Chapter 13

Orion

I thought finding a place to live closer to the office would've been easier. But I offered mine before I really gave where I was going to stay, any thought. When I gave Raya the keys to my place last night, I let her know that she could start moving in whenever she wanted. I went there early this morning and grabbed what I needed to hold me for a while. Never thought I'd be living out of suitcases. But it was better than telling Raya I needed my house longer than I thought.

"What do you mean, you need to stay with me for a few days? I thought you said that you had a place closer to the office?" Mayson said.

"Yeah. I'm working on that."

"You can stay with me as long as you need to. I just don't get why you need to. You have a big house. Why are you not staying there?" he asked.

I sat on his couch and cracked open the cold beer he had tossed at me. "Because I gave the keys to Raya so she can get her stuff in there," I explained.

"And you can't stay there with her?" I shot him a warning look and he quickly added, "Got it. No. You can't. Maybe I misread how close you two are. But I wouldn't be surprised if you're more interested in her than you want to admit. Hell, I'd go as far as saying, you're falling in love with her."

That was it. He crossed the line. "I am not falling in love," I said firmly.

He didn't even flinch. "Right. You give the keys to your house to a woman who you're not interested in and now you have no place to live yourself. But you're not in love. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Oh wait. It doesn't. No one would ever buy the fact that you did all of this just to be nice. I know you're nice, but not this nice."

"Do I need to remind you that it is none of your business?" I stated.

"No. But I'm not the one who will be sleeping on the couch. Figured that I would help you think of options. One that would be more...comfortable than my old couch," he teased.

"Thanks, but I don't need your help."

"Right. You just need my couch," he laughed. He got up and said, "It's all yours. And don't worry, I'll honor your request and not tell anyone that you're staying here. Trust me, I don't want anyone knowing either.

"Good." The last thing I wanted was for the media to show up here. Not that I believed Raya was tracking what was on the news, but I'd rather her not know just yet. I'd tell her, unless I found a place first.

"I've got a date and with any luck, I won't be home until morning. You know how to lock up when you leave."

Mayson headed out the door and I leaned back against the couch. I wasn't going anywhere tonight. I had texted Raya earlier letting her know I would see her tomorrow, but we would talk later. She seemed okay with it. Said she had a lot of things to take care of herself. Now I had plenty of time to sit and do...nothing. Nothing but think.

My mind hadn't stopped thinking about what Mayson said. Love? What did he know about love? Mayson avoided serious relationships like they were something fatal. I knew him well enough to know that he was just using the L word to get a rise out of me. He'd pushed my buttons his entire life. Usually, I didn't fall for it. This time, I walked right into the trap. He must be gloating to himself right now.

I had a lot on my mind. That was a good excuse for falling for it. But even as I sat there, I knew it was something more. Was it love? I wasn't sure. Never been in love ever. I'd had serious feelings for a woman before, but not love. I did know that whatever it was, the feelings were strong and seemed to be growing each time I saw or spoke to her. And I didn't want it to stop.

She was the most understanding and independent woman I'd ever met. Raya gave me my space to do what I needed to get done, and what she wanted the same for herself. But when we were together, the focus was on us, no distraction. One might say this was a perfect relationship. We still hadn't even discussed if this was one. But the way we kissed, it sure wasn't like a friend. It was a promise of what was to come.

No rush on either of our parts. Somehow, we both were on the same page. It was going to happen, but only when we were ready, and when, we were sure.

When I could say I love you.

Neither of us were virgins. I just knew that what I wanted with Raya wasn't something short-term. She was right. I had bought that house for a reason. Never had I thought I'd be moving out. Not that I wanted a dozen children, but a few sounded good to me. That house was meant to be filled with laughter and love. The entire time I lived there, most of the time all I did was read and sleep. But she was going to give it life. Raya was going to make it a home. Something I could never do. It would be nice if one day I lived in it with them too.

