Page 31 of Forged Forever

“Uh, just an audiobook Seb suggested. It’s a series, and I’m on book two.”

“That’s a great idea. I never thought of audiobooks for you.” Ignoring his blush, I ask how he’s feeling after being at the game today.

“Good. A little tired. Tell me more about the rich families here.”

I spend the better part of an hour explaining about Alex and his dad, E and his family, as well as the other random people I’ve come across since moving here, including the guy wanting to date me when he found out I was rich, and the chick harassing Nick on the beach last summer. “Obviously it’s not everyone, as you can tell with Alex and his dad, but it's strange. Oh, and there’s like actual debutantes, and girls are presented to society every season.”

“Wow, that’s crazy, Sum. A whole different lifestyle.”

“It really is. So, what are we doing for the rest of the afternoon?” After making Jake’s smoothie, I blend one for Will and me, and then we play a few games on the tv.

Ray returns around 4pm, so I excuse myself to drive home for the celebratory dinner. I ask Jake to come even though he was already out today. He declines, as I expected, but I never want him to feel left out, so I’ll keep offering, and he can choose what he's up for.

Pulling into the driveway, I see Seb, Troy, and Gabby are already here. I stop in the bathroom to take care of business before switching my clothes for shorts and a tank top. Grabbing a lemonade from the fridge, I step through the patio doors to greet everyone.

“Sunshine!” Seb picks me up into a hug as I wave to Gabby and Troy. Dad is cleaning the barbecue. “Alex, E, and Steven are on the way, and Bay is bringing Olivia. Look, I brought the water guns too, so we can play after dinner. Can you believe I got two scholarship offers today? I’ve gotta wait until Monday to read over the offers, but I’m thinking Charleston since E will be here and you’ll get into Charleston soon, then we can all be together. What a day, and it’s not over yet! Did Jake have fun? I caught him smiling a few times while I was playing. It was nice to see him out.”

Everyone is laughing at hurricane Seb when he stops for air. “I’d love to play after dinner. Charleston University would be great. Yes, Jake enjoyed his day.”

Seb sets me down as I take a seat beside Gabby. “He’s been like this since the win,” she smiles fondly at Seb.

“It’s a pretty incredible day for him.”

The rest of the gang arrives as Dad grills the meat. I ask Bay to help me with one of the irrigation lines in the garden, and Olivia joins us to help Bay switch out a broken line and connector. She wants to pick a bouquet for the dinner table afterward, so we follow her around the yard as she points to blooms she wants. Bay cuts them for her as I hold the growing bouquet.

She follows me into the kitchen to find a vase and then carries the mixture out to the patio table, setting it in the middle. “How is school going, Olivia?” I ask her, plopping down onto a dining chair beside Gabby.

“It’s okay, I guess. There’s this boy who keeps bugging me at recess, but my best friend Ellie pushed him to the grass yesterday. I think he’ll leave me alone now.”

“Make sure you tell Bay if he keeps bugging you, okay?”

“I will, but Ellie will protect me.”

“Who’s protecting you?” Bay asks, flipping Olivia over his shoulder.

A screech and giggle leave Olivia as she thumps on Bay’s back. “You protect me, Bay. Only you!” Peals of laughter bubble from her as Bay tickles her ribs.

“That’s right. Dad and I are the only men allowed in your life.” He flips her over and sets her gently on the deck. Olivia takes off after she taps Seb on the back to play tag.

Seb chases her through the backyard as Bay drops beside me. “Feeling protective?” I ask.

“Ellie's a nice kid, but he’s a boy and crushing on my little sister.” Bay has a sour expression on his face; arms crossed over his chest. Gabby and I both laugh. I’ve never seen Bay grumble before.

“All big brothers are the same.” Gabby stands and pats his shoulder, heading for the grass to join the game of tag.

We enjoy a splendid meal outside, laughing and talking together. Troy stands as we’re finishing. “Thank you all for being here tonight. Seb, I want you to know how proud I am of you for not only getting accepted to college but getting a full scholarship. Don’t waste it. Study as hard as you play basketball, and you’ll achieve your dreams. Nick would be proud too.” His misty eyes meet Seb’s for a moment. “Here’s to celebrating more good news as other acceptance letters arrive.” We raise our glasses in cheers as Troy retakes his seat. Nick. I wish you were here with us tonight.

We clean up the mess and food, then Seb and Bay fill the water guns. It’s a simple game of hide and seek, and we’re all drenched by the time it’s over. Even Steven joined us. Seb thought ahead and had everyone bring towels to dry off.

Bay carries an exhausted Olivia to his car as I help drain and collect the water guns. After placing them in the garage, I get wet hugs from the guys as people disperse to their vehicles. Dad and I wave from the porch until they’re out of sight. “Thanks for inviting everyone over, Dad. It was fun.”

“Of course, darling. Troy wanted to get everyone together to celebrate, but the condo would be a tight squeeze, so I volunteered our place.”

We both get hot showers, congregating on the couch for the rest of the evening.

Chapter 19

Alex arrives at school on Monday morning with a grin and his acceptance letter to Charleston University. No surprise there, but we all congratulate him.