Chapter 12
Summer
Friday after school, we all gather at Alex’s house to say goodbye to E, like he’s moving to another country or something.
In reality, he’s only going to be a short drive from here, but E's the only one who seems even a little confident about this move. Most of us would prefer that he cut ties with his family. Alex is the only one who truly understands his family's dynamic; however, he doesn’t believe E’s grandparents will adjust their views at all and will try to control every aspect of E’s life.
E’s packed bags wait by the door as I help him prepare dinner for everyone. We harvested from the garden yesterday and packed a cooler with herbs and veggies before school. Now we’re making a stew. As it simmers, I try one more time to offer funds for whatever he wants, but he declines.
Taking a seat beside Nick on the couch, he places a hand on my thigh in support.
Everything feels out of sorts right now.
Alex and his engagement, drowning under what I suspect is self-inflicted pressure.
Nick’s father taunting us. E moving under the thumb of his grandparents.
Seb’s mom is still out of communication, too.
I lean my head on Nick’s shoulder as the guys talk around me.
Seb tries to keep the mood light as we eat, focusing on gossip he’s heard. Afterwards, I ask Bay for help with precalculus as the guys play video games.
Eventually, we walk E out to his truck with his bags, and he promises to call me and Seb before bed tonight. After hugs goodbye, he drives away. “Why do I have a bad feeling, Hurry?”
Seb slings an arm over my shoulder. “For the same reason I do, Sunshine, but he has to figure this out himself.”
Nodding, I ask him and Nick to drive me home. I hop into the passenger seat, and Seb jumps in the back as Nick drives us. Zander’s truck is in the driveway when we get there. After kissing Nick on the cheek and getting a hug from Seb, I unlock the door.
Going inside, I find Zander on the couch watching tv. “Hey. How was your trip?” I ask, taking a seat in the corner.
“Good darling. How are you? Did E move out?”
“He did. I wish he could see what we see and just skip all the in-between.”
“I know. Me too. Hopefully, it doesn’t take him long. How is everyone else?”
I sigh. After a nice mini-vacation before school started, my stress levels are high again.
“Well, Seb’s mom has dropped off the face of the earth, so he’s going to her apartment tomorrow with Nick.
Nick’s dad is back to running drugs and is working for someone, according to his hacker friend, but there’s no evidence yet.
You know about E. Reesa is still wearing the engagement ring, but Alex has stopped staying away from us, so that’s something, I guess,” I shrug.
“You’ve got a lot going on, Summer. Support your friends, of course, but they need to handle their own lives.”
“I know. I don’t think I’ll ever understand this old southern money thing. Holding money over someone is disgusting. Telling E he can’t be a chef and to pretend he’s not in love with Seb is so wrong. How can money be worth that?”
“I agree with you that money isn’t worth it, but E hasn’t known any other life than being rich. It must be scary to think of not having that anymore.”
“But Alex and I have both offered to help him.”
“I know, darling, but that isn’t the same as having your own.”
“Yeah, I guess. I also think Alex’s imagination has gotten the better of him.”
“How so?”
“He’s letting Alicia control his life so he doesn’t upset his dad.
Alex has been in a loveless relationship since sophomore year because he thinks his dad approves, and he’s staying engaged so it doesn’t cause a family scandal.
More old money stuff, but I don’t get the feeling his dad cares about those things as much as Alex thinks.
He seemed like a nice man when I met him.
I could be wrong, but I think his dad’s response would surprise Alex. ”
“Perhaps. I’ve only met him a few times, but he seemed to care about Alex despite never being around. They are difficult situations for sure, darling. All you can do is be there for your friends.”
Nodding, I tell him I’m getting cleaned up.
Deciding a bath is in order, I grab some herbs before filling the tub, and Seb calls with E on conference while I’m soaking.
E is in his room and unpacked. His grandparents had the remaining stuff from his parents’ house moved over there as well.
Other than showing him his room, they have said little.
We chat about school and gossip going around until my water cools and I have to get out. E and Alex are coming over tomorrow to help me with some herbal preparations and the veggie garden, and I’ll see the rest of the guys Sunday to finish painting the house.