This is what pushing my buttons has done, Mayson. Now I can't stop thinking about her and she's busy tonight so I can't even see her. Thanks.

Was she really busy? Had she only said that because I told her I had a lot to do? Either way, my night was planned. Hopefully finding a place that was vacant and convenient.

I shouldn't complain. Mayson was allowing me to crash on his couch. All I needed to do was put up with his little digs. But he was right. I had options. I could go and get a room at the resort, but Raya would definitely find out about that. Telling her the truth was another, but then she would probably back out of being at my house. I sure in hell didn't want that. And if she by chance asked me to stay with them, that wouldn't be right either. Joey and Raya needed time alone. Time to settle into their new lives here.

There was even more to think about. If I lived with them, it wouldn't look right, and we'd be the talk of Tabiq. Not good for the school administrator or the Vice President to be shacked up. Not that it should matter, but people would say that we weren't good role models for their children. I could see their point.

Unfortunately, it was Mayson's house or my grandmother's. For all the razzing Mayson gave me, it was still better than trying to explain any of this to my grandmother. She could read me well and would know when I was lying. She was someone I needed to avoid.

As though she knew I was thinking of her, my phone rang, and it was her. If I didn't answer, she would call again. And if I avoided her too much, she would call Mayson, who would love to share his speculation with her.

I answered the call and held my breath. "Orion, why have I not heard from you today?"

"Grandmother, I was going to call, but I realized how late it was. I know you go to bed early," I said. That was true.

"And how am I to sleep when I don't know if you're safe?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I be safe?" I asked.

"You are not the school administrator any longer. As Vice President, you will have people who disagree with your policies. Some of those are willing to do anything to prevent them from taking effect. You cannot go about your life as you have been. I want you to promise me that you will call me every night when you get home. Is that clear?" she ordered.

"Yes, Grandmother. I promise. From now on, I will call you each night. But you do know that I am busy and sometimes I will need to call before I get home so I don't wake you," I explained.

"Good. Because I have not forgotten about that dream. Have you?" she asked.

I had no idea what she was talking about. "No, I haven't," I lied. Big mistake. By her long pause, I knew she was about to call me out on it.

"Orion. This is not something you should take lightly. I meant what I said. You are going to suffer pain like you've never experienced. Your heart is going to break. Listen to me. Prepare yourself for it. It is coming whether you like it or not," she said.

Fuck. That crazy dream. Now I remember.

"I will be careful. I will prepare myself" I said. Not sure how to prepare for something you don't even believe will happen but for her, I would try.

"Good. You know I am only telling you this to protect you," she said.

"I know, Grandmother. I love you, but it is late, and you should go to bed," I said.

"Yes. I'm tired. I'm very tired tonight. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you, Orion. Good night," she said, ending the call.

At first, I thought I had gotten lucky with her cutting the call short, but then I couldn't help but worry about why she was so willing to let me go so easily. That wasn't like her at all. She did sound tired. Should I call her? Drive over and check on her? What if she really was just tired and all she needed was sleep? She would remind me that she raised me, and not the other way around. Stubborn woman. Maybe I should wait and call her in the morning. If she still sounded tired, then I wouldn't wait and make her come with me to get checked out.

There was one last call I wanted to make before calling it a night. I dialed Raya's number.

"Hello Orion. How are you?" her sweet voice filled the room.

"I'm good. Just getting ready for bed, but wanted to see how your day went," I said.

"It was okay. I told Joey about the house."

"Was he excited?" I asked.

"He was...a normal ten-year-old. Leaving his friend and everything he knows is not easy for him. I think he was glad to hear we have a place, but I think he was hoping to hear that I didn't like it here and was coming home instead," she explained.

"Are you considering going back?" I reluctantly asked.

"No. Not at all. Actually, I am even working on the plans to bring Joey here. I spoke to Bennett this morning and he offered to fly Joey here in a few days when Zoey and the kids come to Tabiq," she said.

