Sighing, I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her back, burying my face in her hair. I’ve missed you, I whispered quietly, not even sure if she heard it.
I dropped my arms as she stepped back and took hold of Lily’s hand, reassuring her. So, Lily, what was it that first attracted you to this annoying guy right here ? Jackie laughed, prodding me in the stomach.
Just his wit and charm, she smiled, although I could tell she was being sarcastic.
Wit and charm ? Puh lease, Jackie laughed, stepping forward to pat Lily on the shoulder. It’s totally cool to be honest with me, you thought he was an ass didn’t you ?
Lily burst out laughing and I just stared at the two of them. Oh I see how this is going to be, I muttered, The girls are going to gang up on me huh ? I should have known.
Well now that you mention it, Lily smiled at Jackie.
She laughed loudly and patted Lily on the back. You and me are gonna get on just fine !
Hey where’s Dick ? I interrupted, realising we were missing someone.
Oh, he’s over there, Jackie said, pointing behind her without looking around. And you know he hates being called Dick, how many times do I have to tell you ?
Is he ok with all that stuff ? I heard Lily ask as I looked towards the direction Jackie had pointed.
Dick had two backpacks, one on each shoulder and they both looked pretty heavy. He was simultaneously wheeling a large suitcase, and he was looking seriously out of breath. His blonde hair was matted to his forehead and it seemed like he was mumbling obscenities under his breath to hide his annoyance.
Let’s go help him with the stuff, I said, although I took no move forward.
Nah he’s fine, Jackie shugged, smiling at Lily. He insisted on carrying all the bags, including the backpack he made me hand over, so I wasn’t gonna say no to that.
Ah, so he’s like Noah then, Lily nodded. He always insists on carrying all the bags.
Really ? Jackie asked, her voice filled with skepticism. At home when he goes shopping with me, Noah makes me carry all the damn bags while he stuffs his face with food.
Don’t tell lies ! I argued in mock anger, winking at Lily. Oh, hey here’s the big man now !
Honeyyy ! Jackie smiled, looking her fiance up and down. Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.
I’m great, he huffed, wiping the sweat off his brow. Jesus it’s warm out here, don’t they have any air conditioning in this place or what ?
Dick, it’s a pleasure to see you again, I smirked, knowing that would get him all riled up.
For the last time Noah, it’s not Dick, he sighed, standing up to his full 6 3 height, an inch taller than me.
All of a sudden, he lunged towards me and put me in a headlock, not giving me any chance to step away. His shirt was clinging to him and I cringed, trying to wiggle away, but his muscled arms made it impossible.
DICK ! I laughed, Let go of me you dick. Notice the little play on words there.
After a moment, he laughed and released me, punching me on the shoulder, Man it’s good to see you.
Yeah you too, I nodded, rubbing my neck.
And this must be Lily, am I right ? He smiled, turning towards her and extending a hand.
Yep. And you’re Richard. It’s nice to finally meet you, Lily smiled, shaking his hand.
I watched as Richard smiled and nodded at Lily. I like you already. Anyone who can put up with this pleb deserves a medal.
I second that, Jackie laughed, wrapping her arm around her fiance’s trim waist.
What is this ? I yelled frustrated, throwing my hands up in the air dramatically. List everything you don’t like about Noah day ?!
I just sighed as everyone laughed, but Lily took hold of my hand and squeezed it gently. You’re not so bad college boy, she whispered, grinning at me.
Smiling, I pulled her towards me and wrapped an arm around her waist. So, you guys ready to get back to the apartment ? I asked, looking at Jackie and Dick. It’ll take a couple of hours, so we might as well get going.
Yeah, we’re ready, Jackie smiled. But how about you guys go and put the bags in the car whilst Lily and I go and get us some smoothies from the coffee shop over there ?
Sounds like a plan to me, Lily smiled.
Alright then, Dick you grab those two bags, I pointed, trying to ignore the dirty look he was giving me at having called him Dick when he just specifically asked me not to. I’ll grab the suitcase and we’ll wait for these two by the car.
Yes sir ! Dick muttered sarcastically, heaving the bags on to his back and waiting for me to hurry up.
Picking up the handle of the suitcase, I started to walk away but looking over at Lily, I dropped the suitcase and walked over to her. Ignoring the small smile that was playing on my sisters lips, I kissed Lily on the forehead and brushed a strand of hair that had fallen loose behind her ear.
I’ll see you in ten gorgeous, I whispered, winking at her.
And ugly, I’ll see you too, I laughed, glancing at my sister quickly, jogging away before she could hit me.
Catching up to Dick, I smiled at him before glancing over my shoulder again. Jackie had linked her arm through Lily’s and they seemed to be talking like old friends as they walked to the coffee shop.
And at that very moment, I couldn’t have been happier.
Lily POV :
Climbing up the stairs, I couldn’t help but smile when I thought about the last few hours. Noah’s sister and brother in law were great, and they had accepted me with no questions asked. I could hear Dick swearing at the bottom of the stairs, something about heaving all the bags up because of the broken elevator. Laughing slightly, I stopped climbing and turned around.
Do you want me to carry a bag Rich ? I smiled, gesturing for him to pass one along.
No, I’ve got this, he nodded, flexing his arms and grinning at me.
Seriously ? Noah questioned, arching an eyebrow at him, You’re flexing your guns ?
He always flexes his guns, don’t you honey ? Jackie laughed, mussing his blonde hair.
I do not, he mumbled, staring at the floor like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen in his life.
Chuckling softly, I turned back around and continued climbing. All of a sudden, I felt a slight pinch on my butt and I yelped in surprise. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Noah looking at me innocently, although I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.
Next time you can walk in front of me, I whispered, and then maybe I can pinch your butt for a change.
He grinned at me and winked. I don’t think so honey, I enjoy the view too much.
Huffing out a breath, I turned back around and poured on the speed, leaving Noah, Jackie and Rich trailing behind me. No fair ! I heard Noah yell. I can’t catch up to you, I’m carrying a bag with three tons of my sisters’ makeup.
Hey, I don’t have that much makeup ! Jackie argued, slapping Noah on the back of the head.
Did you just hit me ? Noah breathed, rubbing his head.