You're My Little Secret, chapter 21
September 15th, 2005
"Sit down." Adrienne hissed through clenched teeth, earning amused looks from two business men across the isle from us in first class. I chuckled quietly when I saw two heads of dark brown hair peek over the back of their seats again. "Don't make me come up there." She threatened sternly, but the boys only giggled and continued to jump up and down. They knew their mom better than that, she was all talk... most of the time.
"I'll throw you right out of this airplane." She teased, forgetting that she was supposed to be threatening them, which only made them laugh harder. They finally did settle down and we could hear the sounds of their individual Game Boys beeping, and their little whispers of excitement or disappointment while they played.
The flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis was a fairly uneventful one, although the boys were excited to see their dad and to be out of school for a couple of extra days, which meant they were full of energy. Adrienne's recovery had gone smoothly so far, and she was happy to be out of the house for a long weekend, even if it meant spending said weekend at our parent's. We joked about it a lot but we really were looking forward to throwing this party for our parent's anniversary because it meant that we would be bringing together a lot of family and old friends, and we decided it had been too long since we had a proper family reunion. Mom and dad of course just figured we were coming out for a long weekend like we did every other month or so, this time it just happened to land on the weekend of their anniversary.
I glanced over at my sister about half-way through the flight, abandoning my novel immediately as she shifted uncomfortably. "Want another pillow for your back?" I asked as she shook her head.
"Are you in pain?" I said, reaching over to take her drink from her hand so that she could shift her weight a little better.
She shook her head again. "I just feel a little uncomfortable sometimes, like an ache." She explained as I nodded and handed her glass back to her.
"So everything is all set, right?" I asked curiously when she had pulled out her ever-present black organizer and began flipping through several pages.
She nodded, keeping her eyes fixed on the book. "I think so. I'll go through the checklist with you... DJ, cake, alcohol, the bartender, decorations, snacks, plates, napkins, silverware... " She trailed off, glancing up at me as I looked thoughtful.
"Sounds like you have everything." I confirmed as she nodded and scanned over the pages in her book again.
"I think we should stick with our plan to decorate the hall when mom is at her book club and dad is playing poker tonight. We can get the guys to help, the more hands we have the faster it will get done." Adrienne said casually.
I felt my stomach surge a little. It didn't matter how many times I saw Tre or even heard mention of his name, I always got the same fluttery feeling in my stomach. Adrienne noticed my goofy look and rolled her eyes.
"Such a nerd." She teased as I shoved her arm off the armrest with my elbow in retaliation.
"I can't help it... I haven't seen him in three weeks." I replied quietly, focusing on stretching my legs out in front of me so I didn't have to look at my sister. It seemed like conversations about Tre were still a looked awkward between us so we tried to keep them to a minimal.
"Haven't you talked to him on the phone?" She asked curiously.
I nodded. "Yeah, here and there. But it's not the same as seeing him." I muttered as she nodded knowingly. "You'll eventually learn that when the phone is all you have you make the best of it."
I nodded. "I know... we're just at a weird place... " I trailed off as she shifted again uncomfortably, causing me to wonder if her and I would ever get to a place where we could openly discuss Tre and I.
Luckily Jakob's head suddenly appeared from over the seat in front of us. "Mom, I'm hungry." Thank God kids always were hungry at odd times during the day.
"Okay munchkin." She said, sitting forward and rifling through her bag, obviously glad for the shift in conversation.
I leaned my head back against the seat and sighed, hoping that the anxious feelings
I was experiencing would disappear when I finally got to talk to Tre in person. I hadn't been kidding when I told Adrienne things had been weird on the phone between us. It wasn't necessarily a negative happening, just something that left me feeling a little leery about where we stood, as neither of us had bothered to bring up our relationship, which meant we were left to make small talk on the phone. I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that I practically moved in with Adrienne and the boys to take care of her when Billie Joe and the guys left again. I think he felt unsure of Adrienne's feelings about us which made it hard for him to move on and start fresh, but the lack of drive to move forward in our relationship was starting to wear on me and I was hoping these couple of days together would be enough to get the ball rolling, again, no pun intended.
A few hours later we were sitting in our parent's living room as mom fussed over us and dad sat in his recliner watching the Discovery Channel, a very normal happening.
"When will the boys be here?" Mom asked, peering at us over her coffee mug.
Adrienne shrugged. "They were flying out of Illinois this morning around 10, they should be here soon."
"Oh good. And you girls don't mind fending for yourselves tonight?" Mom asked for about the tenth time. "I could stay home from my book meeting." She offered.
I almost laughed out loud when our dad looked over from his chair and gave an exasperated sigh. "For pity's sake Lois, leave them alone. They're old enough to spend a few hours by themselves." He scolded, turning back to watch TV.
Adrienne and I hid our laughter inside of our coffee cups as we took another drink.
"Oh shush you old loon, I was just making sure." Mom shot back, sputtering to herself as she set her coffee cup down on the end table.
"Well, you've done your part with making sure about twelve times." He muttered in reply. "Put a sock in it."
"Harold, don't make me come over there and take the batteries out of your remote control. God forbid you can't watch your stupid fishing show!" Mom threatened, pointing her finger in his direction.
I hid my smile behind my hands, this was just like being 15 and living at home again.
"YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY, WOMAN!" Dad replied, throwing his hands in the air. Mom rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand at him.
Just then we heard a small knock at the front door followed by Billie Joe calling, "Hello!"
"DAD!" Joey and Jakob chorused, lifting themselves off of the floor from where they had been playing with their Game Boys under Adrienne's feet. They scurried out into the next room as Adrienne and mom stood up and followed them.
"UNCLE TRE! UNCLE MIKE!" Jakob was yelling. I heard a lot of greetings and feet shuffling as they were no doubt being pulled in for hugs. I stayed where I was, letting mom have her moment to fuss over them.
"I'm so glad you're staying with us for the next two nights. Take your coats off, boys. I made lemonade!"
I could almost see Billie Joe's amused expression for where I sat. He loved his mother-in-law dearly but sometimes she really could be too much.
"That woman is going to have a heart attack and die if she doesn't stop fussing." Dad mumbled from his recliner.
I smiled as he stood up out of his chair, dropping a quick kiss on my forehead as he passed. "Coming?" He asked curiously.
I nodded, feeling a little nervous and excited at the same time. I wasn't exactly sure how everything was going to play out with Tre and me, not having left our relationship on clear terms.
We stepped in the kitchen to find everyone already sitting around the kitchen table. Jakob was shoving a chocolate chip cookie in his mouth as he sat perched in Billie Joe's lap. Joey was sitting in the chair next to him, just about as close to his dad's side as he could be, as they both chattered at him. Mike was sitting next to mom, making her blush when he took off his jacket to reveal his newest tattoo. She blushed even more profusely and giggled like a schoolgirl when she reached out to touch his tattooed bicep, and only after he insisted she should.
I glanced around the kitchen. Where the fuck was Tre?
Dad took a seat between Adrienne and Mike, reaching across the table to where a huge plate of chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies sat. "How's the show going?" He asked Billie Joe who smiled and leaned over to answer him. "Great."
I walked over and planted a kiss in Mike's hair, ruffling it a little. He looked up in surprise, not having heard me approach.
"Hey you!" He said standing up and pulling me into a big hug.
"You get a new tattoo?" I asked as he nodded. "Yeah, I was just showing your mom. I got it about a week ago."
I was just about to comment on it when I heard Tre call from behind us, "Hey Mrs. N, can I have some lemonade?" I turned to see him making his way from the back hallway where one of the guest bedrooms was. He winked as he passed me, making my stomach flutter a little. My eyes drank in the sight of his toned back and his ass as he sauntered by in a pair of torn dark jeans and a tight black t-shirt.
