Room For One More

Chapter 69

Aiden stood in the kitchen with a pan heating while refilling the coffee maker with fresh water. Standing there waiting, he heard her bedroom door open.

"Morning," Lisa said, coming out in her oversized sleep shirt.

Natalie followed in drawstring shorts and a tank with her hair a mess, and still unbrushed. They'd both slowed when they saw him.

"Morning," Aiden said, eyes moving from Lisa to Natalie and back.

"Coffee?" Lisa asked, already at the machine.

"Yeah. Pick a pod," he said, flipping the lid for her.

"I'm just gonna grab a water," Natalie said. She moved to the fridge, grabbed a bottle, and took a drink, but it didn't help calm her nerves. Natalie's fingers fussed with her waistband before dropping them to her sides.

"Want some eggs?" Aiden asked.

"I'm good," Lisa said. "How about I take a shower, then we can all figure out the day together." She glanced at Natalie and she couldn't help the flirtatious look that came out, so she tried to hide it with a turn of her head.

"I'm fine with whatever," Natalie answered, setting her bottle on the counter without looking up.

"How was your night, sweetie?" Lisa asked Aiden.

"Good. Nothing special," he said. "And thanks for understanding I had plans. I felt bad that you came up yesterday and I dipped out."

"Don't worry about it," Lisa said. "It gave Natalie and me some time to catch up."

"Cool. And how was your night? You two do anything?" he asked.

"It was good," Lisa said, giving Natalie the quickest glance. "We just went to the hot tub and then hung out here."

"Yeah- it was good," Natalie echoed, setting her empty glass by the sink.

"Are you sure you don't want a coffee? Come on, what are you in the mood for?" Lisa asked, opening the k-cup drawer. The smile she had though, was a little too big.

"Whatever," Aiden said, chuckling as he shook his head at both of them.

"What?" Lisa asked, all innocence.

"Nothing."

"Come on," she said, dropping a pod into the machine. "What?"

"Really, it's nothing."

Lisa reached past Natalie to grab a mug, her fingers brushing Natalie's wrist. Natalie stepped back, trying to make it look like she was just giving Lisa room.

"Let's hear it, Aiden," Lisa said, looking over. "Spit it out."

"Oh, for the love of God, Mom," he said, setting the spatula down and rubbing his forehead. "I know you and Natalie-" he gestured between them, then exhaled. "I know about you and Natalie."

"Aiden," Natalie said, strained, but keeping her focus on the counter.

Lisa's eyes slid to Natalie.

"Don't worry, she didn't say anything," Aiden cut in. "I heard you that first night we came up here."

Color rose in Natalie's cheeks. She picked up her bottle, took a small drink, and set it down with care.

"All right then," Lisa replied, steadily. "I guess that just means we don't have to pretend anymore, do we?"

"I'm not twelve," Aiden told her. "You never had to hide anything from me in the first place. Not that any of it's my business."

"Fair, I've always told you to be honest with me, so I guess you should expect the same," Lisa returned. "I care about her. I care about you. Let's not turn this into a secret or a show."

Aiden flipped his eggs, watching the pan. "Is this... actually a thing? Or what's the deal."

Lisa cleared her throat before looking to Natalie, seeing if she wanted to weigh in. She didn't.

"'A thing' would honestly be too strong a choice of words," Lisa answered. "It's clearly more than a one-time deal, but it's not like we're together."

Aiden worked the spatula under the eggs. "Got it. You're casually seeing each other, or whatever."

Natalie nodded once. "That's... closer."

He slid the pan off the burner. "Okay then."

Lisa exhaled, letting some of the tension leave her shoulders. "Then let's stop circling it. We're good?"

"Yeah," he answered. "We're good. I've been good, I was just asking."

A small pause carried the moment until Lisa finally spoke up.

"Let's get out for a bit," she said, with a little more cheer in her voice. "We can do brunch, and get some fresh air. We'll figure out the rest of the day after."

Aiden tapped the spatula on the rim. "I'm literally making eggs."

"Since when has an egg ever filled you up?" She lifted an eyebrow. "You'll eat them now and be hungry in an hour."

"Two eggs," he countered, but smiled.

"You'll live." Lisa set her mug down. "A shower for me, then we go."

Natalie reached for her bottle. "We could try that spot on Stone by the park. The one with the patio."

"I'm down," Aiden said. "They do decent pancakes."

"Perfect." Lisa backed toward the hall. "Give me ten minutes. Maybe fifteen."

