During the car ride back home, our spirits were soaring as we sang and rapped along with the music, engaging in spirited debates over our knowledge of various artists and lyrics. As we left Dallas behind, a sense of apprehension started creeping in, casting a shadow over the excitement, and I couldn't shake the thought of confronting Roxanna upon our return.
As Josiah took control of the stereo, the music's volume lowered, and he curiously inquired, "So, what was the whole disagreement about?"
Leaning back against the seat, I let out a sigh before responding, "Well, it wasn't exactly a full-blown argument. Roxanna has this knack for lecturing me about pretty much everything. It's just her way, you know? But it can get really frustrating."
Curiosity piqued, Josiah probed further, "What was she lecturing you about this time?"
I shook my head, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice, "It's the way I dress, the words I choose, things I didn't even say, and sometimes it feels like she's criticizing even the way I breathe!"
A soft chuckle escaped Josiah's lips, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as he seemed to empathize with my frustration. "Caroline thought Roxanna was just jealous because you were looking stunning," he noted with an assertive tone. "Both of you are incredibly attractive, so don't let her get to you."
I glanced at Josiah, taken aback by his sudden intensity and the firmness in his grip. "I didn't think she was…" I trailed off, and as he relaxed his hold, I continued, "But, honestly, what bothered me more was the whole Shana situation."
Josiah's gaze remained steady on the road as he asked, "Do you feel like you need to have a conversation with Shana about what happened?"
Shrugging slightly, I replied, "No, I actually agree with Roxanna on that. It's been two years, and it shouldn't matter anymore. It's just that Roxanna's assumption that I haven't moved on, that's what got under my skin."
Josiah nodded in agreement, his understanding evident. "We know how Roxanna operates. She's quite uncompromising. I usually let her words slide right off, but you take things to heart. You should sit her down and express how her words affect you."
A playful pout formed on my lips, and I retorted, "I don't take everything to heart."
Josiah glanced at me, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Your pout suggests otherwise."
Feigning an exaggerated sad expression, I elicited a laugh from Josiah. "Alright, maybe sometimes," I admitted.
His tone turned sincere as he praised, "But you know, that sensitivity you have, it's a beautiful thing. I actually got worried recently that Roxanna's unapologetic attitude was rubbing off on you. Don't lose that side of you, even when standing up to her."
A warm smile spread across my face, and I gazed at Josiah, half-expecting a joke or witty remark, but none came. Lost in my thoughts, I wondered when he had become so mature and thoughtful. Clearly, time had sculpted him just as it had sculpted me.
His words were interrupted by a mischievous glint in his eye as he added, "Oh, by the way, about that dress… Let's just say, it left quite an impression."
I rolled my eyes, refusing to let him off easily. "And you didn't think it was appropriate to mention it?"
Josiah's grin widened. "Well, according to the unwritten rules of manhood, you don't tell an attractive girl to cover up, especially if she's not related to you. It's against the code."
"Pervert," I teased, and a delayed chuckle marked the expected punchline.
As we arrived back in Dallas, Josiah dropped me off at Roxanna's place, leaving me with a parting piece of advice. "Remember, stand your ground."
Shaking my head with a newfound determination, I countered, "Nah, I'm going to adopt your 'in one ear, out the other' approach."
A playful dispute about our coolness ensued, and Josiah's hug lingered for a moment before I stepped out of the car. A confident grin adorned my face as I strode toward the house, ready to face the metaphorical dragon-witch-beast hybrid that was Roxanna.
Inside, the savory aroma of tomato sauce filled the kitchen as Leon stirred the pot, while Roxanna effortlessly sliced a French loaf. "You've arrived at the perfect time," Leon greeted me with a warm smile.
"Indeed," Roxanna chimed in sweetly, though her smile held an underlying intention. She was aiming to disarm me before launching her attack. Not falling for her tactics, I replied, "I'd love to help with the salad, but a quick shower is in order first."
Roxanna's smile wavered, but she maintained composure. "Of course, take your time. We'll wait."
In the tranquility of the shower, I meticulously cleaned and refreshed myself, then donned a striking, low-cut maxi dress that I had originally intended for a special occasion. Today, it was meant to make a statement. With damp hair pinned up in a casual bun, I prepared to face Roxanna head-on.
