“Good morning.” I set the book down and walk over to the bed, kissing my boyfriend. “Can I get you some coffee?” I offer.
“Yeah, thank you.”
“I’ll be right back. We can enjoy it on the balcony.”
Mom and Dad are in the kitchen working on lunch preparations when I get downstairs.
“Is there any more coffee?” I ask.
“I made another small pot. I thought you and Isaac might need some more after getting in so late,” Mom replies.
“Thank you. We are so freaking tired. Isaac’s awake now, so we’ll be down in a few minutes,” I tell them after fixing two mugs of coffee for us.
“Lunch will be ready in about fifteen minutes, but don’t rush. It will keep until you two are ready.”
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate you cooking for us. We’ll be in charge of clean up.”
“You will do no such thing. You are on vacation.”
“So are you and you aren’t going to spend your vacation taking care of all the cooking and cleaning.”
“Okay,” she reluctantly concedes. I give her a quick kiss on the cheek then rush upstairs.
Isaac is in the shower when I get back. I’m tempted to join him, but I feel a little awkward doing that with my parents right downstairs. Instead, I bring the coffee and a large blanket to the balcony and wait for him to join me.
“What are you reading?” Isaac’s voice startles me. I didn’t hear him come up behind me. “Sorry. Did I scare you?” he asks with a laugh, joining me on the small outdoor couch and pulling part of the blanket over him. It’s freaking cold out here. I guess I am getting used to the heat in Miami.
“A murder mystery I found on the shelf in the bedroom. It’s been a while since I read a book.”
“What about the one you got when your parents were in Miami?” he asks.
“Didn’t finish it.” I shrug.
“And we never went to the bookstore. We’ll have to do that one day soon.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot we talked about doing that. I do enjoy reading, but I never seem to find the time.”
“That’s because we are always so busy,” Isaac deadpans.
“Don’t you mean we’re alwaysgettingbusy.”
“Something like that.”
“Why did you stay up here reading?”
“I didn’t want to leave you alone, but I felt kind of creepy staring at you.”
“You didn’t have to wait for me. You should have spent that time with your parents.”
“I went down for a few minutes when I first woke up, but I was still really tired. I figured I’d enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“Smart. It’s going to be loud in here in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait!”
Isaac’s family pulls into the driveway with horns blaring to announce their arrival and I love it! Growing up in a quiet, reserved home, I am surprised at how much I love the chaos that his family brings.
“Uncle Isaac! Uncle Evan!” Katie squeals, jumping into Isaac’s arms then rushing over to me for a hug. Kennedy isn’t as loud, but she runs to both of us for hugs. It melts my heart when Katie calls me uncle. I don’t know where that came from, but I’ll take it.