AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Besides, any extra time I can spend with Wade before it’s all over is a bonus, one I refuse to miss out on. My heart will be crushed either way. I might as well soak in as much Wade as possible.
17
No-Brainer
Roxy
Wade knocks on his brother’s front door, and I stand a step behind him, swaying on my feet and chewing the inside of my mouth. Piper opens the door with a bright smile. She looks to be in her thirties, with long brown hair that’s braided on one side and kind hazel eyes. She looks fabulous in a floral maxi dress that gives her a bohemian look.
“Hi, Pipe,” Wade says.
“Hi!” She gives him a tight hug. “How have you been?”
“Good. This is Roxy, my girlfriend.” Wade cocks his head to the side, his eyes meeting mine.
To avoid his simmering gaze, I focus on Piper as I hold my hand out. “Nice to meet you.”
Instead of a hand shake, she brings me into a quick hug. Her flowery perfume is so reassuring, it relaxes me instantly. “So wonderful to meet you too.”
“Thanks for having me,” I add when we break apart.
“Of course! I have something to finish up in the kitchen, but you two can go ahead to the back. Andrew’s there,” Piper suggests before disappearing into the house.
As we step over the threshold, the colourful ambiance greets my senses, and I immediately feel at home. Toys are scattered over the carpet in the living room, vibrant pillows are piled on the sofa, and the walls are packed with framed pictures of the family. An old wooden bookcase takes up an entire wall next to the TV, and a few plants complete the eclectic look. We make a beeline through the living area, following the smell of grilled meat to the back patio. My stomach gurgles at the sizzling aroma.
“Brother!” Andrew swings around to face us, a barbecue fork in one hand. He’s wearing an apron that says, “Mr. Good Lookin’ is Cookin’.” After embracing Wade, he gives me a warm hug. “Nice to see you again, Roxanne.”
“You too.”
We break apart, and I take a moment to look around. Their garden is as welcoming as their living room. A pergola arches over the wooden deck, vines twisting up its legs. Underneath, a wooden table has been set with dotted pink-and-white placemats. Hanging baskets bursting with flowers provide a rainbow of colours, and there’s a swing next to the grill.
Just like in the living room, toys are scattered all over the lawn, and an inflatable pool has been placed under a sumptuous oak tree. With the scorching weather we’ve been having, I wish I had an inflatable pool. My flat doesn’t have an outdoor area, but the middle of the living room could work.
“Oh, and here come the monsters,” Andrew says, glancing over our shoulders. I turn to see two boys running toward us, their arms outstretched.
“Uncle Wade!” they yell.
Wade kneels down and opens his arms wide to receive them in a big hug. “How are you guys doing?”
“Great. You’re going to the finals!” the younger boy squeals as they both hop in place.
“And we’re coming,” the older one adds.
“I know.” Wade taps the nose of the youngest before standing back up. “Jackson, Everett, this is my girlfriend, Roxanne,” he adds, gesturing toward me.
“Hello,” says Jackson, the older boy. I shake his outstretched hand.
“You’re pretty,” Everett mumbles, blushing.
“Ah, my son. Always the charmer,” Andrew says with a chuckle before turning back to the grill.
“Thank you.” I offer a big grin. “You’re very handsome yourself. It’s a shame I already have a boyfriend.”
“You can still dump him,” Everett says, revealing a gap-toothed smile. We all break into laughter.
“If I do, you’ll be the first to know.” I wink, and they both giggle, sprinting to the lawn to play with a football.
Piper’s head pokes through the kitchen window. “What can I get you to drink, Roxanne?”
