Page 104 of Nodus Tollens
Mal chuckled. His mood lightened as his tone softened.
“If I ever fuckin’ meet someone that makes me think otherwise, I’ll personally admit to you that I was wrong and you were right. How about that?”
“Deal.” Hayes grinned.
Once again, the car went quiet, and I took that time to continue writing. With my favorite pen, of course, I threw myself into the memories of our first date and began jotting everything down.
Our first date…
* * *
After a half-ass nap and getting some writing in, eight hours had passed, and we were approaching Hayes’ childhood home. After a short stop at a gas station and a shitty McDonald’s meal, my stomach was twisting with anticipation. With my eyes peering out the window, I was in awe over the scenery. The small-town vibes I was getting were nostalgic. It reminded me of where I grew up. Oaks Grove, Kansas, where all the town had to offer was a small drive-in theater and a Walmart. Other than that, there wasn’t much to the town. Then, when we finally made the move to Sutton, it was such a culture shock. The landscape, the way of life, everything was different, but I instantly knew I was going to fall in love with it. Its natural beauty was unlike any other state with its rocky terrain, friendly residents, and healthcare.
Cardiology specialists, to be more specific.
Hayes began to turn down a long gravel drive that went on for miles.
“You’re going to stay with us, right?” Hayes glanced at Mal in question.
“I was plannin’ on it. Don’t know if Mom wants to see me since I left Rich in jail.” He explained.
I had learned the basics about Mal’s family from Hayes. His mom was a poor excuse for a mother, and his dad, Rich, had been in and out of his life ever since he could remember. He didn’t go into too much depth, but even just hearing that made me empathize with the grump. It couldn’t have been easy growing up like that, and it was no wonder he was the way he was. I would be closed off, too, if my life had been one giant disappointment after the other.
“We want you to stay. Mom’s been dyin’ to see you. She wouldn’t stop asking about you on the phone the other day.”
“Told you she liked me more.” Mal teased, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at their playfulness. I hoped that this was how it was going to be the rest of the weekend. Carefree and lots of laughter.
“Ha. We’ll see about that after I tell her who really broke her favorite lamp when we were twelve.”
“Fuck off!” Mal scoffed. “She knows it was your clumsy ass who knocked it over.”
They continued to banter the remainder of the time we were in the car. It was quite comical to listen to them, but the smile had fallen off my face when I started to see a white ranch-style home come into view. It wasn’t an eye-grabbing home or one that would win any awards, but it was the simplicity of it that had my heart soaring. Trees upon soaring trees surrounded the home like it was its own little paradise away from city life.
“Welcome home, Blue.” Hayes turned his head around and flashed me a grin before focusing on parking.
God, I was nervous. I couldn’t even smile back because I felt like I could throw up at any second. I glanced down at my outfit, a Sutton U hoodie and jeans, and wondered if I had underdressed. What if his mom was in some dress, and….
Oh no.
The front door swung open, and sure enough, an older-looking woman with long blonde hair ran out of the home wearing a long cotton dress.
“Jesus, I didn’t know she was that excited to see me.” Mal laughed, causing Hayes to smack him in the arm.
I could hear his mom’s loud and excited shouts from outside as we came to a stop beside the house.
“Greg! They’re home!” I heard her yell as she ran to the driver’s door just as Hayes started unbuckling his seatbelt. Then, within seconds, he was out of the car and hugging his mom as she cried into his neck. Following suit, I adjusted my hair before opening the car door and stepping out. Feeling out of place, I awkwardly stood beside Mal, who was watching them hug with an unreadable stare. I briefly peered up at the giant beside me, realizing just how tall he actually was. He wasn’t just a couple feet taller, he fucking towered over me. I’d never seen anyone his size and stature before, and for some reason, I wanted to laugh at the size difference we shared.
I must look like a tiny toothpick compared to him.
“Blue, babe. Come here.” Hayes shouted over the car, causing my eyes to shoot over at him and his mother, who were both now watching me. My throat tightened, and I forced a confident smile to appear across my face.
I sidestepped around Mal, feeling his eyes watch my every move as I slowly rounded the car. My gaze found Hayes immediately. His loving stare soaked me in from head to toe as he reached his palm out for me to grab. Without question, I placed my hand in his and felt the tension and anxiety slowly leave my body. His presence calmed me. Like always, just his smile and eyes were the cure to everything. All my problems and worries just vanished whenever I was with Hayes.
He yanked me into his side and dropped a kiss on top of my head.
“Mom, this is Blue.” Hayes introduced me, causing my cheeks to flame instantly. My stare had shifted to the beautiful, grinning woman in front of me, who was staring at me like she couldn’t believe she was seeing me.
“Blue? Is that a nickname?” She asked as I smiled.
