That night, after helping Huntleigh’s brother and friends finish moving a bookcase, they – well, Huntleigh asked me if I wanted to stay for a glass of wine and some pizza because apparently that was how they were celebrating the baby of the family getting her own place. Her brother, Jacob is an interesting character, and the two friends, Harry and Lorren actually met both Huntleigh and Jacob around the same time, but they hit it off with Huntleigh first then slowly got closer with Jacob. It was kind of funny to listen to them talk about how they all met and watching Huntleigh try to feel me out. She wasn’t exactly subtle about it. The questions kept coming. It was cute. When I got home, I called my sister.
Cass was surprised but thrilled and we talked for a few hours. There were a few burning questions I had, some of them I asked and some I couldn’t bring myself to go there yet.
I chickened out of asking her what I really wanted to know which was if she thought Mom and Dad were still around us. If they “left” so I could have a second chance… though it was more like a third and fourth chance.
We talked for a while and the conversation ended up with me getting suckered into her coming over to bring me dinner the next night when I got home. Which if I’m being honest, I was beyond grateful for as I hadn’t had a home cooked meal in a while.
I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping to see Huntleigh when I pulled into my driveway. But she wasn’t there. Understandably – she most likely had plans or was unpacking or working. It took a few days for us to run into each other again. Ten to be exact. Ten days. Why I was counting, I don’t know? Why my heart skipped a beat when I noticed her in a crowded room I also don’t know. But it did.
After being invited to my nephew’s birthday party which he wanted to go to Dave and Busters. The one thing in this world I do my best not to miss is anything that my sister’s kids invite me to. So, when Brennan called me a few weeks ago and told me that his thirteenth birthday party was happening, and me and my boys better be there. I saved the date.
Brennan and I were trying to kick Trent and his dad’s butts in a game of basketball when I got a bit sidetracked. I accidently threw our game because of this distraction, and unfortunately you can’t get anything past a nosey best friend and brother-in-law. But you especially can’t get it past a boy that you just lost a game with.
“BROOKES! What the heck man!” Brennan laughs jumping on my back trying to put me in a headlock. “Now we have to give them half the points from it!…” He paused his eyes tracing my line of sight. “OOOOOH YOU BETTER NOT HAVE THROWN IT FOR A GIRL!”
“I wouldn’t ever throw a game! I call a rematch! I didn’t mean to do that Brennan! I just needed…” I lost my train of thought as she walked over.
“Fancy seeing you here Cowboy.” She smiles. It seems like a forbidden fruit kind of thing. The more lethal it is, the more you want it.
“I could say the same to you Moonshine. I didn’t have you pegged as the arcade type?” I smile and swear I’m going to have some explaining to do when this is over.
“I’m chaperoning, kind of their adults… But it looks like you are busy, is it your birthday?” She asks with a cute little smile playing at her lips as someone runs up and throws their arm over her.
“AH THERE YOU ARE LE! Oh…” The guy who was hanging on her shoulders looked at me with a bit of a smirk. “Is that him?”
“Can you seriously not survive like five seconds without me?” She whispers. “Also yes… now go. I’ll be over there in a second!”
“Other brother?” I smirk.
“It’s complicated.” She laughs. “SO, your birthday?”
“Nope, his.” I gestured to my nephew who was still playing basketball with his dad and Trent.
“Oh cool, I hope he has a good one. You guys stay safe and enjoy your night.”
“You guys too.” I smile as her friend grabs her arm and pulls her back to their table.
“Are you dumb?” Trent laughs.
“Maybe? What’s your problem dude?”
“Go get her number! I don’t care if she is your neighbor. Go talk to her. I will cover for you over here! You don’t let that walk away!”
Thank you so much for reading to the end, drop a heart in the comments below if you made it this far! I’m so sorry for the delayed post I will hopefully have a new post out soon explaining that. And hopefully we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programing yet again!
As always, stay safe, love hard, and protect your peace ❤
XOXO Hails
Stormy Ville 
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