My mother was more than happy to oblige as she stood up and led him into the kitchen. "Tre you know you can call me Lois." She said, pouring him a glass as they chatted.
I watched him lean against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest and reminded myself about seven times that my family was present and tackling him to the kitchen floor would make everyone else feel a little awkward... but it would benefit me greatly. Mike sat back down at the table when he realized my attention was directed elsewhere and instantly started up a conversation with my dad about football. I continued to stand behind Mike's chair, sneaking looks at Tre every so often and secretly plotting how to get him alone.
We sat around talking for a little while before mom announced she had to get going to her book meeting.
"I'll drop you on my way to my poker game, that way your car will be here if the kids need to use one." Dad said, standing out of his chair. He paused in the doorway looking thoughtful, "Hey boys, do you want to go?" He asked, directing his attention to his two grandsons.
"I do!" Joey called out, looking up at his dad for permission. "Can we go dad?"
Billie Joe shrugged. "It's fine with me. But you better mind your grandpa or I'll box your ears, okay?"
Joey nodded as Jakob squirmed to climb out of Billie's lap. "Grandpa I wanna hold your cards!"
Adrienne smiled. "Call if they get to be too much of a handful for you, Dad. We'll probably go get something to eat in town but we don't have any plans beyond that so we'll be around."
Dad smiled. "I'm not worried about it." He replied, taking his grandsons' hands.
Mom appeared in the doorway with her purse looking rather chipper. "See you around 9!" She called out, kissing Mike's cheek because he was the closest to her and because she thinks he has a 'hot bod', as she once informed me. I'm still trying to recover from that.
When the door closed I leaned back in my chair. "9? Christ, what do they do for five hours?" I pondered out loud as Adrienne snickered. "They drink Shirley Temples and gossip about their husbands."
I laughed as Mike nodded, "Yeah, I saw no book in her hand."
Tre was sitting across the table from me and had yet to really say anything to me or to anyone in general. I felt a little disappointed in our lack of interaction.
"So what's the plan?" Billie Joe asked, stretching a little and cracking his neck as he wrapped an arm around the back of Adrienne's chair.
"I figured we would use this chunk of time while they're gone to decorate the hall we rented for tomorrow night." Adrienne answered as he nodded thoughtfully.
"We as in you and Ava? Or 'we' as in all of us?" He asked playfully. "Because I could do with a beer and a nap right about now."
"Smartass. You're helping too." She answered back, leaning over to plant a kiss on his lips before getting out of her chair.
I leaned against Mike playfully, shooting a pointed look at my brother-in-law across the table. "We really just wanted Mike to help... and Jason... they're tall, they can reach things. And more importantly they can hang the decorations higher than a small child's eye level." I joked as Billie Joe looked offended. "Hey, I resent that. I may be short but damn it I can hang some mean crape paper. Bring on the fucking decorations!" I giggled at his determination and then frowned as Tre remained silent, staring down at his hands. Something was definitely going on with him, there had been about a million opportunities for him to make a wiseass remark and he hadn't taken one of them. Mike and Billie Joe didn't seem too concerned with his behavior so I pushed it aside as we all clamored to our feet and were ushered into mom's car by Adrienne. After much debate about who was riding where the three guys crammed into the backseat, shoving at each other.
"Who just touched my ass?" Billie Joe asked suspiciously from his place between Mike and Tre. I curiously peered into the backseat to see Tre grinning evilly. "Oh, I thought that was my ass." He muttered. Billie Joe eyed him carefully. "You're a fucking moron, how do you figure that?"
Tre shrugged. "You're in the middle which means you're the bitch... I can do to you what I please." He offered casually.
"GIRLFIGHT." Mike called out. "And you're both bitches if you ask me."
Adrienne's eyes locked on her rear view mirror, giving the three in the back a dirty look. "I'm not starting this car until you sit back in your seat and put your seatbelt on."
"He started it." Billie Joe pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.
Tre chortled in disbelief. "I did no such thing Miss Billie."
I laughed at this new pet name as Adrienne shot me a sideways glance. "Don't encourage them, Ava. It only does them a disservice when they think they're funny."
"Oh come on, it WAS funny. Miss Billie? Sounds like a transvestite's name or something."
Tre piped up. "It's a bitch's name."
I couldn't resist peering around my seat again to see Billie Joe's reaction, and as I suspected he was looking quite unimpressed. "I see no humor here... and I want a formal apology from Tre before we go any further."
I watched as Tre crossed his arms over his chest playfully mocking Billie Joe.
"We'll be sitting in this driveway for an awful long time... bitch." Tre mumbled.
Adrienne sighed. "Swear to God if I have to come back there... "
Tre surprised us all when he suddenly threw his right leg over Billie Joe's lap and pinned him to the seat, grabbing the sides of his face and kissing him passionately. Billie Joe's arms flew around Tre in a dramatic manner as Tre pulled Billie Joe against him and turned in the seat, which amazingly enough sent Billie flying half on the floor of the car and half into Mike's lap. Tre eagerly pounced on him and began licking Billie's face. "This is my apology Miss Billie, take it or leave it!"
"HEY! What the fuck!" Mike complained, trying to shove Tre to his own side of the car. "Stop it!"
Billie was reduced to laughter as Tre continued to straddle him and paw at him playfully.
"Break it up!" Adrienne half heartedly scolded from beside me, glancing in her rear view mirror and then turning around fully in her seat so she could see better. I watched in amusement as Billie Joe made biting motions at Tre and reached up to touch his own nipples. "You make me so hot." He mused up at the man above him, licking his lips as Tre giggled and seductively mimicked Billie Joe's motions, rubbing at his own nipples under his shirt.
"Christ on a Crutch, must you two get each other off on the floor of your mother-in-law's car? Can't you wait until later?" Mike grumbled, trying not to laugh at their display.
Tre fixed his eyes on Mike still rubbing his nipples. "You want some loving too, Mikey?" He asked, breathing heavily just for show.
Billie Joe shifted a little under Tre so that his head was resting comfortably on Mike's thigh.
"Yeah Mikey, want some of this?" He asked sucking on his finger, closing his eyes as he did so. At this point Mike was laughing so hard he could hardly form words as he shook his head no.
Adrienne seemed to sober from her laughing first. "Ava, you ride in the back with Tre and Mike... Billie Joe obviously needs his own seat." I giggled more as Tre moved off of Billie Joe who was struggling to sit up.
He looked perplexed. "Guys... I'm stuck in the fucking crack."
That set the car off into another fit of laughter as Tre slapped his thighs with his hands in amusement. "That's the second time you've said that to me just TODAY." He mumbled between laughter.
Adrienne finally reached behind her seat and grabbed Billie Joe's hand. "Sit up." She commanded. "We have to get going!"
I unbuckled my seatbelt as he straightened a little. "You climb back first... there's no way we're both going to fit up there." Billie Joe advised. I shrugged and climbed over the consol, placing a hand on Tre's knee for balance as Billie Joe maneuvered around me, pushing at my midsection. I panicked for about a half a second before I realized that I was going to land in Tre's lap. Darn.
"Hi." I giggled as Tre wrapped his arms around me, steadying me in his lap.
"Hi." He responded, dropped a quick kiss on my cheek.
We watched from the back as Billie Joe got situated in my previously vacated seat, leaning over to give Adrienne a lingering apologetic kiss for wasting time. After a few moments they pulled away. "We ready?" She asked glancing into the backseat where I sat still perched in Tre's lap. I nodded, lacing my fingers through Tre's and wrapping his arms further around me as he nuzzled his face into my neck.
