Page 6 of Love's Hot

Alesha and I head towards the doors that leave the airport. The boys are behind us dragging the bags, Xavier patiently listening to Grant carry on about the time. The airport is busy and there’s a lineup for taxis which I can hear Grant huffing about behind me. Little does he realize that while he was inside lecturing me, I was ordering an Uber that’s just pulling up to the pickup area now.

“That red SUV over there is our Uber, so less talking and more walking, boys.” Alesha rolls her eyes at me and follows along, not game to take sides. She and Xavier will be glad to get rid of Grant and I later tonight to get quiet time to themselves. “They’ll drop us to the hotel with the bags first and then drop you straight to the theatre, Grant. Does that sound okay?”

“Thanks, sis.” He gives me a hint of a small smile when I look back over my shoulder at him. Thinking about it, I think he might be right; I’m the only one who knows how to tame Grant and cut off the bossiness before it escalates. It could be how similar we are deep down. Not that I will ever admit that out loud to anyone.

Looking at my watch, even I’m getting a little worried at how little time I’m going to have to get ready. This Friday traffic is ridiculous. We would have been fine if the flight hadn’t been delayed on take-off, and then of course that put us out of sequence when trying to land. Next time I’m taking the whole day off and flying out earlier than everyone else. I hate being rushed to get ready for a night on the town. I like to enjoy the process of dressing up.

“The hotel is just up this road a little, so we’re nearly there,” the Uber driver announces. Thankful, I gather my handbag in my lap and get ready to jump out as soon as he pulls to a stop. This is the time I will curse how big and heavy my bag is. Grant tells the driver he’ll get my bag out and then be back in to continue on to the theatre. Grant only has a small bag that he’ll take with him. He stays at Zara’s place and doesn’t need much. Either he has clothes he leaves here, or he doesn’t plan on wearing any for most of the weekend. Whatever the answer, I don’t need to know.

My heels clipping across the floor in a fast beat let people know I’m coming and that I’m on a mission. Several people clear out of my way as I march towards the check-in counter. I have no problem telling the desk clerk that we’re in a hurry and giving him a little extra cleavage as I lean forward on the desk to help him get us checked in quicker.

“There are your keys, Miss Stevenson, and I will be here tonight and tomorrow night if you need any extra help with anything at all. Here is my card so you know who to ask for.” His hand lingers a little too long on mine while handing it to me. He’s kind of cute and could be worth a little chat later tonight on my way back into the hotel. But for now, I’m in a hurry and don’t have time for the chit chat.

“Sorry,” I look down at the card, “Ford, I’m in a hurry. Maybe we can chat later.” I turn and rush towards the elevator where Xavier and Alesha are already pushing the button. I hand them the key for their room, that’s next door to mine, as we all step into the elevator.

“Lilly, no joke, you have ten minutes until you need to be back at the elevator ready to go. I don’t want to miss the start of the show. Plus, you saw how bad the traffic is. I mean it. Be quick.” Alesha tries to put on the stern big sister voice. If I had more time, I’d joke with her, but I just mumble yes as I rush into my room, closing the door behind me. I don’t have time to check it out, I just drop my bag to the floor and start grabbing what I need. I was going to save my red dress for tomorrow night, but it’s on top so that’s what I’m wearing now. Hopefully, wherever we end up after the show, there are some hot guys who will appreciate this little sexy number. With all the carry on today with Grant, then rushing here and listening to Alesha be the big sister, I’m honestly just needing a drink. I could really use a night out letting loose. Theatre first, play later.

Just as I’m spraying a fresh round of perfume after reapplying my make-up, there’s bashing on my door. Far out. I get it. We need to go. I grab my bag and phone and curse on my way to the door about damn big brothers and sisters.

***

Walking into the foyer of the theatre, the ten-minute warning bell is chiming. Secretly deep down, I’m breathing a sigh of relief that we made it on time. I didn’t want to disappoint Zara or Grant by missing the first part of the show. Moving down the aisle towards the front rows, I can see Grant fixated on his phone. Shuffling into the seats, he startles a little, quickly closing down his phone screen. There is a smoldering smile plastered on his face.

