Chapter 39
After getting a hug from E and Seb when I arrive at school, I ask the guys what they want for dinner tonight. The consensus is pizza, so I text Zander about the order.
AP English class is annoying today because Cara keeps trying to talk to Seb. So much so that she gets detention for interrupting class. She glares at me for somehow causing her to be disruptive. Not sure when I developed mind control powers over other people.
It’s raining this afternoon after school, so Ben and the rest of the baseball team are in the workout room.
Ben waves to me with a big smile, but I don’t acknowledge him.
It’s crowded on the indoor track with us all running at once, so our coach has the sprinters take a break halfway through so the distance runners can practice.
I run distance on pace with Jaxon. Jaxon and Holly walk me to the pool after practice so I can wait for Alex and Bay.
I decide to ride with Bay to my house. “I hear you’re going to a meet on Friday. I’m excited to watch.”
“Yeah, in the afternoon.” Bay doesn’t sound like he’s looking forward to his season beginning, so I ask him what’s wrong. “I get nervous before the first meet every year. I’ll be okay once I dive that day,” he smiles.
Olivia is apparently bummed because her extended family is arriving that day, and she can't go. Bay tells me she wanted to sit with her new friend, Summer. That’s so sweet. “Isn’t Sue arriving on Friday?” Bay asks me.
“Yes, I’ll take her with me if she wants,” I say, which earns me a big smile from him.
I unlock the door for all the guys when we arrive. “I’m showering,” I holler, walking down the hallway. After my usual routine of a shower and soak, I join the guys in the living room. I sit on the floor in front of the coffee table and apply my cream and stretch.
“What is the meeting regarding?” Alex asks.
“It’s about a job Zander is considering taking. He’ll have to travel,” I reply as the front door opens again and Zander and Troy come in carrying pizza boxes. We all get up as I grab plates and napkins for everyone. E gets the drinks, and then we settle in at the table.
“Thanks for coming today, guys,” Zander says as we all start eating.
“Finn has been awarded a new government contract that I applied for 8 months ago. It’s for training military pilots outside of Columbia.
I’ve discussed it with Summer, and she is insisting I take the job, but I’d be gone for long days and would have to spend several nights on base for night training.
I won’t leave her here alone, especially since she doesn’t have her driver’s license yet.
I’m torn because I don’t want to be away right now, but,” he shrugs.
“If you pass on this contract, you will most likely lose others. If you take it, you will get more contracts in the future, I assume,” Alex states.
“Correct,” Zander replies.
“We’ll take care of Sunshine, Z. You know that,” Seb waves.
“Thank you, but I’d like someone to stay here with her when I’m gone for just one night, but to stay with one of you guys during the block of night training.”
“How long will the night training be?” E asks.
“We haven’t set the schedule yet. If the training has to be completed all at once, it will take a full week. If not, then probably two 4-night stints. It would be four weeks in total.”
“We can handle that, Z, right, guys?” Seb asks. All the guys nod in agreement.
“Thank you. The training will start next week. I won’t have the schedule until I meet with the Commander, but the night training will occur towards the end of the four weeks. It’s short notice for what days I’ll be away.”
“Summer can stay with me during night training. I have two extra bedrooms,” Alex offers. “We will figure out the one-night stays as they come up.”
“Are you guys sure?” Zander asks one more time.
“We’re good, Z. Don’t worry,” Seb tells him.
“Told you,” Troy smiles. “He was worried about interrupting all your lives with school and sports and everything.”
“It’ll be okay, Zander. Take the job,” I tell him.
He looks around at all of us, then back to me. “Are you sure you’re comfortable with this? I don’t want you to be lonely or feel abandoned.”
I squeeze his hand. “I won’t, and I don’t. We’ll still see each other, and you can call and text me when you’re not flying. I’m good with the guys being here or staying with Alex, I promise.”
“Okay. Well, thanksthanks, everyone. This is a big contract for us and will open the door for more contracts in the future.”
We finish the pizza off, and I bring out some baked goods for dessert. The guys decide to stay and do homework, so Troy, Nick, and Zander move to the living room while we work at the table. It’s nice with everyone working around me. I really enjoy nights like this.
I get a text from Sue with her flight schedule that evening. She’s arriving at noon on Friday.