Adrienne smiled a little, looking unsure of how she felt towards our outward display of affection, but she didn't say anything as she turned the car on and backed out of the driveway en route to the reception hall. "We decorate and then we get food, okay?" She asked, turning to look at Billie Joe. I saw him nod his head as he reached over and held her hand over the console. "Sounds good, baby."
"You fuckass, get back here with the banner!" Billie Joe yelled at Tre who was running around wildly with a piece of streamer wrapped around his head.
Adrienne and I stood shaking our heads as we situated the tables Mike had helped us set up. "I'll go." Adrienne volunteered when neither Mike nor I moved to amend the banner situation. We watched as she walked away to try and entrap Tre.
"I can't believe I love him." I muttered to Mike who chuckled and handed me one end of a table cloth. "Help me spread this out." He said walking over to the other end. We covered about fifteen tables, looking up occasionally when we heard a crash and someone giggling.
When we were done we walked over to stand with Adrienne who was leaning against the bar, looking highly entertained as Billie Joe stood on a table, motioning to Tre to come closer so he could climb on his shoulders. They came to the conclusion together that this would be the best way to hang up some of the remaining signs.
"No, I don't see this turning out badly at all." Adrienne muttered sarcastically to Mike and I who looked on with a mixture of amusement and concern.
"You have to duck down a little." Billie Joe was advising wisely. Tre nodded in agreement, acknowledging his advice and bending down.
"Does anyone want to tell them that there are other ways to hang the fucking signs besides Billie Joe climbing on to Tre's shoulders?" Mike inquired as Adrienne and I turned to give him a funny look.
"And miss this? Are you kidding?" I replied, turning my attention back to the two men across the room.
Billie Joe had just swung one leg over Tre's shoulder and was attempting to swing the other one over while holding on to Tre's head with one hand and holding the sign in the other. Tre winced a little as Billie's weight rested entirely on him.
"Dude, you're pulling my fucking hair." Tre whined as he swayed a little, causing Billie Joe to tip to the right.
"Stop moving around, damn it!" Billie Joe replied, cursing under his breath and looking down at the top of Tre's mohawk. "Shit... uh, Tre... I need you to walk over to the table over there and grab the tape."
This time it was Tre's turn to curse under his breath. "Are you fucking kidding me? You're not exactly feather light, you know. I'm not really enjoying hauling your ass around the room like we're on some sort of fucking parade." Tre pointed out as the two men swayed again, this time Billie Joe dropped the sign as Tre very carefully turned around to glare at the three of us still leisurely lounging on the bar. I dissolved into laughter when Tre put his hands on his hips, which was difficult because Billie Joe's feet were dangling near his waist.
"I'm glad the three of you are finding this so amusing." He muttered. "Don't bother to help us or anything." He added sarcastically.
Mike grinned and turned to me. "Ten bucks says that Billie Joe falls backwards and breaks his head open on a table."
Adrienne chuckled. "Make it twenty and I'm in."
"HEY." Billie Joe and Tre chorused, both looking mildly irritated at our amusement and the lack of help we were providing.
Mike shrugged. "You deserve this... neither of you were intelligent enough to think to stand on a CHAIR, or to ask me to help, therefore you deserve our ridicule... you dumbasses."
I giggled at Mike's comment as I reached into my purse for my camera phone. I aimed it at them, earning a middle finger from both and a smile from Tre.
"Beautiful." I mumbled before flipping my phone closed and sauntering over to grab the tape off a near by table and then picking the sign off the floor.
I walked over to where Tre and Billie Joe were still struggling to get comfortable as Billie Joe gripped Tre's head.
I shook my head. "Okay, please get off his shoulders... you're officially making me nervous." I requested as Billie stared down at me in amusement. "Or at the very least let ME climb on him because I hardly think it's fair that you're only able to." I joked, looking at Tre who smirked.
"Yeah, I'm in favor of that." He grinned.
Billie Joe shrugged. "Yeah, alright."
I watched as Tre carefully walked over to a table and squatted a little so Billie Joe's feet rested on the table before he pushed at his ass and helped him stand upright.
"Good, okay... umm, Mikey will you help me hang this?" Billie called out from where he stood on the table looking sheepish.
"You know what's funny? Even sitting on Tre's shoulders I'm STILL taller than you... " Mike was muttering as he walked over.
I stared at Tre for a moment as he grinned back at me. "I'm going out for a cigarette, wanna come with me?" I asked as he nodded in agreement, knowing full well it wasn't nicotine I was craving.
"Be right back." I called out to the other occupants of the room. Mike and Billie Joe had busied themselves hanging up the signs where Adrienne directed so they hardly noticed us slip out of the back door. Once outside I felt Tre's arms slide around my waist as he walked me backwards against the side of the building. As my back made contact with the wall his lips made contact with my mouth. I let out a content sigh, as my fingers traveled up his arms to where his hands were cupping my face.
"Finally." I mumbled when he dipped his head to kiss my neck. I ran my fingers through his messy hair as he trailed a line of kisses from my neck, over my jaw, to my cheek, finally landing on my lips again.
"I wanted to tackle you on that kitchen floor when I first saw you." He admitted in a rather husky voice as he continued to nibble on my bottom lip.
I giggled against his mouth. "I was thinking the same thing when you came walking out of the back bedroom." I replied closing my eyes when I felt his warm breath on my neck again, relishing in the fact that his hands seemed to be everywhere all at once.
He murmured something in reply that I didn't hear and I was just about to ask what it was when Mike came strolling out of the back door.
"Alright you two, don't make me get the hose." He teased, chuckling to himself.
Tre turned his head and glared. "Run along, we're busy."
I giggled as he turned back to me and pulled me closer against him.
Mike sighed dramatically. "Ahh young love." He paused for a moment to bat his eyelashes and then he looked serious again. "But no really, we're done in here and we're fucking hungry so could you do this later?" He inquired.
I turned to look at Tre who was staring at me with disappointed eyes.
I shrugged. "I'm kinda hungry. And you are too." I muttered running a hand over his stomach. "Your tummy is growling."
Tre smirked. "But it doesn't only want food." He replied, arching his eyebrow for effect. "My body requires other things to make it function too, you know."
I giggled a little and pushed at his midsection as I started walking towards Mike. "Come on, I'll even let you touch my thigh during dinner."
Mike chuckled as Tre grudgingly turned and walked after me. "And that's why you two are getting your own fucking table."
After dinner we hurried home and were relieved to see we that our parents weren't back yet, which meant they would hopefully suspect nothing. Joey and Jakob didn't know about the surprise party because we feared that one of them would accidentally let something slip, Adrienne and I were surprised that we somehow had managed to keep them in the dark for almost three months but we had succeeded so far. We had just sat down to watch some TV when they came walking through the front door.
"Hello!" Mom called out, giddily strolling into the den. "How was your night?" She asked, sitting on the arm of the chair Mike happened to be occupying.
We all nodded neutrally, Adrienne nominating herself to be the spokesperson. "It was fine, we grabbed some dinner at The Depot and came back."
Mom nodded, smiling. "Good. Well, I'm going to go pull out some extra towels and such for everyone. Does anyone need anything while I'm up?" She asked.
I shook my head. "No mom, we're good. Thanks though."
She winked at me as she left the room. A few seconds later the boys came running into the room.
"Grandpa rented us movies!" Jakob announced, climbing up on the couch between his parents as Joey settled down on the floor next to me.
"Oh yeah? What did you get?" Billie Joe asked, taking the cases from him so he could look. "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Crash."
"Crash is really good." I said, nudging Joey. "Good choice."
He shrugged. "Grandpa picked that one out... Jakob picked out the thumb one."
I grinned. "The thumb one, huh?" I giggled as Joey nodded and snuggled closer to my side, looking rather sleepy. "You better go up to bed otherwise you're going to fall asleep on the floor Joester."
