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“Boo.” I pout, and the guys chuckle.
“Derek will be here around that time, too. I guess we need to pack up and clean this place?” Shaun sighs, and my pout gets bigger.
“Yep. Let’s get to it.” Simon whines like he’d rather pry his eyes out.
So we do the mundane tasks of getting ready, packing our things and cleaning this place. The music Shaun plays through his Bluetooth speaker, and the singing attempts by Simon make the tasks less painful and more amusing.
An appreciation for the domestic nature of it warms my chest. It’s fun doing these things with my guys. I find myself watching how they work together and the banter that flows, my mind picturing times like this in our future together. Older, with Ty joining in, as we live as a family.
I want that. So fucking much. It may not be what’s perceived as normal or acceptable in society, but I don’t care. It’s right for us.
By the time we are done, and I’m waving out the window of Ayden’s car to Shaun, Simon and Garrett, I’m feeling high on life. Confident, and dare I say it? A little invincible.
I snuggle into Marcus’ side for the drive home, and as we eventually pull up outside my house, he gives me a kiss filled with promises. He wanted to walk me in, but since I only have one bag to carry, given that we ate all the food Dad sent me with, I insist that he stay in the car, and I wave from the portico of my front door as Ayden drives off with my Marcus.
I can’t seem to wipe the grin off my face as I key in the code to unlock the front door. Inside is quiet, and a quick glance in the study and my parents’ bedroom shows they are empty.
“Hello?” I call into the silent house and get no response.
Dropping my bag to the tiled floor, I unlace my Docs and toe them off before hoisting up my bag and moving to the kitchen. The dishwasher is running, and as always, the place is spotless. There’s a note on the counter, so I lift it up to read.
Rhys, your dad, and I had a last-minute appointment to go to in the city. We should be back before dinner. The twins are at the Martin’s for a sleepover, and Charlotte is out with friends.
I hope you had a good weekend. Text me to let me know you’re home safe.
Xoxo Mum
I smile at the note. I love seeingMumwritten on it, and not Cin or Cynthia. The sight warms my chest even more, and I swear my smile grows wider.
Fuck, I feel emotional as shit, but in a good way. It’s weird, but I’m totally embracing it.
I shoot Mum a text to say that I’m home and debate whether to message the guys to let them know I’ll be home alone for the afternoon but think better of it. I’d love to see them, but I don’t want to be too smothering either. They need their own time. And time together without me.
Maybe I’ll call Tillie and Bell and catch up with them. I do feel bad for giving all my attention to the guys lately. Some girl time is overdue.
I shoot Tillie and Bell a message and take my bag to my bedroom before coming back to the kitchen in search of food. I’m rummaging through the fridge when a noise behind me makes me freeze. Frowning, I straighten, the feeling that I’m not alone setting off alarm bells in my head.
Snapping my head around quickly, I gasp at the figure standing mere feet away.
“Hello, Patrice.”
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I hiss at my old foster mum, Julie, who looks all sorts of wrong standing in the kitchen of the home my parents have given me. Her hair is brown, not blonde like it used to be. It’s shorter. Like a boy’s cut hidden under the cap she is wearing low on her head. Probably to hide her identity.
“I’m here to see you. A visit that’s well overdue. Don’t you think?”
I curl my lip in a snarl. “Get the fuck out of my house!” I yell as loud as I can in the hopes that if a neighbour is near, they might hear me.
“Now, now. Haven’t your parents taught you to be kind to guests? Where’s your hospitality?” Julie laughs with a sneer.
“If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.” I hiss, and she laughs again.
“What with? This?” She holds up her hand, and there, clasped in her grip, is my phone.
Fuck! She must have grabbed it off the bench where I left it.
What do I do now? Think! Think! Think!
Julie laughs again, obviously reading my expression and loving the fucking reaction.
