Page 79 of Changing Lanes

I crook my finger at her, motioning her back. “You go grab some clothes, and I’ll get dressed. We’ll meet downstairs.” I wink at her and she smiles, shaking her head.

Andi runs from the room, leaving the door open. I leap from the bed, grabbing anything I can get my hands on. I end up slipping into Brannon’s boxers and my tee shirt. Not a great look, but it’s clothes. I gather my hair up on my head, twisting it in a knot.

Andi stands at the bottom of the stairs. Taking her hand in mine, we walk to the kitchen. “What would you like to eat?”

“What does Gamma have?” she asks.

“I’m not sure. Let’s go see.” We inspect the refrigerator and the cupboards, nothing stands out. “Do you see anything you might want?”

She twists her mouth a few times, pondering my question. “What can you cook?”

“Tell you what, do you like eggs and cheese?” Andi nods. “How about vegetables and Canadian bacon?” She smiles. Now we’re getting somewhere.

I get to work on making breakfast, Andi acts as my sous chef. I prepare a baked omelet with a hash brown crust, cheddar, mushrooms, sweet peppers, and Canadian bacon. I chop fresh fruit while Andi arranges it in a bowl for us.

I hear him before I see him, Brannon’s footsteps echo through the house. We snicker when he pauses at Andi’s door. He raps on his mom’s door, making us smile when we hear muffled words. We sneak over to the bottom of the stairs, peeking around the corner.

Brannon stands at the top, talking to his mom. He stretches, his shirt rides up over his abs. My knees go weak, damn he’s fine. He has basketball shorts on, and if I’m right, no underwear. He turns to us, and we jump back, giggling.

I know he saw us, but he pretends otherwise. Andi hurries to the table. Grabbing a towel, she tosses it over her arm like a waitress. She’s adorable. I wink at her, stepping back out of Brannon’s sight so she can surprise him.

“Good morning. What’s all of this Andi Pandi?” He walks over to her, and she pulls a chair out.

“Please be seated.” She bows. Oh, my. My heart just melted.

“Why, thank you. Did you do this all yourself?” He pulls her to his lap.

“Nope. I had help.” She smiles, then points to me behind him.

He turns in his seat; his smile grows as he takes in my outfit. “Well, you two make a great team.” Tugging my shirt, he pulls me into a kiss. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. Now, if you wouldn’t mind helping Andi serve, I’ll put some real clothes on,” I answer.

“Naw, you’re good.” Andi wiggles from his lap, which leaves me on it before I realize what’s happening. He leans in, whispering, “I’m getting hard just looking at you in my boxers. I wondered where they’d went.”

Laughing, I tell him, “She surprised me. We were all legs tangled, sex rapture, naked. I did what I could.”

“I like it.” He kisses me, and this time, Andi giggles.

“Good morning, folks. What is all of this?” Joyce walks through the door. “Thank you, ladies. Everything looks great!” She exclaims.

“It’s an omelet with fruit,” Andi explains.

“It looks amazing,” Joyce adds.

We sit around the table to eat. Everyone’s talking, and I just sit there taking it in. Brannon glances over a few times but says nothing. Andi breaks my silence. “Are you okay, Torrie?” she asks.

“Yes. I'm just not used to so much talking at the table.” I’m even uncomfortable saying it to her.

“Well, you can talk here. We don’t care,” she says with her eyes wide, like she’s convincing me.

“Thank you. I’ll remember that.” I smile as she returns it.

Brannon takes my hand under the table, I know he’s trying to help me loosen up. I join in on the conversation and begin to relax. A family meal where people actually talk, unfathomable. I loved every minute and was thrilled when I didn’t have to do the dishes.

We spend a lazy Sunday just being together. Monday, I run to my house and fax a few things to the office, giving my dad an update with a few pictures. Then I gather my things to go visit Thayer. Brannon asked me earlier to meet him there, so I thought I’d check in on her.

He’s been working non-stop, I hope they decide to take a break. I know Brannon’s up to something, he told me to wear something nice. I opt for a little black halter dress with a swing, flowing skirt. Black bowtie heels in velvet to finish the look. Leaving my hair down with beach waves. Simple and sleek.

Knocking on the door at Thayer’s office, I wait for her acknowledgment before walking in. Once she does, I make my grand entrance. “So, what do think?”

She whistles between her teeth. “Hot. What are you up to?” She smiles, wiggling her eyebrows.

“I’m not sure, Brannon said to put on a great dress and be here, waiting.” I settle in.

“He’s gonna fall over.” She laughs. “Oh, there’s Hardy.” She waves.

“Afternoon, ladies. Hey, baby.” Hardy bends to kiss her. “Brannon is running a little behind, he said to ask you to wait.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” I smile.

“Now that you have some time, I can show you my plans for the building,” Thayer suggests.

“Sounds great,” I agree.

“While you all do that, I’m going to file these receipts.” Hardy excuses himself.