Page 134 of Eternally Yours
“What’s the matter, baby Brey? Living with big brother Ford getting a little too much for you?” Em jokes around and giggles. We’ve heard some stories about all the women Greyson brings home, to which Aubrey has the unfortunate pleasure of witnessing.
“I almost got attacked last week by some crazy chick who claims they’re dating. She showed up at the house because he hadn’t been answering her messages, and when I opened the door, she lost her marbles.” She shakes her head. “Started screaming and coming to me with her fists, but Grey was right behind me and pulled me out of the way in time. We had to call the cops, and he filed a restraining order against her.”
“Wow...” Morgan comments.
“Wow indeed. Morg I think you should get your husband started on an extension to the pool house,” Emma adds, pointing her glass in Morgan’s direction.
“Are you okay, though?” I ask with a bit of worry. That must have been scary.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just really tired of his parade of women at the house. I’m thinking of getting a part-time job while finishing up my degree. I know I could just ask Grey to buy me a place, but I don’t like using his money.” Aubrey sighs. “He’s already the one paying for my education, and lord knows how expensive rentals in New York are. So I’ll never be able to afford it on my own without his help. But if I can at least pitch in a little with my own money, I’ll feel less like I’m taking advantage of him.”
“Why are you so mature?” Emma asks her, then turns to Morgan and me. “Why is she so mature? Were we this mature at twenty-one?”
I throw my head back and laugh loudly. “You definitely were not.”
Just then, the doorbell rings, signaling someone’s arrival.Yes, Clay got a doorbell installed.I jump from the couch, putting my wine glass down on the kitchen table.
“That must be the food,” I say, walking over to the door and pulling it open. Except it’s not just the food.
Spencer stands on the other side of the door. In one hand, there’s a big takeout bag, and in the other, a bouquet of red roses. But it’s what’s sitting at his feet that catches my attention.
A ginormous teddy bear, wearing a Griffin’s jersey. A teddy bear I instantly recognize.
I stare at it for so long, my heart rate spiking. When the guys packed up my things from the home Silas and I shared, they forgot to take my bear. And I was too embarrassed to ask for it.
He’d been my cuddle buddy every time Silas had away games, and I’ve missed him since I left home.I’ve missed Silas since I left home.It’s probably why I read his letter at least five times a day. I know it’s unhealthy, but since he stopped calling and texting like he said he would, it’s the only thing I have of him.
“Spence?”
“None of this is from me. The delivery guy showed up at the same time, and I told him I could pass it along.” He lifts the takeout bag, which I take and hand over to Emma, who’s suddenly right beside me.
“And this is from Silas, as a housewarming gift, I think.” He passes the roses to me. “And well, he thought you might like to have him back.” Spencer shakes the top of the bear’s head and offers a soft smile.
“Is that SJ?” Emma questions while inspecting the bear.
“SJ?” Spencer asks quizzically.
“Silas Junior. Yeah, it’s him,” I inform him in a quiet voice, looking down at the teddy once more.
“Oh... okay well, if you want him, I can carry him in for you. That guy is far from light. Then I’ll leave you girls to your evening.”
I nod my head and step to the side, gesturing for him to come in. “You can put him down on one of the chairs in the kitchen. Thank you.”
He does as instructed, then walks back to the door while I follow behind. He turns once he’s stepped outside and bends to kiss my cheek. “Later, Sis.” Then he looks behind me to the girls. “Evening, ladies. Emma, always a delightful pleasureseeing you.”
Em smirks with a giggle. “Still not single, Spence.”
He smiles and winks. “Maybe next year, then.” He turns and leaves as I close the door.
I stand and stare at the huge bear now sitting at my kitchen table, chewing on my lower lip as a thousand different emotions course through my body.
“You okay, sweetie? If that’s too much, I can take it up to the house.” Morgan motions to SJ.
“No, I want it here...” I let out a deep breath and look down at my feet. “I just miss him...” My chin wobbles at the admission.
“Have you contacted him since the letter?” Brey asks from where she’s now standing in the middle of the living room.
“No...” It’s a whisper, but they all hear me.
