Page 35 of The Flame of Carson
“Perfectly.I felt the same way before you Stacey.”He replied, pulling her tighter against him.“So, what exactly is the game plan for today?I know you said something about watching horror movies, but nothing else really.”
“That’s pretty much it.Well, I might do a load or two of laundry.That and pigging out on junk food.It’s the third day of the year that I indulge.The other two days are Christmas and Thanksgiving.”She stated.
“Sounds like a perfect day.When do we get started?And just so you know, I know a few things on how to tweak junk food, but in a good way.”
“I can’t wait to see these tweaks.Well, let’s head inside and get started.”
With his arms draped around her, Gage steered them back inside.“What movie are we starting with by the way?”
“Well, my favorite one of course.The Exorcist.”Stacey grinned.
Gage laughed and kissed her temple.“Why am I not surprised.”
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Gage un-paused themovie as Stacey curled back up against him.“That the last of the candy?”
“Yep.Porch light off and the door locked.”Stacey nodded.
“I swear, they really should have just stopped withScream 3.”Stacey snorted as the credits began.
“I agree.This one is funnier than scary.I will give them points for being a little more original though.”Gage agreed, hitting the eject button on the remote.“So, what’s next?We’ve watched allThe Exorcistmovies,Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13thand nowScream.”
“We could startParanormal Activity?”
“Sounds good.You get it loaded up and I’ll go get more popcorn.”
As Gage headed for the kitchen, Stacey moved to the DVD player and ejected the disc.As she inserted the new movie, her thoughts ran back over the last two days.Last night had been a blast.She had learned more about the men Gage worked with daily and spent time with Krista, Alora and their girlfriends.When Stacey had met Alora, she had immediately taken a liking to her and when she found out that Alora and Lance were together, she had been shocked.Stacey had told Gage she was surprised about the match and Gage had laughed telling her they all were.
In the last couple of weeks, Austin was starting to feel more and more like home.The people, the hustle and bustle of the city.While it would never be New York, the vibe fit Stacey like a good suit.It accentuated her personality and lifestyle.The cherry on the top was that she and Gage were together now and that was the one thing that made the move all worth it in the end.She was smiling when Gage walked back in with a fresh bowl of popcorn and rejoined her on the couch.
“You look happy babe.”He commented.
Stacey leaned over and kissed him.“I am Gage.I will admit I was a little worried that moving here wouldn’t fit.But I was wrong.Austin is a perfect fit.”
Gage sat the bowl on the coffee table and pulled her close, “I’m so glad you chose to move here.Regardless of why.We’re together now and that means the world to me.”
“Me too Gage.Me too.”She sighed and hit the play button.
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“How are you feelingbaby?”Ethan asked a little worriedly as Krista exited the bathroom.
“This morning sickness sucks, but the doctor said it should pass soon.”Krista answered climbing in bed beside her husband.
Ethan chuckled and kissed her forehead as she snuggled in his arms.“Was it just my imagination or did Stacey look a little...sad last night?”
“You weren’t imagining it.I called her earlier today and she told me she just had a moment last night.You see, Jerry was one of my best friends yes, but he and Jillian were like siblings to Stacey.Their families were as close as yours and mine.Losing Jerry hit me, but it almost destroyed Stacey.Unlike me, she was in New York alone, except her parents.I had you, the guys at Blackout and my girls.Last night, seeing that, just hit her.”Krista explained sadly.
“Damn.”Ethan breathed, holding her tighter.“Is she...”
“She’s better now.When she stepped out last night, she bumped into Grant and, well you know Grant.He helped her feel better.Not sure what he said or did, but Stace said she felt much better after talking to him.”Krista said.
“I bet.Grant would understand what she’s going through better than the rest of us.”Ethan paused, wondering if he should tell her.
