Chapter 26
Summer
I wake up feeling sad on Friday. Birthdays are bittersweet now, but I try not to dwell on the sadness.
After the bathroom, I dress in shorts, a tank top, and Jake’s hoodie before climbing back into bed to review my notes.
I got a lot of studying done this week for exams. We spent Wednesday at the condo and yesterday here.
Today we are going to Alex’s house, and it will be my first time there since I was supposed to stay.
I’m still feeling unsettled regarding Alex.
For all intents and purposes, we're fine. I forgave him, and things between the guys are back to normal, but I’m still bothered.
I talked to Sarah about it because I’m having a hard time separating the two versions of Alex I know.
She reminded me that every person has many sides to them, and what I perceive from Alex regarding his family is only a fraction of the whole person.
I also have little context to form opinions, so I’m trying not to judge harshly, but I'm struggling with it.
Zander knocks on my door, peeking into my room. “Good morning, birthday girl,” he smiles. “I can’t believe I get to say that to my daughter,” he says, a wistful look in his eyes as he shakes his head. “Did you finally sleep in today?”
Zander comes in with a tray of food and tea. “Chocolate chip pancakes for you,” he smiles.
“Thanks Zander. They look yummy.”
“I hope you like them, darling. I know you’re studying today, but I’ll be leaving work early so we can celebrate your birthday later.”
“Seb has been texting nonstop this week and whispering. I know he has something planned,” I reply.
“I’m a vault,” he says, pretending to zip his lips. “When you’re ready, we’ll leave for work.”
“Okay, thanks,” I yawn.
He watches me for a minute, then nods and walks out. The food is superb, and I eat the entire plate. Taking the tray back to the kitchen, I find a bouquet on the island. “Zander, those are beautiful,” I exclaim, walking over to take a sniff.
“There’s a card,” he nods.
Opening the little envelope, I see they’re from Sue, Mal, and Jake.
I feel my eyes fill with tears. That was very thoughtful of them.
I can’t wait to see all three of them tomorrow.
“That was so nice of them,” I smile at Zander as I feel a few tears escape.
Jake gave me flowers every year on my birthday, whether it was dandelions from his yard in kindergarten to roses on my 15th birthday.
“Can I have a hug?” Zander asks.
I walk over, and he envelops me in his warmth. “I know it’s hard to spend your birthday without the rest of your family, but I am positive they are smiling down on you.”
“Thanks. I’ll be on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster today.”
“I imagine so. Try to enjoy it, though.”
“I will.” We clean up the kitchen before I go to my room to fill my backpack with what I’ll need today. Zander drives us to the Finn offices when I’m ready, and Nick is waiting for me when we get there. I stop to say hello to Troy before I get in his Jeep.
“Happy birthday, Shortie,” he says.
“Thanks, Grumpy,” I reply as he pulls out.
The drive is comfortably quiet as usual when it’s just Nick and me.
I had my last martial arts class with him yesterday, but he’s going to continue to train me over the summer.
Markus approached me after class, wanting to discuss the MMA tournament for next year, so I told him we could meet up after exams to get a plan in motion.
We end up getting to Alex’s house right after Bay, so I get a hug and happy birthday from him after I get out of the Jeep.
We head up to the third floor and find the rest of the guys watching tv on the couch.
I get two more hugs and happy birthday greetings from all of them, then we spread throughout the room.
Alex, E, and I take the table to study AP Chemistry. Seb, Nick, and Bay stay on the couch.
I’ve noticed Nick doesn’t spend a lot of time studying compared to the rest of us. He still does okay in school, though. Today he’s focused on a tv show.
After a few hours, we take a break. E has snacks already prepared for us in the fridge and sets them on the island.
A pitcher of sweet tea and one unsweetened for me are set out as well.
I grab a plate and fill it with fruit, veggies, and dip before sitting down with a glass of tea to continue studying.
By lunch, I’m tired of Chemistry. I help E prepare sandwiches for everyone, and as we’re sitting down to eat, there’s a knock at the door. “Expecting someone?” Seb asks.
“No,” Alex says, walking over to answer the door. Opening it, he reveals an older gentleman in an expensive suit who must be related to him. “Dad?” Alex asks.
The man breaks into a big smile. “Hello son. I thought I’d find you up here,” he says, walking inside. “Hello boys. Nice to see you again.”
All the guys greet the man with smiles, so it appears everyone likes Alex’s dad.
