-Violet-

Friday after school, I found a loose piece of paper in my locker.

I looked around at the crowded hall and then back down at the paper. On the front of the folded paper it read: Wait to read when you get home.

The scrawl was barely readable, but I could recognize it anywhere. And how he got it in my locker is beyond me. I guess it's not hard to find someone who goes here to do it for you, but still. Part of myself was thoroughly creeped.

Instead of contemplating anymore, I stuffed it in my front pocket, and shut my locker door. I adjusted the strap on my bad and left school.

Nic was waiting for my in the North parking lot, or at least I thought. Jenny was standing close, her fingers twined with his, and they both had goofy smiles on their faces. I walked up to them, crossing my arms over my chest and smiling. "Puppy love."

Jen looked at me with a raised brow.

Nic started blushing.

I looked between them, my hands now clasped behind my back. "Do mom and Mark know?"

Nic shook his head. "We'll tell them soon."

I shrugged. "No rush. And if they say something about not telling them sooner, you know what to say."

Jen choked on a laugh. "She has a point."

"Why are you in such a good mood?" Nic asked. "I figured you'd be freaking out about that dinner tonight."

"Eh." I tilted a hand back and forth. "Only a little on the inside. But I already know they'll get along great. What can go wrong?"

"Oh God, Vi," Nic groaned. "You just jinxed it you dumbass."

"Hey! I did not! I'm being an optimist, there's a difference. Mom is going to love Claire and Claire is going to love Mom. I already know it. And this was Claire's idea."

"Well..." Nic paused. "I'm glad you invited them for Thanksgiving then. It'll be a real party."

Jen snorted. "This is going to be a great Thanksgiving." She reached up and touched Nic's cheek. "I'll call you later."

Nic grabbed her hand that rested on his cheek and kissed her palm.

Jen nodded once in my direction and walked around me to the other side of the parking lot. I looked back to Nic, a slow smile brightening on my lips. "Aren't you guys just the cutest?" I teased and reached up to pinch Nic's cheek.

He swatted my hand away. "Get in the car before I leave you here."

"You're no fun." I stuck my tongue out at him like a child.

When I got home, I went straight to my room and closed the door. I dropped my bag on the ground and hopped on my bed. I stretched my legs out in front of me and slipped my fingers into my pocket to retrieve the small note.

Reese's unique handwriting could never be missed.

When we were dating, he did cause me to get in trouble a lot. And getting in trouble never flew by my mom with a warning. Minimum was a week of being grounded, which meant school, home, dinner, and bed. No Reese.

But Reese had his subtle ways. Sometimes I'd wake up and a note would be plastered to my window. Or I'd find notes in my locker and sometimes his friends would bring them to me in the middle of class. Of course I'd see him at school, but it was only seconds if anything. We didn't walk the same route and my mom would be waiting outside of the school fifteen minutes before the last bell.

I'm looking at this note in my hand and it didn't feel real. It didn't feel like the Reese I knew. But I still felt a warm wave of lost emotions break over me.

With timid fingers, I unfolded it and read the words inside my head.

"We shared our first kiss here and five months later I told you I loved you for the first time. I need to see you, Vi. I need to talk to you. Please meet me Sunday afternoon."

And it ended.

My heart stuttered and I released the breath I had been holding. It felt like old times when Reese would leave me small notes. I actually have a shoebox in my closet and one filled under my closet with Reese's notes. I didn't want them, but never could bear to part with them.

This note in my hand would probably join them. I folded it up, walked to my desk, and stuck it in the drawer.

Would I actually go? I don't know.

I don't want to upset James by going. Even though it is my decision, I just don't want to upset him. James is also the one that told me to actually talk to Reese because he's right, I do need closure and so does Reese.

I'll make up my mind tomorrow.

Right now I had to change and get ready to go to dinner.

I changed into a pair of black skinny jeans and a baby blue, loose fitting sweater. After I was changed, I walked down the hall to my mom's room to find her. She was standing at her bathroom sink, already putting make-up on. "Hey, Mom," I said and moved to the side of the counter.