"I think that's a good idea, bud." Adrienne said. "How about we get you and Jakey set up on the air mattress in our room and you can watch your movie in there?"
Joey shook his head and whined, "No, I want to stay out here with aunt Ava and uncle Tre and uncle Mike." He wiped sleepily at his eyes and yawned a little as his head slumped against my shoulder.
Billie Joe got off the couch and scooped the unwillingly boy up in his arms quickly. "You'll get to see them tomorrow." He insisted as Joey whined some more, but his head quickly surrendered to his dad's shoulder as we bid him and Jakob goodnight, Adrienne carrying the youngest boy out of the room.
I was so comfortable on the floor amongst my pillows and blankets that I didn't even bother to move to claim the couch that Adrienne and Billie Joe had just vacated. I glanced over at Tre who was sprawled out on the love seat a couple feet away and smiled, both him and Mike looked exhausted. Awhile later Adrienne and Billie Joe wandered back into the den also looking exhausted.
"Well, they're down." Adrienne announced plopping down on the couch, pulling Billie Joe down with her.
"Should we put in the movie?" I asked. "Or are you guys too tired?"
Mike shrugged. "I could watch a movie."
I shifted to look at Tre who also nodded. "What about you? Can you sit through a WHOLE movie ADD boy?" I teased as he smirked and slid off the couch, crawling towards me in what would be a menacing manner had I not been picturing him naked and feeding me strawberries dipped in chocolate.
I giggled as he hovered above me, looking unsure of whether he wanted to tickle me or kiss me. In the end he chose to plop down on me.
"Ouch, get off." I complained as he laid his head on my chest with a thud and threw his arm over my midsection.
"I'm using you as my pillow." He explained matter-o-factly as he nuzzled his cheek against my chest.
"Pig." I muttered, pushing at his head and giggling.
I heard dad enter the room. "Are you kids watching the movie?" He asked, peering curiously down at Tre and me where we laid tangled together.
"I think so." I replied as Tre shifted again, looking a little embarrassed as he released the hold he had on me.
Dad smirked, looking at all of us. "I don't know, you guys look pretty tired."
Adrienne stretched her feet out languidly. "How was your poker game, dad?"
He nodded and sat down on the love seat. "It was fun, I taught the boys how to swindle money from the guys at the lodge."
Adrienne sighed as Billie Joe chuckled. "I'm glad you're teaching the boys morals dad." She mumbled as mom breezed back into the room wearing her robe and slippers.
"Okay, there are fresh towels laid out for everyone. Who wants popcorn for the movie?" She asked cheerfully as Tre stifled a laugh from next to me.
"Mike dear, would you like some popcorn?" She pressed, grinning over at him.
He looked sheepishly at the rest of us who resisted the urge to make fun of him while our mother was still in the room... there was always later.
"Sure Lois, that would be great." He replied, smiling kindly.
Tre moved to stand up suddenly. "I'll help you Mrs. N." He offered as she smiled appreciatively at him and pinched his cheek.
"Thank you dear, I'll even let you pick out the kind you want!" She replied gleefully.
Billie Joe chortled from the couch. "It's official Tre, your lips are actually molded to her ass now."
I heard the sound of Adrienne slapping his arm as Mike chuckled.
I looked over at my dad who was watching me intently from where he sat on the love seat, and I could tell he was trying to figure out if Billie Joe's remark was stemming from something worth talking about later or if he was just dicking around.
Tre emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with a massive bowl of popcorn for everyone to share, which conveniently ended up in his lap. Mom and dad stuck around for some of the movie, but they had a bedtime of 10:00 and they preferred to get their rest so after some more of mom's fussing they turned in for the night leaving us 'kids' downstairs.
I began to get a little sleepy towards the end of the movie and I knew once I laid down I was going to have a tough time staying awake. Tre sat on the floor next to me during the movie but he maintained a safe distance which confused me at first, but then I figured it must have something to do with his Adrienne complex. Although I still couldn't figure out his back and forth with being okay with displays of affections sometimes and not others. I chalked it up to him being a guy, I figured it was a sure-fire explanation but annoying none the less.
I must have dozed off because when I woke up awhile later Mike wasn't in his chair and the TV screen was glowing a bright blue, covering the room in a weird tint. I moved to stretch a little when I realized suddenly that someone was curled up behind me, keeping me warm. I smiled to myself as I looked down and saw Tre's arm draped over my waist and his other arm up over our heads, enveloping me with his body as he slept soundly. Eager to take advantage of his warmth and comfort I snuggled closer to his chest as he stirred a little, his hand cradling my hip as he pulled me closer to him, mumbling in my ear.
I smiled sleepily, rolling over on to my back so I could see his face. As I turned over he cracked one eye open and smiled a little.
"Hi sleepy."
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face, he was just too adorable with his half crushed pillow hair and his sleepy blue eyes.
"What time is it?" I asked, reaching for the arm that was slung over my waist to look at his watch. "2:35."
He nodded. "Everyone went to bed about an hour ago."
I turned on my side and reached up to stroke his cheek. "You could have woken me up." I replied as he shook his head.
"You looked too cute all snuggled into the blankets... and besides I hate having to wake you up, you always bitch me out afterwards." He muttered, rubbing his eyes a little before leaning closer.
"I do like my sleep." I agreed, grinning at him as I touched my nose to his.
"That you do."
I shifted a little pushing at his shoulder so he would lay flat on his back. He did so, without much of a fight but with a curious smirk instead.
"Know what I like better?" I asked, shedding the blanket from around my shoulders as I straddled him, placing my hands on his t-shirt covered chest.
The smile on his face could have lit up the four corners of the earth.
"Oh, do tell." He murmured reaching up to grip my hips, his thumbs rubbing slightly against the warm skin just under my shirt.
I was just about to answer when he cut me off. "Actually, you know what? Don't tell me. I want to figure it out for myself." He practically growled as he sat up a little propping his back against the couch as he cradled me close to his body, leaning up to capture my mouth in a warm kiss. I couldn't help the moan that escaped my lips as he stroked the skin under my t-shirt and thoroughly explored my mouth at the same time. I gripped his shoulders as he pulled me blissfully closer to him, practically crushing my lips against his. I almost sighed when I felt his fingers frantically searching for the hem of my t-shirt, and once he found it he ripped it over my head, leaning forward instantly to cover my collarbone and chest in small kisses, his fingertips delicately tracing the lines of my bra and my stomach.
I shivered and moved closer to the warmth he was providing, realizing suddenly that we were in the den of my parents house about ready to have sex on the floor. I reacted to that realization immediately, pulling back from Tre who looked up at me in confusion.
"What? You want to stop?" He asked, his eyes pleading for me to say 'no'.
I almost laughed at his look of desperation. "Oh God no." I replied shaking my head. "I just think we should go upstairs." I whispered, causing his eyebrow to arch curiously.
"Upstairs? As in your childhood bedroom? As in adjacent to your parent's room?" He murmured as I nodded and smirked. "Does that make you uncomfortable?" I inquired, knowing damn well this was a ridiculous question.
He tilted his head a little. "Does that make YOU uncomfortable?" He replied, smirking a little to let me know he had no hang ups over the matter at hand.
"You're a dirty man." I teased as he chuckled. "I would ask you if you would have sex in YOUR parent's house but that's pointless. You were having sex before you could multiply numbers together."
He grinned a little, his hands still cradling my hips. "It's up to you, Ava, if you're uncomfortable with having sex next door to your folks that's understandable. Personally, I would fuck you in the pew of a church DURING the service... but that's just me." He offered as I giggled and buried my face in his neck.
"I love you." I whispered into his ear as he turned to kiss the side of my head.
I felt him smile. "I love you too."
I pulled back to look at him, searching his face and his blue eyes for a moment before grinning. "Then take me upstairs."
