Therapy is Good for the Soul

“You know that’s him Bailey. Do you want me to let him in or tell him to take a hike?” Emily was pretty sure what her roommate’s answer was but she had to ask before finally letting Tyler in so he could stop that incessant pounding on the door.

Bailey grabbed one of the throw pillows on the couch and pulled it into her chest before answering. “I’ll have to talk to him at some point, might as well get it over with. You can let him in.”

Emily opened the door expecting Tyler to come barreling in begging for Bailey’s forgiveness with utmost confidence she would, but instead found a disheveled broken man before her. Tyler just stood there staring past her towards Bailey on the couch. You couldn’t miss the fact that he’d been crying looking at his swollen bloodshot eyes that appeared to still have some translucent liquid that could fall at any moment. Emily had to literally pull Tyler into the apartment.

“Christina, I think we need to give these two some time to talk. Let’s go grab a bite to eat. Bailey, We’ll just be up the road if you need us.”

Christina gave Bailey a quick hug and whispered everything will be ok as long as she’s honest with Tyler and herself. Both friends grabbed their coats from the closet. Christina told Tyler he needed to fix this as she walked out the door.

Neither Tyler nor Bailey spoke or moved for several minutes after Emily and Christina left. They continued to stare at each other in silence both waiting for the other to make the first move. Bailey wanted to run to Tyler and hug him as soon as she saw his grief stricken face, but she resisted that urge knowing it wouldn’t resolve anything. In fact, she knew the minute she felt his touch she would give into it and would lose the courage to discuss what happened last night.

Eventually Tyler came over to Bailey, standing before her in front of the couch. His lips began to quiver as he spoke. “These are for you.” He held out a bouquet of 14 red roses surrounding 1 white rose. “The lady at the store said 15 roses means I am truly sorry, please forgive me. She also said red roses represent love and respect and white are for innocence and purity.” He scratched the back of his head waiting for her to take them or just respond in some way. “Bay, I love you with all my heart; I never should have called you those God awful names. I didn’t mean it! I know it’s not a very good excuse, but I had too much to drink and all the drama with Candace didn’t have me thinking straight. The words just came out all wrong. I swear that’s not how I feel about you!! Please believe me!!”

Bailey listened to Tyler’s words and watched as a few tears trickled down his cheek. She paused for a moment before standing and accepting the flowers from him. “They’re lovely; I’ll go put them in some water.” She went to the kitchen; Tyler followed closely behind. She pulled the step stool in the corner over towards the cabinet storing vases.

“Let me get that for you.” Tyler opened the cabinet, pulled out a simple crystal vase, and handed it to Bailey. Then he picked up her step stool and put it back in the corner.

“Thanks.” Was all Bailey said as she filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers. She placed the gorgeous bouquet on the breakfast bar. “Would you like something to drink?” Bailey went to the refrigerator, pulling out a Coke for herself.

“A bottle of water would be great, thanks.” Bailey handed him a water, then went back to the living room. She sat down on the couch and pulled her knees into her chest, continuing to close her body off to Tyler. Her silence regarding his apology was killing him. “God, why do I keep fucking things up with us? I’m so sorry Bay! Please talk to me, tell me what you’re thinking. I need to know how you’re feeling! Do you accept my apology?”

Bailey bit her bottom lip as she pondered exactly what she wanted, no needed to say to Tyler. She looked directly into his eyes for the first time since he’d arrived. “Tyler, I forgive you for the words you said, but your apology doesn’t really resolve anything.”

“I don’t understand. I feel absolutely horrible about how I treated you last night and I’m so sorry. I know I don’t deserve your compassion and grace, but if you forgive me, why can’t we just move forward? What do we still need to resolve? I’ll do anything, just tell me!” He reached out for Bailey’s hand but she pulled away, gutting him to the core.

“Tyler, I know you didn’t intentionally try to hurt me but you did. You were drinkin last night, and when people drink they become more vulnerable to expressin themselves more freely and sayin what they really mean. I believe that’s what you did last night.”

“You’re wrong Bay! I didn’t mean those things! I don’t think you’re a”

Bailey cut him off knowing she couldn’t handle hearing him call her a prude and tease again. “Just STOP! Tyler, you said those things, because deep down you find truth in them. Until you can admit that, there’s nothing else to say.” Her eyes began to well up with tears.