"I thought I heard you come in." She smiled and sealed the mascara back up. "I'll be ready to leave by five, don't worry."

"It's okay." I laughed. "I just wanted to make sure we're clear on the subjects to avoid tonight."

She nodded. "Basically just leave the dad out of it."

"Yes and I made sure to tell James to tell Claire not to bring up Dad."

"Vi, it's fine. I can talk about him," She said strongly.

I shook my head. "I'm sure you can, but that doesn't make it easy."

She smiled sadly. "I know, but sometimes it helps talking about him like he's still here."

My eyes pricked with tears. "I'm sorry, Mom."

She walked up to me and held my face in her hands. "I'm sorry, too." She leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "Now help me find something to wear."

I smiled as she pulled back and we went into her room.

* * *

We stood in the lobby of Claire's apartment building, basically struck. It was gorgeous. Brightly lit, everything was intricate and delicate, and everything just had a modern feel to it.

I looped my arm through my mom's and we walked up to the desk. We informed the older guy behind the counter that we were guests of Claire Roedan's. He just smiled and called Claire to tell her. He directed us to the elevators and then we were on our way.

She lived on the top floor of this massive building. So intimidating, I'll probably faint before I even make it to her door.

The elevator opened up and we stepped out.

My mom counted the numbers on the doors until we found hers at the end of the hall. We faced a set of double doors and my heart was beating way too fast. I reached for the doorbell and pressed the button before I chickened out.

Expecting for Claire to open the door, it was James. His smile beamed. "Glad you guys made it." He looked to my mom. "It's great to see you, Caroline."

She stepped forward and hugged him tight. He hugged her back without missing a second. When the hug lasted longer than three seconds, I realized she was actually telling him something. And as James pulled back, he nodded his head. I'm definitely going to get one of them to tell me and it'll most likely be James that'll cave to my pressure.

James hugged me next, wrapping his arms so tight around me until I was enveloped. He left a small kiss on my temple and pulled away. He threw an arm around my shoulders and we walked over the threshold after the door closed behind us.

We found Claire in the kitchen, switching between things on the stove.

"Mom," James said.

Claire turned around, her blue eyes lighting up as she walked around the counter. "It's so good to finally meet you!" She pulled my mom into a hug instead of going for the old handshake. "I'm Claire."

But my mom hugged her back like they were old friends. "It's nice to finally meet you, Claire. I'm Caroline."

As they pulled back, they exchanged a smile before Claire gave me a quick hug. She walked back around the counter and started chopping something up. They immediately fell into conversation about food and James steered me away from them.

James's arm was back around my shoulder and his lips were close to my ear. "Let them do some bonding," He whispered.

He moved behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. He walked me out of the kitchen and into the living room.

My eyes widened.

Just beyond the living room, windows from the roof to the floor made up a wall of windows. The city of Atlanta loomed below, starting to come alive. "I'm officially jealous," I muttered.

James led me to the set of windows, stopping just inches before them. He slid his hands down my arms and rested his chin on my shoulder. "I've told her that many times." He lightly laughed and kissed my cheek. He slowly brought his hands back up, wrapping them around my shoulders.

James and I stood before the windows, just watching the city below. We both heard our moms laughing from the kitchen and a smile touched my lips. It's great to hear that they're already getting along. I knew they would, but actually knowing now made my nerves settle.

A few minutes later, we sat at the table.

Conversation started flowing easily between them while James and I just watched them interact. They started talking about work and that's when I tuned them out.

I ate quietly next to James as they talked.

Before I knew it, they were making plans to cook Thanksgiving dinner together. It was kind of like doing a double take with your ears. Did I hear her correctly? Yes, I did. Mark won't be too thrilled. He's cooked Thanksgiving dinner every year, before my mom was even in the picture.

Maybe they could compromise. But I'm excited to say the least. They're getting along and now I was too excited for Thanksgiving.

When dinner was over, we collected our plates and brought them into the kitchen. Claire waved her hand over the kitchen. "I'll tackle this mess before I go to bed." She walked over to a small wine rack, pulling out a bottle of red wine and opening it up. "I'm going to show Caroline the view." She proceeded to maintain two empty wine glasses.

