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When Skies Are Grae

Welcome To The Family

PART 2
GRAE'S POV
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After
trying on everything in my wardrobe, going from straight hair to curls, smokey eyes to a more natural look, I was finally ready to leave for the cookout. I had only hoped anyways. I never remembered meeting parents being this stressful or worrisome. As I was getting ready, I had rehearsed everything that I would say. Hopefully they won't ask too many questions because I'm sure when the time comes, I'll barely remember my name. Matt had reassured me numerous times that everything would be fine and his parents were ordinary. My anxiety seemed to think differently; leaving my palms clammy and my thoughts in a clusterfuck. A blunt or seven was definitely in order for the drive ahead.

"Baby?! We have to leave, like, now!" Matt yells for me from the front room.

I closed my eyes and attempted to gather myself before walking in front of him. I steadied myself against the counter, applying all my pressure on my arms. "

"Okay!" I shouted back. I took in a few deep breaths before pushing myself off the counter.

Matt was standing in the doorway with his hands clasped together behind his head. He must've heard me flop my ass down on the couch because he turned around just as I did.

"You look stunning, babe." Matt smiled. "Whoa, whoa, whoa... Wait. You're gonna wear heels?"

"Too much?" I immediately regretted it as I held the black heels in my hands.

"Grae. It's just a cook out. Wear your boots." He tossed my old and faded brown cowboy boots at my feet.

"Fine. I just wanna make sure I look nice, ya know?"

"You wear those boots better than anyone I know. You DO look nice. You're beautiful." He reassured me, again.

I blushed as I slid my feet into my boots. I wondered of he'd ever get tired of giving me reassurance or complimenting me. It would have to get tiresome after you tell someone the same thing a billion times.

"I got you a blunt rolled, so you can medicate on the way." Matt winked at me.

I swear he can read my thoughts. "Thank you."

I rushed to grab my last few things such as my purse and cigarettes. I exhaled as I looked out the door, knowing I was possibly setting myself up for disaster. My empire could come crashing down today.

Matt was sure to lock the door behind him after he smacked my butt. Get out the door, woman! I'm sure is what he meant by the gesture.

We didn't even make it off of Harper Road before he had the blunt rolling. Matt took a few hits and handed it to me.

"Toke up, gorgeous."

Suddenly, before I noticed, we were heading toward October Ridge; Matt's house. Unless, his parents lived close by. Even if we were just stopping at his house, I was thankful to have just a little bit more time to screw my head on straight. Obviously, I was a nervous wreck and I'm positive anyone who saw me, would know this. Matt confirmed my speculation, we were going to his house. I exhaled in relief, I had more time.

"Babe, I have to grab a shower before heading on over. Is that fine?"

Are you fucking crazy?! Take all the time you need.

I simply nodded my head.

"I would've done it earlier, but I totally forgot clothes. I wasn't expecting to stay anywhere last night." Matt shrugged.

"You're good. Do what you need to do."

He pulled up to the wooden steps that lead to a wraparound porch, which overlooked the ocean view. His house deserved to be featured in a magazine. I was glad to be standing at his front door instead of his parents' at the moment. He let us in and told me look around before hurrying up to his room; promising to only be a few minutes.

I studied the pictures above his rock fireplace, sitting upon the mantle. He had a couple pictures of him with the guys. Another of him proudly showing off a bass he had caught on a fishing trip. One of him with a girl, who I'm guessing is his sister, Amy. She was wearing a basketball uniform and a smile. None of his parents, though. I sat down in the comfy red recliner and pulled out my phone, aimlessly skimming through my social media notifications. I had a missed text from Drake also.

Drake: Swing by after the cookout. Need to talk to you asap. Love you sis.

If he needed to talk to me so badly then why didn't he call? This message was sent two hours ago. Out of curiosity, I texted him back.

Grae: What's going on? I'll see if Matt will stop.

My brother must've been near by. He almost immediately began to text back.

Drake: Someone is wanting to buy the house in Georgia. I need your input.

Grae: I don't know how I feel about that...

Drake: We'll talk. Have fun with the Sanders :) They're all great people. I'll see y'all soon.

Grae: I'm very nervous :\ See you this evening. <3 you.

Drake: Love ya Graebird.

