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Not long after, the jingle of keys in the doorknob precedes Ashton and Kennedy’s return. They make their way to me, and Kennedy and I start unpacking the bags. As we organize the ingredients, I explain to Kennedy what has already been done in her absence.
Begrudgingly, Kennedy follows my instructions on dicing, mixing, and cooking, and it isn’t long before our lasagna is in the oven. We clean up our mess and then start on the salad. The smell of garlic permeates the air, making my stomach rumble. The guys are assigned to clear and set the table. Each time one of them steps into the kitchen, they find an excuse to kiss or touch Kennedy. Heat fills my cheeks as sometimes they go a little farther than I am comfortable with. Doing my best to ignore the heavy make-out session, I busy myself with other tasks. The group’s loving touches are something that is quickly becoming commonplace.
The timer goes off, letting us know that dinner is ready. Moving the food to the table, we sit and eat, the guys boasting about how good everything is with each bite.
Once dinner is over, the guys offer to clean up and do the dishes, allowing Kennedy and me to assume control of the remote. I almost jump out of my skin when I see that the pilot episode ofCelebrity Spouseis on. An inhumane sound erupts from my chest, causing all of them to laugh at me. They all know that Perpetual Fantasy is my favorite band. The fact that Austin Clark, lead guitarist, is the celebrity for this show has my heart racing.
The guys let out a collective moan when they see what we have on the television. Both of us ignore them. Watching Austin stand at the curb in a suit, I check my chin for drool. Wine glasses get dangled in front of our faces from behind, and we quickly grab them, so our line of sight is clear.
Gareth and Callum leave, heading to the gym, stating that they could feel their IQ points dropping just being in the same room. Kennedy and I have kept a constant commentary on each of the women. Their wardrobe and attitude are the two most prominent points of contention. We almost spit our wine across the room when the one girl shows up wearing a wedding gown. Our laughter is almost overwhelming as we hold each other up.
We are so loud that we miss the knock at the door. It is when an all too familiar voice breaks through that my laughter and jovial mood flies out the window.
“Yes, I am looking for Kassidy Heartwell.”
The temperature in the room drops. Rodney is on alert, and Ashton hides as much of the room from view as possible. My hands are shaking causing me to almost spill my wine as I move to set the glass on the table.
“Is there something I can help you with?” Ashton says in an icy tone, not confirming that I am here.
Kennedy, picking up on the tension rolling off of me in waves, wraps an arm around my shoulders. My body is frozen in place, wondering why Karoline is here. It would have taken almost sixteen hours to travel here one way. Arriving at Groveton Campus isn’t like going out for a cup of coffee or going to a movie. Karoline has an ulterior motive for coming here, no doubt about it. This is not a simple social visit.
“No, I came here to check on my sister. My mother is very concerned as she hasn’t been returning phone calls. Kass has a tendency to hurt herself. Her well-being is the family’s priority.”
Karoline is using a sticky, sweet tone that, to someone who doesn’t know her, sounds caring. I know better. She doesn’t have a caring bone in her body. Karoline’s words have Kennedy stiffening. She pulls back, looking at me, her face full of concern. Shaking my head at her, knowing that an uncomfortable conversation is forthcoming, she stays silent for now.
Looking at Rodney, his face is focused on his phone. His eyebrows are pinched as he furiously texts. Setting his phone down when he finishes, Rodney winks at me.
“Kassidy is fine. She isn’t here, though. You will have to check back later on,” Ashton says flatly. “What did you say your name was? So I can let her know.”
“Oh,” Karoline says with a little chuckle, running her finger down Ashton’s chest. “I am her only sister. She will know who I am.”
“Right,” Ashton says, drawing out the word.
He starts to shut the door when more voices can be heard in the hallway. My shoulders sag, knowing that Gareth and Callum have returned from the gym.
“Is there something we can help you with?” Gareth’s lawyer voice is in place, causing my shoulders to sag even further.
“My, my…” Karoline purrs, “Look at all you delicious-looking men. Which of you is banging my sister?” Karoline asks.Kennedy moves before any of us can stop her, pushing Ashton out of the way.
“Bitch, leave my men alone, and stop insulting my friend,” Kennedy says, her hands on her hips. Ashton puts his hands on her waist as Gareth and Callum move to flank her on both sides.
A slow clap echoes through the hallway.
“Kudos to you, girl, snagging three hotties,” Karoline sneers, realizing that these guys are all off-limits and baiting Kennedy.
“Four,” Kennedy says flatly, causing Ashton to lean his forehead against the back of her head, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
“Beg your pardon?” Karoline asks.
“Four, I said. I have four hotties. Not that it is any of your business,” Kennedy answers.
Rodney moves to stand next to Ashton.
“That really is unfair of you to be hogging all of them for yourself,” Karoline states. Heaving a sigh, realizing that she isn’t getting past the five of them, she relents. “Just let Kassidy know that I am here and wish to see her.”
For several minutes, no one moves. The ding of the elevator car sounds. Soon after, they all enter the apartment, closing the door.
They all gather around me, shutting off the television. Kennedy speaks, bringing my past rushing back, thanks to my sister’s presence.