"What did you tell him?" I asked.

"That I needed to think about it and get back to him. But what I really meant was I needed to talk to you. I don't want you to feel rushed to get into your new place," she said.

I was thrilled to hear that she wasn't leaving and still staying at my house. "You're not rushing me at all. I picked up a few things today after work. And I'll come by tomorrow again to grab more if that is okay with you."

"Orion, it's your house. You don't need to ask my permission. We discussed this already," she said.

"But I don't want to just walk in any time. It's your house now. I will knock when I come, key or not," I stated.

"Fine. Knock. But the door will be open. I believe you said that you never locked it, so why should I?"

My heart skipped several beats. "Because it's not safe."

"It was safe enough when you lived there."

"I probably shouldn't have done that myself," I said.

"So, you're locking the doors at your new place?" she asked.

This was getting very close to lying. But I did lock Mayson's door. "I am."

"Good. Because you're the Vice President now and you need to take the proper precautions." I laughed and she snapped, "What is funny about that?"

"I'm not laughing at you. It's just that I just got off the phone with my grandmother and she said the same thing," I said.

"Sounds like we both care about what happens to you," she said.

I'm glad you care. I know I care a lot about you too.

"I'm sorry that we couldn't see each other today. But I was wondering if you wanted to get together for breakfast before work?" I asked.

"I thought you told me you like to go for a run first thing in the morning," she said.

Hmm. You don't forget anything I say, do you?

"I was thinking that maybe you could make me an iced coffee and I could cook you breakfast instead," I suggested.

"You want me to meet you at the house?" she asked.

"Or I pick you up in the morning, early. And I drop you off at the school afterwards," I offered.

"That is too much. This would be much easier if I had my own vehicle. Maybe instead of breakfast, you can help me look for a car that would be reliable and...not too expensive?" she asked.

I had a second vehicle that I left parked at my grandmother's house. It was a sports car. It wasn't as practical to get around given the bumpy roads of Tabiq. Something I would use only on a special occasion. I couldn't let her drive that. First of all, it was a manual transmission. Secondly, it would draw too much attention to her. And I didn't like that. She already stood out plenty. We'd been out to dinner, and I saw men looking her way. Checking her out. Give her a flashy car, and I might as well paint a target on her back. Someone would approach her and not with good intentions.

"I have a few people who might be selling something, but it will take a day or two to confirm that. Would you mind waiting just a bit longer?" I asked, hoping she would agree.

"That's awesome. I guess, you coming, picking me up in the morning, makes sense until I have my own transportation," she said.

That wasn't going to make me want to help her find a car any faster. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Raya. And if she had her own car, her own place, what would she need me for? Nothing. I wasn't trying to hold her back, but damn, I wasn't trying to help her run from me either.

"What do you like to eat for breakfast?" I asked. "Besides coffee that is."

"You're going to laugh," she said.

"If you say pizza, you're right," I teased, knowing now that it was one of her favorites.

"I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches."

Nope. I wouldn't have guessed that. "I've never had one of those. I like both, but together, they sound gross if you ask me."

"Orion, they are delicious. I make them for Joey all the time," she said.

Great. I'm going to be eating like a ten-year-old. "Do I mash the bananas and blend them with peanut butter?" I asked.

"Why don't you just pick me up, and I'll make breakfast and coffee," she suggested.

I was more of a meat-and-eggs type of guy, but if she was going to be there, bring on the peanut butter.

"I'll grab more cream on the way. What time did you want me to be at the resort?" I asked.

"Joey and I usually talk before I leave for work. So, how about you come by at seven? Breakfast won't take long, and your house is so close to the school so I can spend more time with you."

"Your house. It's not mine now," I reminded her. "And I'd rather not rush through breakfast. How about six?" I suggested.

She laughed. "That works for me, but if you're trying not to be talked about, you're going about it in the wrong way."

