It isn’t a huge house, but it has a backyard with a patio surrounded by big, old trees. They have added seating and a large grill his parents gave them as a housewarming gift.
“You guys made it!” Dia exclaims as we walk through the gate. Alex gives me a quick hug before moving toward the guys standing around the cooler of beer. Only in Texas do we cookout in the middle of winter!
I watch as he does that manly, bro-clap thing with Marcus while Matt opens him a beer. “They’re a little like cavemen, aren’t they? It seems to have taken Alex no time to fit in.” Dia laughs as she shakes her head. “Marcus! Claire might like a beer too.”
“Of course, sweet girl. I bought her favorite.” He gives Dia a playful smack on her ass. “I know how to treat a lady. I don’t need your sass.” He stoops down to place a kiss on her forehead. With Marcus so much taller, her forehead is the closest he can probably get without her on a stepstool.
I remember the day he first saw her our freshman year. It was obvious to everyone in the arena except her that he had been struck dumb. With mock disdain, she pushes him back toward the other guys.
“Hey guys!” we hear from the gate. Turning, we are greeted by Izzy’s little sister, Sophia, walking through the gate. As always, Teddy, Grayson’s younger brother, is right on her heels. The three of us rush over to give her a hug. “Dia told us to come over for food. I hope we’re not spoiling the party.”
“Sweetie, you only make the party that much better,” Lily tells her as we find seats. Teddy drifts back over with a Coke for Sophia before returning to hang out with the guys. “Tell us, have you heard anything from Izzy?”
“Just a text saying they made it. I doubt Grayson has let her up for air yet!” She giggles. We settle into a lively conversation about the crazy turn our lives seem to be taking. Sophia talks excitedly about being accepted into the journalism program at NYU in the fall.
Soon Marcus announces dinner is ready so we all head into the house. Sliding off our coats, we pull the rest of the meal out of the fridge, adding it to the table.
“So Alex, where are you off to next?” Lily asks when we’ve all found our seats. We work at passing the food around, filling our plates to capacity.
“I have tae be in Miami on the second. I plan to fly oot early Tuesday morning, thought the fireworks would be something tae see.” Well, that’s news I haven’t heard before.
Alex told me he had clinics to do during the weekdays, but I didn’t know he had one so soon. I don’t have to meet with my advisor until the fifteenth, so I was hoping we would get to spend that time together.
“Well that sounds exciting. What are you doing there to celebrate New Year’s?” I ask, trying not to sound like a petulant child. I had already thought about finding a fireworks show to watch together. I’ve never had anybody kiss me when the ball drops, so I thought maybe this was the year. I guess not.
“I have a mate that has a flat on the water where ye can see the fireworks. He throws a big party every year with dinner, dancing, the whole works. This is the first year I can actually attend, so I thought it would be good tae go.”
I can see him watching me out of the corner of my eye. I focus hard on my food. I don’t want him to see how disappointed I am. It’s grown quiet around the table as my friends send each other glances. After a few minutes, he sighs, setting his fork down.
“I thought we could discuss this later, but I guess everything we dae is destined tae be aired in front of yer friends. I was gaun to ask ye tae go. I thought we could fly oot for the week, go tae the party, lay on the beach, coach a clinic, see the Everglades?” His voice trails off until he is just watching me.
“Really?” I ask shocked. He wants to take me to Miami? Wait, he wants to take me to Miami! “I don’t know,” I stammer as he smiles at me.
“Of course you know,” Lily says. “Pack your damn bikini then get the heck out of town. Why would you turn down a week in Miami? I can take any lessons you have lined up.”
“Lily’s right, Claire,” Dia adds. “You’ll get to kiss your man this New Year’s a whole hour before the rest of us. In a condo overlooking the water. You’d be crazy not to go. I know you don’t have any classes, so you have no excuse.” Everyone starts telling me why I need to see Miami. Alex just grins back at me.
Finally when everyone is done talking, he says, “I dunno,mo ghaol. This might be the first time it was a good choice for me tae air our business in front of yer friends. For once, they’re naw busting my balls, they’re busting yers.” I can’t help but start laughing.
“I’m going to need a new swimsuit,” I announce to everyone. Dia assures me they just got some new suits in that haven’t even made it onto the floor of her store yet. We make plans to meet tomorrow morning.
“That will work, I’m free tomorrow morning,” Alex says.
“You don’t have to go. I’m perfectly capable of trying on suits on my own.” Both Marcus and Matt try to hide smiles. “What?” I ask, shooting a glance at both of them.
Matt grows serious before turning to me. “What man in his right mind passes up watching his woman parade in front of him in a bikini all morning? Go for a Brazilian, dude,” he adds to Alex. When Alex reaches over, fist-bumping Matt, Lily smacks at their hands.
“Don’t teach Teddy anything new. I don’t need Izzy making me put money in one of her damn jars!” Lily says to Matt. Teddy just grins. I think he is too worried about not impressing Alex and Marcus to be his usual foul-mouthed self. He also acts much better when Sophia is around. They leave after dinner to catch a movie before heading back to Izzy’s for the night.
The rest of us settle in Dia’s living room where Marcus has started a fire. When I join Alex on the couch, he pulls me against his side, wrapping an arm around me. So much has happened in the last month, it feels amazing to just snuggle up next to this gorgeous man and relax.
After a few more hours visiting, Matt stands, pulling Lily up. “Sorry, I’d love to stay longer but I have to try to keep the office open until Grayson gets back. I’ve got a long morning ahead of me. I’d better get us home.”
Alex stands, helping me to my feet. “We should go too. I hear bikini watching can be exhausting,” he teases me as we say our goodbyes. We walk out to the car with Lily and Matt.
“In case I don’t see you before you leave, have a wonderful time in Miami,” Lily says, giving me a hug. “Try to stay out of the libraries,” she adds before walking to Matt’s car. “You know what, screw it! Hit all the libraries Dade County has to offer.” With a laugh, she ducks into the car. I hear Alex bark out a laugh behind me as Matt closes Lily’s door.
“And people wonder why I have to tie her up! I might need to start adding a ball gag.” Matt says walking around the car to get in. “Have a good night,” he adds, waving before ducking into his car. Alex sends a questioning look at me. I just shake my head before getting in the car.
