Sunday morning there is a loud knock at my front door, earning a loud groan as I put down my Swifter duster. On my way towards the door, I turn down Drunk on a Plane in case this visit to due to Dierks Bentley’s voice filling everyone’s apartment.

I open the door and see Sam standing there, “what’s with you and country music?” He questions as he pushes his way into my apartment.

“Hello to you too,” I scoff as I close the door and follow Sam into my living room. “Can I ask why you’re here? You know Sunday is my cleaning day.”

“You are going to stop what you’re doing and come over to Steve’s.” Sam tells me, “we’re having a barbeque equipped with tons of beer, good food and some karaoke.”

“No.” I simply say before picking up my duster, only to have it snatched by Sam. “Sam, I’ve got a house to clean, I can’t be screwing around at a barbeque; no matter who is throwing it.”

“Are you really going to say no to Captain fucking America?” Sam questions, “he’s like your idol.”

“Don’t bring him into this,” I roll my eyes, “I’ve got shit I need to do before the work week.”

“James is really the person you’re saying no to,” Sam informs me, “Steve mentioned you and I swear the guy light up like a kid at Christmas.” A sigh escapes my lips; Sam is trying to make me feel guilty. “Steve is shocked when it comes to how much James likes you. James won’t talk to Steve at all but he’s wide open with you; almost back to his old self according to Steve.”

“You’re an asshole,” I tell him once I confirm that he really is trying to guilt me into going.

“An asshole you love,” he counters with a smirk. “Now let’s go!” He grabs my hand and drags me out of my house.

“Can I change first and I don’t know put on make-up and do my hair?” I ask, pulling away causing Sam to stop. He looks at me up and down,

“You look fine,” he tells me, “this is a cook-out not the Oscars. James sees you dolled up enough, maybe it’s time to see what his shrink is like with her hair down so to speak.” I just sigh in defeat before grabbing my keys and following Sam out of my apartment; locking up before getting in his car. I’m not exactly thrilled about going out to a cook-out wearing my errand running clothing…

**

“Hey you came!” Steve exclaims as I walk towards the grill with Sam. Isabella is there as well as, trying to get James to talk. Steve looks over at his friend before returning his attention to me, “you’re the only girl he seems to talk to. Isabella and a couple of neighbors tried talking to him and nothing.” I can’t help but to smile at the statement as I grab a beer from Steve before walking over to James,

“Hey James,” I say gaining his attention as well as Isabella’s. She smiles at me before excusing herself and going back over to Steve. I turn my head and see them talking and her giggling. It’s a cute sight.

“You look so much better dressed down like this than being dressed up,” James notes causing me to look at him.

“You’re crazy,” I chuckle before taking a sip of my beer, “I look like a redneck.”

“You don’t look bad, I promise.” He smiles, causing me to blush a little. “I’m actually surprised you came. Sam mentioned something about you not going out anywhere on Sundays.”

“I made an exception,” I tell him, smiling.

“I didn’t know you had a tattoo.” James says after a couple minutes of silence. “Never a victim, forever a fighter.” He reads out loud. “Why did you get this of all things?”

“My ex-boyfriend, the one from the benefit, put me in the hospital.” I reply, “I got it after I healed and I swore I’ll never be a victim to his abuse anymore.” As I talk about Ben, James’ hands ball up into fists, only relaxing once I put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t need to get pissed off about the story, it’s history.”

“He still hurt you.” He states.

“And I’m fine now,” I assure him. “Honestly James, I’m fine.”

“If he hurts you again, tell me.” He says, “no man should hurt a woman, ever.”

“Are you going to be my knight in shining armor now?” I ask, smiling.

“Of course,” he smiles.

“So ready for Monday’s session?” I ask, making small conversation.

“I think I am,” he says, “we’ve got to talk about the dream I had last night.”

“And we can’t talk about it now?” I ask.

“It’s your day off,” he tells me, “it can wait til Monday.” He assures me, “today we’re going to eat and do something Sam calls karaoke.”

I just chuckle, “let’s see if Steve needs any help.” I say offering a hand to help James get out of the camping chair. He takes it and I help him out of the chair before the two of us head over to see what we can do to help with the food.

Notes

Erin


And for some reason Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling ft Lzzy Hale reminds me of Erin and James.