"You win. Seven it is." I didn't care what they said about me, but they would also be talking about her. "I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Raya."

I expected her to say goodnight, but she didn't. Instead, she asked, "Orion, are you sure everything is okay?"

"Why do you ask?"

"There is just something in your tone that is... different. As though you're...worried about something. I know work is confidential, and I'm sure that is stressful. I just don't want you to feel as though you have to make time for me if there are things you need to be attending to," she said.

How could she pick up on that? Was she that attuned to my feelings? If so, what else was she picking up on?

"It's not work," I replied.

"Anything you want to talk about?" she asked.

Why not? She was only going to wonder what was so bad that I wouldn't tell her. "I was talking to my grandmother before I called you. She sounded very tired."

"And you're worried about her. That it might be something...more?" she stated.

"Yes. It's not like her to complain about being tired. Hell, I think this is the first time she's ever ended the call, instead of me coming up with a reason to get off the phone." And I am worried.

"Did you want to go and check on her?" she asked.

"I do, but if I show up and she is okay, she's going to give me hell for disturbing her," I stated, honestly.

"I don't want to intrude, but if you'd like, I can go with you. You know, as a buffer. Maybe she won't yell at you if I'm there," she explained.

"I thought you had a lot to do," I reminded her.

"By a lot, you mean reading more of your detailed notes? Then, yes. I'm very busy. But seriously, Orion, I will be happy to go with you if you'd like."

"It really could be nothing," I said. "I don't want to waste your time."

"Orion, you are not wasting my time. Now, do you want to come pick me up or should I ask the resort to drop me off to you?" she asked.

She obviously wasn't taking no for an answer. "I'll come to you. Can you be ready in fifteen minutes?"

"As long as you don't care if I have no make-up on. I'll see you in front of the lobby," she replied.

"I'll be there. And, Raya, thank you."

"You're welcome," she replied and ended the call.

I easily could've called Mayson and had him cut his date short. But the two of us showing up would upset my grandmother no matter what. Raya might be the buffer I needed. It wasn't that late, so if all was okay, she would be up rocking on her porch knitting.

Hopefully, that's where we find her.

It wasn't long before Raya was in my SUV, and we were on our way. "Is there anything I should know before we get there?" she asked.

"Yes. I...I have never brought a woman to meet her. So, if she is okay, she might not be once she sees you," I said.

Her eyes were wide, and she said, "You're joking, right?"

"Partly."

"Which part?" she questioned.

"That she won't feel good. If anything, it might just be what makes her feel herself."

"You're almost forty and you never brought anyone home to meet her?" she said, as though she didn't believe it.

"Nope. Not one. You're the first," I said. "It is not too late if you want to change your mind. I can turn around and bring you back to the resort."

"Why? Are you afraid of what she will say?" she asked.

"If she is okay then, maybe. My grandmother can be...bold and outspoken," I said.

Raya chuckled. "It comes with age. They feel as though they have earned the right to speak their minds. It's great. You only have that kind of honesty from little kids and the elderly. I can't wait to hear what she has to say."

"Maybe it is a bad idea," I laughed.

"Scared?" She asked.

"A little. You will understand when you meet her."

"Sounds like we are going to get along just fine," she said.

We pulled into her yard and parked by the porch. I didn't see her outside as I had hoped and the light feeling I had a moment ago faded. Raya picked up on that and reached for my hand.

"Think positive thoughts. I'm right here with you," she said.

"Thank you."

We got out and went to the door. I knocked but she didn't answer. I had the keys and unlocked the door and we walked inside. Not a single light was on and now I started to fear the worst. But then I heard the cocking of a shotgun, and instantly moved Raya behind me.

"Don't take another step," my grandmother warned.

"Grandmother, it's me. Orion," I said quickly.

"Orion? What are you doing sneaking around my house in the dark?" she snapped. "I could've killed you."

"Grandmother, we both know that you don't keep that thing loaded," I reminded her.

