Conrad
We had come to Chelsea’s place after dinner and a few drinks. Maya and Chelsea were chilling in the hot tub with a cocktail. Maya has a mocktail, though. She had a couple of drinks when we were out, which was more than enough for her since she wasn’t a big drinker. Adrian and I were sitting at the side, chatting and drinking some beers. It has been good to catch up with him after a couple of years, well, after getting over the shock of it all. He seems to be doing good for himself.
“How did you and Maya meet?” he asks.
“At a masquerade ball. She was pretending to be someone else at her old boss’s demands. I knew it wasn’t her because I know her boss’s daughter.”
“Really? How did you find out who she really was then?”
I chuckle and explain the story to him. I don’t think I will ever tire of telling it. It will be a great one to tell our kids and grandkids one day.
“She played hard to get then, uh?” he laughs.
I nod, “You could say that, but it was all worth it.”
“I can tell. I don’t think I have ever seen you so in love with anyone.” He smiles.
“I haven’t been. My love for Maya is completely different from what I have ever felt with anyone else. I will marry her one day when everything else is okay.”
He seems a bit confused with the last part, “Everything else?”
“It is a long story, not really one I want to get into tonight. It’s not mine to tell. All I will say is her ex is causing a lot of problems.” I sigh, staring over at her.
When my eyes fall on her, I can’t help but smile brightly. She is laughing and whispering with Chelsea. She looks like she doesn’t have a care in the world. It is nice to watch.
“I hope it all works out, buddy.” He says, patting my back.
“I am sure it will. I will make it will. It is going to take time and patience, but I will do what it takes because she deserves the world.” I reply and take a sip of my beer.
Maya must have felt me staring because her eyes met mine, and she grinned from ear to ear. I return it. Even after our time together, my heart still races in my chest every time she looks at me like that.
“Why aren’t you guys coming in?” Chelsea asks.
“Because it is cold out here. You two are crazy.” I tease.
“It is a hot tub, silly; it is warm.” Chelsea laughs.
“Stop being a pair of boring old men and join us.” Maya giggles.
“Hey! I am not old.” I pout.
“Neither am I.”
“You are older than us.” Chelsea snickers.
“Mean! That is what you two are.” I chuckle.
Maya smiles brightly, “Yet, you still love me.”
I nod, “Yes, I do, so much.” I smile.
The girls get back to chatting. I turn to Adrian, “Do you have shorts here?”
“Yes. Most of my clothes are here because I spend more time here than at my place. Why?”
“Can I borrow a pair to go into the tub? I don’t think my sister would appreciate seeing me in my underwear.” I laugh.
“No, probably not. Yes, come on, and I will get some. I will come in, too.”
We finish our beers and stand up, “Where are you two going?”
“To find girlfriends who don’t call us old men.” Adrian laughs.
“You could try, but the two of you would be back here, begging for forgiveness and for us to take you back within an hour, babe.” Chelsea smirks.
We look at each other and then back at them, nodding.
“We are going to change and come join you,” I reply.
We headed inside, and he found some shorts. He tosses me a pair, and I go to the bathroom to change while he stays in my sister’s bedroom. I look around the bathroom and see there are a lot of his things in here, too. There is a chance he has moved in without realising. I would say it is a little soon, but it would be hypocritical of me since Maya moved in with me quickly, and we haven’t been together much longer than they were.
I am surprised she didn’t bring Adrian with her when she came to visit. She must not have been ready. I can’t blame her because I know how our family can be. I respect them for keeping it between them until now.
We grab two beers from the kitchen, return to outside, and climb into the hot tub with the girls.
“About time.” Maya snickers and prods my side.
I chuckle and slip my arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to me.
“Aww, did you miss me that much?” I smirk.
Maya playfully rolls her eyes at me, “Nope.”
I hold my hand over my heart and huff, “That hurt.”
She shakes her head, “Stop being dramatic,” she laughs and kisses me softly, “You will get over it.”
She pulls away and rests her head on my shoulder. I kiss the top of her head.
“What are your plans for the rest of your time here?” Adrian asks.
“Exploring. It is my first time in London. I want to see all the sights, try all the different foods and maybe do a little shopping.”
“I will be your shopping buddy,” Chelsea says.
“Rather you than me.” I laugh.
“Same.” Adrian agrees.
The girls roll their eyes at us. I don’t mind shopping, but only when I need stuff. Maya isn’t one to shop much either, but she is in a new city, and I can understand why she would want to. I will give her one of my cards, so she doesn’t need to use her money since she doesn’t have too much left.
“We can go for beers and steak while the girls shop and have lunch,” Adrian suggests.
“Sure. I would like that.” I reply.
“You guys can crash here tonight if you want,” Chelsea says.
“I appreciate the offer, but I will need to decline,” I say, wiggling my brows at Maya.
She snickers and blushes.
Chelsea shudders and screws up her face, “Yes, I take my offer back. You can go back to the hotel.”
I have plans for Maya and me tonight, which are things we can’t do here.
“Yes, it is for the best,” I reply.
Chelsea quickly changes the subject. I would rather not have such a discussion with my little sister. We talk about other things and enjoy our drinks. It really has been a great time all around. I am glad we came, and Chelsea decided to tell us about Adrian.