My mind didn't know how to wrap itself around my new situation. The house I spent my whole life in may be sold. We hadn't even gotten everything out yet. I knew I shouldn't dwell on the situation, I had a lot on my mind to begin with. As far as I knew, I didn't have plans on going back to Georgia. I like my life in Cali. But, if I absolutely had to leave, it would be nice to have a backup plan. Drake and I would talk about it later over a blunt, more than likely.

"Fuck!" I hear Matt shout from upstairs.

I quickly run up the flight of stairs and knock on his bedroom door which was standing wide open.

"Matt? Are you okay?" I ask.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just realized I'm out of fuckin' rolling papers!" he cursed from behind the bathroom door. "Oh! And why the fuck are you knocking?"

"Just tryin' to respect your space. I think I have a bowl in my purse, if that helps?"

"C'mere." he strides out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped around his lower body.

I follow him into his massive closet that any girl would dream of having. He quickly gets dressed, sporting a Pink Floyd shirt and nice dark jeans. We walk to the very back of the closet where he opens a green storage compartment. My eyes grow twice their size. Bongs, bowls, gas masks, hookahs, anything or anyway to smoke weed was stored here. I imagined that Cheech and Chong had something like this. He pulled out a drawer at the bottom, revealing gallon sized ZipLoc bags filled with fluffy green. There must've been at least ten. A stoner's paradise.

"Holy shit, Matt!"

He just smiled at his glorious collection, which I would do the same.

"I don't need your bowl, sweetheart. Thanks anyways." he shined a cocky grin.

He grabbed a bag of weed labeled "1 pound- G13 Skywalker". Matt opened the bag and inhaled the smell of the quality grade marijuana.

"Pick out something to smoke from."

"You're takin' all of that?!" I questioned him like he was stupid.

"Well yeah. You have no idea how much I have to smoke to tolerate these family gatherings." he chuckled.

"I thought I smoked a lot! Holy shit, Matt!"

He gave one of those "that's cute, babe" laughs.

"We're gonna smoke a pound?"

"No, but ya never know when you may need to take a hit. Plus, the guys are needing some. Do you?" he shrugged.

"Always." I giggled.

"I'll hook you up, sweetheart, when we get back." he turned to face me, "Alright, seriously. We need to be rolling out. Grab something to smoke out of."

I quickly scanned his collection of paraphernalia; deciding on a glass blunt.

"Good deal. Let's go."

I mentally decided this was the time to tell Matt that I needed to go to my brothers.

"Hey, afterwards," I looked at him to make sure I had his attention, "I need to go talk to Drake. The house in Georgia may be getting sold. He's wanting my opinion before makin' any decisions."

"We can do that. How do you feel about it?" He asked before fully exiting his room.

"I'm not too sure at the moment."

"Y'all will get it figured out." He sealed the bag back up and carried it down stairs.

I was about to head out the doorway when suddenly he makes a left through a door.

"Let's take something different. I don't wanna take the truck." he laughed.

He leads me into his huge garage and flips on the lights. We walk over to a polished '69 Dodge Challenger, that looked to only leave the garage on special occasions. It's deep burgundy paint glimmered underneath the lights, the black chrome wheels looked to be brand spanking new. If we didn't have plans on smoking weed along the way, I'd prefer to take what was parked beside of it. The jet black Kawasaki Ninja 800rr looked very inticing and super fun; a thrill waiting to happen. Every vehicle we walked by looked to be in mint condition and ready to race.

"Give it time. We'll ride." he winked and smiled. "We'll take the Challenger today."

"That looks so fun!" I shoot a smile back before ducking down to get into the car.

"It is. Especially at 170."

Matt turned the engine over of the muscle car which cranked out a loud roar. It idled for a minute, Matt revved it up really nice before working the clutch. The car paced down October Ridge, taking it slow. He had an apparent love for anything with wheels and went vroom. The interior work of the Challenger was customized to his liking. The Death Bat logo was stitched in white on the headrests of the black seats.

"Put your seatbelt on, princess."

I did as I was told and I was glad that I had listened. Matt dropped the clutch and peeled out onto the road with a high pitched squeal of the tires. He smoothly worked through his gears, knowing exactly when to ease off the gas and engage the clutch. Matt made it look so simple. Within minutes, we hit the highway. The Challenger's body raised up from the torque under the hood, hitting 100 mph in just a few seconds. Matt looked at me with a huge smile plastered across his face. I laughed and let out a loud yeehaw.