“What you are you doing, big brother?” I sit down next to him giving him a little jab with my elbow. “A little sexting with Zara would be my guess.”

“Lilly,” he says in a low growl. That tells me in an instant. Back off, you’re in dangerous territory. Also confirms I was right which makes me smile.

“Touchy,” I whisper as the lights dim down and the music starts up. My mind is lost in the beauty of the show and the talent of watching Zara do what she has trained so hard to achieve. She obviously loves it so much, just looking at the happiness on her face.

The show is over before I know it, I was so mesmerized by it that I didn’t realize it was coming to an end. There is something about a Broadway show that just takes you to another place and stops you thinking of anything else for a short while.

Waiting for Zara to come out from backstage, Grant paces with pent-up energy. You can tell how much he misses her. Usually, I might be happy to be the annoying sister, but right at this moment, I’m happily watching his face light up as she comes towards him at a quick walk that’s almost a run. I never imagined he would be one for a big public display of affection, but he wraps his arms around her and kisses her like their lives depend on it. There are sparks and electricity flying around them as they are tuned out from the rest of the world. They only see each other in this moment.

We stand back for a minute but then I can’t resist a comment. “Perhaps a room for you two would be a good idea?” Zara giggles and drops her head into Grant’s chest as he gives me the look that says be careful who you’re messing with, little sister.

He finally lets Zara go long enough for us to say our hellos, then we all head to a restaurant down the road to grab a late dinner. Just as well, because I’m starving. Probably a good idea too if we plan on going out drinking later.

Lots of bubbles on an empty stomach makes for a very silly Lilly.

We catch up with Zara and how life in New York is for her. Alesha and I are both wanting to know about the shopping and what places we should visit tomorrow. Can’t imagine that Grant would be much help, even though he has been visiting here on a regular basis. Not sure he’s ever here for the sightseeing.

“So, where are we off to now we’ve finished eating? I’m so ready to party and let loose on the dance floor. Are you girls with me?” I look across the table at both Alesha and Zara who are both tucked under the arms of their men. Neither look like they’re ready to party with me.

“We’re heading home. Zara’s tired and has a two-show day tomorrow. You guys have fun and maybe tomorrow night we can join you.” The way he looks down into Zara’s eyes tells me no matter how tired she is, Grant has plans for her.

“Yeah, right. Tired, is that the new word for going home to get down and dirty?” I ask with a smirk on my face.

“Lilly,” Grant growls at me at the same time Alesha says my name in shock.

“What? It’s not like we don’t all know what happens when you don’t see your loved one for a few weeks. I might be the youngest in this family, but people, I’m not five years old. Now you two get moving and head home for a good night’s sleep. We are heading out to explore New York at night. You ready, Lesh and Xav, got your dancing shoes on?” Alesha looks at me and then up at Xavier with the sort of face you would expect if she were about to walk into the dentist.

“Don’t you dare tell me you aren’t coming out with me, Alesha. You can’t come to the city that never sleeps and head home early. Suck it up, we are going out and you will smile and love it!” What the hell is wrong with my family. More precisely, where did I come from? I need Luke here. He would have been up for a night on the town.

“Calm down, Lil. We’re coming with you. I’ve got a friend here who’s going to meet us wherever we end up. So, you two girls go hold hands and visit the ladies’ room, so we can get moving.” Alesha giggles at Xavier.

“Yes, Dad.” I stand, giving Xavier the salute as we head off to find the bathroom. Great, another man in the family who thinks they can be like my father. How rude of him saying we need to hold hands to go the bathroom. Women do tend to head to the bathroom with a friend, but holding hands is ridiculous. We just like safety in numbers or use it for a place to gossip, whichever works.

After touching up my lipstick and checking out myself in the mirrors, I am ready to hit the town.

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