A Boy Worth Choosing (The Worthy Series Book 2) (7 page)

“Whiny?!” I peel the cucumbers off my eyes as I sit up. She and Daphne lift their heads up simultaneously and nod awkwardly so as not to drop their cucumbers.

“Well, don’t take this wrong, but yeah. Whiny.” Daphne’s voice drips with contempt.

I replay a few segments of my conversations with Daphne and Shaina about Caleb. I can see where complaining about the same things that were bothering me for months on end could be whiny.

“I really should have left him sooner.” Hindsight is 20/20.

“Yes. Yes you should have.” Daphne agrees without missing a beat. Shaina chuckles.

“Anyway, I like Stephen. He brings out… a glow in you,” Shaina says.

“A glow?” I raise my eyebrows and giggle, feeling the tightness of the dried mask.

“Yeah. You know that ‘in love’ glow.”

My breath catches in my throat, but doesn’t get stuck. I’ve loved Stephen for a long time, but things are different now and I’m not sure that I love him quite like
that.
Yet.

“He told me I’m his future.” I confess quietly. Daphne nearly flies out of her seat, clearly shocked that I hadn’t told her this yet.

“When?! And what did you say to that?” she asks offended.

“Last week. And well, I haven’t really said anything. But we’ve started talking long term. Well, more like getting to know what the other wants and is planning for. Our plans mesh kind of well actually.”

“You two were made for each other.” Shaina props herself as she sits up.

“Seriously.” Daphne agrees, giving her a very matter-of-fact look before turning back to me. “So…how do you feel about being his future?”

“It scared me at first. I mean I couldn’t talk to him at all. But Dad made a comment while we were leaving church last week about how much life he’s seen in me since I’ve started dating Stephen and it all started to click. I mean, I ‘whined’,” I say rolling my eyes at Shaina, “about Caleb not making me a priority and not taking me and my life seriously, and here is Stephen, willing to put his goals and career on the line to take care of me and my career. And it’s not like I haven’t taken into account what he’s done for me since even before my break up with Jake. Now that I see the intention behind it all, it’s actually kind of… swoon worthy.” I blush. Or I would have without the mask anyway.  I think I can see smiles on the girls’ faces.

A timer goes off then and a staff member comes in to hand us warm towels. I lay the towel over my face, lay back and soak in the warmth, letting myself think of him. For the first time in several days, I can picture his square jaw and hooded eyes without setting my body on fire.

I wonder how his game is going, if he has left yet for his parents’ house and if not, if it’s too late to ride with him. I think of the coffee he brought me yesterday just because, and the way he smelled when he leaned in close. Daphne’s words stroll through my mind again.

He will do just about anything to make you smile.

And that he does. I finally let myself see a future with him and because it’s imaginary at this point, the idea of any part of it not coming true makes my heart hurt.

***

We sit down to lunch after a short wait filled with getting to feel little kicks from Shaina’s belly. I’m thankful I don’t feel the jealousy I once felt about Shaina’s pregnancy anymore. Another sure sign that I’m in a better place now.

We all place our orders quickly, having worked up a hearty appetite. Once again the conversation has turned back to the change in me my friends are finding quite agreeable.

“You kind of remind me of how I feel about Luc,” Shaina says over a sip of water. I take this as a total compliment. I’ve seen them in their element and the type of relationship they have, it’s kind of epic.

“Thank you,” I flush.

“You’ve fallen, haven’t you?” Daphne asks quietly, examining at me as if seeing something new she can’t quite place her finger on.

I think about it for a second. Images of us at the altar, in a delivery room, in a backyard playing with little blonde haired babies all flash across my eyes. I can’t help the growing smile on my face. Before I can answer, I see both girls smirk and nod at one another.

“You know, I think I might have.” I can’t hold in the giggles, and they join in with me.

Chapter Eight

~Stephen~

It rained just enough last night to make everything a little damp; the air now is crisp and the sun is a comforting warm. Spring time in Missouri can be somewhat cantankerous, and we are almost always on high alert for severe storms and tornados, but today is looking to be a pretty nice day. I take my cup of coffee out to the deck, just reveling in God’s beautiful creation, wondering just how I got to be so deserving of the life He’s given me.

Although I know she’s probably on the highway headed home now, I dial Jessie’s number just to check in with her. She was so determined to have a fun girls’ day yesterday, I hadn’t texted or called her. She was all wound up Friday morning, which of course set my libido into overdrive and well, so it is probably best that both of us took a breather. That doesn’t mean I didn’t spend most of my day thinking of her and checking my phone every five minutes.

“Good morning,” Jessie’s brilliant voice sings as she answers. 

“Good morning, beautiful. Are you feeling any better today?”

“Much. Turns out some yoga and a massage was exactly what I needed.” I can hear her smile in her voice.

“Well, you know, I’m not a bad masseuse myself.”

She giggles, and the sound sends me up to the clouds.

“Oh, I have no doubt that you are. But we need to be good. How was your game yesterday?”

“Well, I was a little distracted so it didn’t go so well.”

“Distracted?” Her voice growls provocatively and so does my gut.