"Oh, here." Matt reached under the seat and retrieved the massive sack of weed.

"Do you want me to pack it?" I wondered.

"Let's get baked."

Within a minute, I had the glass blunt packed to capacity of the dank green. I handed the fully loaded glass pipe to Matt; he glanced at me then my offering hand and back to the road. As he inhaled a colossal amount of smoke into his lungs, he began to cough harshly.

"Holy fuck!" Matt grumbled. "Be careful with that, Georgia Girl."

I took a drag with caution, not wanting to cough my head off like Matt. Thankfully, I succeeded. I passed the pipe back to him. We repeated the action until it was cashed out. Both of us were soaring. I felt incredible, expecting a message from the extraterrestrials at any given moment.


Matt flipped his right signal on to get off of the Silvius Boulevard exit. I had never been in this part of Huntington Beach yet; all of this was new territory to me. We were stopped by a redlight. Matt took the opportunity to lean over and kiss my cheek. Greenlight. He worked the clutch and accelerated along Silvius Boulevard. He hung a right and chugged up a hill til the road forked. Matt checked both ways before turning left to pull further up the mountain. As we continued on, I noticed there wasn't near as many homes and businesses. The houses were becoming scattered out and less frequent. This side of Huntington Beach was just as beautiful, having more trees and hills than our side. Matt lived on one of the highest peaks in Huntington and plainly had an advantage that no one else did. The view. The peace and quiet.

Suddenly, we passed a sign that read Pine Cove and he turned onto a gravel drive on the right. We had obviously made it to our destination. I felt my heart in my throat. My anxiety began to thrive again, then hitting me like a ton of bricks once I see the two story brick house; it became harder to breathe. Every worse case scenario played in my head. What if they didn't like me? What if I made a complete fool of myself? What if I say the wrong thing? I'd be embarrassed for life.

"Well, this is it. This is the house I attempted to escape from." Matt chuckled.

His remark made me smile a little. Which made him smile, too.

"Grae, you have nothing to worry about. It's just my parents, Amy and the guys. No big crowds. I don't know why you're stressing so bad. I swear, babe, they're just normal people. Mom will probably want to get to know you better and more than likely ask you if you'd like a glass of wine. Dad will be the one to get you laughing, he's always carrying on. Just look over him. Amy, I've told you a little about her. All in all, she's a good soul but don't fall for any of her bullshit. And if she does try it, tell me."

They did sound like normal people but I wasn't used to normal. My mother's side of the family was very quick to judge someone. The last name, Burke, was known to be associated with the best of the best. They're snobs. I was so used to being judged by those people, I didn't know how to act normal around an ordinary family. The Justice's, on the other hand, are kind people but lived out of state. We only saw them on special occasions.

I exhaled a deep breath and looked at Matt, "I'm sorry, my anxiety is just crazy. Blame my family."

Matt shook his head from side to side. He then responded, "Babe, my family is way different. I promise, after you meet them, you'll like them. Just give me a chance here."

I stepped out of the Challenger and shut the door. I studied the house closely. It was a beautiful brick two story house with light blue shutters complimenting every window except the huge bay one in the front.

"Well, c'mon." Matt twined his fingers with mine and slightly pulled me behind him but close.

He knocked twice on the door and then let us in. There wasn't anyone in sight.

"They're probably out back. Come up here, let's take a detour." He winked at me and held out his hand for me to follow him up the stairs beside the front door.

Obviously, I had no idea where he was leading me. I just followed.

"This was my room." He twisted the knob of a door and pushed it open.

We stepped inside his old bedroom and shut the door. When Matt flipped on the light, I was nearly stunned. He had taste. The walls were dark blue with white trim. He had an extensive collection of posters on the walls. A still viberant Pink Floyd blanket covered the right window. There were old metal records hanging on his wall above his bed, along with a few Playboy spreads. The room screamed of the teenage Matt Sanders, before he was what he is now. He worked for his success and career. I admired his graduation cap which hung, framed, on the wall. I looked back at Matt who had clearly made himself at home and was stretched across his bed.

"This room is so you. I can definitely imagine you and the guys just hangin' out in here, talkin' about music and girls, smokin' a joint. Such a sweet bedroom." I smile and sit on the bed next to him.