"Sit down." Adrienne hissed through clenched teeth, earning amused looks from two business men across the isle from us in first class. I chuckled quietly when I saw two heads of dark brown hair peek over the back of their seats again. "Don't make me come up there." She threatened sternly, but the boys only giggled and continued to jump up and down. They knew their mom better than that, she was all talk... most of the time.
"I'll throw you right out of this airplane." She teased, forgetting that she was supposed to be threatening them, which only made them laugh harder. They finally did settle down and we could hear the sounds of their individual Game Boys beeping, and their little whispers of excitement or disappointment while they played.
The flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis was a fairly uneventful one, although the boys were excited to see their dad and to be out of school for a couple of extra days, which meant they were full of energy. Adrienne's recovery had gone smoothly so far, and she was happy to be out of the house for a long weekend, even if it meant spending said weekend at our parent's. We joked about it a lot but we really were looking forward to throwing this party for our parent's anniversary because it meant that we would be bringing together a lot of family and old friends, and we decided it had been too long since we had a proper family reunion. Mom and dad of course just figured we were coming out for a long weekend like we did every other month or so, this time it just happened to land on the weekend of their anniversary.
I glanced over at my sister about half-way through the flight, abandoning my novel immediately as she shifted uncomfortably. "Want another pillow for your back?" I asked as she shook her head.
"Are you in pain?" I said, reaching over to take her drink from her hand so that she could shift her weight a little better.
She shook her head again. "I just feel a little uncomfortable sometimes, like an ache." She explained as I nodded and handed her glass back to her.
"So everything is all set, right?" I asked curiously when she had pulled out her ever-present black organizer and began flipping through several pages.
She nodded, keeping her eyes fixed on the book. "I think so. I'll go through the checklist with you... DJ, cake, alcohol, the bartender, decorations, snacks, plates, napkins, silverware... " She trailed off, glancing up at me as I looked thoughtful.
"Sounds like you have everything." I confirmed as she nodded and scanned over the pages in her book again.
"I think we should stick with our plan to decorate the hall when mom is at her book club and dad is playing poker tonight. We can get the guys to help, the more hands we have the faster it will get done." Adrienne said casually.
I felt my stomach surge a little. It didn't matter how many times I saw Tre or even heard mention of his name, I always got the same fluttery feeling in my stomach. Adrienne noticed my goofy look and rolled her eyes.
"Such a nerd." She teased as I shoved her arm off the armrest with my elbow in retaliation.
"I can't help it... I haven't seen him in three weeks." I replied quietly, focusing on stretching my legs out in front of me so I didn't have to look at my sister. It seemed like conversations about Tre were still a looked awkward between us so we tried to keep them to a minimal.
"Haven't you talked to him on the phone?" She asked curiously.
I nodded. "Yeah, here and there. But it's not the same as seeing him." I muttered as she nodded knowingly. "You'll eventually learn that when the phone is all you have you make the best of it."
I nodded. "I know... we're just at a weird place... " I trailed off as she shifted again uncomfortably, causing me to wonder if her and I would ever get to a place where we could openly discuss Tre and I.
Luckily Jakob's head suddenly appeared from over the seat in front of us. "Mom, I'm hungry." Thank God kids always were hungry at odd times during the day.
"Okay munchkin." She said, sitting forward and rifling through her bag, obviously glad for the shift in conversation.
I leaned my head back against the seat and sighed, hoping that the anxious feelings
I was experiencing would disappear when I finally got to talk to Tre in person. I hadn't been kidding when I told Adrienne things had been weird on the phone between us. It wasn't necessarily a negative happening, just something that left me feeling a little leery about where we stood, as neither of us had bothered to bring up our relationship, which meant we were left to make small talk on the phone. I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that I practically moved in with Adrienne and the boys to take care of her when Billie Joe and the guys left again. I think he felt unsure of Adrienne's feelings about us which made it hard for him to move on and start fresh, but the lack of drive to move forward in our relationship was starting to wear on me and I was hoping these couple of days together would be enough to get the ball rolling, again, no pun intended.
A few hours later we were sitting in our parent's living room as mom fussed over us and dad sat in his recliner watching the Discovery Channel, a very normal happening.
"When will the boys be here?" Mom asked, peering at us over her coffee mug.
Adrienne shrugged. "They were flying out of Illinois this morning around 10, they should be here soon."
"Oh good. And you girls don't mind fending for yourselves tonight?" Mom asked for about the tenth time. "I could stay home from my book meeting." She offered.
I almost laughed out loud when our dad looked over from his chair and gave an exasperated sigh. "For pity's sake Lois, leave them alone. They're old enough to spend a few hours by themselves." He scolded, turning back to watch TV.
Adrienne and I hid our laughter inside of our coffee cups as we took another drink.
"Oh shush you old loon, I was just making sure." Mom shot back, sputtering to herself as she set her coffee cup down on the end table.
"Well, you've done your part with making sure about twelve times." He muttered in reply. "Put a sock in it."
"Harold, don't make me come over there and take the batteries out of your remote control. God forbid you can't watch your stupid fishing show!" Mom threatened, pointing her finger in his direction.
I hid my smile behind my hands, this was just like being 15 and living at home again.
"YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY, WOMAN!" Dad replied, throwing his hands in the air. Mom rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand at him.
Just then we heard a small knock at the front door followed by Billie Joe calling, "Hello!"
"DAD!" Joey and Jakob chorused, lifting themselves off of the floor from where they had been playing with their Game Boys under Adrienne's feet. They scurried out into the next room as Adrienne and mom stood up and followed them.
"UNCLE TRE! UNCLE MIKE!" Jakob was yelling. I heard a lot of greetings and feet shuffling as they were no doubt being pulled in for hugs. I stayed where I was, letting mom have her moment to fuss over them.
"I'm so glad you're staying with us for the next two nights. Take your coats off, boys. I made lemonade!"
I could almost see Billie Joe's amused expression for where I sat. He loved his mother-in-law dearly but sometimes she really could be too much.
"That woman is going to have a heart attack and die if she doesn't stop fussing." Dad mumbled from his recliner.
I smiled as he stood up out of his chair, dropping a quick kiss on my forehead as he passed. "Coming?" He asked curiously.
I nodded, feeling a little nervous and excited at the same time. I wasn't exactly sure how everything was going to play out with Tre and me, not having left our relationship on clear terms.
We stepped in the kitchen to find everyone already sitting around the kitchen table. Jakob was shoving a chocolate chip cookie in his mouth as he sat perched in Billie Joe's lap. Joey was sitting in the chair next to him, just about as close to his dad's side as he could be, as they both chattered at him. Mike was sitting next to mom, making her blush when he took off his jacket to reveal his newest tattoo. She blushed even more profusely and giggled like a schoolgirl when she reached out to touch his tattooed bicep, and only after he insisted she should.
I glanced around the kitchen. Where the fuck was Tre?
Dad took a seat between Adrienne and Mike, reaching across the table to where a huge plate of chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies sat. "How's the show going?" He asked Billie Joe who smiled and leaned over to answer him. "Great."
I walked over and planted a kiss in Mike's hair, ruffling it a little. He looked up in surprise, not having heard me approach.
"Hey you!" He said standing up and pulling me into a big hug.
"You get a new tattoo?" I asked as he nodded. "Yeah, I was just showing your mom. I got it about a week ago."
I was just about to comment on it when I heard Tre call from behind us, "Hey Mrs. N, can I have some lemonade?" I turned to see him making his way from the back hallway where one of the guest bedrooms was. He winked as he passed me, making my stomach flutter a little. My eyes drank in the sight of his toned back and his ass as he sauntered by in a pair of torn dark jeans and a tight black t-shirt.