He zooms in on me next. “You must be Summer. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Steven,” he says, not approaching me.
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you as well,” I smile.
“A study session, I presume? Exams are next week,” he says.
“Yes, it is,” Alex nods. I’ve never seen Alex smile for so long. It’s clear he’s happy to see his dad. “Come join us for lunch,” he offers.
I get up to get an extra plate and glass and set them at the head of the table.
“Thank you, my dear,” he smiles at me as I retake my seat.
“So, how has everyone been since I’ve seen you last?” He asks.
The guys take turns filling him in on their lives, except Nick, who responds with “the same.” He asks about David, Olivia, Gabby and Troy, then asks me how Zander is.
Seb tells him it’s my birthday today, and he wishes me a happy birthday.
I invite him to whatever Seb has planned later today, and he chuckles at that, not surprised Seb is planning something.
He excuses himself after lunch, telling Alex he’ll be here until Sunday, then he’s meeting Alicia in New York for the remainder of the week. He seems like a nice man although I couldn’t imagine never being around my child.
After a delicious meal, I move to the couch to review for AP English. Nick seems zoned out, so I place a cushion on my lap and look over at him.
As he settles his head on the pillow, I undo his man bun, the scent of his shampoo filling the air.
My fingers trace the contours of his scalp, and he quickly drifts off to sleep.
Seb, Bay, and I take turns quizzing each other about the novels from class, and they provide me with insight into the books I had to read on my own.
Miss Miller likes essay questions on her exams that question morality and hidden meanings, so we try to formulate questions and answers based on that, and soon Alex and E join in from the table.
Alex created a list of possible exam questions already, so we take turns answering them, each adding to the responses until we’re satisfied.
It’s a good way to learn the material, but I’m taking notes too, since I prefer lists I can read.
Seb, E, and Bay leave mid-afternoon for what are obviously birthday plans.
Alex excuses himself to visit his dad, so I’m left with Nick sleeping on my lap.
Bay moved the rest of my stuff to the cushion beside me before leaving so I can continue to study.
I decide to review the group projects on the student portal.
“Summer,” I hear my name called as a hand gently shakes my shoulder. Cracking an eye open, I see a smiling Alex looking down at me.
“Crap, I fell asleep.” I’m leaning awkwardly over Nick, who is still out. I sit up, trying to get the kink out of my neck. “Oww.”
Alex chuckles at me. “I have instructions to bring you home at 4pm. We will need to leave soon.”
“Okay,” I nod. I gather my study materials into my backpack, then try to wake Nick up.
“Grumpy,” I call, running my fingers through his hair. “Time to wake up.”
He blinks his eyes open, brows immediately furrowing, then sits up after a few minutes. I hand him his elastic so he can redo his hair. “Thanks, Shortie,” he grunts, getting up and walking to his room.
I do the same, going to the bathroom. When I get back to the living room, Alex and Nick are ready to go. “My father will join us if that is agreeable?”
“Of course, Alex,” I smile.
Outside, Alex opens the back door of his SUV for me before getting into the driver’s seat, and Nick joins me in the back as we wait for Steven.
He’s only a few minutes behind, coming outside talking on his phone.
After he finishes his call, he gets in the passenger seat.
He spends the drive telling us stories about Alex as a kid, and it turns out he’s pretty funny.
Seb is waiting for us on the front deck when we get home. He walks over and opens my door, holding out a blindfold. “Gotta cover your eyes, Sunshine. I’m taking you to your room to call Jake. Don’t leave your room until one of us comes to get you, okay?”
“Alright Hurry. Don’t let me trip,” I warn him.
I get out and let him tie the blindfold over my eyes.
He wraps my arms around his and slowly walks me towards the house, telling me when to step up onto the deck.
He’s very good with directions, thankfully.
I don’t hear any noise when we enter the house.
It’s perfectly silent, which is weird. Seb walks me right over to my bed before I hear my door click shut.
He removes the blindfold and smiles at me.
“Go on and get your call done. Mal is expecting you early today,” he says, going back to the door.
“Remember, no peeking or leaving your room until we come get you.”
“Okay,” I nod, kicking off my sneakers to get comfortable. I grab my phone and video call Mal.
“Happy birthday, Sugar,” Mal answers with a big smile. She’s already in Jake’s room. As she moves the phone further away, I see Sue sitting beside her.