"What was your room like in Georgia growing up? Did all your little girlfriends hangout and stuff?" Matt asked after raising back into a sitting position.

"My walls were light mint. I had a few posters but nothing like yours; I had an UGA football poster, a Pink Floyd poster. Oh, and I had this huge beanbag chair in the corner filled with books. I had several dream catchers hanging around and a lava lamp. I was cool. A nice desk with my laptop and tart burner rested against the footboard of my bed." I glanced around his room as I filled it with conversation. "I didn't have but three good friends growing up and one was a dude. But, us girls would go each other's houses. I was closer to Clinton then any of them but of course, I was never allowed to spend the night with him. It was nothing like that though, simply just friends. Brooke and Leda always swore I'd end up married to the guy but damn were they wrong." I laughed and slapped my knee.

"And I couldn't be more thankful." Matt patted my leg.

I stared into his beautiful eyes and rested my lips upon his. I kissed him passionately for a minute or two. One simply does not kiss Matt Sanders and stop. He pulled away and brushed a sectioned of hair behind my ear.

"We need to get back down stairs, beautiful." Matt kissed my forehead.

I followed him back down into the kitchen. As we turned the corner, a tall, skinny girl was reaching up into a cabinet.

"Oh!" she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Hi Matt."

"Amy." he nodded his head and acknowledged her existence.

She had looked very similar to the picture I saw on his mantle. Except now, she had some sunken features and was much thinner. Amy still had a beautifulness to her despite the drug use.

"Hold on, I'll go get Mom." she held up a finger and slipped out the backdoor.

Matt and I stood in the kitchen alone. I admired the way the light blue walls made the white cabinets stand out a little more. On the wall next to us, was a family photo. Matt had only been six or seven.

"Awh, look at you!" I pointed out the picture.

Matt rolled his eyes and grinned, "I'm glad you didn't pay much attention in the living room."

Suddenly, a man and woman, along with Amy came through the door. The man, who I deeply assumed was Matt's father, was carrying a covered dish. He sat it on the table and laid the oven mitts beside the tray.

"I'm so glad both of you could make it! Oh, how lovely! How are you, son?" she wrapped Matt up in a hug and kissed his cheek.

"I'm doing fine, Mom. How've you been?" Matt glanced to see if I was laughing consciously.

"We're great, sweetie. Now introduce us, don't be rude! I raised you better." Mrs. Sanders smiled after scolding her son. She then looked at me and gave a 'sorry, not sorry' look.

"I was getting to that, Mom." Matt looked down at us and smiled, all the while shaking his head, "This is my good friend, Grae Justice. This is my Mom, Kim. My Dad, Gary. And that's Amy, my sister."

"So you must be Drake's sister from Georgia?!" Kim put two and two together.

"Yes ma'am." I smiled.

"Well sweetie, you're definitely a lot easier on the eyes than what that brother of your's is. Nice to meet you." Gary shook my hand.

"It's an honor to have you here, sweetheart." Kim gave me a small hug.

I looked at Matt who was towering behind his parents. He just threw his hands up, he didn't know what to do.

"Mom. Dad. Won't you give the girl some space." Amy spoke up. She must've saw my overwhelmed look.

"We were just talking, Amy!" Kim giggled, "Won't you help your father take the rest of the food out to the deck."

Amy did as she was told. I was thankful she spoke up. Amy had to see my anxiety rising in my eyes or Matt shrug his shoulders.

"So, Matty, are you and Grae good friends as in just as that or good friends as in there's a relationship in the future?"

Wow. This woman is right down to the point. Now, I see where Matt must get his bluntness from. Maybe he'll actually have an answer because I don't. I really didn't know where we stood. We both looked up at him, waiting for his answer.

"Well, I, ummm... There could definitely be a future for us but I think we both are just kinda enjoying being single for the moment." He studied my face after his response.

Yet, this man says he loves me. But we remain good friends. How does this work?

"Well, I'm glad you found a girl with morals. With your lifestyle, it's tough to find a decent girl who isn't gonna take you for ride like the last one." Kim added.

Like the last one? Apparently, Matt brought home a girl the folks didn't like very well. He's never mentioned anything about his past relationships.

"Hey son. Can I get you to lend your height?" Gary popped his head in the door.

Matt looked down at me then to Kim and back to me, "Yeah, I'm coming." He stalked passed us and out the door.