"I didn't when you and your brother lived here. I do now. You might as well turn on the lights and come sit down since you already woke me up," she ordered.

I flipped on the lights and said, "You should warn us if you're going to keep a loaded gun in the house."

"You should call and let me know you're coming. You scared me half to death," she said firmly. "Now, why are you here?"

"I was worried that you were ill," I admitted.

"Sneaking into my house definitely isn't good for your health," she said. "Now come and sit, already." As I moved, I saw her expression change. "You're not alone."

"No. I brought a...friend," I said, not sure how to introduce her.

"Friend? Okay. Would you like to introduce your friend to me?" she asked.

Raya stepped to the side and towards my grandmother. "Hello. I'm Raya Davison. It's so nice to meet you. Your grandson speaks so highly of you."

She was glaring at me when she replied to Raya. "That's nice. Funny, he hasn't mentioned you. But come sit by me and let me get to know you," she said.

"Grandmother, Raya has a lot of work to do. We only came here to make sure you were..."

She cut me off. "You. Hush." Then she turned to Raya, smiled, and said, "Come here dear. I want to hear all about you."

Raya walked over and sat directly beside my grandmother. I knew I was in trouble. Raya wasn't just going to do the talking. She was going to ask questions too.

I should've gone with my gut and waited to call my grandmother in the morning. Now I'm the one feeling sick.

We spent two hours there, and I'm not sure I got five words in. But the two of them seemed to have a wonderful time. There were moments I wasn't sure they even remembered I was there.

On the way back to the sort, Raya was all smiles. "I would think you'd be tired by now."

"No. I could listen to your grandmother talk for hours."

"You did. Two hours to be exact," I said.

"Seemed to have gone by so quickly. Kind of like when we are together. I lose track of time. Now I know why you're so easy to talk to. You get it from her," Raya said.

No man wants to be told he's like his grandmother. But Raya didn't mean it as an insult. I could tell she really liked her. Hopefully, she liked me more.

"Don't believe every story she told you."

"Which one should I not believe?" she asked.

"Maybe the one about me sneaking out at night and my grandfather found me stuck up in a tree the next morning," I said.

"What part is wrong?"

I laughed. "He didn't find me until the afternoon. I wasn't running away like she thought. I was told by Kody that if you climb a tree to the top, you can see aliens walking on the moon. Before you ask, he was wrong."

"Darn. I was going to suggest we go climb a tree now," she joked.

As we pulled into the resort, I said, "I'm glad you came with me. Gladder that she didn't pull the trigger. I'll have a talk with her about that. She shouldn't have a loaded gun lying around."

"I think she meant it. That it's for protection. Maybe you should ask her why she feels like she needs it. That might be the bigger issue," Raya said.

I nodded. "Good point. I'll do that." She never mentioned anyone harassing her or coming by, but if there was, I needed to know. She protected me for years, now it was my turn to take care of her. "It's late. If you want to cancel breakfast tomorrow and get a little sleep, I will understand."

"No way. I'm looking forward to the sandwiches. And I can only get iced coffee at your place."

Is that all you're missing?

I wasn't about to correct her again. She liked calling it my place. So be it.

"Okay. I'll see you at seven. Have a good night, Raya," I said.

She leaned over and kissed me. "I hope you can sleep soundly now."

Not anymore. All I want to do is kiss you all night.

I loved how comfortable she was initiating a kiss. Now if we could do this in a place where we didn't need to put on the brakes, it would be better. Or maybe we'd end up regretting it. We are going at a pace that she is setting. When she's ready, I'm sure she'll let me know. And I can't wait. "Thanks to you, I will."

"Goodnight, Orion."

She got out and rushed through the lobby doors leaving me to watch. I was glad. There were three words on the tip of my tongue that I wasn't ready to say. I had to be careful they didn't slip out on their own.

It's too soon. I don't want to scare her away.

The truth was it scared me too.