Surviving (Surrender 2)

“Yeah, that’ll be great. Remember, you have a budget.”

“Speaking of moving, Raven’s moving in with me.” Declan randomly announces to the table.

No one says anything for a few minutes and then Robbie speaks up. “I guess I’ll have to return the favor and help RJ move too.”

My dad shakes his head but doesn’t look mad. He smiles at me, and I relax against my seat. Thank God my mom knows what she is talking about!

We spend the rest of dinner discussing what’s going on in all our lives without another mention of the wedding or moves.

*****

Declan

What the fuck did I get myself into? How in the hell did I commit myself to moving all these people around? Robbie’s move was simple and easy. It actually ended up more like a party. When we got all his stuff in the condo, we paired off. I worked with Tripp and Gabe to set up the bed and get the heavy stuff arranged how Robbie instructed. Robbie, Cooper, and Blake set up the entertainment system. Nate ran to the store for beer. Once the place was set up to Robbie’s satisfaction for the night, we drank beer and did a fantasy draft. Since I’d only done one in my life, my team sucked but it was a good time.

Then Raven’s move somehow turned into a fucking free-for-all. She’s spent the last three weeks getting my music room ready for her furniture. I told her one thousand times to throw the shit out if it would get her in faster. She argued and in turn took her sweet time. So she’s finally ready but I’ve gotten roped into the game of musical fucking rooms. Jimi has to work today, so I promised to help Abbi get her stuff to the master bedroom and set it up. Blake called, and he is on his way with Charlie’s shit. So instead of being with Raven in our home. I’m stuck here while her brother and Tripp help her.

It’s been a month since I fucked Raven into agreeing to move in. Why the hell it’s taken so long still bothers me. The only good thing is that we’ve been bringing small loads over weekly. All of her clothes are in my closet or in my drawers. OUR closet and OUR drawers. I have to keep reminding her that it’s her house now too.

Blake finally fucking pulls up with Charlie’s things, and I go help so I can get home.

“Let’s do this man, I’ve been at this for hours with all the break-downs and set-ups. I’m telling you now; I’m not hanging another fucking picture.” I tell him as we unload the bed frame.

“Someone’s grouchy, aren’t they?” Charlie goads me.

“Not grouchy, just fucking tired of this. You do realize Sayge changed our Saturday night gig to help all you girls?”

“Yeah, we all know and appreciate it. That’s why we have a surprise for y’all tonight.”

“Count me out, I’m finishing this and leaving. I have my own plans for tonight, and they don’t include any of you. I hope Robbie and Tripp finish soon.”

Charlie doesn’t say anything else but I catch her laughing and winking at Blake. For some reason, this makes me suspicious.

I walk to the side of the house and call Raven.

“Hey honey, how’s it going?”

“Good, just started unloading Charlie’s stuff. How’s it going there? Those guys almost done? I’m ready to get there and start our celebration.”

“Um, not yet.” She answers quietly.

“Sparkle, what’s going on?”

She sighs into the phone, “I wanted to surprise you and the guys so I planned a party over here tonight to celebrate.”

“You planned a celebratory party, in our home, and invited our crazy ass group of friends? Don’t you think it should be the two of us?” I can’t control the roug

hness in my voice.

“Please don’t be mad. When I moved in with Abbi and Ella, we had dinner and poker that first night. It’s kinda like tradition. So I made snacks, my dad’s buying dinner and then we’re playing poker. Since Finn’s not here, Robbie’s taking his place.”

Okay, I’m an ass. She really sounds upset.

“Okay babe, but honest to God, you’re going to pay for this little trick. And if any of these fuckers get too drunk to drive and have to stay over, you owe me.”

“Okay sweetheart, hurry up and come home.”

Home. She said it! My home with Raven.