"Mrs. Sanders, I just want to clarify that I'm not here for Matt's money or fame or anything of the matter. I didn't even know until he told me. He made me promise not to treat him differently, which I have found difficult but I'm managing. I don't know anything about his previous relationships, we've not really talked about that. I just want to let you know, I'm not that kind of person, Mrs. Sanders." I stated.

"Oh, honey, I didn't mean anything toward you at all. Thank you for telling me this, though. I worry about him, I worry about him settling down with the wrong girl for the wrong reasons. By the last one, I meant Valery. The lifestyle of the rich and famous corrupted both of them in the same but different ways. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it, especially after I blurted it out. I'm sorry if I caused a fight between you two. But he should be honest and open about his past." Kim shined a smile and retrieved a wine glass for the cupboard. "Grae, I'm going to pour myself a glass of blueberry wine. Would you like a glass?"

"Yes please. Thank you, Mrs. Sanders." I smiled and lean against the counter beside her.

"Please, call me Kim." She insisted.

Everyone came back in, one by one. Matt sat down next to me with a semi-worried look on his face. I rested my hand on his thigh. He had thought his mother already spilled everything to me. I hoped he'd open up to me later.

"Can we eat yet, woman? You're starving me!" Gary rubbed his stomach.

"As soon as my other sons get here."

"It's only Brian, Jimbo and Zack coming. Johnny and Drake had to take care of some stuff." Matt answered.

"What do ya know? The little shits are getting ready to walk in." Gary peeked out the window.

Sure enough, a knock sounded from the door. Suddenly, a loud howl let loose in the living room. There wasn't a dog around when we came in.

"Bells! C'mere sweet girl." Matt snapped his fingers.

The guys and the dog trudged into the kitchen.

"Bella." Matt sounded again.

She wobbled over to where we sat and demanded a petting. Bella is a round senior Golden Retriever girl who was obviously catching a nap when we first came in. I scratched her head and under her chin.

"Glad you could make it, boys." Kim hugged them all.

Brian waved to Matt and I after releasing Kim. He walked over to us.

Suddenly, Kim announced that we could dig in. Matt lead us out onto the deck which had plenty enough room for us all. We all made our plates and sat down to enjoy the scrumptious meal. She prepared barbeque chicken, grilled to perfection along with baked beans, macaroni salad, fresh rolls and a variety of other food. All the guys were on their second plate before I even finished my chicken. Everything was cooked divinely but I knew I couldn't hold more than one plate. Kim had left and came back carrying a cake.

"Please let that be a German Chocolate cake." Matt licked his lips.

"You know it!" Kim sat it down in front of Matt.

"Yeah, I'll take that!" Matt chuckled and nodded.

"We know you will, son. Just like Amy's sleepover brownies and the Easter dinner cake. Kim, you may want to move it down here." Gary advised his wife.

"In my defense, Amy helped me eat the Easter cake, okay! It's perfectly fine in front of me, looking all chocolatey and delicious and like it needs to be ate." Matt smiled eagerly.

"Hurry Kim before it's too late! Save the cake!" Mr. Sanders carried on.

Every moment with this family has been something different. They all had a silly sense of humor, especially Gary.

"Mom, don't let this one be another victim. Listen to Dad, move it away from Matt Attack." Amy pitched in on the fun.

Everyone was rolling with laughter while Kim served the cake.

"Of course, Mommy's boy get the first piece." Gary whined.

"Oh, won't you just shut the hell up for a minute!" Kim sassed at Gary. She slid him down a piece on a plate after jabbing a fork through the top of it, "Here, cry ass."

"That's the nicest thing you've said to me all day, sweetheart. Thank you." Gary replied.

I thought I was about to explode from all the food consumption and with laughter, then the cake just had to come out. I hoped it tasted as good as it looked. I shoved a bite into my mouth, my tastebuds exploded with delight.

I had to admit, the Sanders' seemed to be great people. The more I talked to them, the more I liked them. Matt was a perfect balance of his mother and father. I couldn't help but to wish that my family was as lovely. This is how family time was supposed to be; full of laughter and reminiscing the old time, sharing love. Even if the Sanders' were judging me, they kept it to themselves and well hid. They weren't asking me for my GPA, my life goals, who my friends were or what brand I was wearing. Why couldn't my family understand this? It didn't matter anymore. I, didn't matter anymore to them.


