41

Book:My happiness to you Published:2024-9-2

You deserved it, she laughed, Right honey ?
Oh yeah, if I could reach you, I’d give you another slap just for luck, Rich laughed, swatting Jackie on the behind.
Bursting out laughing, I waited for the three of them to reach the top of the staircase and I couldn’t help but think how lucky Noah was. He had a family that absolutely adored him, I could tell. The way they made fun of eachother was filled with love, as only a close family could do. And it was obvious that Noah loved his family, so I knew him asking me to meet them was a huge deal. It meant a lot to me. As the three of them stepped in to the hall, Noah walked over to me and kissed me on the forehead.
Are you ok ? he asked, looking concerned.
Yeah I’m great, I smiled. Why do you ask ?
He repositioned the backpack on his shoulder and stared down at me, leaning in close. You just seemed to be staring in to space, like you were completely zoned out or something.
Standing on my tiptoes, I lightly kissed him on the lips and pulled back, noticing the small smile on his face. I was just thinking what a great day this has been and what a great family you have, something I’ve never really seen before.
His eyes softened and I felt him take hold of my hand, squeezing it gently. He leant down and whispered in my ear . I’m glad your happy Lily. That’s all I want, is for you to be happy.
So are we close to your apartment Noah ? Jackie asked, causing us both to look up, snapping us out of the little bubble we had been in.
I blushed as I realised that Jackie and Dick had been standing there watching us for over a minute. Glancing at Jackie, I saw that she was grinning at us, nodding slightly to herself. When she caught me looking, she winked at me and smiled.
Uh, yeah, Noah nodded, pointing down the hall and ignoring the looks Jackie and Rich were giving us. It’s that one right there.
Great, Rich said, walking past us and striding towards the door. I’m so hungry, maybe Noah can make me a sandwich.
I’m not your maid, Noah shouted after him.
Yeah but I’m your guest, Rich argued, grinning over his shoulder. I’m expecting breakfast in bed. The works.
Oh yeah, well you can shove the breakfast in bed, right up your ass ! Noah yelled, letting go of my hand and stomping after him.
I laughed and turned towards Jackie, who was watching her brother and fiance argue with amusement. Are they always like this ? I asked, nodding in their direction.
Yep, she nodded. They argue all the time, but you can tell they never mean it. They’re both very fond of eachother.
I thought so, I smiled, hearing laughter coming from down the hall as Noah and Rich joked about something.
As Jackie and I walked over to the boys and stood in front of Noah’s apartment, I noticed my door opening. To my surprise, Pete stepped out and shut the door behind him, looking up with a surprised look on his face.
Lily, he smiled. It’s so good to see you.
Uh, you too, I said, as he stepped up and wrapped his arms around me for a brief hug.
Feeling a little uncomfortable, I patted him on the back and untangled myself from the hug. Looking over my shoulder, I shrugged and looked at Noah, who seemed very annoyed as he stared in Pete’s direction.
Pete, you remember Noah, my boyfriend. I said, slipping my hand in to his as he stepped beside me.
I remember. Nice to see you again Noah, he muttered, like he had to force the words out.
Pete, Noah replied, Uh, this is my sister Jackie and her fiance Dick.
Hi, it’s nice to meet you guys, he smiled, looking over at both of them.
Yeah you too, they both replied at the same time.
So, uh, Pete. What are you doing here ? I asked him, wondering what reason he would have to be in my apartment
Oh I just stopped by to see Jen and give her some vouchers. It’s for half price drinks at the club tonight. There’s enough for all of you in there if you want to go ?
Half price drinks ? Jackie squealed in delight. Hell yeah we’ll go, right guys.
I’m up for it, the guys nodded.
Ok sure, we’ll be there, I said, thinking it would be fun to have a night out.
Pete’s eyes lit up as he stared at me. Feeling a little uneasy, I shuffled my feet as an awkward silence followed. So, I better go. I’ll see you all tonight. Bye Lily.
See ya, I muttered, frowning at him. I don’t know why, but whenever I was around Pete, I felt like he was constantly watching me, and it made me a little uneasy. As I turned around to face everyone, my eyes fell on Noah and I could tell that he was not happy. Sighing, I pulled him to one side and held up my finger to Jackie and Rich, letting them know we’d be just a minute.
Are you alright ? I whispered, placing my hand on his arm.
He released a breath and ran a hand through his hair. Yeah I’m good honey. I just get really bad vibes from that guy. There’s just something about him that I don’t like.
Well you’re not the only one, I said, looking up at him. But don’t worry. We’re gonna have fun tonight and who knows, maybe I’ll do a little dance just for you.
I laughed as his eyes lit up and he grinned at me like a kid in a candy store. No take-backs ! He smirked. You have to do it now.
We’ll see, I whispered in to his ear, smiling when I felt him suck in a breath.
I’ll hold you to it, he smiled, taking my hand as we walked back to Jackie and Rich.
Finally, they both said, smiling at us. We’re starving !
Hey, how about we go out for lunch ? There’s a great italian about a ten minute walk away, Noah suggested, to the delight of both of them.
That sounds flippin’ awesome ! Jackie smiled. But how about we go in an hour. That’ll give me and Rich time to have a shower
Together ? he interrupted, a hopeful look on his face.
She sighed at him and arched an eyebrow. You wish.
Hell yeah I wish, he mumbled, a deflated look on his face.
Okay, can we please stop talking about my sister and her fiance in the shower together. It’s making me want to vomit, Noah practically shouted, an annoyed look on his face.
Uh yeah, sorry about that bro. Anyway like I was saying before Rich rudely interrupted me, Jackie laughed, throwing a dirty glance him, Give us an hour so we can have seperate showers, and then we can go. Sound good ?
Sounds great, Noah smiled, stepping forward to unlock his door.
Okay well I’m going to leave you guys some time to catch up, I smiled. It’s been really great to meet you both, and I’ll see you later when we go for drinks ?
Noah swivelled around and strided over to me. You’re coming for lunch.
No, I don’t want to intrude, you should spend some time with your sister, I argued defiantly, putting my hands on my hips.
Screw that ! I heard Jackie say as she stepped beside Noah, I’ve known this guy all my life and quite frankly he annoys the hell out of me. Me and you can chat whilst these two knuckleheads talk about golf and fishing and all that other lame stuff that men talk about.
I burst out laughing, looking at the annoyed faces of both Noah and Rich. Ok, sure I’ll go.