After a couple of days, I finally returned Josiah's call. Although I had hoped for a phone conversation, he insisted on meeting in person. Thus, after work, he visited my home. I was in the kitchen, tidying up after CJ's snack, when Josiah arrived. Leon let him in, then headed outside to play with CJ.
"First, let me say—" he began.
"No. I'm going to start and conclude, and you can either agree or disagree," I interjected, channeling Roxanna's straightforward manner.
He appeared taken aback but allowed me to proceed. "I understand your intention was to assist. It's probably awkward for you with my brother, but this situation is triggering a sense of déjà vu from what occurred with Carter, and I'm not comfortable with it. While I do forgive you, the pattern of you going behind my back because you believe you're acting in my best interest needs to stop," I concluded.
He pondered my words for a moment. I had never addressed the fact that I knew he was the one who informed my brother about me and Carter. When Josiah had visited me after my move to California, I was deeply depressed. I had just discovered that my dad had taken a DNA test, which revealed that I wasn't his biological daughter prior to his adoption of me. I hadn't confronted my dad about it yet. Driven by a need to confirm my mother's sister's revelations, I snooped through his office. The confirmation devastated me, uncovering a lifetime of lies. I couldn't help but imagine how different life might have been if I were truly his biological daughter and Dale's half-sister.
I was so immersed in my sorrow that I failed to acknowledge Josiah's attempts at reconciliation. Instead, I reverted to my old habits—immersing myself in work, finding solace in food, and avoiding everything else. Josiah eventually reached a breaking point, apologizing but asserting that he wouldn't stand idly by while I sabotaged my life over a guy. He implored me to pull myself together and left. His words shook me. My brother and I were known for our colorful language, as was Roxanna, especially after a few drinks. Caroline swore without restraint. Yet, Josiah rarely used profanity unless it was in jest. The fact that he uttered such words in anger indicated the severity of my mistakes. While I didn't explicitly express my forgiveness, I moved past it. We maintained a connection through Facebook, exchanging birthday and holiday wishes and occasionally engaging in long phone calls during which we'd watch a movie together or simply catch up. When I made the decision to move back, Josiah was the first person I called. I knew Roxanna would welcome my return, but I was anxious about Josiah's reaction. Had he grown accustomed to my absence? Was he burdened by guilt, or did he genuinely desire to sustain our friendship? Upon sharing my decision, he jokingly questioned what had taken me so long.
"Agreed," Josiah responded, drawing me out of my thoughts, a grin on his face.
"Good," I affirmed.
"Is that all?" He raised an eyebrow. In response, I enveloped him in a hug. "We fight and reconcile like an old married couple."
"Marriage? Need a piece of paper for that, honey?" I teased, returning the hug.
He pulled away, his tone playful. "Well, yeah, so we can finally consummate our relationship."
"Ew… you said 'consummate'!" I exclaimed, feigning girlish disgust.
"Would you prefer 'make sweet, sweaty love'?" he quipped.
Laughter bubbled from me, but our mirth was interrupted by footsteps in the kitchen. I turned to see Carter entering.
"Hey, Carter," I greeted him with a smile, stepping away from Josiah to approach him. I had hoped to change before Carter's arrival, but my conversation with Josiah had consumed more time than expected. I had chosen a casual yet appropriate outfit—form-fitting leggings that emphasized my figure and a cute top—but it seemed I was still caught off-guard.
"Hey," Carter responded, offering a long hug upon our meeting. As we pulled apart, he acknowledged Josiah with a nod before redirecting his attention to me. "How are you holding up, Katy?"
"I'm doing well. And you?" I replied with a flirtatious smile.
"Good," he answered, breaking our eye contact to glance at Josiah. I followed his gaze, silently willing Josiah to depart and allow Carter and me some privacy. Apparently, our telepathic connection was off, as Josiah remained where he was, observing us.
"CJ has a soccer game on Saturday at 11. I'm not sure if you're working—" Carter began, extending an invitation.
"I'm on call, but I can still make it," I interjected before he could finish. "Just send me the address."
"Will do," he affirmed, his gaze unwavering as he studied me intently.
I met his gaze, my mind wandering to the previous Sunday and the intense sensations I had experienced with him. Flushed with memories of his lips, hands, and his undeniable arousal… Why hadn't I simply taken the plunge?
"I'm ready, Dad!" CJ's lively announcement broke the spell between us. With that, we snapped back to reality. After ensuring that CJ had everything he needed, Carter and he headed toward the door, with me trailing behind.
"Alright. See you both on Saturday," I called after them, mustering a smile. Carter reciprocated before they disappeared through the front door.
