Together Forever novel Chapter 14

"Good morning!" Leah greets me as I enter the kitchen rubbing my eyes to clear the vision.

Since it's Sunday, no one has to go anywhere so we all are staying at home. Though we have a plan to go out in the afternoon. And as always, the cooking responsibility is upon Leah so she's setting the table with breakfast.

"Morning," I say and run my hand through my disheveled hair.

I pull out a chair and sit down looking for my coffee but see nothing.

"Where's my coffee?" I pout, earning a chuckle from her.

"Oh, I left your mug on the countertop. Can you bring it?"

"Sure," I reply, heading to the other side of the kitchen.

The kitchen is pretty big, one side is used for cooking and the other is separated by a partition which is used as the dining area. My eyes fall on the familiar Mickey mouse mug and immediately a smile appears on my lips. This mug was a gift from my dad on my tenth birthday. Since then, I have been using it and never let anyone else touch it.

I take the mug off the counter and about to turn around when someone hugs me from behind. I get startled and gasp loudly as the coffee spills on my dress. I turn my head and you know who's there.

"What the hell! Nicki?" I whisper yell.

When did he come here? I didn't even hear footsteps.

He hushes, "Hey, don't shout. You can't act at all, I see." He whispers back.

"Leah will see us!"

"Fucking hell! God, save me from this idiot. We are doing this for Leah to see, aren't we?"

"But..." I try to argue but get cut off by him.

"Shut up! She is coming. Act normal." He commands and right then I hear footsteps coming near us and suddenly it stops. I gulp in tension staying in his arms, still looking in front.

God, I can't act! I can't!

"Good morning, baby," Nick whispers in my ear, knowing that Leah is watching us.

"Mo... morning!" I stutter, nervously.

"Did you sleep well?" He asks, moving his face closer to my hair and I stiffen.

If it wasn't Nick, I would have murdered him right now.

"Yeah," I answer.

"Evie?" Leah's cracked voice sounds as we both turn around to see her standing at the doorway looking at us in disbelief. I immediately free myself from Nick's arms and look at her, flustered. Her face turns pale and she seems like she can't believe what she's watching.

Shit. It needs to end soon. I can't hurt her like this. They both like each other, just so insecure. And here I am caught up between them. I tried to make Nick understand but he's too stubborn to listen to anyone.

"Hey, Leah. I'm starving. Let's go." Nick says casually as if nothing happened and she gives him a small nod before he leaves the kitchen.

After Nick is gone, Leah stares at me weirdly and I just keep my eyes down before walking out quickly. I don't know how to look at her pale face. Leah is so precious to me. And hurting her is the last thing I want. I will make it end soon. I will make sure of it.

...................

The elevator opens with a click and we all step out, heading to the parking lot. We don't have anything to buy but yeah, we are still going shopping. I look at Leah by the corner of my eyes who seems lost in thoughts. She has been acting weird since morning and I know the reason but I have nothing to do at this moment.

Playing Cupid is not an easy task at all!

"Who's going to drive today?" I ask as we reach the car.

"Me," Nick replies excitedly and climbs in his Mercedes. I open the door and about to get into the backseat when he calls me,

"Where are you going? Sit here." Nick orders, patting the seat beside him.

I look at him in surprise. Every time we used to go out together, Leah sat with him. I forgot we are now acting. Turning to Leah, I see her giving me the same look she was giving today morning. But she quickly composes her and smiles.

"Yeah, go. I am sitting here." She says, getting into the backseat.

I sigh and get inside as well. After sitting down, I look at Nick tiredly trying to make him understand to stop it but he just ignores me and starts the car.

What have I gotten myself into?