Book 2: Chapter 33

***Chapter 33 ***

"You're going to do what?!" I screamed.

It was the next day in the early afternoon. Jeremy and I decided to meet up to work on the blanket I was making for Jay. We were getting so caught up in our conversation that Jeremy decided to tell me what he was planning to do for my mom. It was an exciting thing that was going to happen to her. I for one was thrilled!

Jeremy chuckled at my screaming. "I-I want to propose to your mother," he repeated with a smile on his face.

The excitement in me couldn't be contained. "Oh my goodness! Jer, I don't even know what words to use for this situation. I'm so surprised."

I truly was surprised. They've been dating for a year and a half at this point. The last thing I expected was for Jeremy to propose. It's been so many years since my mom has been married. I'm hoping she'll say yes because her happiness is everything I've been praying for. Not only that but she'll be marrying someone like Jeremy. One of the best men I've encountered in such a long time. This is a marriage I could get behind.

All that being said, hearing it I got emotional. So emotional that I started to cry. Not tears of sadness either but out of pure joy. There was no doubt that I was thrilled for my mom. However, there was more to just my mom being married. That was going to change our family dynamic for the better. Jeremy wouldn't just be Jeremy anymore. He was going to be my stepfather.

Noticing my tears, Jeremy stopped what he was doing trying to console me. "Autumn, what's wrong why are you crying?" He was confused yet concerned.

I wiped my tears as much as I could though they kept slipping out. "Yes, I'm just filled with so much emotion because my mom is going to be happy again," I say. "But not only that but I'm going to have a father again."

Jeremy looked at me like as if he were getting emotional as well. He didn't have any kids of his own so Summer and I were practically like that to him. His children would forever be his. Marriage is such a beautiful thing and Jeremy was perfect for my mom. I wished Summer would get her act together and realize everything Jeremy has to offer.

Not wasting any time Jeremy wrapped me tightly in his arms feeling everything I felt. The minute we started forming a relationship I knew he would be in my life one way or another. Everyone jokes about my matchmaking but this one was a home run. It's going to result in a marriage that's a win in my book.

Before we could say anything, we had a shocking surprise pop up from Cyrus. He didn't intentionally interrupt us. He just happened to be walking by and saw us sitting out here. Of course, he hadn't noticed us at first because he had headphones in jogging around. When he rounded the corner is when he spotted us and it immediately got his attention seeing my crying face.

Stopping his exercise he came over worry etched on his face. "Hey, what's going on over here?" He knelt at my level.

I smile finally able to clear up all my tears. "Oh nothing, just got some exciting news that's all," I reassure him.

Cyrus sighed with relief. "Don't worry me like that, A," he said pulling me in for a hug.

Jeremy smiled before gathering up our crochet which was coming out nicely. "I'll finish this up. You just be careful." He looked at me when he said that before leaving.

Cyrus still didn't know what was happening but stayed with me anyway. He was pretty sweaty so hugging him felt gross. Yet great at the same time feeling his exposed chest. I never pegged him to be a runner but that would explain his lean physique. Running helps to lose fat and keep it off. It's no wonder he looks so damn good.

He sat down next to me trying to decipher what just happened. "Was that a blanket?" He asked.

I nod getting upset with him for not telling me about Jay's birthday. "Yes, it's for Jay because someone didn't tell me his birthday was Wednesday!" I yell hitting his arm.

"Ow, damn I thought you knew and I was going to tell you about the party," he explained.

"No, I didn't know! I don't even know your birthday." Indeed, I didn't.

He laughed. "Jeez you're dumb," he said jokingly. "No, but his birthday is July 15th and I'm September 10th."

It was nice to know what they are now. Next year I wouldn't forget and have gifts fully prepared for both of them. Luckily I had Jeremy to help with crochet and now I had to go get a chain.

It would be a long shot, but maybe Cyrus could go with me. It's been a little while since we've spent the day together. Even though it was me shopping for Jay. Hopefully, that wouldn't anger him in any way, but since I'd found out so last minute this was my only chance.

I pretended like he didn't call me dumb so I can get him to take me to all the best jewelry stores. "Are you going to be busy today?" I asked.

He thought before shrugging. "Not particularly why?"