Aiden plated the eggs turning to Natalie. "You sure you don't want some?"

"No, thank you," Natalie said. "I'm gonna go get dressed."

"Yeah, I will right after I scarf these down."

She gave him a quick, meaningful look. "Thanks for getting that out in the open."

"No worries," he replied with a shrug. "I mean, if she's gonna try to sneak in little touches and be that bad at hiding it, then we might as well just lay it out there."

She considered him for a moment, and with a nod she left to get dressed, and the apartment settled into the bustle of a late Saturday morning. Aiden finished his eggs in a few quick bites, rinsed his plate, and ducked into his room to swap sweats for jeans and a clean tee. When he came back out, Lisa was waiting by the door, with damp hair, and her sleep tee traded for a tank and shorts. She was tapping out a message on her phone but looked up the second he stepped into the hall.

"Ready?" she asked, smiling.

"Yep." He checked for his wallet, pocketed his keys, and waited for Natalie.

She joined them a minute later, perching her sunglasses on her head. "Let's go before it gets crowded."

The three of them walked down to the street, feeling the sun already warming the fall air. At the crosswalk, Lisa rested her hand briefly on Natalie's shoulder, a gesture so casual it might have gone unnoticed a day ago. This time, Natalie let it happen, barely acknowledging the gesture. Her eyes stayed forward, focused on the crossing signal ahead.

Brunch was a simple affair. The hostess put them on the patio under a string of faded umbrellas. Lisa sat on one side, nudging Natalie to slide in beside her. Conversation stayed light at first, revolving around orders for pancakes, omelets, and a giant cinnamon roll for the table.

Aiden watched the way they interacted, more curious than bothered. He stacked butter wrappers, forked up pancakes, and gave them space.

"Okay," Lisa said after a lull. "Level with me, how have you been since you called?"

Aiden tipped the syrup onto his pancakes. "Better. It was just a rough day. I wasn't sure how I did on a quiz, sleep had been a bit rough, and I guess I was just feeling a bit unsure of things. I'm sure I sounded worse than I was," he lied, not wanting to bring up his concerns about Natalie.

"You didn't just sound tired," Lisa said. "You sounded like you used to, when you'd be spiraling about something."

He grimaced. "Nah, it's just school, it's nothing really. Natalie's made me a couple good meals since then, I got some sleep... I promise, I'm not spiraling. I guess I just needed my mom for a minute," he continued, attempting to flatter her and get her to let the topic go.

"I came because you sounded wrung out," she said. "I'm not here to hover- just to see you with my own eyes."

He nodded. "I know, and I appreciate it. I really did feel bad bailing last night, but I'm good, I promise."

Lisa looked to Natalie, and back to Aiden. "You'd asked if I'd heard from Natalie. Is everything okay between the two of you? Were you not talking or something?" she pressed.

They both poked their food around, taking small bites and trying to avoid eye contact.

"We're fine," Natalie said, finally breaking in. "As far as I know, everything's good."

"Yeah," Aiden said quickly. "We're good."

Lisa studied them. "Then why won't either of you look at me?"

Aiden glanced up. "Mom, please, everything's fine. I swear."

"Does this have anything to do with... me and Natalie?" Lisa asked.

Aiden let out a short laugh. "I haven't given it any thought. Who you two see is up to you, even if it's each other. That's your deal, not mine."

Lisa searched his face, then Natalie's, and let it go with a nod. "All right." She set her fork down. "After we finish, could we stop and check out a few stores? There were a few little clothing shops on the way here that looked super cute."

"Sure," Natalie said. "I've got nothing planned for the day."

Aiden, on the other hand, gave a groan. "I'm sorry, but do you mind if I just head back? Sitting around while you two try on clothes doesn't sound like how I want to spend my Saturday."

Lisa waved off Aiden's protest with a smile. "Go. We'll call you if anything comes up."

He finished his juice, stood, and tucked his chair in. "Don't have too much fun shopping."

"No promises," Lisa called after him, her mood lightening a notch.

Chapter 70

After Aiden left, the mood between Lisa and Natalie relaxed. They wandered down the block, taking their time until Lisa spotted a boutique with bright sundresses out front and tugged Natalie inside.

Lisa made a beeline for the swimwear racks and began flipping through hangers. "You know, I could use something new. That bikini from last night is barely holding together."

Natalie smiled, picturing the bold print and high-cut bottoms. "It looked a bit like it was struggling, but not because it's worn out."