“Bay, please don’t cry!” Tyler ran his hands through his hair, not knowing what else to do, since Bailey clearly wouldn’t let him comfort her at this point. “Ok, you want to know how I really feel? I’ll tell you. The truth is you’re beautiful, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met inside and out. I pretty much think about you day and night. When we’re together, it takes every ounce of will power to fight urges to touch you. I want to hold you, kiss and caress every inch of your body. I have an undying thirst to make you feel pleasure like you never felt before and scream my name because of that pleasure. There’s nothing I crave more than to make love to you! Truth be told, even when we aren’t together, I still fantasize about all the things I want to do with you. Bergy and Marchy have to knock sense into me all the time, to bring me back to reality. During games, I do everything in my power to try to impress you, hoping that if I play really well you’ll reward me with something more than a pie and some kisses.”

The dam completely broke while Tyler spoke and tears flowed heavily down Bailey’s cheeks. “I’m sorry Tyler, I’m just not ready yet.”

“Bay, I know and it’s ok. You asked me to be honest and that’s what I’m trying to do. As hard as it is, I know you are worth waiting for, but I can’t deny that YES, I would love to do more than what we’ve been doing. Bay, I love you more than you could ever know, but I am a man and you make it very challenging to control myself. You also confuse the shit out of me sometimes and I don’t know what you want.”

Bailey sniffled a little as she wiped away more tears. “What do you mean I confuse you?”

Tyler took his time before speaking, not wanting to say the wrong thing yet again and possibly offend Bailey, pushing her away even more. “Well, sometimes you give me mixed signals. One minute we’re making out hot and heavy and I swear you’re enjoying it just as much or maybe even a little more than me sometimes, but then something changes and you just stop and push me away. Other times, we can kiss, but you don’t let me really touch you. It’s just hard to know what’s ok and what’s not. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or feel pressured, but I guess I need more concrete guidelines so we don’t keep ending up back here.”

Bailey contemplated Tyler’s words. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I was doing that.”

“Bay, I didn’t say those things to make you feel guilty or apologize. I just want us to get everything out in the open.”

“I’m scared you’ll hurt me.”

Tyler was mortified with Bailey’s admission; this time it was he who started to cry. “You think I would hurt you? Have I ever touched you too roughly? God, Bay it’s been killing me to know I’ve hurt you emotionally, but I would never do anything to physically hurt you! I don’t understand how you could think that.”

Bailey stood and quickly grabbed Tyler’s hand before he could walk away. They both felt a spark of electricity upon her touch. “That’s not what I meant; the words came out all wrong. I know you would never physically hurt me. It’s just that I get nervous when I’m with you and we start makin out. You’re right, I do like it; I like the way you make me feel a lot! I push you away, because I’m afraid if I don’t, I won’t be able to stop and we’ll both regret it. Tyler, you’ve been with a lot of girls, I’ve got zero experience. I’m scared you’ll see my body and realize I’m not as pretty as those other girls. What if we make love and I’m horrible at it; then you’ll leave me for someone else. I’ll be devastated if you leave me! Please don’t leave me Tyler!”

Tyler immediately pulled Bailey into an embrace and they both released a deep breath. “Bay, I’m not going anywhere! You are my everything, no other woman will ever compare to you. Silly girl, how many times do I have to tell you that I’m head over heels, crazy in love with you before you believe me?”

He looked down into Bailey’s eyes, as he stood taller than her as she looked up into his. Then he leaned forward as if seeking approval, she stretched on her tiptoes as a sign of her blessing then their lips met. At first it was gentle, like Tyler was afraid to hurt her, but as soon as she began kissing him back he responded by pushing Bailey against the wall that was behind them. He kissed her with so much passion she saw stars. They both poured their hearts into that kiss, only breaking away to catch their breath.

“Now, do you really believe that I won’t enjoy making love to you? If you must know, I’ve never done it before. I’ve had sex with girls, but I’ve never really made love with anyone, not even my ex girlfriends. You will be my first with that regards. When you are ready we will take our time and learn together. It will be special for both of us not a regret!”

Bailey smiled at Tyler’s words and granted him with another kiss. Tyler pulled away, surprising and confusing Bailey. “Bay, I still need more clear guidelines from you before we both get carried away. You have to tell me exactly what you’re comfortable doing now. That way we can both be aware and stop each other if needed. I’m not taking any chances of scaring you away again!”

