Page 107 of Embody

Bellamy giggles. “Yes, I could eat, and I-Hop sounds good.”

Guess we’reallgoing to get something.

I want to be alone with Bellamy, see if I can get her to talk about what happened between us, when we can do it again and most of all…elaborate on her earlier ‘and I him’ announcement. Want her “I love you” said to me, in no uncertain terms.

But I’m stuck with two chuckleheads in my backseat, that between them, have had twelve beers. Speak of the “Miss Chucklehead” devil herself—my Bluetooth rings.

“It’s your dad,” I tell Presley.

“Okay? Answer it.” Swear—the girl fears nothing—even that which she should. I worry it’s gonna get her in real trouble one day.

I press the button, but only get out, “Hey Unc-”

“Where’s my only, amazing, irreplaceable child?” he yells loud enough to rattle my windows.

“Damn, Daddy, you’re louder than the concert. I’m right here, with J. We’re all going to get something to eat.”

“Who’s ‘we?’” he continues to rupture eardrums.

“Me, Bellamy, JT and his roommate Sutton,” P uses her “daddy’s girl” voice, as if Uncle Sawyer will be satisfied with that…and the two guy, two girl count. She’s definitely drunk if that’s what she’s thinking.

“Where’s Brynny? Who drank? Where are you eating? And who the fuck is Sutton?”Told ya.He bellows and Bellamy actually covers her ears, cowering down in her seat with widely-rounded, worried eyes. I rub her leg and wink before attempting to reel in the situation.

“Uncle Sawyer, chill, everything’s fine. Ryder took Brynn home. Only Pres and Sutton drank, both of age I remind you, but I’m giving them a ride home.Afterwe eat, ‘cause…that’s what people do when they’re hungry. They eat. She already told you, Sutton’s my roommate, he’s the one who got us all tickets tonight. Now stop screaming, you’re scaring Bellamy.”

“You didn’t drink?” he presses.

“One sip, almost four hours ago. We’re fine.”

“Presley, where you sleeping, young lady?”

“My apartment, Daddy. Duh.”

“All right then, you kids be safe. Love you.”

“Love you too. And hey, mind saving me some time and calling my dad with the intel?”

“I’m conferenced in, son,” my dad says and I just have to laugh…what else ya gonna do?

“In that case, love you too. Brynn should be there any minute.” I disconnect the call and pat Bellamy’s leg. “It’s fine.”

“So, you have to spend the night at my place,” Presley coos from the backseat. “Can’t lie to my dad, now can I?”

“I didn’t hear that,” I grouch.

 

 

IT’S ALMOST THREEa.m. by the time we’ve eaten, dropped off the now only semi-drunk duo and pulled up to Bellamy’s complex. She’s asleep, again, face turned toward me so I can watch her little lips pucker and blow out the “baby humidifier” noises she makes. Cute as hell.

Now that I’ve broken the seal, realized and told her I love her—it’s all I can think about—just how much I really do. To imagine going one day without her in it; her smiles, kisses, beauty, innocence, inner tigress, funny things she says, stubbornness and drive…I’d be miserable. Nope, wouldn’t make it. Have to have my daily dose.

“Baby,” I lean over and whisper, slowly kissing her awake. “Baby girl, we’re home. Want me to carry you up?”

“Mhmm,” she mumbles, reaching for me.

“Hang on,” I chuckle. “Let me come around.”

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