reap all of the benefits that were available. And from him, they were plentiful.
The doorbell rang from downstairs and I ignored it, intent on cleaning up the mess of my room, even though I’m sure it would just end up like that way again tomorrow.
“Della!” Callie shouted up the stairs, and I opened my door a little wider so I could hear her.
“Yeah?”
“Um…someone’s here to see you.” Her voice sounded strange which only made me guess that it wasn’t a good unexpected visitor. The first person that flashed into my head was Chris. I hadn’t seen him again since that awkward night at Shorty’s, but he called. All. The. Time. I ignored him for the most part, sending him messages back that I was busy with school or some other lame excuse, but he wasn’t letting up.
“Okay,” I called back. “I’ll be right down.” I groaned, thinking that maybe I should just look for the quickest escape route, but knew I couldn’t leave Callie down there to deal with my problem.
“There she is.” I heard a nasally voice snidely call out from the living room, and I froze on the staircase, instantly recognizing Mariah. Joy. I don’t know whom I would’ve preferred more, her, or Chris. Yeah, she seemed friendly toward me ever since she and Nash got back together, but I hadn’t seen either of them since our lunch together last month. I tried calling and sending messages, but he didn’t answer. I was worried about him and thought that maybe something happened with the baby. I even called Grams to ask if she had seen him at his mom’s place next door, but she hadn’t.
I finished my descent down the stairs, crossing my arms tightly over my chest as I assessed Mariah, who stood there glaring at me. Her stomach was a whole lot flatter, my first clue that the baby was already here. The baby was born and Nash didn’t even call? Although, Nash told me she was due after Christmas so that meant the baby came too early.
“Mariah, you had the baby?” My voice came out in a squeak. “Is everything all right with little—”
“So, I’m sure you put this whole DNA test idea into his head, am I right? You just couldn’t leave us alone,” she spat out, narrowing her eyes at me. “No one can be happy if you’re not happy, right, Della?”
“DNA test?” I repeated, the shock clearly evident in my voice, I was beginning to realize why Nash hadn’t called me. Mariah just rolled her eyes, thinking I was putting on an act or something. He never once mentioned that he thought he wasn’t the father, and I kept my doubts to myself. Well, the baby must not have looked like him whatsoever, or the math was really off, because he had done the questioning all on his own.
“Who said I’m not happy? I’m perfectly fine with my life, Mariah. Don’t be pissed because you created drama in your own.”