My mother was more than happy to oblige as she stood up and led him into the kitchen. "Tre you know you can call me Lois." She said, pouring him a glass as they chatted.
I watched him lean against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest and reminded myself about seven times that my family was present and tackling him to the kitchen floor would make everyone else feel a little awkward... but it would benefit me greatly. Mike sat back down at the table when he realized my attention was directed elsewhere and instantly started up a conversation with my dad about football. I continued to stand behind Mike's chair, sneaking looks at Tre every so often and secretly plotting how to get him alone.
We sat around talking for a little while before mom announced she had to get going to her book meeting.
"I'll drop you on my way to my poker game, that way your car will be here if the kids need to use one." Dad said, standing out of his chair. He paused in the doorway looking thoughtful, "Hey boys, do you want to go?" He asked, directing his attention to his two grandsons.
"I do!" Joey called out, looking up at his dad for permission. "Can we go dad?"
Billie Joe shrugged. "It's fine with me. But you better mind your grandpa or I'll box your ears, okay?"
Joey nodded as Jakob squirmed to climb out of Billie's lap. "Grandpa I wanna hold your cards!"
Adrienne smiled. "Call if they get to be too much of a handful for you, Dad. We'll probably go get something to eat in town but we don't have any plans beyond that so we'll be around."
Dad smiled. "I'm not worried about it." He replied, taking his grandsons' hands.
Mom appeared in the doorway with her purse looking rather chipper. "See you around 9!" She called out, kissing Mike's cheek because he was the closest to her and because she thinks he has a 'hot bod', as she once informed me. I'm still trying to recover from that.
When the door closed I leaned back in my chair. "9? Christ, what do they do for five hours?" I pondered out loud as Adrienne snickered. "They drink Shirley Temples and gossip about their husbands."
I laughed as Mike nodded, "Yeah, I saw no book in her hand."
Tre was sitting across the table from me and had yet to really say anything to me or to anyone in general. I felt a little disappointed in our lack of interaction.
"So what's the plan?" Billie Joe asked, stretching a little and cracking his neck as he wrapped an arm around the back of Adrienne's chair.
"I figured we would use this chunk of time while they're gone to decorate the hall we rented for tomorrow night." Adrienne answered as he nodded thoughtfully.
"We as in you and Ava? Or 'we' as in all of us?" He asked playfully. "Because I could do with a beer and a nap right about now."
"Smartass. You're helping too." She answered back, leaning over to plant a kiss on his lips before getting out of her chair.
I leaned against Mike playfully, shooting a pointed look at my brother-in-law across the table. "We really just wanted Mike to help... and Jason... they're tall, they can reach things. And more importantly they can hang the decorations higher than a small child's eye level." I joked as Billie Joe looked offended. "Hey, I resent that. I may be short but damn it I can hang some mean crape paper. Bring on the fucking decorations!" I giggled at his determination and then frowned as Tre remained silent, staring down at his hands. Something was definitely going on with him, there had been about a million opportunities for him to make a wiseass remark and he hadn't taken one of them. Mike and Billie Joe didn't seem too concerned with his behavior so I pushed it aside as we all clamored to our feet and were ushered into mom's car by Adrienne. After much debate about who was riding where the three guys crammed into the backseat, shoving at each other.
"Who just touched my ass?" Billie Joe asked suspiciously from his place between Mike and Tre. I curiously peered into the backseat to see Tre grinning evilly. "Oh, I thought that was my ass." He muttered. Billie Joe eyed him carefully. "You're a fucking moron, how do you figure that?"
Tre shrugged. "You're in the middle which means you're the bitch... I can do to you what I please." He offered casually.
"GIRLFIGHT." Mike called out. "And you're both bitches if you ask me."
Adrienne's eyes locked on her rear view mirror, giving the three in the back a dirty look. "I'm not starting this car until you sit back in your seat and put your seatbelt on."
"He started it." Billie Joe pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.
Tre chortled in disbelief. "I did no such thing Miss Billie."
I laughed at this new pet name as Adrienne shot me a sideways glance. "Don't encourage them, Ava. It only does them a disservice when they think they're funny."
"Oh come on, it WAS funny. Miss Billie? Sounds like a transvestite's name or something."
Tre piped up. "It's a bitch's name."
I couldn't resist peering around my seat again to see Billie Joe's reaction, and as I suspected he was looking quite unimpressed. "I see no humor here... and I want a formal apology from Tre before we go any further."
I watched as Tre crossed his arms over his chest playfully mocking Billie Joe.
"We'll be sitting in this driveway for an awful long time... bitch." Tre mumbled.
Adrienne sighed. "Swear to God if I have to come back there... "
Tre surprised us all when he suddenly threw his right leg over Billie Joe's lap and pinned him to the seat, grabbing the sides of his face and kissing him passionately. Billie Joe's arms flew around Tre in a dramatic manner as Tre pulled Billie Joe against him and turned in the seat, which amazingly enough sent Billie flying half on the floor of the car and half into Mike's lap. Tre eagerly pounced on him and began licking Billie's face. "This is my apology Miss Billie, take it or leave it!"
"HEY! What the fuck!" Mike complained, trying to shove Tre to his own side of the car. "Stop it!"
Billie was reduced to laughter as Tre continued to straddle him and paw at him playfully.
"Break it up!" Adrienne half heartedly scolded from beside me, glancing in her rear view mirror and then turning around fully in her seat so she could see better. I watched in amusement as Billie Joe made biting motions at Tre and reached up to touch his own nipples. "You make me so hot." He mused up at the man above him, licking his lips as Tre giggled and seductively mimicked Billie Joe's motions, rubbing at his own nipples under his shirt.
"Christ on a Crutch, must you two get each other off on the floor of your mother-in-law's car? Can't you wait until later?" Mike grumbled, trying not to laugh at their display.
Tre fixed his eyes on Mike still rubbing his nipples. "You want some loving too, Mikey?" He asked, breathing heavily just for show.
Billie Joe shifted a little under Tre so that his head was resting comfortably on Mike's thigh.
"Yeah Mikey, want some of this?" He asked sucking on his finger, closing his eyes as he did so. At this point Mike was laughing so hard he could hardly form words as he shook his head no.
Adrienne seemed to sober from her laughing first. "Ava, you ride in the back with Tre and Mike... Billie Joe obviously needs his own seat." I giggled more as Tre moved off of Billie Joe who was struggling to sit up.
He looked perplexed. "Guys... I'm stuck in the fucking crack."
That set the car off into another fit of laughter as Tre slapped his thighs with his hands in amusement. "That's the second time you've said that to me just TODAY." He mumbled between laughter.
Adrienne finally reached behind her seat and grabbed Billie Joe's hand. "Sit up." She commanded. "We have to get going!"
I unbuckled my seatbelt as he straightened a little. "You climb back first... there's no way we're both going to fit up there." Billie Joe advised. I shrugged and climbed over the consol, placing a hand on Tre's knee for balance as Billie Joe maneuvered around me, pushing at my midsection. I panicked for about a half a second before I realized that I was going to land in Tre's lap. Darn.
"Hi." I giggled as Tre wrapped his arms around me, steadying me in his lap.
"Hi." He responded, dropped a quick kiss on my cheek.
We watched from the back as Billie Joe got situated in my previously vacated seat, leaning over to give Adrienne a lingering apologetic kiss for wasting time. After a few moments they pulled away. "We ready?" She asked glancing into the backseat where I sat still perched in Tre's lap. I nodded, lacing my fingers through Tre's and wrapping his arms further around me as he nuzzled his face into my neck.
Adrienne smiled a little, looking unsure of how she felt towards our outward display of affection, but she didn't say anything as she turned the car on and backed out of the driveway en route to the reception hall. "We decorate and then we get food, okay?" She asked, turning to look at Billie Joe. I saw him nod his head as he reached over and held her hand over the console. "Sounds good, baby."