“That sounds fair and I can do that. Kissing is a definite must do!” She giggled and planted a quick peck on Tyler’s lips. “I guess”

“NO, NO! No Guessing! You have to tell me exactly what you want.”

“Fine. For now I’m ok with you roaming my body with your hands, but not over this area.” She turned beet red as drew a circle around her crotch area with her finger. “I can’t believe I’m sayin all this! I’m not ready for you to see me naked, but you can take my bra off and feel my boobs under my shirt.” She hid her face behind her hands out of embarrassment.

“Ok, so pretty much nothing below the belt, and unfortunately for me no clothes off with the exception of your bra. I think I can handle that.”

At this point Bailey was sporting a full on facial sunburn as she peered out from behind her hands. “That covers me, but what about you? What guidelines do you have for me?”

Tyler laughed at Bailey’s question. “Bay, you have my full permission to touch any part of me you want! Absolutely nothing is off limits!” He leaned forward and their lips met once again. This time the kiss was gentle.

“I’m glad we had this talk. I think it will make things easier for both of us.”

“Me too. Now there’s something else I need to tell you.” He guided Bailey back to the couch. His body became tense as the nerves set in that he still had another barrier to get past.

“Tyler, you’re scarin me!”

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and took a deep breath. “Last night at the Bar, Mandy was there and approached me. No she hit on me! I swear to God I told her to get the fuck off of me and leave me alone! Anyways, Candace took a picture when Mandy kissed me, sent it to a blog, and now the picture has gone viral.”

Bailey gave Tyler a stoic look. “Let me see it.”

Tyler nervously took out his phone and pulled up the picture. Bailey took the phone from him and stared at the picture. “Bay, you have to believe me when I say I would never cheat on you!”

A small smirk rose across her face and she leaned in and kissed Tyler’s lips. “I know, I can tell. I believe you.”

“Really? You’re not mad?”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m fumin mad, just not with you. That whore better not come near you again! And Candace, really? I told you she hated me, but still don’t understand how she could do that to you.”

“She said she was sorry and regretted it as soon as she did it, but still. I told her to get out of my home. Lucky for her that you are still the most gracious and forgiving person I know because I told her if we couldn’t work things out I’d never speak to her again.” He sighed as he wrapped his arm around Bailey’s shoulder and pulled her into his chest. “We were always so close; it’s hard to believe she could be so mad at me she’d intentionally try to sabotage our relationship and hurt me”

“I’m so sorry Tyler. Our sisters are a piece of work aren’t they?” She said as she returned his embrace, pulling herself even closer to him. “Pretty sure Rebecca will have a field day as soon as she sees that picture.”

“Speaking of the picture, can I ask you something? How come you believed me so easily?”

Bailey giggled and lifted her head off Tyler’s chest. “You really want to know?”

“Yes, please.”

She reached across his body to grab his phone again and pulled up the picture. “First, see how far apart you are from her?” Tyler nodded yes as she swung her left leg over his, now straddling and facing him. “When you kiss me, we can’t get close enough.” She scooted her body in closer to his chest and pushed her lips to his. As her tongue grazed across his lips he let out a small moan. She smiled, knowing she could get this reaction from him. As he started to pull her in for a more passionate kiss, she put her finger to his lips. “Not so fast, there’s more. Look at your eyebrows, when we kiss they aren’t all furrowed and angry. You don’t give me a piercin death stare either. In fact your eyes fluctuate from sultry and provocative to sheer warmth and compassionate. I can see the lust in your eyes sometimes too, definitely not disgust like I see here.” She again pointed to the picture and gently traced her fingers across his face near each part she mentioned, followed by her soft supple lips. “Now look here, your nostrils are clearly flarin and not relaxed. Then there are your hands; in the picture they are clenched tight and you’re clearly tryin to push her away. When you’re with me, they definitely not tense and certainly don’t push me away.” She put the phone down and took both of his hands in hers and started guiding them sensually along her body. “Your hands may big, but they are very gentle and like to roam all over my body making me feel very good.”

Tyler was thoroughly enjoying Bailey’s explanation and took over where she left off in guiding his hands and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “Is there more?”