Lisa grinned, then pulled a coral two-piece from the rack and held it up to her waist. "You think this one's too much?"

"No, I think it's perfect for you. Definitely your color."

She didn't hesitate, heading straight for the dressing rooms, pulling the curtain tight behind her. "Seriously though, right, Nat? I think this place was made for me. They have so many cute items."

Natalie waited by the racks, casually browsing what they had while Lisa's voice floated out from behind the curtain about summer concerts and sunscreen brands. A minute later, she emerged, tugging the new bikini into place, turning sideways in the big mirror.

"Well?" she asked, striking a quick pose.

Natalie gave an approving nod. "You look amazing."

Lisa checked herself once more, then beamed. "Done deal. I'm getting it." She ducked back inside to change, then grabbed a bright pair of cheap, but fun sunglasses before heading to the counter.

After the bags were packed, Lisa looped her arm through Natalie's as they stepped outside. "Just so you know we're hitting your pool when we get back. No excuses."

Natalie shook her head, laughing. "It's heated, but don't expect it to feel like a hot tub."

"That's fine. We can just do little dips in it then. It's still warm enough out, I can work on my tan."

Back at the apartment, they dropped their bags in Natalie's room. Lisa pulled out her new bikini, then poked her head down the hall to find Aiden where he'd been sitting on the couch with his phone.

"Hey!" she called. "We're heading to the pool. Grab your suit."

Aiden looked up, raising an eyebrow. "I just got comfortable."

Lisa waved a hand. "You can be comfortable out there. I didn't come all this way to sit inside. Besides, you already ditched me last night, you're not doing it this afternoon too."

Aiden let out a groan. "You two go ahead. I'll catch up later."

Lisa crossed her arms, grinning. "Nope, not happening. You're coming- it's family time. You can consider it part of my visitation rights."

Natalie peeked around the door, towel over her shoulder. "You might as well give in. You know she's not gonna take no for an answer."

Aiden tried for one more protest. "Can I at least finish what I'm doing?"

Lisa held up a finger. "Ten minutes. Pool deck. No excuses."

He couldn't help but smile at her stubbornness. "Fine. But if you sunburn, I'm not gonna be the one to go buy you aloe."

"Deal!" Lisa shot back, already heading for Natalie's room.

Natalie slipped into her own suit and tied her hair up, catching Lisa adjusting the fit of her new bikini in the mirror. "You're really something, you know that?"

Lisa just winked, grabbed the towels and speaker, and led the way out.

True to his word, ten minutes later Aiden showed up in board shorts and a t-shirt, carrying a bottle of water. Lisa greeted him with a triumphant little cheer and waved her arms around the empty pool area. "See? It's not so bad."

Natalie set her phone aside, eased herself into the pool, and watched as Lisa did a quick twirl in her new bikini before diving in. She surfaced with a wide grin, splashing water in Aiden's direction.

He backed up a step, laughing. "You're in a mood today."

Lisa flashed him a victorious grin. "That's what happens when I finally get to drag you outside. Now c'mon, get in before I make you."

Natalie laughed, finally letting the energy between the three of them settle into something a little more relaxed. The afternoon sun beat down, the water was warm enough to not feel like she needed to jump right back out, and despite everything that had changed, they almost felt like a family for the moment.

The afternoon unfolded in the pool with an easy, infectious energy. Lisa started it by tossing a foam ball she'd found earlier at Aiden the second he sat at the pool's edge. He scooped it up and tossed it back, sending it arcing right over Lisa's head so that Natalie had to stretch to catch it.

Lisa grinned. "Okay, so here's the game. First person to drop the ball has to go back to the apartment to grab us all water."

Aiden gave them both a mock-apologetic look. "One of you two are toast."

Natalie rolled her eyes but played along, laughing as Lisa made up more rules as they went - no holding onto the side, you could only tread water, you had to throw left-handed every few rounds, you could only hold the ball for two seconds. It was ridiculous, but fun.

For a few minutes, they were just three bodies in the water, shrieking with laughter as Lisa, who was highly competitive, tried every trick to win. At one point, she clambered onto Aiden's back, trying to keep him from being able to catch the ball. "Mom, you're cheating," he called, ducking as Natalie lobbed the ball their way. Lisa just cackled, clinging on, her feet making a mess of splashes.

When Aiden still managed to catch the ball, Natalie finally relented, sinking down until the water washed up to her chin. "All right, you two win. I surrender."