After everyone endulged, we all did our own thing, so to speak. Kim and Amy were finishing up the dishes. Matt, Brian and Jimmy were leaning against the banister smoking cigarettes. Zack and Gary were laughing about something, probably something Gary had said. I, however, was just watching everyone be social. Which, I didn't mind. I lit a cigarette of my own. After a few long drags, Matt motioned me over.

"Why are you sitting all alone, Georgia Girl?" he pulled me into him.

"I was just observing how this family thing works." I answered honestly. It sounded odd, but wasn't a lie.

"Okay, so, I understand you lost your parents, but don't you have extended family? Such as cousins, aunts, uncles or grandparents? Which, by the way, I'm super sorry for your loss. I'm not trying to be a dick or anything, just curious." Jimmy asked, in hopes to understand my off the wall answer.

"I do have extended family but they never truly cared for me. They even went as far as blamin' me for my parents' accident. So, needless to say, I don't talk to them. Hence the reason I'm here. They didn't accept me for who I am, simply because my ink and clothes. They referred to me as a hoodlum but absolutely adored Drake, who is covered in tattoos as well. This is my mother's side of the family, the Burke's. I don't know much about the Justice's, they've always lived in Pennsylvania. We saw them once a year, maybe. My brother is the only family I have." I tried to explain, which I knew was probably impossible to understand and put pieces together.

I didn't want to get into such deep context anyhow. I was having a good time. I hesitated for a moment before I couldn't hold it inside anymore, "Guys, I owe y'all an apology for my actions last night. It was just too much."

"What happened?" Jimmy asked.

"Listen here sweetheart, you don't own me anything. I feel, I actually owe you one. Usually, my parties are pretty well contained. This one excessively slipped out of my hands. No worries, baby girl." Brian spoke up.

"What. Happened." The Rev looked between us.

I was about to answer when Matt said, "He's right, though. I'll agree, this one was pretty ridiculous."

Jimmy shouted out, "What the hell happened?!"

Everyone stared at him as he glanced around, obviously aware of everyone looking at him.

"Jimbo, calm the hell down over there!" Gary yelled across the deck.

"See what you made me do, dickwads! You got me in trouble with Dad." He pouted and crossed his arms.

"It's all over Jimmy. It's squashed out. Don't worry about it, Grae probably doesn't want to talk about it." Matt rolled his eyes, irratated with his friend.

"Get too drunk did ya?" Jimbo chuckled. "I've been down that road of agony many, many times."

"Yeah, something like that Jimbo." Brian gave his friend a crooked smile.

"What time were you wanting to go to Drake's, babe?" Matt threw his arm around my shoulder.

I checked my phone for the time, "It's five after six. We can stay longer if you want! I'm not rushin' you at all."

Matt pulled me close and softly spoke into my ear, "Well, I was thinking we could get things taken care of at your brother's and go chill at Brian's. Smoke some weed, drink some drinks, and soak in the jucuzzi. We'll put some music on and relax. I'm sure they'd like to get to know you better."

His offer sounded tempting but unfortunately, I had to work the next day. An 8 to 6'er. If only my life could be as simple as theirs.

"I gotta work tomorrow. You can, but you can take me home first."

Brian and Matt looked upon one another and chuckled.

"Sweetheart, I can tell already that you're all work and no play. Am I right?" Brian chimed in.

"You're very much so." I agreed.

Matt looked down at me with his marvelous hazel eyes. He also had a smirky crooked grin across his face. I knew at any given moment he'd try to talk me into his plan.

"Well, I was just thinking, we can run to Drake's and settle that. Then afterwards, go over to Brian's. We'll only stay for an hour or two." Matt rubbed his hand down my side. "I was kinda wanting to spend some more time with you. But, it's your choice. I understand you gotta work, babe."

Eventually, I'll be able to read him like a book. His mind will be like open pages. Suddenly, I was in the spotlight. Matt and Brian's eyes searched me for an answer. I felt a little pressured but didn't want to hurt Matt. He wanted to spend the rest of the evening with me.

"Fine, I'll tag along. But, I'd like to be home by ten o'clock."

"I can make that happen, Cinderella." Matt winked.

"Thank you."

"Well, umm. Do you wanna hurry up and get that? I need to go home and do a few things before y'all come over." Brian quietly talked to Matt.