“Just one.” She touched her finger to his lips. “This may be my favorite. With the whore, your lips are pursed and you’re practically foamin at the mouth. When we kiss, the corners turn up; they are gentle, and welcomin. I especially enjoy it when they open slightly, so I can do this.” Bailey leaned in and Tyler happily obliged by opening his mouth allowing an entrance for her tongue. She ran her fingers through his hair as he moved one hand to cup her ass and the other ran up and down her back. He pulled her into him as close as physically possible as they became engulfed in the kiss.

“WOW! If this is what it’s like making up with you after a fight, I can only imagine how incredible make-up sex will be.”

“Tyler, you’re still ok with waitin right?” Bailey pulled back from him slightly, seeking more reassurance.

“Yes, Bay. I can wait and I think it will be a little easier this time around. I love you!” He pulled her back into him for another kiss.

“As much as I’m enjoyin this, I’m really tired and need a nap.”

In one swift movement, Tyler was off the couch with Bailey in his arms headed towards her room. “Sounds good to me!”

“Not so fast Tyler. As much as I would love to take a nap with my favorite pillow, we can’t. You, my friend need to go make-up with Candace.”

“What? Bay I don’t think I can do that right now. I’m still really pissed at her!” He gently placed Bailey down on her bed and sat beside her.

“Oh No! I’m not lettin you out of this one. If I had to suck it up and take one for the team, then so do you. I’m not givin you a potential reason to resent me down the road if you don’t work things out with your sister, just like you wouldn’t let me.”

“Fine, so do you want to change before we go?”

“I told you, I’m takin a nap.”

“That’s not fair, I was with you when you talked to Rebecca!”

“I know, and love you for that, but this is different. Candace is young and just afraid she’s losin you. If I’m there, I don’t think it will help matters; it might make them worse. You need to find a way to reassure her you’re not goin anywhere and will still give your family and her attention. I think that’s all she needs.”

“You’re probably right. I’ll go, but can I see you later tonight?”

“Thank you and of course you can. Just call me after you’re done hangin out with your family.” Tyler leaned down to give her one last kiss before he left. Before he was completely out of her room, Bailey added one more thing. “Oh, and Tyler, do you remember how you said you weren’t gonna have any daughters last night? Well, I’ve changed my mind and agree now. We’re only havin boys; girls are way to much drama!”

Tyler chuckled and nodded his head. “You’ve got it Bay. Love you!” With that he was out the door and headed to the hotel to repair his second relationship of the day.

Once Tyler reached the hotel, his mother and Cassidy greeted him in the lobby. His mom pulled him in for a hug, and swat his chest when she pulled away.

“OWW! What was that for?”

“You being an idiot! Cassidy told me what you called Bailey. How could you be so stupid?” This time, she gave her only son a little punch in the arm.

“JEEZ, Mom! I know I screwed up and I just got done patching things up, so give me a break, will you?”

“Sorry, but that girl is wonderful. I don’t like hearing that you might be messing up the best damn thing to ever happen to you! She’s a keeper Tyler, and you need to treat her like gold!”

Tyler’s face lit up. “She is amazing, isn’t she? So you really like her, eh?”

“YES! I hope you’ll make her part of this family one day.” She pulled her son in for another hug.

“What about you Cass? How do you feel about Bay, would you be ok if I asked her to become part of our family?”

“She’s awesome! I’d love to have her as my sister-n-law! Are you really going to ask her?”

“Obviously, neither of us are ready yet, but if things continue to go as they have been minus last night’s little setback, I can see myself proposing to her in a year or so. Right now, I’m just going to take things one day at a time and enjoy every minute I have with her.” Tyler wasn’t about to tell his family that he’d propose tomorrow if he thought Bailey would say yes.

“That sounds like a wise decision. You’ll both know when the time is right.” His mom chimed in.

“Where’s Candace?”

“She’s upstairs pouting. She said she wasn’t coming to eat with us.” Cassidy told her brother.

“Would y’all mind if I go upstairs to talk to her before we go to the restaurant?”

“Tell you what, we can go eat at the restaurant a couple doors down from the hotel. Cassidy and I will go get a table, order some drinks and appetizers while you talk to Candace.”

“Thanks mom. Hopefully, I can convince her to join us.” He gave his mom a kiss on her cheek.

