Hey guys, I know this is a little late but merry christmas/happy holidays! This chapter is sort of christmas themed and watch the video attached if you want to laugh a little!! Love you all 🌲❄️
"He said what!?" Yells Annie and the nearly silent coffee shop collectively grumbles in annoyance.
"Oh my god Annie! Could you please keep your voice down in public!" You exclaim and she doesn't look sorry at all.
"I still cannot believe that you ran into him in the first place! And now you're sleeping together again...and he loves you! I mean what the—" She continues without lowering her voice at all.
"That's it, we're enjoying our coffee and conversation outside" You say, grabbing her by her elbow and dragging her towards the door.
"How are you not more freaked out Julia? I mean this is crazy, a two weeks ago if you had told me this would be our main crisis of Christmas break I would've thrown this cappuccino in your face" You can't help but laugh at her dramatics.
"I have freaked out! I basically had an aneurysm outside Dave's house last night. I mean I knew we were something, I mean obviously we are something since we're sleeping together again but I didn't realize it was more than just having fun!" You explain and Annie nods sympathetically.
"I don't even know what I want anymore! I had put us in a box, very carefully compartmentalized and identified as someone I cared about, but still a fling all the same—now we have the opportunity to be more and I bonded with his family and I was realizing I might have feelings for him and apparently he did the same and I don't have any plan for this! Its utterly unprecedented" You continue.
"Well maybe its better you have no plan, that way you can just go with your gut and not let over analyzing get in the way" She suggests and you shrug.
"But I'm afraid if I go with my gut now, I'll get hurt in the future" You explain and Annie sighs and brushes your hair out of your face.
"Jules you don't have to make any life altering decision right away. My advice honestly is to take it one day at a time—I know I'm not really in a place to give advice on relationships but all my best times with Jim came from me not pressuring him or looking too far into the future." She explains, "Its not really a forever plan but its good temporarily. And since you're going back to school soon and eventually he'll have to tour again I feel like a temporary plan is your best bet"
"You're right, you're always right" You say, sipping the last of your coffee.
"Yes I know I am, but more praise is always appreciated."
"He mentioned you by the way" You add and she immediately looks up.
"Who? Jim? When did you see him?" She asks, her voice subtly raising an octave, "What did he say?"
"Yeah, he was at Dave's last night for dinner. He just asked how you were doing. I told him you were living down here again, I hope that was ok"
"Of course its ok...I can't believe he asked about me. Last I heard he was dating some rando from UVA—a nursing student, so boring" She complains and you hide a smile.
"So boring, saving lives—bleh" You tease and Annie shoots you a look, "Listen, he seemed single to me, and definitely seemed interested in what you were up to"
"Oh my god you're such an enabler! I told you I can't go back, I'm done with him, it was too much for me" She laments and you feel only slightly guilty.
"I miss him, I hate not being able to see him! I know its none of my business but seriously you guys were great together!" You say apologetically and she shakes her head and you know you should drop it.
"Listen babe, I gotta run, I gotta say goodbye to my mom and then off to the Grohl's for Christmas eve." You sigh when she doesn't respond.
"Alright, have fun with the in-laws" She jokes and you roll your eyes before waving goodbye and walking out into the cold.
Later that night you arrive to Dave's house with a duffle bag over one arm and a bag overflowing with presents on the other.
"Honey! You made it!" Virginia exclaims when she answers the door. You immediately drop your bags on the ground and give her a hug.
"Hi Ginny, thanks again for having me. I'm so excited" You squeal and she gives you one of her laughs that sounds like a tinkling bell.
"Ah! Jules is here!" Yells Dave, rushing past his mom and kissing you in greeting. For the first time you could remember you weren't uncomfortable with his public displays of affection. Even though you still had no idea what the two of you were, you were spending the holidays together and you loved that he could kiss you without you feeling guilty.
"Here I am" You announce with a giggle.
"You look so cute honey, here let Dave take your bags to the guest room and you can help Lisa and I in the kitchen" Says Ginny, touching your shoulder kindly,
"My mom's right, that looks really nice on you" Dave says, rubbing affectionate circles into your back, "Like really nice"
"Later" You whisper, as he touches the small of your back and can't stop his eyes from taking in all parts of your body, especially the particularly flattering pants you had on.
"That better be a promise" He warns before walking into the guest room and you go off to help Ginny and Lisa.
"Lisa! Its so great to see you!" You say enthusiastically and she smiles warmly.
"Thanks, you look so cute! Are those boots vintage?" She asks and you nod.
"Yeah they are. A gift from my mom" You say, "Forget that though, introduce me to your guy"
Lisa looks downcast all of a sudden, "He's not coming. He dumped me yesterday morning."
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize... I should've double checked" You mumble and she waves you off.
"I'm fine really. I'm just trying not to think about it" She says, not entirely convincingly.
"Alright! Then we don't think about it or talk about it" Says Virginia with a sweet smile.
"I'm going to go change for dinner, I've got to at least attempt to look as good as you Julia" She says and you force a laugh as she leaves.
As soon as she leaves the room Virginia rushes over to you, "Listen sweetie, I'm so happy you and David are back together—well whatever you are, but Lisa is really hurting right now and I would really appreciate it if you guys were just subtle with how much you like each other... not that you guys are ever too public... I don't know how to say this" She struggles and cut in to save her.
"Don't worry Ginny. I get it. I'll make sure we aren't too sickening" You reassure her and she gives you a thankful smile.
The rest of the meal prep is a lot of fun. You all stand in the kitchen teasing each other and tasting some of Ginny's amazing food.
The only thing that makes you feel bad is that Dave keeps reaching for you or moving to kiss your cheek or brush your hair off your face and you keep ducking away from him. Each time he looks confused and hurt and each time you try to with your eyes tell him you aren't upset with him.