"Oh yeah. I got it out on the Challenger. Babe, I'll be right back. I'm gonna get some stuff for Haner." He assured me.

He and Brian walked back across the deck. Everyone gave him a hug and wished him safely along his way. I didn't necessarily want to go to his house, if Matt wanted time with me, we simply could go to his house or mine. Maybe he wanted me to get to know the guys better? Since we apparently had a future, as Matt had quoted. I felt someone brush up against my back. Jimmy appeared at my side and put his arm around my shoulder.

"Want to talk about whatever is troubling your mind?"

"Jimmy, you barely know me. How could you tell?" I just looked up at him as I answered.

"I could just tell you were in deep thought and contemplating while you were over there by yourself. What's going on in your pretty little head?"

My mind painted a scene of me, standing in the exact same spot I was moments ago; except looking at me through Jimmy's eyes. I had a long, dumbfounded expression on my face as I stared out into the distance. I had rathered not to bother Jimbo with my problems. He looked as if he was awaiting a long rant from me about something Matt had said.

"It's nothin'." I sighed with a smile.

"Sure doesn't sound like nothing." Jimmy chuckled and unwrapped his arm from around my shoulder.

I sighed again but had an answer to tell this time, "How does two say they love each other but only remain good friends?"

Jimmy studied my eyes as his brain came up with an answer, he said, "I don't think he realizes what he has quite yet. He's still trying to figure you out but he likes what he's found in you so far."

"If he's still tryin' to get to know me, then what makes him think he loves me?" I pondered.

"It's possible to love your friends. I love Matt and the guys but of course, I'm not sleeping with them either." Jimmy winked and continued, "We live in a time where it's became okay to lay with someone because we want to, not because we love them. I'm not saying he doesn't love you but possibly loves the fact of you."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't think Matt is as ready for a commitment as you may think he is. He still likes to go to strip bars and get attention from the ladies. I think he's more or less enjoying the fact that you're here for him when he's ready to settle into a relationship. What I'm saying is, you and him know he's got you wrapped around his finger and you're not going anywhere."

"So, I'm just a girl he falls back on when the hoes won't come out and play?" I assumed.

"No, no. I'm saying, once he gets his 'singleness' out of him, I'm sure he'd really try with you. He just isn't ready for commitment yet. Does that make sense?"

"No. Not really, Jimmy."

Jimmy dropped his head and attempted to better explain, "I'll just be for real with you, Grae. You're fucking with a rock star, a celebrity. With having that reputation, women seem to crawl out of the fucking works of the woods, in search of two things mostly. Sex and money. With our life style, sometimes we meet women who are too good to be true; you're one of those girls. He's gonna push your fuckin' buttons and test you. Just to make sure you're not here for neither of those things. Even though you swear you're not. I believe you, you've got too much class to be one of those fake bitches. I really like you."

"How can I prove to him that I'm not one of those girls? Jimmy, I really him. And I like you, too."

"Just be you, little one. Show him what he could miss out on."

"How the fuck do I do that?"

"Show other guys attention. I mean, he's showing other females attention because he knows you're hooked." Jimbo advised.

"But, that's not me. What if he doesn't ever talk to me again or gets upset about it?"

"That's the part you're not understanding. If he seriously loves you, he'll realize everything could possibly go out the fucking window and will fight for your love. I know that isn't you but it's giving him a taste of his own damn medicine. Honestly, you could get just as much attention as what he could. You picking up what I'm putting down?"

"I got ya." I understood. "But, what if he retaliates by messing around even more?"

"You follow suit and make him miss you even more, damnit!" Jimmy smacked his hands down on the banister.

"I have one other question, though. Is he messin' around with these other girls? Like, you know." I hinted on.

"Well, little one, that I'm unaware of. He's received several private lap dances at the club and has gotten a little too close with a couple bitches at the parties. No sex, I don't think though." Jimmy answered.

"Oh, here he comes. Please don't speak of this."

Jimmy winked at me and nodded his head once.

Matt approached us and wrapped his arm around my waist and rested his head upon mine. "You about ready to head to Drake's?" he asked.

Jimmy walked away to get another glass of lemonade.

"I think I just wanna go home. I'm not feeling the best." I spoke.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm not sure. I think I may have eaten too much. Can you just take me home, please?" I pouted.