“Tyler, may I please borrow your phone, while you’re upstairs? My battery is running low, Cass left her’s upstairs, and I need to make a quick phone call.”

“Sure.” He pulled his phone out of his back pocket and gave it to her before catching the elevator to his sister’s room.

“Mom, I just used your phone, it’s fully charged. Why’d you lie to him?”

“Because, I’m going to call Bailey and see if she’ll join us. I’d like to get to know my future daughter-in-law better.”

“What if Tyler convinces Candace to join us?”

“If he does, then it won’t be a problem. Bailey isn’t really her issue, he is. She just misses him.”

“If you say so, but if World war III breaks out, don’t complain to me.”

“Trust me, I know your sister and if Tyler says what he needs to everything will be fine. I’m more worried that Bailey won’t want to hang out with us because of Candace’s poor behavior these past few days. I want to be able to make things right between all of us, so she feels comfortable and won’t have any reason to hesitate to say yes to Tyler when he finally gets the balls to propose. I think it will be sooner than he thinks, so there’s no time to waste!”

Tyler’s mom scrolled through her son’s recent call list and found Bailey’s number. “Wish me luck!” She pushed the call button and waited. The phone rang several times before Bailey finally picked up.

“Oh no! If you’re callin me so soon, I reckon things didn’t go so well with Candace.” Her words were drawn out a bit, as she was still groggy getting woken up from the call.

“This is Tyler’s mom, Jackie. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s ok. Is everything all right with Tyler?”

“Oh yes, I was just calling to see if you’d like to join us for dinner. We’d love to get to know you better and we leave early in the morning.”

“Thank you Ms. Jackie, but Tyler hasn’t had much time to spend with y’all and I think his sisters would really appreciate some brother-sister bondin time. I don’t want to impose on that.”

“That’s very sweet of you. I really don’t think they’d mind, but I understand if you aren’t comfortable.”

“Oh, no Mam, I promise it’s not because I’m uncomfortable. Tyler and I talked about this earlier and both agreed he needed to spend some more time with his family. I just don’t want to get in the way. Tell you what, how ‘bout we compromise; I can meet you back at his condo for dessert. Cassidy and I made some brownies and Tyler has some ice cream we can use too.”

“That sounds perfect! I’ll have Tyler call you when we’re about done with dinner. See you soon!”

“Great, I’ll see you soon. Good Bye.”

“Bye Bailey.” Ms. Seguin hung up the phone and turned towards Cassidy. “She’s going to join us for dessert at Tyler’s.”

**********************************************
Tyler decided to knock on the door versus using the key his mom gave him.

“GO AWAY! I told you I’m not hungry and I’m not going anywhere I’m not wanted!”

Tyler realized he had no choice but to use the key. When he opened the door he found his sister sprawled out on the bed sobbing. He walked over to her and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Candace, we need to talk.”

She lifted her head to see if her ears were deceiving her or if her brother was actually there. “I thought you weren’t ever going to speak to me again.”

“I’m sorry I yelled at you. I shouldn’t have lashed out the way I did. I was very upset about everything I had going on with Bailey as well as hurt by you. Please talk to me, I need to understand why you did it.”

Candace rolled onto her side, still clinging to a pillow. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot from all the tears. She had mascara streaks running down her cheeks as well. She’d obviously been taking Tyler’s words very hard. “I’m sorry too. I wasn’t thinking Tyler and didn’t realize it would have so many consequences. It’s just I miss you. You never want to talk to me like you use too. You always seem too busy for mom, Cass, and I now and I hate it! I know you have your own life, but I thought you’d always want us to still be a part of it.”

Tyler stretched out on his side across from Candace. He reached out and took her hand in his. “You’re still a huge part of my life!”

“No I’m not! You have Bailey and your team now and don’t need us anymore!”

“Candace, that’s not true. You, mom, dad, and Cass are very important to me and always will be. I’m sorry if I haven’t made you feel that way lately. But I need you to accept that Bailey is also now in my life and I hope she will be for a long time. I really hope she’ll want to be a part of our family one day and love each of you as much as I do. Being in a serious relationship is new for me and I’m not exactly sure of what I’m doing. I’ve been stumbling along the way, but Bailey seems to stick by me anyways. I would love it, if you can be a more patient and understanding with me as well. Candace, I’m not perfect and I probably have been neglecting you more than I should have. I’m truly sorry about that; I didn’t do it on purpose. Heck I didn’t even know I was doing it at all. I just wish you had told me, instead of acting out like you did. I get why you were mad at me now, but Bailey was innocent in all this and didn’t deserve the way you treated her.”

