Chapter 6
I do my best to calm myself before checking to see if Kenzie is around. I find her on the couch watching a movie, one of our all-time favorites, Dirty Dancing. Not saying a word, I join her and finish out the movie.
As the credits roll, she turns “So, did you get my text.”
“Yeah, I'm sorry, too.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, I was a jerk.” Before I can respond she continues, “Do you want to do anything today?”
“Definitely, what did you have in mind?”
“I'm not sure, but I thought we could head over to Lima and check out the mall... we haven't done that in forever.”
“You're right... sounds good. I'm ready whenever you are.”
“Let's go... want to stop and grab some lunch on the way?”
“Sure, whatever you have in mind.”
Neither of us speak much during the hour-long car ride, we just enjoy the music and each other’s presence.
Being with Kenzie is comforting. She has always been the biggest part of my support system over the years, aside from my dad. She was there for me when I moved here and had no other friends, when my mom left, and for every other heartache I've endured; she has shared them with me, taking my pain and making it hers. She is the sister I never had.
I hate when there is tension between us; I hate that I've lied to her.
I vow to tell her the truth... just not today.
We grab a quick lunch in the food court before stopping and looking in about every store. The jewelry store catches her eye.
“Do you think Tyler is going to pop the question soon?” I ask.
She blushes before brushing it off with a laugh “No way... we aren't to that point.”
“Are you kidding me? The two of you have been together longer than most marriages last!” I say laughing with her before continuing. “What if he did ask? Are you ready for that?”
All hints of laughter are gone as she turns completely serious, with a sigh she says “Yeah, I think I am. I love him. I can't remember ever not loving him. Even if he never asks me, I want to spend the rest of my life with him.”
With that I pull her in for a hug. “I know he feels the same for you. Honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't asked already.”
“Oh well, let's get out of this store.” She laughs and pulls my arm.
We continue our stroll through the mall; when we come to a salon, I stop.
“What are we doing?” She asks following my stare. “Are you thinking of getting a new style?”
I start walking inside, “Yeah, I think I am. I've been hating my hair lately.”
“Really? You've had that style for... well forever.” She finds this humorous. “What are you considering?”
“I'm not sure... something new; something edgy... and fun!”
“OMG! Yes! Let's do it! You are going to look amazing!”
About 2 hours later, I leave the salon with a pixie cut and red highlights; the stylist assures me it’s perfect for my face. Kenzie and I are both giddy with laughter.
“Wow, you look amazing! I still can't believe you cut off all your hair!”
“Do you really like it? It's so different. I guess it's just going to take me a while to get used to it.”
“It's perfect! Trust me!”
We have had so much fun today, but it is time to head back.
Kenzie gives Tyler a call to let him know we are on our way to pick up the party sub we ordered for tonight’s game and then we will be home. He asks if we mind grabbing beer because he would like to invite a few of the guys. We also take it upon ourselves to grab a variety of chips, knowing they will all be gone before the night is through.
When we get back to the apartment, we grab our shopping bags, deciding to let Tyler and whatever guys have made it over collect the groceries.
As we head in, we are just chatting about our day when we are greeted by everyone. Tyler gives Kenzie a quick kiss before going out to get the food.
I am unaware Mychal is here until he is behind me. “Your hair looks great.”
I turn with a blush, “Thank you.”
He leans in brushing his lips softly across my cheek, hugging me before whispering, “Of course, you're always beautiful; especially when I make you blush.”
And before I can respond he is gone, off to help Tyler.
I don't know why I am surprised that he is here, I should have expected it. I can't help the flutter in my stomach, or the fire I feel in my core just by being around him.
It’s hard to be around him, yet comforting to know that he is here.
The Cowboys are playing the 49ers, and we have some rivalry going on tonight.
I have always been a huge Cowboys fan. As are Kenzie and Tyler. Mychal is a Packers fan, but will cheer on anyone playing against my team. The other guys that are over seem to be of mixed company as well.
Tyler introduced them to Kenzie and me when we got here. Dylan seems quiet but is on Mychal's side. Ryan is also on the 49er’s bandwagon, but he is anything but quiet. I think I heard Gage cheering on the Cowboys, but I can’t really tell who Taylor is for... I think he is just enjoying the food.
It doesn't take long before I'm engulfed in the game. I love football, I always have. Jokingly, my dad used to say I should have been his son. I can't help it. I have everyone laughing at me when I start yelling at the TV. “What? Oh, come on!? That was a bullshit call and you know it!”
It ends up being a fun night. All the tension I felt this morning is gone. The Cowboys take the game 40 to 10, that made the evening even better.
I begin cleaning up while everyone else continues to just hang out and chat for a bit, finishing up their beer and sandwiches.
Gage joins me in the kitchen, catching me off guard and startling me.
He chuckles “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.”
“It's fine, just wasn't expecting anyone.” I state as I wipe down the now empty counter.
“Great game, huh? It's nice to be around chicks that know football.”
Chicks? I roll my eyes to myself before turning to him. “Yeah. Yep, it was a great game.”
It's obvious he has had too much to drink, and his choice of words are annoying me.
“I was wondering if you'd be willing to give me your number? Go grab a beer somet-”
“No, she wouldn't.” I look over to see Mychal come around the corner; he’s by my side in the next second and I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I was holding.
“I don't believe I was asking you.” Gage slurs.
“I don't care. She's obviously not interested, and FYI, if you'd been paying attention tonight, you'd have noticed she doesn't drink. I think it's time for you to leave.”
Gage attempts to take a step forward but stumbles into the wall.
“Yo, Taylor!” Mychal calls into the next room. “I think your boy here needs a ride home.”
Taylor and Tyler join us in the now overcrowded kitchen.
“Yeah,” Taylor sighs before continuing “Let's go, Gage!”
Gage tries to mouth off, but it does not get far. Thankfully Taylor and Dylan get Gage out to the car and take off.
Once they are gone, Tyler and Kenzie decide to call it a night.