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Twenty-Three
I was havinga mandatory lazy day. The only reason they let me leave my room was for the bathroom. Luca had decided, and his mom agreed. They would take care of any other needs I had. I almost fought back until she walked in with a tray of strawberries, French toast, and fresh orange juice.
“Wow.” I stared at the food as my stomach growled.
“Is some of that for me?” Luca asked with a laugh.
Renae snapped her dishtowel at him. “Yours is coming. That’s all Avalon’s.” She pointed at me. “Don’t let any of them talk you out of even one bite.”
“Them?” I asked while stabbing a strawberry slice with my fork.
“All the guys arrived a few minutes ago. They’re helping me in the kitchen to earn their breakfast.”
I giggled with her while Luca rolled his eyes. “I’ll go save them.”
“I’ll be here!” I cut into my French toast while my mouth watered. I hadn’t realized I was so hungry until the sweet smell surrounded me.
“How are you feeling today?” Renae asked from the doorway.
I finished chewing and swallowed. “A lot better than I expected.”
She nodded and moved to the foot of the bed. “That’s good. I have to admit I thought you’d be more upset about what happened.”
I placed my fork on the tray. “I don’t know if it’s shock, the fact I’ve gone through something similar, or that you all have kept me distracted, but I’m not that affected. It’s different from when I woke up after nearly drowning.”
This was an insane conversation. Was I really comparing drowning to being stuck in a fire? How was this my life?
“Why do you think that is?”
“I’m not alone?” I guessed. “I wasn’t then either, but things are different now. I know I have all of you to lean on. I don’t feel like my relationships are fragile or new.”
“I’m glad to hear that. The boys love you and will be there for you through anything. They’ve proven that, but I’m relieved you know you can come to us for whatever you need.”
“It’s crazy that I moved here thinking I only had my dad left, and I gained a huge family. And it’s not like you’re complete strangers. You were my grandparents and mom’s family too.”
She scooted closer and put her hand on my leg over the covers. “Our family is different and a little bit crazy, but I’m really happy you’re a part of it.”
“Anyone need seconds?” Sky called as he walked into the room. “Oh, Renae, we made plenty and left some for you and Bruce.”
“Thanks.” She stood and let the guys settle in around me. “Just yell if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” I watched her leave, then looked to my guys. “You’re all here early.”
“I made them wait until eight.” Luca climbed back into his spot next to me while carefully balancing a plate stacked high with French toast.
“Yeah, I wanted to be here at six.” Vince sat cross-legged at the end of the bed, “I couldn’t sleep at all.”
“Me either,” Gavin admitted. “I think we all wanted to be here.”
Noah nodded. “It sucked.”
“I appreciate that, but Luca took good care of me. I don’t think I moved once I fell asleep.” He bumped his shoulder against mine. “But I’m glad you’re all here now.”
“These came for us.” Gavin handed me a large rectangular envelope from a stack before giving one to each of the guys.
“What is it?” I flipped it over and read the return address was listed as Drexel Academy.
Sky had already torn through his and held up a thick, maroon and black booklet. “Our welcome pamphlet.”