"See you on Saturday!" Josiah playfully mocked me as I reentered the kitchen.
"Shut up! It's not like that!" I responded defensively.
"Really? And that's not you being flirtatious?" He teased her, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Not at all!" I fibbed, feeling my face heat up.
"Are you sure? 'Hey, Carter. How are you? Text meee…' " He feigned a high-pitched voice and exaggerated kissy faces. I shot him an annoyed glare before Leon walked through the room.
"I don't even want to know," Leon declared, shaking his head before flopping onto the couch.
"Oh, Leon, you know you're my favorite," Josiah teased him.
"I know I'm looking good, but cut it out. Roxanna doesn't share," Leon retorted.
"Since when?" Josiah and I chorused simultaneously. Leon stared at us, horror-stricken. Josiah and I exchanged glances and burst into laughter. It seemed our mental connection was back on track.
"Why are you stressing over this? It's just a soccer game. Put on some short shorts and a cute top," Caroline chimed in from my bed.
In my room, we were hanging out before CJ's game. Normally, Caroline wouldn't be up this early on a Saturday, but a last-minute hair appointment prompted her to show off her new look. She had decided to return to her natural brown hair with auburn highlights as she grew it out. I had complimented her choice, and she seemed content. I was tempted to follow her outfit suggestion, especially considering the outdoor setting in Texas. However, since my conversation with Roxanna, I found myself second-guessing.
"I'm concerned about the presence of kids. I don't want to dress too revealing," I explained.
"Shorts and a tank top? Too revealing?" Caroline seemed puzzled.
I recounted the cabin incident and Roxanna's lecture to her. Caroline scoffed. "If you've got it, flaunt it! Roxanna's just envious, Katy. She's used to being the center of attention and can't handle you stealing the spotlight, especially from her boyfriend."
Hold up! First of all, the center of attention? Are we living in a Romy and Michele scenario? Am I Mary and she's Rhoda? Roxanna doesn't think that way. And even if she does, I certainly don't. She can have the spotlight. I settled on basketball shorts and a T-shirt, to Caroline's disapproval.
"All I want is Carter's attention, and he's liked me in outfits like this before," I shrugged.
Speaking of Carter, Caroline couldn't resist probing. "So, how was the action last weekend?"
I informed her that due to my brother's unexpected visit, Carter and I hadn't managed to have sex. However, we found solace in each other and engaged in passionate make-out sessions.
"Wow, he must really be into you if he found you attractive in that outfit. You better make a move before someone else does," Caroline advised, her expression conveying her disapproval of my clothing choice before she left to catch up on sleep before work.
I changed into more appropriate attire and slipped on tennis shoes while awaiting Leon. Although Caroline's words lingered, I pushed them aside. I knew Carter would never cheat, so if he was involved with someone else, he certainly wouldn't be engaging in passionate encounters with me. With my headphones on and Sam Smith playing, I let my mind drift into fantasies about more intimate moments with Carter. Just as I was lost in my daydream, Leon lifted an earpiece from my ear, asking, "Ready?"
"I am," I responded, rising to my feet. As we drove to the fields, we chatted about music. I noticed that things weren't awkward between us. I had been somewhat guarded around Leon since the incident at the cabin, so I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of tension. He hadn't heard of Sam Smith, and I introduced him to one of my favorite artists. I had already developed a deep appreciation for his music, and I admired him even more after his recent coming out.
"Roxanna has the same taste in music as my dad. It's a lost cause," Leon remarked. I chuckled, fully aware of their contrasting preferences. Roxanna was all about old-school R&B soul. Many debates had ignited over our musical differences. We cranked up the radio as he drove.
Coincidentally, "LaLaLa" began to play just as we arrived at the fields. Since Leon wasn't familiar with it, I informed him that the vocals belonged to Sam Smith. We remained in the car, singing along for the rest of the song until we spotted Roxanna approaching his Explorer.
Leon rolled down the window, and Roxanna shot him an exasperated look. "Planning to watch the game from the car, are you?" she quipped. Since she had to work that morning, she was dressed in business-casual attire—slacks and a blouse.
"We've got a bit of time, babe. Join us for some tunes," Leon invited, bobbing his head to the music before serenading her. I joined in, then turned my attention back to Roxanna. Her expression showed little amusement. I hopped out of the car, and Leon quickly followed suit. Together, we walked in silence toward the field. The weather had been unsettled all week, with intermittent rain. As a result, the air was humid and hot, wreaking havoc on my hair. I pulled it up into a bun to combat the waves and allow some airflow on my neck.