Page 27 of Stay With Me

Adeline smiles fondly. “It’s been good. She’s very respectful, calling before she comes over and she never overstays her welcome.”

“That’s great. It’s hard enough in a small town to have boundaries sometimes. Being within walking distance could be a disaster.” Rae laughs, her family is tight-knit and she wouldn’t have it any other way. But her dad rarely leaves the farm, and her mom is so busy with committees and town functions that she doesn’t have time to push herself into her children’s lives.

They talk back and forth about their families and it’s hard not to feel that tug of missing out. I used to be close to my dad, but it’s been so long that I forget what it’s like.

Rae pauses, glancing at me. “Have you heard from your dad recently?”

Shaking my head, I shrug. “I heard from him at Christmas. Honestly, at this point I don’t know why he bothers. You’re all my family more than he is.”

They nod, their expressions fierce. “He’s missing out,” Adeline says.

Smiling at my friends, I reset the massager in the chair as we talk and change the subject. He is missing out, and I’m so grateful to have such an incredible group of friends who are always there for me. We finish up, our toes gleaming with fresh polish.

Despite Tamarya’s insistence that we were her test subjects, we paid her for the pedicures before returning to my place.

When I arrive home, I notice Young Jae has already left for dinner with his family. They all know I’m living with him, but don’t know about the shift in our relationship. He’s always been private about the women he sees, so it’s not unusual, but part of me wonders if I am different or if we’re just passing time.

The biggest question is, if he’s just passing time, can we return to what we were before? I don’t think my heart could take that.

The gals park on the driveway and follow me into the house through the garage. Kimchi comes racing down the stairs, excited to see me. She bounces around between us, not settling until we’ve all said hello.

“I will always be more of a cat person, but this dog makes me think I could do a dog too.” Raelyn chuckles as we follow Kimchi to the kitchen.

Adeline grins. “I’m trying to convince Owen that goats are a good idea. He’s not sold yet, but I always say it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.”

Her eyes twinkle and I know she’s already started looking at goats.

We come into the kitchen, ready to scrounge up some food when we stop. On the counter is a huge bouquet of dahlias and a huge spread of food. All covered and ready to go with a note that a fresh bottle of white wine is chilling in the fridge.

“Okay, this is amazing. Why aren’t you with him again? He clearly cares about you as more than a friend.” Rae unfreezes, moving forward to take the covers off the food.

It’s everything needed to put together bibimbap.

“This smells incredible. What is it?” Adeline asks, looking at all the things laid out.

Instead of answering Rae, I show Adeline how to mix everything together.

The rice, veggies, bulgogi, egg, gochujang, and sesame oil all mix into the most delicious meal.

“This is one of my favorites. You can make it as spicy as you want.” I finish putting everything together and they quickly make their own.

We’re about to sit at the table with our food and full glasses of wine when the doorbell rings.

I set my dinner down and head to answer the door. Adeline and Rae speak in hushed tones, but I know it’s about me and Young Jae.

Opening the door, I’m thrilled to see Brynne on the other side.

“Hey! We’re so glad you came.” Ushering her into the house, I show her how to make bibimbap before pouring her a glass of wine.

Despite the distraction, I feel Rae’s eyes on me after she greets Brynne.

“So, why aren’t you and Young Jae together? And don’t give me the friend crap, this is more than ‘just friends’ behavior,” Rae presses, not letting me avoid her question.

Chewing on my lower lip, I lift my gaze and smile. “We’re sleeping together, have been for about two and a half weeks or so.”

Their shrieks are loud as they start talking over each other and my smile won’t go away. When they finally calm down, I fill them in on our dinner and the shift.

“I didn’t say anything because we haven’t talked about what we are. Are we friends with benefits until I move away? Are we dating? If we are, we haven’t gone on any dates. Nothing has changed except now I’ve seen him naked.” My smile falls a bit. “I want it to be more. I want something permanent. But it scares me that he doesn’t feel the same.”

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