“I thought you said we need to be good?” Good Lord, her giggles are divine.

“You’re right. I’m about an hour out. Are we still on to help with the youth service today?”

“Yes. And then Mom has made chicken and noodles for lunch.”

“Sounds great. Hey, do you think we could go for a walk or something after lunch? I have something I want to discuss with you.” She sounds a little anxious, which doesn’t set well with me.

“Sure. Is everything okay?” I try, but can’t hide the concern in my voice. She takes a minute to respond, which immediately ups my anxiety.

“Everything is absolutely fine.” She sounds confident, wiping away any concern and replacing it with curiosity.

“Okay. Well, please be careful and I’ll see you when you get to the church. I—“ I stop myself, leaving an awkward pause. I can’t believe I almost said that.

“Stephen? Are you still there?”

“Yeah. Just be careful, okay?”

“Will do. I’ll see you in a bit. Bye.” She hangs up and I throw my phone on the patio table, tossing it away as if it had bitten me.

I almost told her. Her reaction to my declaration last week wasn’t quite what I had expected at first and well, telling her this while she is driving could quite possibly send her off the road, so I’ll find a better time and place to tell her. When she’s ready.  

The back door opens, and I pull the fingers I had wrapped in my hair, out. My father brushes some water droplets off the seat beside me and takes a seat.

“Something bothering you, son?” he asks with that voice that inflicts guilt even if you might not have something to feel guilty about.

“Nah, Dad. I’m good.” I nod with finality, just in case.

“Uh huh. You know I’m here if you need me. You can talk me, I uh,” he glances back toward the door. “I can keep an open mind.”

“Really Dad, I’m fine. Just need to watch my words before they get me into trouble, that’s all.”

He raises an eyebrow at me and just nods, seeming to not need a further explanation. I pick up my phone and coffee mug and head back inside before he decides he wants more details.

***

I try to get Jess to tell me what she wants to talk about the entire time we’re at church, but she isn’t spilling and well, trying to talk when you’re supposed to be supervising a few dozen teenagers isn’t really easy either. By the time we see off the last of the kids, lock up the building and get in my car to head to my parents’ house, I’m itching to find out what is going on. She doesn’t seem to appear anxious; in fact she’s radiant and much more relaxed than the last time I saw her. Well, she’s pretty radiant all the time, but I might just be biased.

The weather and temperature are turning out to be perfect, so I roll down the windows as I pull out of the church parking lot. She leans her head back as we hit the road, exposing her delicate throat. Her gorgeous, chocolate hair flies behind her, her smile gleams, and the peaks of her cheeks push her designer shades up as she laughs with the wind.

Man, I love everything about this girl. I do, and I don’t know exactly when I realized it, but let’s just say I have been in love with her for a while now. I don’t think anyone really knows when they make a decision like this. It’s not like God sends down some messenger angel to shoot you with an arrow or something. Whatever the case, I’ve known long enough to nearly watch her slip out of my reach twice. I’m not about to let her get away this time.  

I can’t take it any longer. Taking a dirt road I know will lead to a well-known swimming hole, I pull over, careful not to get too far off the road. I don’t think we’d get speedy service if I had to call a tow truck to pull my coupe out of the soft ditch. I turn the car off and grab my phone to send Mom a text letting her know that we are going to be a few minutes late.

Setting my phone back in the console, I look up to find a surprised Jessie watching me. I smirk at her and jump out the car rushing to her side to catch the door before she can open it. I take her smooth hand and lead her down toward the little creek, soaking up the warmth of the spring sun.

“What are we doing out here?” she asks with a child-like enthusiasm.

“Well, you said you wanted to talk and well, I don’t think I can sit through lunch without you sharing, so.” I pat a large boulder that looks fairly clean and help her up onto it before climbing up myself. “What is it that you wanted to tell me?”

He face flushes pink and my heart skips like five beats.

“Well as you know, I needed some time to…regroup.” Her face darkens a few shades and I fight the urge to kiss her red cheeks. “I’m thankful for the time with both Shaina and Daphne, because they helped me to realize something in between breathing exercises and disgusting pore cleansing masks.

“I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. Stephen, you bring out everything in me that I have always thought was bad, and make it all into something good. You make me feel like I can shine in the darkest of places and in turn you are like the light at the end of a very long tunnel. I am…so happy.” She hesitates, and stares down at her wringing fingers. I reach over and lace mine with hers. At my touch, she looks up and removes her shades so I can see her beautiful brown eyes. The emotion in them takes my breath away and I’m pretty sure I know what she’s going to say next, because I’m feeling it too.

“And I am, completely and wonderfully, in love. With you,” she says boldly.

Time stops and her words mute the rushing water of the creek. I’m rendered speechless, mainly because there is only one thought running through my head.

She loves me. She’s choosing me.

She reaches up and takes my sunglasses off my head and lays a hand on my cheek. Her soft hand is cool against my now flushed skin. She smiles a sweet, innocent smile. I’m so stunned, I can’t find the words. After a moment of not being able to respond, her smile starts to falter and her hand falls.