"Of course." Matt took my hand and lead me across the deck.

He and I said our farewells to everyone. Kim told Matt that he had better bring me back. Gary was sure to give me a hug this time instead of a handshake and told Matt the same thing as his wife had said. They seemed to have liked me pretty well and I was forever grateful. We strode back out to the car and got buckled in. Matt held a look of worry on his face. I hit my bowl a few times and offered it to him, which he denied. My mind couldn't stop wondering about the things Jimmy and I had discussed. His words molded a different version of Matt Sanders in my eyes. I was taught that if you loved someone or wanted to be with someone, you dedicate yourself to that person and be faithful.

Our ride home wasn't full of conversation or full of anything, but silence. We turned onto Harper Road and paced slowly down my drive. Matt parked the Challenger and shut it off. He jumped out and walked around to my door, opening it for me to step out. I did so and walked straight to my door to unlock it, letting us in. My purse and keys were tossed onto my coffee table and I flopped out on the couch. Matt stood in the doorway, silent.

"You can come sit with me if you'd like."

He sat down next to my legs and finally spoke, "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Your family is pretty great. I'll know not to eat as much next time."

"Mom always goes overboard with food." He chuckled a little.

Matt proceeded to roll a blunt and spark it once he was finished. He stepped into the kitchen and returned with a sandwich bag. Matt filled the bag to it's capacity with fluffy bud and handed it to me, along with the rolled green.

"Thank you." I kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for going with me. I told you it wasn't going to be as dreadful as you had thought."

We passed the blunt a few more times before sniping it out halfway.

"I'm gonna go soak in a bath and probably go to bed. You're welcome to stay or whatever." I decided to test him a little.

"I'd hate to bother you while you're feeling bad, babe. I'll just mozy over to Brian's and hang out for an hour or two. Be sure to text Drake and let him know the situation."

"I will, I'll tell him I'll talk to him tomorrow after work. Thanks for the outing, I had fun." I grinned.

"Anytime, babe. If you need anything at all, call me. I'll be right here within minutes."

"Okay, thanks. Be careful. Tell the guys I'm sorry, I was looking forward to it."

"Just relax. I'll get out of your hair but I'm serious, if you need anything, call."

"Okay!" I laughed.

"I love you." he said as he leaned over me and kissed my lips.

"And, I love you."

Within minutes later, Matt was heading out Harper Road, on his way to Brian's. Needless to say, Jimmy had my mind working in every way except the correct one. I didn't know what was going on between us or what would happen. We saw each other basically every day. I hadn't noticed anything even slightly different about him. Why would Jimmy come to me, completely out of the ordinary, and tell me these things? Why did things have to be so different when you became famous? Didn't morals matter whether you were rich or poor?

My stomach was obviously not bothering me at all. I just needed time alone to think about everything that was on my crowded and discombobulated mind. I shook my head, hoping to clear all the confusion away, which didn't help at all. So, I did what I always done when I needed to unwind- I poured myself a tall glass of wine and rolled a blunt as thick as my index finger and soaked in a hot bubble bath.

Ugh. Men.

Notes

Comments

Loved how sweetly you described the Sanders family. Also loved the talk with Jimmy and I'm really hoping Grae doesn't let that get to her!

seventhtrumpet seventhtrumpet
1/10/18

I hope she doesn’t listen to what Jimmy had to say about Matt, listen to your gut girl !

Rach Hell Rach Hell
12/24/17

Finally a new update my love and can I just say I LOVE IT!!!

seventhtrumpet seventhtrumpet
10/9/17

OH MY GOD
Alright so it turns out I re-read it all AGAIN and I started to love it even more. Some things were changed and it's even more amazing even though I didn't think it was possible! I didn't remember they had their first time without protection, Gooosh we all know what could possibly be the result ;)
And I love that he kind of intimidated her at the party, such a great chapter. And he said the words adfhasehfljlfjdklfgsdjfjsdkfdsfsd I'm hyped rn :D Please update soon?

seventhtrumpet seventhtrumpet
9/23/17

Glad I could be of use ;) I definitely know what this feels like, I have 10 stories on my laptop which I never get around to finish, I just didn't post them AND YOU DID and now I'm suffering because I really wanna know how you would have continued :(

seventhtrumpet seventhtrumpet
7/14/17