Page 112 of Devilry

The morning comes around quickerthan I want it to, my body waking up despite my protests. I roll over to hug Elijah, hoping his warm skin will lull me back to sleep, but his side is empty.

When I finally came up to bed last night, I lay there, like a creeper, watching Elijah sleep. There was beauty in his moments of peace, where the weight of the world was no longer on his shoulders and he wasn't running himself ragged trying to get all his ducks in a row.

I thought about what Trey had said, and wondered if my deep feelings for Elijah were as obvious to everyone else as they had been to him after only moments of seeing us together. I wasn’t intentionally trying to hide them, but there was a huge part of me that was scared to lay them out there.

I don’t want rules, regulations, and opinions to tarnish what we have. I don’t need the world’s approval, but apparently somewhere in the far recesses of my mind, I needed my mother’s.

Curious to where he’s gone, I swing my legs off the bed, then rummage around my suitcase for some clothes.

Once I’m all covered up, I make my way to the kitchen, knowing more than likely, he and my mom are keeping each other company.

I couldn’t have predicted how easy it would be for them to fall into a comfortable rhythm. Like they’ve always known each other. Like it was always meant to be.

Turning the corner, I see Elijah sitting at the breakfast bar sipping on coffee, and Mom serving him French toast. Feeling a little emotional at the sight of them, I struggle to give an appropriate greeting, choosing to sidle up beside him instead.

“Hey,” he greets, reaching over and kissing my cheek.

“Good morning, honey. Did you sleep well?” Mom chimes in.

“I would’ve been able to sleep a little bit longer if someone wanted to stay in bed with me.”

Elijah grins at me sheepishly. “Sorry, the smell of coffee and food won me over. You’re going to have to try better next time.”

“Next time, huh?” I tease, loving that he envisions a next time.

“Elijah, darling. Would you be able to give Cole and me a moment alone?” Like this happens all the time, he doesn’t seem to be the slightest bit alarmed by her request.

When I hear his footsteps move further and further away, I look up at my mom. “Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know, is it?”

I narrow my eyes at her. “It’s too early for code Mom, what do you need to tell me?”

“Don’t break that young boy’s heart, Cole.”

“I…” I stammer. “You think I’m trying to break his heart? What makes you think he won’t break mine?”

She glances down at a red envelope on the kitchen bench, then back at me. “I’m just saying the world has not been easy on that pure and innocent young man. Don’t be another person who lets him down.”

I notice Elijah’s handwriting and pick it up. “What’s this?”

“Open it and see.”

From the outside it looks like a generic birthday card, but when I open it and see Elijah’s scrawl all over the card, my heart stops.

“Can I read it?” I ask her

“I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Geena,

Firstly, I wanted to start off by saying thank you for allowing me in your home, and making me feel comfortable. I know Cole sprung it on you, but he insisted it would be the best way.

I know this is the first time we’ve met, and people don’t usually lay it all out there, but it’s your birthday, and the only gift I have are my words.

Thank you for spending your years raising a beautiful man. The world needs more mothers like you.

I hope this isn’t the last we see of each other, and if it is, your hospitality and hugs will be forever remembered.

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