As I re-entered the kitchen, I was surprised to see the salad ingredients laid out, seemingly untouched. I had half-expected Roxanna to grow impatient and tackle the task herself, ready to complain about having to do it. Challenge accepted.
The game was on.
"Any idea where Leon disappeared to?" I inquired, lathering my hands with soap as water cascaded over them.
"He went to pick up some wine," she replied, her eyes scanning me appreciatively. "You're looking quite sharp."
"Sharp and suitable?" I queried, playfully twirling in a circle.
"Indeed," she responded, her tone carrying a hint of dryness.
"Thanks. Believe it or not, Caroline the style queen helped me pick this out," I divulged, my hands busy tossing lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers into a colander for a rinse.
Her curiosity shifting gears, Roxanna cut straight to the chase, "So, care to talk about your impromptu getaway with Josiah?"
"Ah, I wouldn't call it a getaway; it was more of a road trip," I corrected with a grin, borrowing a page from Josiah's book. I was secretly pleased with myself for the clever retort.
Roxanna sighed. "You know what I mean."
"But do I really? I told you I had plans during the game," I explained, my grin still intact as I spun lettuce with unwavering eye contact.
"Plans that coincidentally occurred right after you seemed annoyed with me?" she probed.
"Annoyed? Me?" I replied perhaps too quickly, inwardly cursing myself. Her lips quirked, clearly amused by my haste.
"Why would you even think that?" I countered, regaining my composure as I ripped lettuce leaves and loaded them into the salad spinner. "Did you believe your words had the power to ruffle my feathers?"
Roxanna met my gaze, her stare unyielding. "Sometimes the truth stings, regardless of intent."
"Sometimes, people should save their unasked-for opinions for when they're asked," I challenged, a hint of defiance coloring my words. Normally, I'd accept this as her version of an apology, but not this time.
The sudden return of Leon disrupted the tense atmosphere. I refocused on assembling the salad as Leon turned his attention to me. "So, how was the trip? I miss those spontaneous getaways. Working retail doesn't offer much flexibility."
"It wasn't exactly spontaneous. It was a planned venture," Roxanna clarified with a pointed look. "Bit odd to plan it during an on-call weekend, though…"
I swiftly interjected, crafting a half-truth to deflect attention from my guilt. "Well, it all worked out fine. Mitchell's band had a major gig at a local bar. Scheduling around that was a challenge." I hoped that mention of Mitchell would throw Roxanna off track, sparing me further scrutiny.
"That's the ex, right?" Leon chimed in, graciously changing the topic.
"Yep," I confirmed. "But he was more than just her ex. Roxanna is my confidante, and Mitchell was Josiah's counterpart. He dated Roxanna while I hoped for a romantic connection with Josiah. Back in college, we were like the Fantastic Four—inseparable," I recalled with a lighthearted grin.
Roxanna mustered a forced smile while Leon nodded in understanding, seemingly content with the explanation.
"We should all plan a trip down there sometime. It's been a while since we graduated," I suggested, glancing at Roxanna. "Josiah mentioned something about heading there for the Fourth of July."
Leon, noticing Roxanna's skeptical gaze, offered an unexpected invitation. "My mom throws a huge barbecue every Fourth of July. We've got a pool and everything. The entire family gathers. I know you might have Austin plans, but you're welcome to join us."
I was genuinely surprised. "Me? Seriously?"
"Absolutely. My mom's been curious about you ever since CJ started mentioning you. And after I bragged about your cooking skills, she's determined to have you over," Leon explained as he set the table.
Roxanna looked over at me. Seizing the opportunity, I playfully waved an imaginary white flag, signaling my truce. I didn't need to wage a war with her right now – my focus was on solidifying my relationship with Carter before the Fourth of July. Roxanna smiled, humorously reciprocating with her own "flag."
"I'd be delighted to accept your mom's invitation," I responded, a sense of relief washing over me.
"Fantastic! Let's dig in!" Roxanna declared.
Surrendering had never felt so satisfying. As we gathered around the table to share a meal, the tension of the earlier conversation was replaced with a newfound camaraderie.