"I'll be back in a minute, sweets." My mom smiled and followed Claire around the kitchen, through the living room, and through a set of double glass doors that led out onto the balcony.

"This is definitely good, right?" I asked.

James snorted. "Yes." He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the living room. He sat down on the couch and pulled me into his chest. I rested my head back and his arm draped loosely over my shoulder.

I grabbed his hand in both of mine, absentmindedly playing with his fingers. "I'm going to need some of those hours tomorrow," I commented.

His laugh rumbled his chest. "Yes, of course."

"Mom's going out of town with Mark, Blue with be at Kayla's, and Gray and Nic will be working." I leaned my head back to look at him. "Come over in the morning."

He looked down at me and raised a brow. "And what exactly am I doing that it matters that no one is going to be home?"

I grinned. "I told you you'll find out tomorrow. And bring extra clothes."

He looked taken back a little by this. "I'm not even going to comment."

"Good." I giggled.

James leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"You missed," I teased.

He smiled and leaned back down to kiss my lips. "Better?"

I hummed against his lips. "One more."

* * *

James arrived Saturday morning an hour after Gray left for work.

He had a small duffle bag in his hand as he crossed over the threshold and into our small house. It seemed smaller with James standing in the living room. "I didn't know if you were serious about the clothes." He laughed nervously.

I nodded. "I was. Follow me."

We walked down the hall to my room and I took his bag, setting it down on my bed. I turned around, surveying him. He wore a plain gray t-shirt and dark jeans and boots.

Then I looked up at him and grinned. "Ready to get started?"

"My mind can't take anymore." He breathed. "What the hell are you making me do?"

I grabbed his hand and led him back into the living, slipping through the kitchen and out the back door.

"Violet," He groaned. "Are you serious?"

We stopped in the middle of the backyard, the grass brushing my calves. "Gray and Nic are never around, Mark used to cut the grass, but now he's super busy too, and she asked me to do it last weekend but I conveniently forgot."

"Conveniently," He repeated sternly.

"Hey, you said it couldn't involve electronics or paper. So I thought maybe you could do this little thing for me? Please?" I walked up to him, resting my hands on his waist and looking up at him. "I'll make it up to you."

James tilted my head back and kissed me quickly. "That's not how this works. I'm going to do this and I don't expect anything in return."

"Maybe I want to."

He caressed my jaw in one hand, his lips tugging into a crooked smirk. "Then I won't be complaining."

I let him kiss me once more before he got started.

A good fifteen minutes later, I made poured two glasses of my mom's homemade lemonade and brought one out to James. His cheeks were flushed red and his shirt was damp with sweat. Even with the cool weather, it wasn't hard to break a sweat.

And why did I find this so attractive?

He took the drink, taking giant gulp and handed it back to me. "Do you want to take a break?" I asked.

"Maybe ten more minutes. There's not much left," He replied.

I nodded and took his drink back inside and took a giant drink of my own. As I was stepping back outside, James was removing his shirt.

It felt like a part in a movie where it all happened in slow motion.

It started by showing only a sliver of his stomach, the shirt reaching up higher over his perfectly sculpted abdomen, and over his head.

My face was burning.

He was watching me with a smirk on his face and then his shirt came flying at me, hitting me square in the face.

"Hey!" I yelled.

"You're staring!" He called back.

"It's not everyday I see an attractive guy shirtless!" And when I said that, I wanted to die. Yep, just bury myself alive. My face was definitely really red at this point.

James slowly sauntered towards me. "You wanna play, Vi?"

My eyes widened. "No, but thanks for the offer."

He wasn't stopping.

I slowly inched off the patio and took off running towards the other side of the house. James started laughing behind me and then I heard his booted footsteps crunching the leaves as he jogged.

No, he wasn't running, he was jogging.

I barely got a head start before his arms were finding their way around my waist, tightening and he pulled me close until I was flush against his chest. The warmness of his skin seeped through the fabric of my sweater. "You're going to get sick." I panted.

He ducked his head into the crook of my neck. "I want you to be smelly too."