"I was so last minute with finding out about his birthday that I need to find him one more gift," I say. "That also gives us a chance to spend the day together too."

There didn't seem to be any misgivings about helping me out. "Sure, let me go shower real quick and we can go."

Thrilled, I let him shower and waited by his car for him to be done. We needed to be quick however because I didn't want Farah or Jenna to see me waiting for him. Farah already confronted me once. Her seeing me out here would give her reason to tell Cyrus everything.

Thankfully, Cyrus didn't take too long but long enough to give me anxiety. Nonetheless, we finally got out of their driveway and set off to the jewelry store. I thought this was going to be easy because it was only a chain. Turns out, I wouldn't like much of anything. The chain had to be just perfect and had to match my locket! Nothing I saw was speaking to me.

We went to about five different jewelry stores before Cyrus was ready to just give up. This wasn't how he wanted to be spending his time with me, but I desperately needed this gift to tie everything together. He was getting frustrated though and started questioning me like he always did.

"Autumn, seriously it's only a chain. We don't need to go to twelve different stores just to pick one." He was exaggerating.

I groaned ignoring his comment. "I'm sorry I want this to be perfect. I want him to wear it ya know," I argue.

Suddenly, Cyrus pulled over hearing what I said. This would most likely be the part where he'd start asking about my relationship with Jay. Any time I did anything for him or vice versa he had questions. Questions that I couldn't provide truthful answers to at the moment. It would be a lot easier if he would accept what I say and leave it at that. All the grilling he does would make me spill the beans one of these days.

He didn't look at me, but I saw the look on his face and he was visibly annoyed. It reminded me of that time Jenna told him that Jay and I kissed. The anger that radiated off of him that night was something to fear. Hell, he even threw his phone across the room just from that. Imagine what he would've done if I told him the truth that night.

Clutching the steering wheel, it took everything in him not to raise his voice. "Autumn, I keep asking this question but I feel as though you're not being honest with me. What is going on with you and Jay?" His voice was stern.

I fiddled with my locket not prepared for this. "Cy, I told you nothing is-"

"Stop lying to me, Autumn!" Now he yelled. "You're going through all this trouble just for a gift to be perfect for someone you're not doing anything with? I smell a lot of bullshit! Just tell me the truth."

His eyes were pleading with me. Begging me to tell him exactly what was happening between Jay and me. However, there was no way I could do it. Especially without Jay being here to tell his side of things. It was wrong to keep lying but it was a whole lot easier than telling the truth right now. I'm afraid with Cyrus angry like this it'll turn into what it did last year.

Sighing, I shake my head sticking to my lie. "Look, we're just very close friends and I appreciate his friendship dearly. Believe me, if this were the other way around I'd be going to hell and back to make sure your gift was perfect too. I'm sorry but nothing is going on will you please stop assuming that."

I said that only to get out of the car right after and head inside the jewelry store that was in front of us. Cyrus stayed behind in the car to cool off while I was inside. The constant lying would only make things blow up more when he does find out. Until then, it just has to be what it is.

In the meantime looking at all the options I finally found the perfect chain to buy Jay. It looked like something he would wear and sparkled like nobody's business. Thankfully it wasn't too expensive either and I knew Jay would love it!

Accomplishing my goal, I purchased the item before heading back out to the car with Cyrus. When I got in he was still seething at the steering wheel not moving a muscle. We were at a standstill with him looking like his mind was racing. I didn't know what to say to him without stretching the truth some more. He didn't believe me and I don't blame him. This was all getting out of hand.

Talking again, Cyrus clued me in on where his head was at. "Listen, I'm going to trust you when you say you're not sleeping with my best friend," he began. "But just know if it turns out that you've been lying to me I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive you."

That was to be expected. "I-I know Cyrus," was all I could manage to say.

He sighed starting the car up, calming down. "Let's go do something fun to take our minds off of this."

I wouldn't say it was necessarily fun because he couldn't seem to take his mind off the whole thing. We were eating lunch abnormally quietly. Cyrus couldn't even look my way the whole time. On top of that, we tried to go for a walk in the park but even that was awkward. He was not letting this go and I'm sure the suspicion would always be in the back of his mind. Maybe he'll forget about it once we have the party.