Candace sniffled a few times and blew her nose into a tissue. “I know and I’m sorry. I promise I’ll apologize the next time I see her. Do you think we can ever go back to the way things use to be?”

“I’m going to be honest and say no we can’t. We’ve both hurt each other and although we’ve forgiven each other it will be hard to forget. I’m not saying we can’t have a good relationship again; it’s just going to be different and take some time. Candace, I’m growing up, live far away from home, have a busy career, and now a serious girlfriend. You’re growing up too and are busy with your own life at college. One day, we’re both going to start our own families and that’s life. We are going to drift apart at times, but we will always love each other and be family. Nobody can change that! We just have to promise to call each other out on our bullshit! No more keeping things locked up and doing or saying stupid things as payback. If we can both agree to do that, I think everything will work out for us. It will be different, but still good.”

Candace sat up to grab another tissue to use dabbing it under her eyes. “I think I can do that.”

“Good. Now, I promise I will make some extra effort to talk to you and Cass. Tell you what, why don’t we set aside a specific day and time each week to talk on the phone or Skype?”

“Can Cass and I each have our own time with you?”

Tyler smiled, knowing Bailey had been correct, all Candace wanted was more bonding time with him. “Of course, you let me know what works best for you and I’ll let Cass pick a time later. If I have a game or something else comes up, we’ll just reschedule.”

Candace’s face lit up and she pulled Tyler in for a hug.

“Now, you know I can be forgetful sometimes, so don’t get too mad at me if I forget. Just call me or shoot me a text and I’ll make it up to you. Deal?”

“Deal!”

“Good, now why don’t you go clean up so we can join mom and Cass for dinner. I bet you haven’t eaten all day.”

“You know me so well. I’m starving!”

“Well hurry up then and we can fix that.”

Candace quickly made herself presentable and the duo made their way to meet up with the rest of their family. They took their time, enjoying each other’s company and a wonderful dinner. Tyler called Bailey letting her know when they’d be home as soon as his mom told her of their plans for dessert back at his place. When they arrived, they found Bailey in the kitchen; Freddy had let her in.

Tyler walked up behind Bailey, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. “Mmmm, smells delicious. What you making?”

“After scroungin around your cabinets and fridge I found everything I needed to make a chocolate chess pie, homemade crust and all. It should be ready in 30 minutes.”

“Can’t wait!” Tyler gave Bailey another peck, this time on the lips. He then headed to the fridge to get a water. “Does anyone want something to drink?” His sisters both asked for Cokes, Freddy wanted a water, and his mom requested a cup of coffee. Tyler started making a pot, since Bailey didn’t drink it and had no idea how to work his fancy machine.

“You know it was quite a surprise when I got here and found that almost two full batches of brownies we made last night were gone. I don’t suppose you’d know anything about that would you?”

“It wasn’t just me, Freddy and Marchy were here earlier too. I’m sure Candace and Cass ate some too. It’s really your fault for making them so damn good that it’s impossible to eat just one.”

Bailey just shook her head side-to-side and laughed. “Should I assume y’all also devoured the vanilla ice cream?”

“No, there should be plenty of that left, but let me check to make sure.” He opened the freezer and pulled out the carton, opened it, stuck his spoon in and started eating it. “How much do we need?”

“Tyler, you’re not suppose to be eatin it!” She swat his arm in admonishment. “We need enough for everyone to get a scoop to top their pie.”

“Hmm, nope there’s not enough left then. I’ll run to the store real quick and get more. Need anything else?” He asked as he put another bite in his mouth.

“You’re incorrigible!” She replied as she watched him place another heaping spoonful in his mouth. “And no, I don’t need anything else, thank you.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his now chilled vanilla flavored lips.

“Candace want to make a store run with me?” Tyler asked trying to show her he’s making an effort to spend more quality time with her.

“No thanks. Why don’t you take Cass?”

Tyler was surprised by her response. “Ok. Well what do you say Cass?”

