Page 3 of Always Right Here

A drop escaped her lips and dripped down her neck as it bobbed. I watched as it trailed down and disappeared under the neck of her t-shirt. Her cup hit the table, jolting my eyes up to where her thumb swiped her bottom lip. Minutes or hours could have passed by, I had no idea.

“I’ve been too busy. But maybe soon.”

I dragged my eyes from her lips to her greenish-yellow eyes, she was already looking at me, causing my stomach to flip.

“And what about our graduate?” Aunt Pat redirected the attention to me. “Meet any nice guys on the east coast?”

“Uhmm..” I hesitated, looking around the table.

I wasn’t exactly hiding my sexuality. If people asked, I would tell them.But I wasn’t going up to everyone I met saying:Hi, my name is Riah and I’m a lesbian.

“Sis.” My mom rested her hand on top of her sister’s. “Riah has no interest in boys.”

“Oh, shit!” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. Any lucky ladies then? Wait…did you have your firstexperiencein your dorm?!” Her eyebrows wiggled.

Uncle Dwayne gently pulled the drink from her lips. “Alright, my love. That’s enough for you.”

I covered my face in my hands, trying to swipe away the embarrassment. My dad sat across the table, covering his mouth and trying to stifle a laugh while Eddie let it burst from the depths of his belly. When I looked up again, everyone was doing their own version of trying to hide their amusement. All but Korie.

Across from me, the dreamy green eyes gazed at me with sympathy and…curiosity. I sat back, taking a drink of my own lemonade before responding.

“It’s okay,” I reassured Uncle Dwayne. “Actually, yes. I mean..I’ve kind of always known, but college definitely confirmed it. But, no. Sadly, no lucky ladies. Maybe after I get settled back in town and work.”

“See, Dwayne, she doesn’t mind.” She slapped his arm before turning to me again, her giant sun hat flopping over her eyes. “That’s great, honey. When do you move in?”

“A few days, actually. Speaking of that…Eddie, Dad, are you free to help me move my appliances in when they’re delivered on move-in day?”

“Aw, honey. I can do the best I can, but with this busted back and old bones, I’mnot sure how quick or effective I’d be. We can hire someone th-”

“I can help.” Korie chimed in.

“Yeah,” Eddie joined in. “Between the two of us hunks, we should have them in place in no time.”

“Oh, no, Korie, you do-”

“I would be happy to help, Riah. It’s really no problem.”

“Yeah,” Chrissy agreed. “These two had us moved into our place in like…two hours. I’d take it.”

“Okay, yeah. That would be really helpful, thank you.”

For the rest of the BBQ, I did my best to keep my eyes away from Korie. Every time I looked at her, my stomach fluttered wildly and that wasentirely unacceptable. There was no way I was into my brother’s best friend.No way.

Chapter 3

Korie

Anticipation fluttered in my stomach as I stood at Riah’s door, shifting the brand-new espresso machine I bought for her in my sweaty palms. I didn’t know why I was bringing her a gift if I was the one helping her move things…but the girl did weird things to my brain and I decided that I just couldn’t come empty-handed.

Shuffling sounded on the other side of the door and I quickly straightened out and stilled my fidgeting fingers. I couldn’t help the smile that split my face as she peered through the door.

“Korie! Hi!” Her voice was at least two octaves higher than normal. She must have noticed too, as she cleared her throat. “You’re early.”

“Yeah, I uh, finished up a project early and figured it would make more sense to come early than go home for a little.”

I followed her gaze down to the gift in my hands. Her eyebrows rose as she smirked up at me. I was caught, but she did me the mercy of not calling me out. Instead, she widened the door and stepped aside to let me in.

“Is that for me?”