Wanted

“You lucky sons of bitches! Now, let’s head down to the barn and find Drake, I think I need a beer or ten. I’ll get Dewey to bring the girls suitcases up to their room.”

Jeff and I both looked at each other and smiled. We walked with Gramps to the barn while he got us caught up on all the work he had in store for us while we were there. Jeff leaned over and whispered in my ear.

“I don’t care how many goddamn fences need mending…I just want to see Ari in a fucking bikini.”

I let out a laugh and shook my head. No way was I going to admit I wanted to see his sister in one also.

Jeff gave me a wink and slapped my back…..Bastard already knew I was thinking it though.

“Let’s go boys…we have some catching up to do.”

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

E llie……

After Gu

When she whispered in my ear how happy she was Gu

“Ari, what did Emma whisper in your ear when Jeff introduced y’all?” I asked as Ari was unpacking her suitcase.

Ari started to laugh again and looked at me.

“She just said ‘Stupid bastard will admit how he feels about you, don’t worry!’”

I lost it and started laughing. “WOW! Looks like Emma has some kind of super power. She told me she was happy Gu

Ari dropped her flat iron on the floor and just stood there looking at me.

“W…What did she say? Did Gu

“Jesus, Ari calm down! No….I’m pretty sure Gu

“BUT? But what Ells holy shit….don’t leave me hanging here!”

I looked at Ari and then jumped on her bed. I had been dying to tell her but was afraid I had just taken it wrong.

“Okay well I’ve been dying to say something to you but I thought it was just the alcohol and all of that. The night of Brad’s birthday party when Gu

“YES, YES…I know all of this….fast forward please…..”

I laughed at Ari and shook my head. “Well, as he was falling asleep he might have said something like I love you Ellie…..I don’t really remember exactly what he said because I was in shock.”

Ari sat there stu

“You trying to catch flies with that mouth open like that?”

“Holy shit….Jesus, Mary and Joseph Ellie……how….why in the fuck have you not told me this before now?”

I just shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. I guess because he was drunk and all. I mean a lot of people say shit when they are drunk that they don’t really mean. I guess I’ve just learned to ignore what drunks say because of my mother. He might have just been saying it because I was helping him to bed or something.”

“Or something! He might have been saying it because he actually DOES love you! What the fuck is wrong with you and your brother? You both can’t see what is in front of your faces. Drives me crazy Ells.”

I let out a sigh. A part of me wanted to believe that Gu

Y ou will never be wanted by anyone…….

“Ari listen, we’ve not even been together long enough for Gu

“Whatever Ells, you may not notice it but I see the way he has to catch his breath when you walk in a room. Or the way he can’t keep his eyes off of you for a single minute. The way he smiles at you even makes my ass swoon. I don’t care what you say Ellie Johnson. Drew Mathews loves you.”

I tried to give Ari a smile. I really wished I could believe her, but something was holding me back.

The rest of the day was spent helping Emma cook di

Ari never ceased to amaze me. I sat there and watched her as she moved around this country kitchen like she grew up here! The way she interacted with Emma like she was Emma’s granddaughter and had known her her whole life. A part of me was envious that Ari got to have such a normal childhood growing up. A mom and dad, grandparents……. the whole thing and all I got was a drunken mother who told me every chance she got how worthless I was.

You will never be wanted by anyone………….

I must have been lost in my thoughts because I never even saw Emma walk over. She cupped my face with her hands and looked deep into my eyes and for some reason, my eyes started to tear up. What the hell? She really did have magic powers!

“Ellie, let go of the past sweetheart. Just let it fall away from you and look at what you have surrounding you right now. Look at the people who love you and want you to be happy.”

I felt the tears ru

“Oh my gosh…I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I’m so sorry!” I said as Emma held me close to her and stoked my hair.

“Shhhh, baby girl.” Emma turned and had Ari walk over to us. Ari knelt down and looked at me.

“I told you Ells….I told you.”

Just then the door opened to the kitchen and I lifted my head to see Gu

“Baby what’s wrong?” Gu

“Nothing is wrong Drew. Ellie just needed a good cry that’s all. I think tonight would be the perfect night for your surprise for Ellie Drew.” Emma said as Gu

What did Gu

“Your eyes Gu

Gu

“My beautiful Ellie, please don’t cry.”

Just then something inside my chest hurt but in a good way. I threw my arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around me and held me close. The warmth from his touch spread through my whole body all at once.

“My beautiful, beautiful girl….I hate to see you cry, it cuts me to the bone. I just want you to happy baby.”