Page 7 of Lily

5

Lily

The next morning, I wake up early. Devin is sleeping peacefully by my side, so I decide to make us some breakfast. On my way out of his room, I grab one of his shirts from the closet and throw it on, and then I grab my phone from the pocket of last night’s jeans.

I didn’t get a very good look at the place last night, but it is very nice. It’s large and modern and looks expensive. There are immaculate marble countertops in the kitchen, a professional grade stove, and the biggest refrigerator I’ve ever seen in my life. I start peeking into the cupboards to see what I’m working with when my phone rings. I pick it up quickly, not wanting to wake Devin.

“Hello,” I say quietly, standing on my toes to reach a high shelf.Olive oil, perfect!

“Where the hell are you?” It’s Riley, and she doesn’t sound happy.

“Ri? I’m with Devin, is something wrong?”

“Well, it’s not every day you swing by to treat your baby sister to coffee only to find her MIA. Really, Lils, you should’ve let one of us know where you’d be.”

I feel bad. I know I should’ve let someone know. Not because I don’t trust Devin, but because all of us like to drop in on each other like this occasionally. I can’t imagine how worried I’d be if I showed up at Riley’s and she hadn’t gone home.

“I’m sorry, Ri. I just got caught up. I have to tell you what happened, though!” I could hear my voice go high with my excitement. “We finally said ‘I love you’ last night!”

“Finally? Lils, you’ve only been dating for like a month. Don’t you think you’re moving a little fast?”

“No,” I say firmly. “Iknowthis is right, Ri. I can feel it in my soul.”

“Wow, sappy much?” Ri laughs, and I laugh along with her.

“I know,” I groan as I search for a mixing bowl and a frying pan. “But it’s true, Ri. I don’t know how else to explain it. He wants me to go home with him for the holidays and meet his family inLondon!”

“London? Wow, that’s a long way from home. But a beautiful city. I think you’d love it there. Do you think you’re going to go?”

“I’m not sure, actually. God knows I want to, but I don’t know what the plane ticket will cost or if I’ll be able to afford it. As far as I know, we’d be staying with his family, so I won’t have to worry about a hotel at least.”

“I’m sure I can help you out a bit if you need it. I don’t exactly agree with you jumping into this relationship, but you’re a grown woman, so I’ll respect your decision. If he hurts you, though, I’ll take him out.”

“Okay, Ri,” I laugh. “I’ll let you know if it comes to that.”

“Good. I’ve got to head to work, so I’ll talk to you later. Text me when you get home.”

“Okay. Bye, Ri, love you.”

“Love you too, little sis.”

As soon as I hang up, a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind.

I really hope he didn’t hear that conversation. How embarrassing.

He kisses me on the top of my head, looking over my shoulder to see what I’m cooking.

“Bacon and eggs,” I say. “I found your olive oil, too. I hope you don’t mind. I don’t like cooking my eggs in butter very much.”

He smiles and steps away, then pulls out some bread and tomatoes.

“It’s more than fine, love. You can always make yourself at home here. And I certainly don’t mind you making me breakfast.” Devin winks and pops a few slices of crusty bread into the toaster oven before washing and slicing the tomatoes and layering them on two plates. He doesn’t say anything about my phone conversation, and I can’t help but feel relieved. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m determined to save enough for the trip. He doesn’t need to know.

---