Sloane
The days leading up to Eden’s birthday pool party have been considerably better than the past few weeks. As soon as I admitted I needed some help and a break, the clouds metaphorically cleared.
Mom took over the party like a pro. I got all the invites out over social. Becca came with me to the mall, but I couldn’t find anything. Bella saved my ass by introducing me to a guy she knows who custom prints clothing. I knew exactly what to get her then.
Mr. Roper backed off after Mom and Dad had a meeting with him the day after my mini-breakdown. I’m nowback to a normal amount of algebra homework. That’s more than enough.
I’ve put college out of my mind for now. I won’t hear anything for a few more weeks, and I’ve done all I can do. Mr. Porter was so cool about Becca stepping up to help me out. He was really happy about Eden’s idea of hosting a charity run. I think his admiration for her has tripled. I don’t blame him, she’s pretty great.
We have a meeting with the principal on Monday to discuss everything, so Eden has until then to get a route together. I doubt she’s figured it out. She could hardly walk on Thursday. Yesterday was the first time in forty-eight hours she didn’t wince when moving. I’m not worried, though. We can go for a walk on Sunday and map out some possibilities.
Surprisingly, Kiera has been super helpful, too. She opted to help distribute sign-up sheets, and she’s got the soccer team to join in. That should persuade a lot of other people to take part. Kiera has quite a bit of sway at Holcroft. Sadly, it’s down to her flexing her mean muscles nine times out of ten.
We had coffee, which was okay. She got a little close at times. A little handsy when talking, but it was only a brushof her fingers now and then. I can handle that. It’ll never go any further.
But back to today. The weather is gorgeous, and the pool is glistening, just begging to be used. Dad has gone nuts with food for the grill, and Mom didn’t even try to hide her excitement about catering everything vegetarian. I tried to get her to add in a couple of meat options, but there was no winning that argument. Even Dad stopped pouting and got on board. He’s been researching how to grill veggie kebabs for the past ten minutes.
Today is more than just a party, though. Eden’s parents will be meeting mine for the first time, and I think that’s a pretty big deal. A lot of people find my family intimidating. It’s the name. Bishop Corp is huge. Dad is well known for being a shrewd businessman. Unfortunately, people tend to think he’s like that all the time. He isn’t. When he’s home, he’s just Dad.
I really hope Liz and Rick feel comfortable. I know Mom will play hostess, and even that can sometimes come across as pretentious. She’s not. Okay, sometimes when she’s organizing events for certain people and charities she is. It’s par for the course. Rubbing shoulders with rich people, there is an element of snobbery that goes into it.
Once again, though, she’s not like that at home. My parents come from humble beginnings. They know who they are. That’s what they’ve instilled in me growing up. It’s why I work for what I want.
I’m rambling. Maybe because I just heard car doors slam shut and know Eden and her family are only a few seconds away. Mom hears the noise too and instantly straightens her hair and blouse. She’s possibly as nervous as I am, which is sweet.
The doorbell chimes, and Mom rushes to open it. There is a chorus of “welcome” and “so nice to meet you.” Eden slips inside and heads straight for me. Her smile is contagious, and I find myself mirroring it. She pulls me into a hug. Her nose goes straight to my neck where she inhales deeply. It’s her thing, and I love it. I’ve never wanted to smell nice so much in my life.
Pulling back, she captures my lips in a scorching kiss. I’m not even aware of anyone else when she takes me like this. I’m so fucking happy she’s staying over tonight. I’m in desperate need of her.
A wolf whistle pierces the moment. It seems our friends have also arrived. Pia cackles and Eden glares at her. Todd waves, and Bella grins at us both. Becca is trailing behind, holding Bella’s hand.
Mom wastes no time whisking Liz and Rick off to meet my dad, leaving the rest of us to hug and say hi. I didn’t go nuts with the invite list. Eden is naturally introverted, and I know a lot of social interaction drains her. It’s why I’ve got some movies ready to go in my room for when she needs a break.
We’re quick to get ourselves to the pool. I’ve made sure all the best pool floats are out. Bella looks particularly taken with the unicorn. She strips off her clothes in record time and claims it. Pia settles on a deck chair where Todd is waiting, ready to put sunscreen on her back. Me, Becca, and Eden take a little more time discarding our clothes. I take more time than either of them because I’m too busy looking at Eden. I wonder if she realizes how much her body has changed since she started working out.
She was gorgeous before. She’s gorgeous now, but with a bit more definition. I just love looking at her, and I can’t wait to get my hands on her this evening.
Jenna has so far kept herself to herself. That is until Bryce shows up and her eyes practically turn into hearts. Thankfully Eden didn’t notice, I can’t imagine the drama that would’ve erupted if she’d teased her sister over a very clear crush.
Bryce high-fives everyone, including Jenna. She looks like she might faint. He turns to Eden and envelops her in a hug, singing happy birthday out of tune. Eden blushes and then laughs. He hands over a gift before whipping off his shirt and dive-bombing Bella.
Eden laughs as she unfurls another printed muscle tank. This one reads “Just Call me UK” then in brackets “Unbelievably Kickass” and has a picture of a corgi jogging. It’s even got a sweat band around its head.
A few more people turn up and the party is well underway. Mom and Dad are laughing with Liz and Rick by the grill. Now and then Mom rushes to the kitchen to do something. She also brings out a tray of mocktails for us all.
The last person to show is Kiera. She sort of invited herself, but Eden said she didn’t care. I guess it’s nice if they find a way to get along. I’m not exactly besties with Kiera, but I think it’s cool to end our time at Holcroft as a group of friends.
When Mom calls us all to the outside table there are ripples of appreciation, Eden being the most appreciative.
“Wow, Mrs. Bishop, this looks incredible.”
“Less of the Mrs. Bishop, Eden. You know you can call me Beth. And you are welcome. You only turn eighteen once, sweetie.”
Rick raises his beer and shouts, “Hear, hear!”
“If it’s okay with you, Liz, I thought we could open a bottle of Champagne. I know none of you are of age, but one small glass won’t hurt.”
Liz is already opening the bottle, which was waiting in a bucket of ice. Mom laughs at her enthusiasm. They’re definitely getting along. We all shuffle around and grab a glass. Mom defers to Liz with a wink.
