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“That was pretty dangerous of them,” Seth said.
“I truly want what’s best for her.”
Seth contemplated something as he stared down at me. Eventually he nodded. “You’re a strong person, Cadence. I’ll be right back. Find something that isn’t in black and white. I’ll make us a snack.”
“Black and white?” I glanced at the TV and realized a super old show was playing. I wasn’t even sure how it got on to that. I flipped through the movies until I settled on a newly released one about a bunch of people forced onto an island, having to learn to survive. It looked interesting enough.
The room filled with the enticing aroma of popcorn, and I grinned at his choice of snack. Of course, what other option was there?
“Oh, not a bad pick,” Seth said in a slightly playful tone as he came in and passed me the super large bowl. He settled in beside me, looking content. I smiled softly, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity with him by my side like this.
“Now come here.”
“Come where?” I asked, meeting his gaze curiously.
Seth smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Let me cuddle with my girlfriend while we watch TV. We don’t have to think or do anything. Let’s just become couch potatoes for a little bit.”
The invitation hung in the air as I eyed the space next to him. Deciding to just go with the moment, I scooched over to him, feeling a mixture of anticipation and warmth. As I got settled, Seth wrapped his strong arm around me, pulling me into a more comfortable position tucked into his side.
I curled against his chest, the rhythmic beating of his heart providing a soothing tune. The soft hum of the TV and the crackling of the popcorn filled the room as Seth ate a handful. Seth’s warmth became my own, and the tension of the day slowly melted away.
“My dad is going to join me for Thanksgiving with Micah,” I said during a quiet part of the movie, when nothing was really happening.
“Really? That’s great news.”
“It is.”
“You don’t sound too happy?”
“I’m just not sure. About him being around again. I don’t know what to do with him.”
“Well, you don’t have to make a decision right now, do you?” Seth asked.
I thought about that.
“If he demanded an answer right away, then I think we have an answer too, right? But he isn’t. He’s trying too. I think if you both keep trying, you’ll eventually find that balance you need. I’m really glad he’s said yes to Thanksgiving.”
“Me too.” I curled more into Seth’s side and picked at the popcorn as the movie ramped up in action.
The movie was nice. Distracting with all the action and drama. There were even some really cool moments as the main female character grew confident and began taking on a leadership role, making the hard choices those around her couldn’t make.
She was strong in a way I wish I could be. She was decisive, and yet compassionate. She knew what she wanted and she grabbed it.
“Do you think it’ll work?” I asked without even realizing I wanted to ask it.
“What? That weird contraption they’re making? I think it’ll sink in the water. It isn’t buoyant enough.”
I laughed and nudged into him. “No. I mean us. All of us.”
“Oh. That makes more sense.”
“So?” I asked when he didn’t say anything else.
“It’s hard to say. Five boyfriends. One girlfriend. It’s definitely a bigger group, but if we all just keep talking things out and drawing clear lines, then I really do think it’ll work.”
“Clear lines? Like what?”
“Hm, things like what you do with the others. Do we want to know, or not know? Or maybe how to mesh together into something balanced. Some of us need a lot of time and attention, others are more hands off. And making that work with you. What you need from us and when you need it. We need to make sure we don’t overwhelm you.”