Finally, oxygen seeps back into my lungs and connects with my brain, allowing me to finally find the appropriate response.

“Jess—“

“You don’t have to say it back. You shouldn’t if you’re not ready. I just…I just wanted you to know.” She starts to slide her sunglasses back on, looking away. I reach for her chin and swiftly guide her so that our noses touch. She can’t look anywhere but directly into my eyes, just where I need her.

“I have been waiting a very, VERY long time to say it back to you. Jessie St. James, you are the love of my life and I meant it when I said you’re my future. I love you too. More than you could possibly know.”

I kiss her urgently. She’s the air I need, the water that can quench the deepest of thirsts on a ridiculously hot day, the sun and the moon of my days, and I hope she gets all that from this kiss. I move the hand that held her face gently to the nape of her neck, wrapping my fingers in her silky hair. She pulls back just enough that I feel her smile on my lips and wraps her arms tightly around my neck. I pull her so she’s sitting across my lap, diving in for another drink of her sweet lips.

We soak up the moment in each other’s arms until I hear the faint ring of my phone.

“I think our parents are hungry.” She giggles.

“I think they can wait a little bit longer, don’t you.”

Her body shakes with laughter, but dodges my approaching lips.

“I’m kind of starving myself.”

“Well then, let’s get you some lunch.” I hop down, offering my hand to help her back to the car. The phone rings a second time just as I’m shutting her door so she picks it up and hands it to me through the open window. 

“Hey, Mom,” I answer as I make my way around my car. “I know, Mom. We’re on our way.”

***

I’m pretty sure we look like a couple of lovesick puppies as we stumble through the door, earning a couple of suspicious stares from our fathers. Mom knocks a ladle a little too hard on the pot of noodles, letting me know she’s not all that happy with our little delay.

“Sorry, Momma.” I lean over her shoulder and kiss her cheek. I think I hear her sigh as she turns to me with a weary face. I thought I’d be in bigger trouble by the look on her face, but apparently my glowing smile softens her up just a little.

“It’s okay. Go set the table.” And just like that I’m off the hook for stalling lunch. She eyeballs Jessie though, and I know there is still some need for damage control.

“Jess.” I get her attention and she eagerly makes her way over to help me with getting out the dishes. The look in her eyes says that she’d follow me anywhere and the confidence that gives me is heady.

She takes the bowls from me, and after grabbing some silverware, we work together to set the table. We don’t have to communicate and we don’t get in each other’s way as we lay everything out. We move harmoniously and I sense that this is how our lives could be. Working together as a team, conquering the world. I start fantasizing about doing these lunches at our own home, our parents at our house. An image of a baby being passed around with a very happy Jessie in my arms stops me in my tracks.

“Hey. Where are you right now?” Jessie steps in front of me and looks up with innocent curiosity.

“Right here, with you.” I lean down and plant a chaste kiss on her smiling lips.

Mom catches my attention as I pull back, giving me the stink eye from the kitchen door and I feel my infractions starting to add up.

“Table’s all set, Mom. What else can do you need us to do?” I try to give her my best I-promise-I’m-trying-to-stay-out-of-trouble smile and she gives me her best I’ve-got-my-eye-on-you look, pursed lips and all.

“Lunch is ready. Come help me with the food, please.”

I pull out Jessie’s seat for her and gesture for her sit. After pushing her chair in for her, I rush in to the kitchen to help Mom, who just seems to be growing more agitated by the second.

“Mom.” I stop her and hold her in front of me. “I really am sorry that we were late. Jess said she had something important that she needed to talk to me about and I got impatient. I’m sorry, I should have waited.” I don’t smile this time, letting her know that I am feeling more contrite than I may appear to be. She gives up a little of her frustration.

“And just what was so important? You two haven’t stopped giving each other googly eyes since you walked through the door.” She purses her lips again.

The memory of those sweet brown eyes looking deep into mine, telling me she loves me has that stupid grin spreading across my face again. 

“She loves me, Mom.”

She’s clearly shocked by my words, I don’t think that was exactly what she was expecting me to say. What looks like relief flashes over her face before she lets concern settle again.

“What now, Mom?” I try not to let it come through my tone, but I think it’s pretty clear she’s raining on my parade.

“I just…well….I just want you to be careful,” she sputters out.

“And just what is that supposed to mean exactly?” I can’t help the growing irritation that laces my voice.

Her edginess comes back and I see it in her eyes, warring with concern.  She narrows her eyes at me again before continuing.

“Listen. I’m not telling you that I don’t like Jessie, because you know I do. But I don’t trust that she is being completely fair to you. She has bounced back from everything with Jake a little too easily. She jumped right into the arms of another man, who certainly didn’t respect her. Now here you are, laying your heart out for her to do what she will with it. She’s damaged, and I don’t want to watch her throw you to the curb, broken and bleeding, once she heals.”

My mother has never slapped me. Oh, I’ve earned my fair share of whippings and justly received them, but never has she laid a hand to my face. But her words feel like she’s done just that.  I stand in horrified shock when my father steps into the kitchen to see what the delay is.