“Sure, I’ll go with you!” She jumped off the couch and ran over to the coat closet. Tyler helped his little sister into her coat and they were on their way.

While they were out getting the ice cream and Freddy had her mom engaged in a conversation, Candace decided now was the perfect time to talk to Bailey. She got off the couch and went into the kitchen. She stood there nervously watching Bailey for a few minutes before gaining the courage to speak. “It smells really good in here.”

Bailey was slightly taken aback from the compliment. “Thanks. It’s Ma’s, my grandmother’s recipe.”

“You really like to cook, eh?”

Bailey continued to wash some dishes and clean the kitchen while she spoke. She noticed Candace was fidgeting with her fingers and rocking back and forth on her heels slightly. Bailey knew she was nervous to speak to her, so she tried to keep the mood light to help Candace feel more comfortable. “I love it. Ever since I was a little girl, there was just somethin about it that I find calmin. Bakin, especially helps me relax. How ‘bout you?”

“Who me? Oh No! We both know how bad of a cook my mom is, so I didn’t have anyone to teach me. We pretty much live on takeout and Kraft dinner.”

“Kraft dinner?”

“Yeah, you know mac & cheese in a box or do you only make the real thing?”

“No, I’ve definitely eaten my fair share of Kraft macaroni and cheese. I’ve just never heard it called Kraft dinner before. Guess that’s a Canadian thing.”

“Maybe.”

“You know I helped Cassidy make brownies last night. I promised I’d give her some more cookin lessons. I’d be happy to teach you too. Maybe the three of us can cook over Skype sometime.”

Candace bit her lip and her eyes started glossing over. “Why are you being so nice to me? I mean after all the nasty things I said to you and what I did to Tyler last night; how can you not hate me?”

Bailey wiped her hands on a dishtowel, then walked over to Candace and pulled her into a hug. This simple gesture caused the floodgates to open for Candace. “I don’t hate you. I know you love your brother and were just tryin to protect him. I have two brothers and a sister, so I know how hard it can initially be to watch them let someone else in their lives. It takes away time they can spend with you. You love Tyler and don’t want to see him get hurt. I understand bein cautious and over protective. I was the exact same way with my oldest brother Michael. I hated when he first got together with Melissa who is now his wife. It took some time and now I adore her.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that to try to make me feel better are you?”

“No, trust me if you call Michael he’ll tell you I was a little bitty and tried to break them up a few times. I was just so jealous of her. It took me a long time to realize she wasn’t takin him away from me, but my brother was actually bringin a new sister into my life. I’ve actually grown quite close to her and call her all the time askin for advice. We’ve become friends. Maybe one day, you and I can do that too.” Bailey leaned against the counter waiting for Candace’s response.

“I’d really like that Bailey. Do you think I could call you sometimes? I love Cass, but there’s some things I just can’t talk to her about and my friends don’t always give the best advice either.”

“You can call me any time you want. I can’t guarantee I’ll have all the answers, but I’m a pretty good listener.”

This time, Candace initiated a hug. Tyler and Cass walked in just in time to witness both girls breaking into tears. Tyler immediately ran into the kitchen concerned that he just missed a fight.

“Look, I don’t know what just happened, but I really need the two of you to get along. I love both of you! PLEASE try for me! I can’t take any more fighting!” As Tyler made his plea, both girls busted out laughing. “It’s not funny!”

Bailey and Candace both wrapped an arm around Tyler.

“Relax big brother, we made up.”

“Really? But I walked in and you were both crying?”

“That’s what girls do. We cry when we are upset as well as happy.” Bailey stretched on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. “You should know that by now. You walked in on happy tears.” The oven timer began beeping, forcing Bailey to release her hold on Tyler to take the pie out of the oven.

Tyler was absolutely elated that Candace set things right with Bailey and they were enjoying each other’s company. It didn’t even bother him when his entire family and Freddy told Bailey embarrassing childhood stories about him while enjoying the delectable dessert Bailey made. After dessert, they played Taboo and shared more stories to get to know one another better. The entire evening was full of fun and laughter.

Notes

Sorry, I left y'all hanging to see if Tyler could fix the mess he and his sister made. I was working at a camp and the last day was yesterday, So I should have more time to update now. Hope y'all like this chapter! I tried to make it a little longer to make up for the delay.