Lisa raised her arms in victory, then slipped off Aiden's back and sent a spray of water in both their directions. "Go get me my water!"

Aiden grinned and climbed out, shaking water from his hair. "I'll go get them. Natalie, you want anything while I'm there?"

She shook her head, squeezing water from her hair and following Lisa to the sun loungers. "Just a bottle of water is fine."

Lisa flopped onto one, stretching out with a satisfied sigh. "That was what I needed. You two are good for me."

When he made it back, Aiden settled in next to her, their chairs angled so they could both watch the pool. He passed Lisa her bottle and tapped his to hers.

Natalie dried off and took the seat next to them, but stayed quiet, tucking her towel under her. She watched as Lisa kicked a foot at the end of Aiden's chair, the two of them chatting about old road trips and how often she'd really gotten them lost. Lisa nudged his leg with her toes, laughing when he tried to imply that he didn't think they ever ended up where she intended, and just lied to play off being lost.

Natalie let herself watch them for a moment. She enjoyed seeing Lisa's smile, and the familiar way she teased her son bringing the playful rhythm of their back-and-forth. There were similarities of Lisa in the way Aiden smiled, and the way he furrowed his brow when he pretended to be annoyed. The commonality stood out to her, not just in the physicality, but in the warmth and openness they carried together.

Something twisted deep in her stomach. She'd always admired how close they were, and how easy it was for Lisa to show affection, or to make people make room for her, and fill the space with enthusiasm. Now, watching them like this, Natalie felt an emptiness as the two bantered back and forth. A wish that she belonged to something as comforting as they did, and a guilt that swept in at the thought she could cause a rift between them.

Even now, some part of her couldn't help but want Aiden the same way she wanted Lisa. The guilt came in quickly setting over her. Guilt over what she and Lisa already shared, tangled with the thoughts of Aiden that kept creeping in, uninvited, and reminding her of how she wanted him too.

Lisa's laughter carried, and Aiden glanced over, his mouth forming into a smile that looked exactly like his mother's. Natalie turned her face toward the sun, closed her eyes, and let herself drift, just for a moment, in the glow of what she had, and everything she wanted.

Chapter 71

Back in the apartment, the mood was relaxed. The sun had drained them all, leaving them draped on the couch and armchairs with snacks within reach. Some reality show spin-off flickered on the TV. The cast was older now, but all the same drama still circled, just about different things. Aiden sprawled sideways with the remote, remembering when he was a kid and his mom used to watch the original version, all bronzed skin, messy hookups, and club lights of the roommates living in some shore house. Natalie curled at one end of the couch with her feet tucked beneath a throw, while Lisa sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the couch, close enough to steal handfuls of popcorn every so often.

For a while, everything felt simple. The hours after a swim had been full of food, laughs, and the fun energy of Lisa, leaving them all lazy, sated, and each of them just existing together. Eventually, during a break for commercials, Lisa muted the TV.

"Okay," she said, taking on a serious tone. "I need to say this before I don't get around to it, because I'm heading out in the morning."

Aiden groaned. "Don't get all sappy."

Lisa rolled her eyes but she stayed serious. "I mean it. I need to know you're both good when I go. Whether you'll admit it or not, I can tell things have been weird between you two for some reason, by the way you both react whenever I ask. So, if there's a problem that you're not telling me, I need to know you'll at least talk about it with each other. For real. I can't help fix what I don't know about, and I hate leaving with things up in the air. I care about both of you, and Aiden moving in here was my idea. I don't want that to be the cause of some sort of problem, and no one say anything, or whatever the issue is."

She looked back at Natalie over one shoulder, then over the other at Aiden. "Promise me. Both of you."

Natalie moved, pulling the blanket tighter. "We'll talk if there's ever something we can't figure out. I promise."

Aiden sat up, mouth quirking at the edge. "Mom, there's no problems! How many times do I have to say it? Don't make me regret calling you."

Lisa just kept her eyes locked on his. "If there's no problem, then there's no reason you can't promise me this, in case anything comes up in the future."

"Yes, I promise. If anything ever comes up, we'll talk it out," he relented.

Lisa searched their faces, reading them both for any trace of hesitation, then nodded, satisfied. "Good, that's all I need. Now, turn the volume back up. I want to see which of these meatballs is gonna hit the ground first."

Aiden grinned. "You would want to see them fall on their face."

"They're the ones that do it for national television," Lisa said, settling back in with a fistful of popcorn.