Page 22 of Our Promise
Gavin moved to Lorielle, pulling her in for a hug. “Thank you, sis.”
She kissed his cheek. “Anytime.”
When Gavin left out, he pulled Lorielle fully against him, his arms locking around her waist.
“Are you okay?” she asked, staring up at him. A soft hand caressed the back of his neck as the other held on to his bicep.
“I’m nervous, but Gavin’s a smart kid. I just pray he doesn’t get caught up in that lifestyle. I don’t want him on drugs and fucking on all those girls?—”
“Shhh.” She put a finger to his lips. “He won’t. You said it yourself. He’s a smart kid, and he had you and Mr. B to look up to his whole life. He’ll be fine.”
He nodded his head. “Thanks for saying that.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled brightly. “I’m proud of you.”
He lowered his head. “Show me how much,” he murmured over her lips.
She released a slight chuckle. “You’re horrible.”
She said that, but leaned up, pressing her lips fully against his.
Benny controlled the kiss, not wanting it to get too hot and heavy. Someone would be looking for them soon. Their time would come.
“Meet me back here after cocoa by the fire.”
They still had family activities planned, though the sole reason for them coming out was for Jo and Trey.
Elle threw her hand on her hip. “Are you asking or telling?”
He stole a kiss. “I’m asking very nicely.”
Benny wasn’t sure she would be there, but he had high hopes. Yes, she was being affectionate now, but that could change in an instant. Get Lorielle alone with her thoughts and she could do a complete one-eighty.
Benny’s phone went off in his pocket. He pulled it out to see it was Jo calling.
“We made it,” Jo said once he answered the phone. “I tried to call Elle, but she didn’t answer.”
He put his phone on speaker. “Here she is.”
“Of course you have her held up. What are y’all doing?”
Elle laughed before responding. “Gavin was in here as well. He was telling Benny about the group.”
“Whew, thank God!” Jo released a heavy sigh. “I was tired of keeping it a secret.”
Benny frowned. “Everyone knew besides me?”
“Benny, you’ve been talking about Gavin coming to work with you since he started high school. We all knew how you would feel when he told you he didn’t want to.”
“He did good though, girl.” Elle spoke up.
“What!” Jo yelled. “Little brother, you feeling okay?”
He kissed his teeth. He was over the conversation. “Talk to your girl.” He turned to Lorielle. “When you’re finished, you can bring me my phone.” He snuck in another kiss hoping it would hold him over until that night.
Nightfall came,and it was a beautiful night under the stars with people he loved. They all sat around the fire pit, conversing on many topics as they drank their cocoa. After that, Gavin broke out his guitar. He and Lorielle sat close and made eyes at each other all night, but that wasn’t enough. Benny couldn’t wait until he had her to himself.
“I can say this trip was a success and your mother is the happiest she has ever been,” his father spoke. It was only the two of them outside now.
