Thrive - Side 2

It’s the Fourth of July and I’m spending it on tour with my brothers while Abby’s going to spend time with her friends at Kendra’s parents’ lake house along with our dogs. I hoped she was going to have a great day today. Sometime in the afternoon, I texted her to see how she was doing.

Hey babe.

Hey. What’s up?

Not much. You? Baz and Peyton?

We’re all great. They love it up here at Kendra’s parents lake house.

I smiled to myself.

It was so generous of them to invite you.

Absolutely. Hey, can I call ya?

I called her instead.

“I’m so happy to hear your voice.” she said.

“It’s so wonderful to hear yours. What are you up to right now?”

“I’m actually about to change into my bikini.”

I groaned. She just had to say that, didn’t she?

“I’m missing that? Fuck.”

“I’m sorry, but you asked.”

“I did.” I sighed.

“Would you like a picture of me in it?”

“Would you mind?”

“You’re my husband. Of course, I don’t mind.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

"Well, I'll let you get to that."

"Ok."

“Talk to you later.”

“You too.”

We hung up and I waited for that selfie she promised.

Eat your heart out, big boy.

I felt a slight twinge in my groin.

Damn. You're extremely sexy in that bikini. Have a great day, beautiful! I love you!

Thank you! You too. Love you, too!

I put my phone away in my pocket and walked away with a smile.
For some reason, a fond memory of Abby’s and I’s relationship came to mind; one that was very early on in our relationship.

It was a Saturday in June that I planned on spending with my girlfriend and I am crazy about her. It is very early on in our relationship as we have only been together for two months. Today, we’re heading to the beach and I am beyond excited.

“Need some help with sunblock?” I asked when she was sitting on a towel.

“Of course.” she said with a smile.

That smile drives me crazy. I began at her shoulders and made my way downward. When I was done, she turned around and kissed me, taking me by surprise, but I melted into the kiss; I imagined she was feeling the same way.

“What was that about?” I asked, smiling.

“I had the sudden urge to kiss those amazing lips of yours.”

I pressed my lips onto hers and pulled her onto my lap.

“I feel the same about yours.”

I held her close as she smiled.

It may have not been a huge moment, but it’s one of my favorite memories that we both share. I met up with Jack on our tour bus where he happened to be on the phone; seeing the smile on his face, I imagined it was Miranda. I gave him a short wave and I walked to the fridge to get a water.

“Oh, tell Abby and the girls I said, ‘hey’, okay?”

A pause.

“I love you, too. Talk to you later, babe.”

Another one. Then, he hung up and set his phone down.

“How’s Miranda?” I asked, walking into the kitchenette.

“Great, but she is bummed out since I’m not there. How’s Abby?”

“Great. She has the dogs with her and she sent me a selfie. I’m jealous though. I wish I was there.” I said as I smiled.

“Me, too. Sounds like a lot of fun.”

I saw some sadness on his face that I hardly ever see from him.

“That’s what Abby made it out to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wouldn’t be trying to put a smile on her face. They are best friends, after all. You know, like a certain pair of handsome men that I just happen know. I think you know them, too.”

A smile crept upon his face.

“Thanks for the boost, man. I needed that.”

“Anytime. It’s awfully tough being without Abby. Knowing she’s safe and happy puts me at ease.”

He nodded.

“So, I forgot to ask. How’s the baby?”

“Baby Barakat is good. Doing a lot of kicking.”

“That’s so good to hear.”

I sighed, wanting to know for myself what the feeling of knowing you’re gonna be a dad for the first time feels like. It sounds amazing seeing how Jack feels every about the prospect of becoming a father.

“It’s gonna happen. You know? I know you’re eager to find out if Abby is pregnant whether it’s while we’re on the road or at home.”

“I gotta say how weird it is you’re gonna become a dad and you two weren’t even planning. It just happened.”

“I agree. I always thought if anyone was gonna be a dad out of the four of us, you’d be the first. I wasn’t even sure I was planning on fatherhood until Miranda told me and everything changed.”

Oh, how everything has changed, indeed. I can only hope things will change in that way for the better very soon.

Notes