Not Broken: The Happily Ever After(35)

I shook my head.

“Great. You better not puke in my car or you’re buying me a new one.”

“Puked. Check. So, all good.” I gave her a big grin, and she rolled her eyes in response.

The manager came up and explained to Dorian that my car could stay here until she or I could come back to get it. Then he helped get me out to her car. I rested my head against the window, closed my eyes, and enjoyed the cool AC blowing against my face.

“Just so you know, I told Mom and Dad that you are home sleeping.”

I opened one eye as I looked over at her. “Why?”

“Because I thought that was better than saying their daughter was a lush, who got wasted in the middle of the day.”

“You shouldn’t frown. Makes your wrinkles stand out.”

“Excuse me?”

I sat up, covering my mouth quickly as a wave of nausea hit. Dorian made quick work of pulling over, but the feeling passed. Still, she waited in the strip-mall parking lot for a few minutes to be sure.

“Why’d you lie?” I asked through a yawn.

“What are you talking about?”

“About where I was, why’d you lie?” Sleep threatened to overtake me at any moment.

“I already told you.”

“But why? It ain’t of sisterly love. We both know you don’t have that.”

“Still playing the victim. I’m not as heartless as you like to pretend.”

I reclined the seat, and turned my back to her as I repositioned myself. “Who knew you were a comedian?”

“I should have left your ass there.”

“I sure you’ll find new and creative ways to hold this over my head,” I retorted mid-yawn. Dorian could lecture me later, for now, sleep.





Chapter 19


Malcolm





The day was finally here. The idea of owning a home made me feel more like an actual adult. Reaching over, I took hold of Ginger’s hand, and brought it to my lips. Having her here for this made the day much more meaningful. The closing attorney came back with all the signed documents, and handed me a bulging file folder, and congratulated me on my new purchase. An hour ago, I was a renter, now I was a home owner.

The sellers stood and shook our hands before handing me a Ziploc bag that contained the keys and garage door openers. I thanked them, and handed the items to Ginger. Once outside, Brenda dashed over to her car. She returned shortly with a gift bag and wearing a large smile.

“Congrats again, you two. I hope you enjoy the house.” She handed me the bag before giving Ginger and I hugs.

As she walked off, I turned and encompassed Ginger in an excited embrace. Lifting her off the ground, she let out a surprised squeal. “Baby, can you believe it? We have a house.”

She’d been fairly quiet and reserved most of the morning, but the smile that broke out on her face let me know my enthusiasm was rubbing off on her.

“Yes, you do, now put me down.”

Complying with her request, I fished my keys out of my pocket to unlock the door, and opened it for her. After she was settled, I sat the gift bag at her feet before reaching up to cradle her face. Her pink, plump lips called out to me. I answered. Ginger tasted of the chocolate she’d been snacking on during the closing. Her lips parted, and I took that as an invitation to deepen the kiss. She made a soft whimpering noise, her hand gripped my shoulder, and she gave a gentle push. I took the hint. Her hand went to her lips as she turned her head away from me. I stepped back and shut her door, letting my hand linger on the frame before heading around to get in.

The car ride was quiet. When we got to the house, she handed me the keys, smiling as she did.

“Ready for your big moment? I was so happy when I opened the door for the first time on my house.”

I kissed the back of her hand as I took the keys from her. “Yes. Crazy how priorities and wants can change so much in such a short time. Having you here makes this moment so much sweeter.”

“There’s nowhere else I want to be.” She reached up to caress my face then quickly turned to get out of the car.

I watched her walk up the stairs of the porch, wondering if her comment was a hundred percent truthful. I wanted it to be, but things remained a guessing game most days with her. Opening the middle console, I reached in to grab the small gift bag then hopped out of the car to join her.

“Yes, it’s for you,” I stated when she looked down at the bag.

Before she could respond, I scooped her up into my arms.

“Oh my god, Malcolm, what are you doing?”

“Stop squirming or you’ll make me drop you.”

“I’ll kick your ass if you do!”

I fumbled with the lock, but eventually got the door open. I smiled broadly when I safely put her down inside the house. My efforts were met with a playful punch to my arm.

“You’re a jerk sometimes.”

“What? Isn’t carrying the woman over the threshold a customary thing?”

She frowned, shaking her head. “Um no.”

I leaned forward, giving her a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. “I think you’re wrong. I’m sure it’s a thing.”

Taking her hand, I walked her further into the house. On the island in the kitchen sat a large bouquet of roses, along with a bucket of ice chilling a bottle of champagne. Ginger stopped in her tracks when she saw it.