“Well, baby girl, if you don’t, you can always come home. Your mom and I would love to have you here. Just let me know, and I’ll get your airline tickets booked.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” I pause and hear a light knocking on my door. I don’t respond and continue to talk with my dad. “I miss you guys so much,” I continue when I hear my doorknob turn. The door opens and Kellen walks in holding my purse.
“Hey, Daddy, I have to go. I love you and kiss Mom for me, please.”
“I sure will, sweetheart. Let me know what you decide. Love you and goodnight, Tamia.”
“Goodnight, Dad,” I say with a sad smile and hang up. I lay my phone down on the nightstand and give Kellen my attention.
“You forgot your purse,” he says to me.
“Just leave it on my dresser.”
He places it on the dresser than leans against it.
“You should leave before Ashley comes looking for you.”
“No one knows I’m here. I’m supposed to be on a beer run.”
“Wow!” I laugh.
“Tamia, she got in this morning, and I didn’t know she was coming back early.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore. It looks like you’ve made the decision to stay together.” I say calmly. “I think you should leave.”
After a long moment of silence between us, Kellen walks over to me, places his hands on either side of my face, and tilts my head back, forcing me to look at him. As much as I should push him away. I don’t because as fucked up as this situation is, I want to feel his touch one last time.
“Tamia, I’m sorry. I know apologizing won’t make it better. But please give me time to make this shit right,” he pleads, dropping his hands from my face before he turns and walks out my bedroom.
Twelve
Tamia
Two Weeks Later
I open my eyes and stretch my body, loving the way the mattress molds to it. I sit up and grab my phone off the empty pillow beside me and see that I have a missed text from Tasha:
Hey, sleepyhead, we’re all downstairs having breakfast. Hurry up and join us before Mr. Winston and Jay eat it all.
I look at the time and see that the text was sent fifteen minutes ago. I laugh and quickly respond back:
I’m up! Be down shortly :)
I get out of bed and make my way to the French doors in my room. I pull back the linen curtains and stare at the amazing view in front of me. There’s not a cloud in the sky; just sun. The palm trees on the property were swaying back and forth, thanks to the ocean’s gentle breeze. I lean against the doorframe and can’t help but to think that I almost didn’t come. After days of agonizing whether I could be in the same space as Kellen and Ashley for an extended period, I decided that I wouldn’t let what happened between me and Kellen affect my decision to enjoy this time with my friends. I would have to face him sooner or later.
Katie, Tasha, Jay, and I got in late last night. When we pulled up to the beach house, I was amazed at how big it was with its two-story frame and countless windows with small wreaths hanging in each of them. The Christmas lights were strung like white diamonds, hanging along the roof and the columns of the front porch. Katie warned me that her family decorates for Christmas weeks before Thanksgiving. As we started to unload Jay’s Range Rover, the front door to the beach house opened, and we’re greeted by Kellen and Katie’s parents. I watched as Katie dropped everything in her arms and runs to hug her parents. Katie and Kellen look just like their parents, except Mrs. Winston’s hair is much longer. Mr. Winston is slightly taller, wears glasses, and has graying hair at his temples.
“Hey, kids! How was your trip?” Mrs. Winston asks.
“Long!” Katie responds.
“Well, I’m so glad you guys are here. Jay and Tasha, get over here and give me a hug.” Mrs. Winston pulls them both into a tight group hug. After releasing them, she gives me her full attention. Smiling, she heads in my direction.
“And you must be Tamia!” she beams, pulling me in a hug. “Nice to finally meet you, young lady!” She squeezes me tight.
“It’s nice to meet you also, Mrs. Winston,” I return after we embrace.
“Please call me Liz.” She calls out to her husband who is talking to Katie, Tasha, and Jay. “Honey, come meet Tamia!” Mr. Winston walks over and stands beside his wife. “Gary, this is Tamia.”
“Well, Tamia, it’s about time we meet you. Katie talks about you all the time, and we feel as if we’ve known you forever.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I return, laughing.
“Well, how about we get you guys to your rooms?” Liz offers. “Kellen went to bed hours ago, so I guess you guys will catch him tomorrow.”
Kellen? Where’s Ashley?
Once we get settled in our rooms, Katie and Liz give me a tour of the house; which is gorgeous with its polished hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, custom-made furniture, and beach-themed Christmas décor. There are tall, narrow Christmas trees in every room, each decorated in a different style. After a quick tour of the rest of the house, we have a bite to eat, and then everyone calls it a night.
After one of the most restful nights I’ve had since this Kellen and my drama all began, I stare at this breathtaking view of the sand and ocean and force myself to get started on my morning routine.
After I finish showering and brushing my teeth, I throw on a pair of white gauchos and a blue halter top that ties around my neck. I slip on a pair of white canvas flats and return to the bathroom to apply a little mascara and lip gloss. I add a little gel to tame my frizzy curls and then head downstairs to meet the others.
Kellen
I’m sitting in the kitchen, deep in thought, and watching my sister and mom go over Thanksgiving dinner plans when my mind drifts to Tamia. It was nice seeing her last night after being without her for two weeks, but it’s driving me crazy that she hasn’t said one word to me. I know that I need to give her space, but I don’t know how much longer I can go without touching her.
That same night the shit hit the fan, I ended my relationship with Ashley for good. I told her about Tamia and me without going into too much detail, only for her to reveal that she hooked up with some model guy, her second night in New York. I wasn’t even pissed. If anything, her confession softened the blow of me confessing my own infidelity. We decided that we would try to remain friends, and she moved out and back in with her sister.
“Good morning, Tamia!” I hear Katie screech, knocking me out of my thoughts. I look up and see Tamia standing in the doorway of our kitchen.
“I hope you got your rest, young lady. We have a lot planned for today,” my mom sing-songs.
“Good morning, everyone,” Tamia returns and finally makes eye contact with me. “I slept great! That bed is so comfy. Where’s everyone else?”
“Honey, have a seat,” Mom offers, motioning to the empty barstool beside Katie. “Get a quick bite to eat.”
Tamia walks over and sits down.
“Well,” Mom pauses while thinking, “Jay and Tasha are out back, getting things ready for the cookout, and Gary went to get supplies for the bonfire. Once you’re done eating, you, Katie, and I are going to shop for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Kellen, do you want to tag along?”