Lisa's P.O. V.
"I'm curious what you packed in that bag of yours? What were your essentials?" I asked Jared as we walked around the department store. I offered to buy him clothes since because of me he had no money now. Well really, because of his dad, but I still feel partially guilty for it.
"It's kind of embarrassing," he said, burying his hands deep in his pockets.
"Come on, tell me. I'm not going to make fun of you for it," I promised while gently nudging him with my elbow. Jared was beginning to feel like a little brother.
"Fine, but you really can't say anything about it."
"Promise."
"I packed my laptop, the only picture of mom I have, some underwear, because I refuse to wear dirty boxers, and my favorite book that I've read so much the binding is about to break."
I smirked at him, really getting a deeper look into the kind of person he was. There was nothing on that list that I would make fun of him for. Although, I did want to laugh at his underwear comment. I didn't know much about Chris and Jared's mom. I'd never seen her, or really heard anything about her.
"Where is your mom?" I blurted out, because apparently I have no filter today.
"Dad had her put in a mental facility when she tried to commit suicide. He'd abused her a few too many times, had her do things she never wanted to. They keep her so drugged up there that she can't even have a conversation. I used to visit her a lot, but I realized that my visits were only upsetting her even in her drug induced state. I stopped going a couple of years ago. Now I just look at that picture and try to remember how mom used to be."
I wasn't expecting him to say something so dark. With the way his Dad is, I should have, but I didn't. Mom was able to get away from Dad without too much damage, I just assumed his mom did the same. My head hung as we both got quiet, the mood had definitely shifted.
"Lisa!" Rachel's familiar voice hit my ears, causing me to look back up.
She'd dyed her hair black to it's natural black, let it hand in wave a little past her collarbone now. She was doing her internship now, keeping her visits to a weekend a month. I forgot this was that weekend, but what are the chances I'd run into her here. Either way it made me smile. I love my cousin.
"Rachel!" I held my arms open, mirroring hers as she ran towards me. We hugged tightly with a small giggle before we broke apart.
"Who's the guy? Have you turned into a cradle robber?" She teased me, keeping her voice low so Jared wouldn't hear from a few feet behind me. I laughed at the suggestion, and the way her bluntness had not changed over the years.
"No, in fact, it's the opposite." I hadn't really told many people about Davis. It's not that I am ashamed, I just like keeping him to myself. "I'm with Davis."
Rachel's mouth dropped open as she stared at me with wide eyes. She stayed like for a good minute, unwilling to compose herself.
"The hot Viking? How old is he?"
"42," I averted my eyes as I answered, feeling a little embarrassed by our age gap. I know he's a lot older than I, but it doesn't feel like it when we' re together.
I love him with all my heart, no matter what.
"Holy shit, Lisa. You bagged a good one! I bet he's great in bed." She laughed poking my side with a wiggle of her brows. I should have known she wouldn't judge me or Davis. This is Rachel.
"He really is." I laughed alongside her until Jared finally stepped forward. He'd hung back, giving us our time. He's very respectful.
"Rachel, this is Jared, my friend. Jared, this is Rachel, my cousin." "Nice to meet you, Rachel." Jared gave her a curt nod as he greeted her. "Likewise."
"Want to walk around with us? We're buying clothes for Jared." I wanted to keep talking to her, and I wanted her to get to know Jared a little better. I didn't expect Rachel to get beet red for some reason.
"I can't. I, um, came to buy something that uh,"
Rachel never fumbles with her words, that's when I realized what department we were in. Jared and I had been distracted with the news of his mom that we were walking around aimlessly, landing us in the women intimates department. I realized amongst the walls and panties were a mixture of lingerie and robes.
Oh my gosh! She's buying lingerie for someone.
I laughed so hard, only making Rachel turn a deeper shade of crimson. She slapped my shoulder hard, with her lips pressed together. Rachel has never once been so embarrassed with me. This was a very rare sight, and I am glad I got to see it.
"Who are you buying it for?" I poked her red cheek, making her slap my hand away.
"You can't tell Lucas," she said, pointing her finger at me in all seriousness. This only drove my curiosity up.
"Fine, I won't. Although, I don't see why you wouldn't want to tell him. You' re closer to
him than you are to me."
"It's Leo."
Holy fucking shit! Yes!
"Finally!" I said a little too loudly, causing her to shush me.
It's about damn time.
"What do you mean finally?"
"You've had a crush on him for years. Even Liv picked up on it. I am glad you finally acted on it, because Leo would have never made the first move." Rachel smirked, letting me know I was right. "I'm glad you guys are together, and I am sure Lucas would feel the same way. Tell him soon, before he gets mad you kept it from him."
"You don't think he'd be mad?"
"Not at all. He and Liv have been trying to get you guys together since last Christmas."
"That explains a lot, but that's actually when we first hooked up." She turned red again as she confessed her secret to me.
"You guys have been seeing each other for that long?! Rachel!" I scolded her for not having told me earlier.
"We were worried you guys would be mad. I'm sorry."
"I'm only mad you didn't tell me sooner. I am happy for you, though."
"Thanks, Lisa."
I can't believe they've been seeing each other for almost a year now.
"It's fine, but you seriously need to tell Lucas soon. I'll let you do your thing, but I say get the purple one over there. You'd blow him away with that one." I winked at her, grabbing Jared's arm and pulling him away. "See you later, Rachel."
I left Rachel a hot embarrassed mess in the aisle, laughing as I dragged Jared away. Good for her. She and Leo are perfect for one another. They know each other the best.
"Who's Leo?" Jared asked.
"He's a good childhood friend. We all grew up together." The thought of my childhood only brought thoughts of John flooding back into my mind. I pushed it to the side, not trying to get depressed. "Let's get what you need and finally leave, yeah?"
"Sounds good to me. I'm ready to stop being stared at."
Poor kid has gotten more attention now than he ever has before.