"You fuckass, get back here with the banner!" Billie Joe yelled at Tre who was running around wildly with a piece of streamer wrapped around his head.
Adrienne and I stood shaking our heads as we situated the tables Mike had helped us set up. "I'll go." Adrienne volunteered when neither Mike nor I moved to amend the banner situation. We watched as she walked away to try and entrap Tre.
"I can't believe I love him." I muttered to Mike who chuckled and handed me one end of a table cloth. "Help me spread this out." He said walking over to the other end. We covered about fifteen tables, looking up occasionally when we heard a crash and someone giggling.
When we were done we walked over to stand with Adrienne who was leaning against the bar, looking highly entertained as Billie Joe stood on a table, motioning to Tre to come closer so he could climb on his shoulders. They came to the conclusion together that this would be the best way to hang up some of the remaining signs.
"No, I don't see this turning out badly at all." Adrienne muttered sarcastically to Mike and I who looked on with a mixture of amusement and concern.
"You have to duck down a little." Billie Joe was advising wisely. Tre nodded in agreement, acknowledging his advice and bending down.
"Does anyone want to tell them that there are other ways to hang the fucking signs besides Billie Joe climbing on to Tre's shoulders?" Mike inquired as Adrienne and I turned to give him a funny look.
"And miss this? Are you kidding?" I replied, turning my attention back to the two men across the room.
Billie Joe had just swung one leg over Tre's shoulder and was attempting to swing the other one over while holding on to Tre's head with one hand and holding the sign in the other. Tre winced a little as Billie's weight rested entirely on him.
"Dude, you're pulling my fucking hair." Tre whined as he swayed a little, causing Billie Joe to tip to the right.
"Stop moving around, damn it!" Billie Joe replied, cursing under his breath and looking down at the top of Tre's mohawk. "Shit... uh, Tre... I need you to walk over to the table over there and grab the tape."
This time it was Tre's turn to curse under his breath. "Are you fucking kidding me? You're not exactly feather light, you know. I'm not really enjoying hauling your ass around the room like we're on some sort of fucking parade." Tre pointed out as the two men swayed again, this time Billie Joe dropped the sign as Tre very carefully turned around to glare at the three of us still leisurely lounging on the bar. I dissolved into laughter when Tre put his hands on his hips, which was difficult because Billie Joe's feet were dangling near his waist.
"I'm glad the three of you are finding this so amusing." He muttered. "Don't bother to help us or anything." He added sarcastically.
Mike grinned and turned to me. "Ten bucks says that Billie Joe falls backwards and breaks his head open on a table."
Adrienne chuckled. "Make it twenty and I'm in."
"HEY." Billie Joe and Tre chorused, both looking mildly irritated at our amusement and the lack of help we were providing.
Mike shrugged. "You deserve this... neither of you were intelligent enough to think to stand on a CHAIR, or to ask me to help, therefore you deserve our ridicule... you dumbasses."
I giggled at Mike's comment as I reached into my purse for my camera phone. I aimed it at them, earning a middle finger from both and a smile from Tre.
"Beautiful." I mumbled before flipping my phone closed and sauntering over to grab the tape off a near by table and then picking the sign off the floor.
I walked over to where Tre and Billie Joe were still struggling to get comfortable as Billie Joe gripped Tre's head.
I shook my head. "Okay, please get off his shoulders... you're officially making me nervous." I requested as Billie stared down at me in amusement. "Or at the very least let ME climb on him because I hardly think it's fair that you're only able to." I joked, looking at Tre who smirked.
"Yeah, I'm in favor of that." He grinned.
Billie Joe shrugged. "Yeah, alright."
I watched as Tre carefully walked over to a table and squatted a little so Billie Joe's feet rested on the table before he pushed at his ass and helped him stand upright.
"Good, okay... umm, Mikey will you help me hang this?" Billie called out from where he stood on the table looking sheepish.
"You know what's funny? Even sitting on Tre's shoulders I'm STILL taller than you... " Mike was muttering as he walked over.
I stared at Tre for a moment as he grinned back at me. "I'm going out for a cigarette, wanna come with me?" I asked as he nodded in agreement, knowing full well it wasn't nicotine I was craving.
"Be right back." I called out to the other occupants of the room. Mike and Billie Joe had busied themselves hanging up the signs where Adrienne directed so they hardly noticed us slip out of the back door. Once outside I felt Tre's arms slide around my waist as he walked me backwards against the side of the building. As my back made contact with the wall his lips made contact with my mouth. I let out a content sigh, as my fingers traveled up his arms to where his hands were cupping my face.
"Finally." I mumbled when he dipped his head to kiss my neck. I ran my fingers through his messy hair as he trailed a line of kisses from my neck, over my jaw, to my cheek, finally landing on my lips again.
"I wanted to tackle you on that kitchen floor when I first saw you." He admitted in a rather husky voice as he continued to nibble on my bottom lip.
I giggled against his mouth. "I was thinking the same thing when you came walking out of the back bedroom." I replied closing my eyes when I felt his warm breath on my neck again, relishing in the fact that his hands seemed to be everywhere all at once.
He murmured something in reply that I didn't hear and I was just about to ask what it was when Mike came strolling out of the back door.
"Alright you two, don't make me get the hose." He teased, chuckling to himself.
Tre turned his head and glared. "Run along, we're busy."
I giggled as he turned back to me and pulled me closer against him.
Mike sighed dramatically. "Ahh young love." He paused for a moment to bat his eyelashes and then he looked serious again. "But no really, we're done in here and we're fucking hungry so could you do this later?" He inquired.
I turned to look at Tre who was staring at me with disappointed eyes.
I shrugged. "I'm kinda hungry. And you are too." I muttered running a hand over his stomach. "Your tummy is growling."
Tre smirked. "But it doesn't only want food." He replied, arching his eyebrow for effect. "My body requires other things to make it function too, you know."
I giggled a little and pushed at his midsection as I started walking towards Mike. "Come on, I'll even let you touch my thigh during dinner."
Mike chuckled as Tre grudgingly turned and walked after me. "And that's why you two are getting your own fucking table."
After dinner we hurried home and were relieved to see we that our parents weren't back yet, which meant they would hopefully suspect nothing. Joey and Jakob didn't know about the surprise party because we feared that one of them would accidentally let something slip, Adrienne and I were surprised that we somehow had managed to keep them in the dark for almost three months but we had succeeded so far. We had just sat down to watch some TV when they came walking through the front door.
"Hello!" Mom called out, giddily strolling into the den. "How was your night?" She asked, sitting on the arm of the chair Mike happened to be occupying.
We all nodded neutrally, Adrienne nominating herself to be the spokesperson. "It was fine, we grabbed some dinner at The Depot and came back."
Mom nodded, smiling. "Good. Well, I'm going to go pull out some extra towels and such for everyone. Does anyone need anything while I'm up?" She asked.
I shook my head. "No mom, we're good. Thanks though."
She winked at me as she left the room. A few seconds later the boys came running into the room.
"Grandpa rented us movies!" Jakob announced, climbing up on the couch between his parents as Joey settled down on the floor next to me.
"Oh yeah? What did you get?" Billie Joe asked, taking the cases from him so he could look. "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Crash."
"Crash is really good." I said, nudging Joey. "Good choice."
He shrugged. "Grandpa picked that one out... Jakob picked out the thumb one."
I grinned. "The thumb one, huh?" I giggled as Joey nodded and snuggled closer to my side, looking rather sleepy. "You better go up to bed otherwise you're going to fall asleep on the floor Joester."