"You're so gross!" I giggled and tried to squirm out of his grip.

"Well, now we both need a shower."

"James!" I whined. "I'm going to kill you!"

He laughed. "Kiss me and then you can kill me."

I turned in his arms, standing on my toes, and in one quick motion our lips connected. James pulled me closer against his body, his hands bracing against the back of my hips. I lightly placed my hands on his shoulders and pulled my lips an inch away. "You're sweaty and gross."

"You like me anyway," He retorted.

"You're lucky," I joked.

His hold was pretty secure around me when he started walking me back towards the house. "I guess we should get you cleaned up then."

"James," I warned.

"What? I'm trying to help here." He opened the door and slipped through without breaking his hold on me.

I didn't like where this was going. "What ever you're thinking about doing, don't do it. Save yourself while you can, James."

He looked down at me and just grinned. Nothing tumbled from his lips, just a silent grin as we emerged into the bathroom. He kicked the door shut behind him and my heart fell into the pit of my stomach.

"Don't you dare!" I bellowed, a smile fighting its way onto my lips.

James was laughing now. Lightly at first, and then just full on giggling. James was actually giggling and it was adorable and terrifying at the same time. He lifted me into the shower, obviously following behind. "You have five seconds to rethink what you're about to do."

"Or what?" He reached behind me. "I'd probably enjoy any punishment you gave me."

I reached up and smacked the side of his head. "Your mind is warped."

"I know." And with a small twist of his wrist, water poured down on us.

Cold water.

I screeched, but James was laughing again. He was laughing so hard, he actually snorted. When James snorted, I lost it. My laugh erupted from my chest before I could stop it. I decided to ignore the situation we were currently in, even though I was drenched.

The water finally warmed and I fell into his arms. "You're going to be paying for this later."

"I can't wait." He turned us around so his back was facing the water.

He lowered his lips down to mine and I was quick to respond. I lifted myself up on my toes and hooked an arm around his neck. I caressed the side of his jaw with one hand and the kiss deepened.

James settled a hand on my hip and his other hand was flat against the lower plane of my back. He pressed my body harder against his and a small moan slipped from his lips.

We parted for a breath and he nudged his face into the side of my neck. I felt his lips glide and flutter of my skin, creating chills in the wake of his kisses. He kissed along my collarbone and roughly up the other side of my neck. I wrapped both of my arms around his shoulders and smiled.

"We should probably get out," I breathed and swallowed the lump in my throat.

He muttered something against my skin and hovered his face above mine.

Then there was a knock on the bathroom door.

My eyes went wide. "What?" I called out.

"Is James here?" I heard Gray ask.

Now James's eyes widened.

"Uh, yeah!" I replied. "He just went to the store really quick."

"His car's in the driveway, V. Is he in the shower with you?"

"Technically, no..."

"Technically?"

I reached behind James and turned the water off. I grabbed a clean towel and handed it to James before stepping out and getting my own. When I opened the door, Gray did not look amused. "James thought it would be funny to stick me in the shower with my clothes on," I explained.

Gray glanced at James behind me and back to me. "This is really weird."

I jerked my thumb in James's direction. "Tell this idiot that."

"Sorry," James said. "It was stupid."

Gray just shook his head. "I came home to bring you something to eat and to check on you since you weren't answering your phone. Now I can see why. Taking non showers?"

I covered my mouth to keep from laughing.

James answered, "I'm just gonna go change." He squeezed out of the bathroom and walked down the hall to my room, closing the door behind him.

Gray was still looking at me with his arms crossed over his chest. "Food's on the counter."

I smiled. "Thank you."

"We're going to keep this between us."

"Good idea."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter! Please vote and comment? pleeaaaseee? :) If this story reached 100k reads by my birthday on Sunday I'll cry, honestly.

I enjoyed writing that last part immensely, lol. In the next chapter, you'll find out more about Reese. I'm barely into writing chapter 27, so again, slower updates. I probably won't be writing much this week because I have a website to design for a final project and I have to mentally prepare myself for Mockingjay pt 2 on Thursday (Which probably won't happen, I'm gonna be a mess lets be real)