Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

September

I am so grateful I don’t have classes today. I have been able to paint all day, and that is the only reason I am not in some corner crying my eyes out, trying to hide from that world. Well, that and my boyfriend will be picking me up any minute to go and have brunch with his family, which I must say is shocking. After the cluster-fuck of last night's gala, I am more than surprised they are not trying to talk him out of being with me.

The gala itself wasn’t bad. In fact, it was one of the less snobby ones I have been to. That is until my parents walked in. They drag in snotty with them wherever they go. Did I mention how mortifying it was the way they spoke to Trevor until they realized who his family was? Then they were tripping all over themselves to try to be nice. Lame.

The truth is I could have handled that, but then Armstrong showed up and my night went from unbearable to downright frightening. I was stuck between the people who raised me, the two who sired me, and the boyfriend who had no idea. Geesh. I could see in Armstrong’s gaze he was disappointed I haven’t told my parents, but the thing is, I am freaking out about it. I have no idea how they would take it. It will either be one extreme or the other and neither of those is something I am ready to deal with.

My phone has been ringing off the hook all morning. If it isn’t my parents, then it is Armstrong. I'm going to call him back before them, but still. “Come in,” I call out to the door when I hear him knock.

“Hey baby, are you ready to go?” I turn to look at him, expecting to see some sort of regret or something, but all I see is the same devotion and affection he has been showing me the entire time.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” I put away my supplies and make sure nothing is in the way of my roommate before I grab my purse, and he laces our fingers together and we walk out. When we make it to the car, he buckled me in quickly. He insists on doing it every time. We sit in silence for quite a bit of the ride. My hands, of course, haven’t stopped twisting and turning in my lap, and I know he sees it. I know he does because at every light he turns to look at me waiting on me to let out whatever it is I am not saying, and he sighs when I don’t say it.

Finally, right as he pulls into a driveway, he puts the car in park, turns to me, unbuckles the seatbelts for both of us and lifts me out of my seat and onto his lap so I am straddling him. “Out with it baby. What’s going on in that beautiful head full of red hair?” Leaning over, he kisses my head before doing the same to my neck. “Are you nervous?”

“Yeah, but more so embarrassed.”

“About what?”

“Last night. It was so embarrassing having you and your parents witness my family drama. I was mortified. I wouldn’t blame you or your family if you wanted nothing more to do with me.” I hear a rumble from his chest before he turns angry.

“What the fuck did you just say to me, September? Did you just insinuate you are not going to be my woman? Did you just suggest I walk away from the sweetest, calmest, most talented spirit I have ever met? The very same one I am falling in love with?”

It takes a moment for the words to sink in, and when they do, I look up at him, tears streaming down my face and shock in my heart. “Did you just…?” he nods, wiping my tears.

“I did. I mean it. I am in love with you, September, and nothing and no one is going to change that. Understand?” All I can do is give a lame nod because right now words are alluding me, but I feel them all the same. “Now, my nosy sister has been staring through the front window since we arrived. Should we finally go in?” I turn and look behind me and when I see the curtain fall back into place it elicits a giggle from me which makes him chuckle. “Come on baby. Let’s officially induct you into the family.

“Oh my gosh, Star, you are a riot.” I am currently holding my stomach laughing at Trevor’s sister and his brother Hensen. What started off as childhood stories of one another has now become a competition of who can push who’s buttons the fastest. Trevor has been banned from participating because, apparently, he is that master.

“Are you having fun, baby?” He whispers in my ear. Turning my head slightly, looking at him over my shoulder, I nod my head feeling my face heat up. I have been doing that a lot lately today.

We had brunch with his family, including his parents, who are even more awesome than I was able to find out the night before. Once brunch was over and all hugs and kisses had commenced, they left for their T-time. As soon as they were out the door, Trevor lifted me into his arms, sat me on his lap in their family room,, and hasn’t let me move since.

Throughout this afternoon, his lips and tongue have discreetly moved along my neck and shoulder most times rendering me unable to answer a question directed at me. I think he sees it as a game. A game I am obviously losing because my panties are soaked. So soaked, in fact am sure there will be a big wet spot on his lap.

“Yes. Your siblings are hilarious.” I answer him honestly before kissing him chastely and turning back to the room. Before I can refocus, I hear a loud shrieking squeal. Ready to jump up and run, Trevor stops me by squeezing my hips, and that is when I realize it is Star.

“Oh my gosh. You have to come cake-tasting with Rich and me tomorrow,” Star says, tugging on my hands. Rich is her very quiet but seriously attentive fiancé, who literally stalks her with his eyes. He hasn’t said much but when he does it is either to get her what she wants, answer a question from her or to check and see if she needs anything. It’s freaking adorable. “Right Rich? She should come with us.” I hold my breath thinking this is the opportunity for him to say something other than yes. Am I finally going to get to hear Rich say a full sentence?

“Da, angel.” Her face beams like she just won the lottery. I, on the other hand, feel like I am intruding on a private moment. After a moment, she turns to me and smiles.

“See. Rich agrees. You’re going to come right? Trevor you are going to bring her aren’t you?” He nudges my side, and when I look at him, he nuzzles his nose against mine.

“If she wants to go.” I can see the question in his eyes as well as permission to turn it down without feeling guilty. Which is why I don’t.

“I would love you to.” I would love to because I am in love with him, but also with all of them.