Page 175 of Isolation

I think about it and then send another text.

Reid: Btw, I need you to pretend like you and Raven never hooked up. She is feeling awkward enough about the whole thing. Yes, I found out about you two. No, I’m not mad… anymore. But as payback, I am swiping grandma’s ring. I’m giving her two weeks before popping the question.

CHAPTER 10

March 13th, 2020

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Reid

Years of fucking waiting leading up to one damn day. It can’t come soon enough.

I should have picked a better date than Friday, the 13th. This date is inauspicious on its own.

However, I can’t help feeling optimistic. I know what I am asking of her is selfish. I am twisting her arm into a relationship with me. But it only makes logical sense to me.

I know in the beginning a romantic relationship between us might only make me happy. I will finally get to be with the woman of my dreams.

But I am positive that over time she will warm up to an intimate relationship between us. I can break down her walls. I can show her that she can love me and it will be the kind of love she always wanted.

Unconditional. Fierce.

I am tying up some loose ends on campus. I was going to stay on campus for a little while longer. However, Mia just texted me asking me to come home early.

Milo is back and asked Mia to gather everyone for a family meeting.

Uncle John and Theressa just moved back to the USA. They were in Boston to gather their remaining belongings from their storage unit. They are also arriving today and officially moving in. Mia and my parents are supposed to pick them up.

Our house is going to be packed at full capacity for the next few weeks. Milo had sent one of his curt emails last week that he wants to discuss living arrangements when everyone officially moves back home, so we don’t drive each other insane.

It makes sense.

Hailing a cab, I make my way over.

I can’t help but feel overly optimistic. I have a couple of months left until graduation. I have been scouted by investment companies and I have two job offers lined up. Both of them will pay me in six figures. Plus, I am coming into my trust fund in two months. Financially, I am set. As soon as my trust fund kicks in, I am going to buy that condo for Raven and me.

I know I am moving fast, but for me, it’s too slow. It’s been almost twenty-two years. I am ready to start our lives together.

I am excited about all of our possibilities and a future together. I am almost sprinting out of the cab by the time the driver pulls up.

Stepping through the front door, I see Mia coming towards me first.

“There you are.” Mia jumps into my arms.

“Hey, sis.” I give her a quick hug back. “Where is Raven?”

“She must still be at work,” Mia looks at the time on her phone. “Milo wanted to figure out the living arrangements. We have never had so many people living in the house before.”

“I know. Where is everyone else?”

“We just picked up the Becketts. They are upstairs in the guest room; unpacking. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen. I saw Milo’s jacket on the living room chair so I am guessing he is in his room.”

“Alright, then let’s go see him. Grab Mom and Dad. I will grab the Becketts.”

Mia goes to the kitchen to grab my parents. I walk upstairs to find the Becketts in the guest room. After we exchange pleasantries, we congregate at the top of the stairs.

Milo still hasn’t come out of his room so we decide to walk to his room instead.

Raven hasn’t come home from work yet, which is weird. I bet she is trying to avoid Milo for as long as possible.

We make our way through the narrow hallway and turn the corner. Mom is just about to knock on the door when we all stop short as Milo’s door suddenly flies open.

We are expecting Milo to pop out, but someone else comes out from behind the door.

Raven!

Wrapped in nothing but a bedsheet, completely naked underneath, there is Raven standing at the door frame. At Milo’s door frame. And right behind her is Milo, in an equally compromising position.

MOTHERFUCKER!