"I think that's a good idea, bud." Adrienne said. "How about we get you and Jakey set up on the air mattress in our room and you can watch your movie in there?"
Joey shook his head and whined, "No, I want to stay out here with aunt Ava and uncle Tre and uncle Mike." He wiped sleepily at his eyes and yawned a little as his head slumped against my shoulder.
Billie Joe got off the couch and scooped the unwillingly boy up in his arms quickly. "You'll get to see them tomorrow." He insisted as Joey whined some more, but his head quickly surrendered to his dad's shoulder as we bid him and Jakob goodnight, Adrienne carrying the youngest boy out of the room.
I was so comfortable on the floor amongst my pillows and blankets that I didn't even bother to move to claim the couch that Adrienne and Billie Joe had just vacated. I glanced over at Tre who was sprawled out on the love seat a couple feet away and smiled, both him and Mike looked exhausted. Awhile later Adrienne and Billie Joe wandered back into the den also looking exhausted.
"Well, they're down." Adrienne announced plopping down on the couch, pulling Billie Joe down with her.
"Should we put in the movie?" I asked. "Or are you guys too tired?"
Mike shrugged. "I could watch a movie."
I shifted to look at Tre who also nodded. "What about you? Can you sit through a WHOLE movie ADD boy?" I teased as he smirked and slid off the couch, crawling towards me in what would be a menacing manner had I not been picturing him naked and feeding me strawberries dipped in chocolate.
I giggled as he hovered above me, looking unsure of whether he wanted to tickle me or kiss me. In the end he chose to plop down on me.
"Ouch, get off." I complained as he laid his head on my chest with a thud and threw his arm over my midsection.
"I'm using you as my pillow." He explained matter-o-factly as he nuzzled his cheek against my chest.
"Pig." I muttered, pushing at his head and giggling.
I heard dad enter the room. "Are you kids watching the movie?" He asked, peering curiously down at Tre and me where we laid tangled together.
"I think so." I replied as Tre shifted again, looking a little embarrassed as he released the hold he had on me.
Dad smirked, looking at all of us. "I don't know, you guys look pretty tired."
Adrienne stretched her feet out languidly. "How was your poker game, dad?"
He nodded and sat down on the love seat. "It was fun, I taught the boys how to swindle money from the guys at the lodge."
Adrienne sighed as Billie Joe chuckled. "I'm glad you're teaching the boys morals dad." She mumbled as mom breezed back into the room wearing her robe and slippers.
"Okay, there are fresh towels laid out for everyone. Who wants popcorn for the movie?" She asked cheerfully as Tre stifled a laugh from next to me.
"Mike dear, would you like some popcorn?" She pressed, grinning over at him.
He looked sheepishly at the rest of us who resisted the urge to make fun of him while our mother was still in the room... there was always later.
"Sure Lois, that would be great." He replied, smiling kindly.
Tre moved to stand up suddenly. "I'll help you Mrs. N." He offered as she smiled appreciatively at him and pinched his cheek.
"Thank you dear, I'll even let you pick out the kind you want!" She replied gleefully.
Billie Joe chortled from the couch. "It's official Tre, your lips are actually molded to her ass now."
I heard the sound of Adrienne slapping his arm as Mike chuckled.
I looked over at my dad who was watching me intently from where he sat on the love seat, and I could tell he was trying to figure out if Billie Joe's remark was stemming from something worth talking about later or if he was just dicking around.
Tre emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with a massive bowl of popcorn for everyone to share, which conveniently ended up in his lap. Mom and dad stuck around for some of the movie, but they had a bedtime of 10:00 and they preferred to get their rest so after some more of mom's fussing they turned in for the night leaving us 'kids' downstairs.
I began to get a little sleepy towards the end of the movie and I knew once I laid down I was going to have a tough time staying awake. Tre sat on the floor next to me during the movie but he maintained a safe distance which confused me at first, but then I figured it must have something to do with his Adrienne complex. Although I still couldn't figure out his back and forth with being okay with displays of affections sometimes and not others. I chalked it up to him being a guy, I figured it was a sure-fire explanation but annoying none the less.
I must have dozed off because when I woke up awhile later Mike wasn't in his chair and the TV screen was glowing a bright blue, covering the room in a weird tint. I moved to stretch a little when I realized suddenly that someone was curled up behind me, keeping me warm. I smiled to myself as I looked down and saw Tre's arm draped over my waist and his other arm up over our heads, enveloping me with his body as he slept soundly. Eager to take advantage of his warmth and comfort I snuggled closer to his chest as he stirred a little, his hand cradling my hip as he pulled me closer to him, mumbling in my ear.
I smiled sleepily, rolling over on to my back so I could see his face. As I turned over he cracked one eye open and smiled a little.
"Hi sleepy."
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face, he was just too adorable with his half crushed pillow hair and his sleepy blue eyes.
"What time is it?" I asked, reaching for the arm that was slung over my waist to look at his watch. "2:35."
He nodded. "Everyone went to bed about an hour ago."
I turned on my side and reached up to stroke his cheek. "You could have woken me up." I replied as he shook his head.
"You looked too cute all snuggled into the blankets... and besides I hate having to wake you up, you always bitch me out afterwards." He muttered, rubbing his eyes a little before leaning closer.
"I do like my sleep." I agreed, grinning at him as I touched my nose to his.
"That you do."
I shifted a little pushing at his shoulder so he would lay flat on his back. He did so, without much of a fight but with a curious smirk instead.
"Know what I like better?" I asked, shedding the blanket from around my shoulders as I straddled him, placing my hands on his t-shirt covered chest.
The smile on his face could have lit up the four corners of the earth.
"Oh, do tell." He murmured reaching up to grip my hips, his thumbs rubbing slightly against the warm skin just under my shirt.
I was just about to answer when he cut me off. "Actually, you know what? Don't tell me. I want to figure it out for myself." He practically growled as he sat up a little propping his back against the couch as he cradled me close to his body, leaning up to capture my mouth in a warm kiss. I couldn't help the moan that escaped my lips as he stroked the skin under my t-shirt and thoroughly explored my mouth at the same time. I gripped his shoulders as he pulled me blissfully closer to him, practically crushing my lips against his. I almost sighed when I felt his fingers frantically searching for the hem of my t-shirt, and once he found it he ripped it over my head, leaning forward instantly to cover my collarbone and chest in small kisses, his fingertips delicately tracing the lines of my bra and my stomach.
I shivered and moved closer to the warmth he was providing, realizing suddenly that we were in the den of my parents house about ready to have sex on the floor. I reacted to that realization immediately, pulling back from Tre who looked up at me in confusion.
"What? You want to stop?" He asked, his eyes pleading for me to say 'no'.
I almost laughed at his look of desperation. "Oh God no." I replied shaking my head. "I just think we should go upstairs." I whispered, causing his eyebrow to arch curiously.
"Upstairs? As in your childhood bedroom? As in adjacent to your parent's room?" He murmured as I nodded and smirked. "Does that make you uncomfortable?" I inquired, knowing damn well this was a ridiculous question.
He tilted his head a little. "Does that make YOU uncomfortable?" He replied, smirking a little to let me know he had no hang ups over the matter at hand.
"You're a dirty man." I teased as he chuckled. "I would ask you if you would have sex in YOUR parent's house but that's pointless. You were having sex before you could multiply numbers together."
He grinned a little, his hands still cradling my hips. "It's up to you, Ava, if you're uncomfortable with having sex next door to your folks that's understandable. Personally, I would fuck you in the pew of a church DURING the service... but that's just me." He offered as I giggled and buried my face in his neck.
"I love you." I whispered into his ear as he turned to kiss the side of my head.
I felt him smile. "I love you too."
I pulled back to look at him, searching his face and his blue eyes for a moment before grinning. "Then take me upstairs."
