Chapter 15
The next few weeks are steady. School, homework, track, and Jake.
Seb visits Charleston University and practices with their team, along with Jonathan and E.
Despite E telling them he was going to culinary school; they wanted him to join in case he changed his mind.
Seb was equally impressed with their program, so he's now waiting for acceptance letters and scholarship offers.
The local culinary school contacted E, and he has an appointment to cook for them the day before Dad’s surprise birthday party.
He’s nervous, of course, but his biggest worry is choosing what to make.
He has to prepare a three-course dinner and a separate dish that he won’t know about until that day.
Dad’s birthday falls on a Tuesday this year, and he rarely does much. Troy brings a cake to Finn, and they have a little party at lunchtime with whichever employees are around.
This year I invited our group plus the Finn employees to laser tag on the Sunday before. I booked the entire arena out for the afternoon, and Dad has no idea. Jake and Ray are aware I can’t visit at my usual time, and I promised to share lots of pictures with them.
On Sunday morning, as I'm checking the flower beds, I receive a group call from E and Seb announcing E’s acceptance into culinary school.
They were so impressed with E's skills yesterday; they sent him an email this morning, and he’s ecstatic.
We celebrate over the phone, and I’m so proud of him.
He’s not going to bother with the Columbia school since he can live at the apartment here and attend school, saving loads of money.
After lunch, I ask Dad if he wants to hang out this afternoon. “We haven’t had much time just the two of us lately. Maybe we could do something fun?”
“I would love that, darling.” Zander’s face lights up, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
“Great. I have an idea of where we can practice our shooting skills. Let me grab my stuff.” I jog to my bedroom to grab keys and my wallet.
Dad's at the front door pulling a jacket on, so I do the same, and we head out.
We arrive at the facility before everyone else, as planned. Only a few cars are in the lot, which should be staff. Dad follows me into the warehouse to the ticket booth. After a bit of arguing, he lets me pay for us.
“Good timing,” the employee comments. “We have a large group arriving in a few minutes to play against. You can grab your gear and head into the waiting area.”
“Thank you,” I wink and walk us into the equipment room. We get outfitted for the game and, once ready, I lead us into the far waiting room.
Taking a seat, we chat about school and Finn while we wait for the game to begin.
I really hope he likes his surprise; I put so much thought and effort into it.
A buzzing energy fills me, a cocktail of jittery nerves and thrilling anticipation.
Finally, after about 25 minutes, the door opens and we stand to enter.
“What?” Zander questions, stopping a few steps inside the warehouse. There’s a group of 16 standing in a line smiling at us, half in red and half in blue gear. All my guys, plus Gabby, Troy, and Finn employees.
“Happy Birthday,” they yell together, before breaking into their groups to play. The blue team comes over with slaps and greetings for Zander.
“Darling, you did this?” He asks, flummoxed, shaking his head and turning to face me.
“Happy Birthday, Dad. I wanted to do something fun for you. I hope you like it.”
A huge, happy grin splits his face, eyes crinkling, as he pulls me into a hug. “It’s wonderful.” Zander kisses my head, and then we step back to strategize with the team.
We spend the next two hours laughing, hunting, and having a great time.
With all the ex-military people involved, it’s a methodical game of strategy, and I enjoy seeing another side of Zander.
You can see a natural leader emerge: calm, in control, and smart.
Because he knows Troy so well, he can anticipate his moves, countering with unexpected ideas.
I lose track of who’s winning, but luckily the scoreboard does that for us. The game is close, but the blue team wins. Troy claims he let it happen, but I’m not so sure, not that it matters much, except for bragging rights.
We move into a separate room where I had sandwiches, drinks, and a cake delivered. There’s a lot of ribbing from the winners as we eat and chat around the table. Zander seems to enjoy himself, laughing and smiling. I requested no presents, just the company of everyone who cares about him.
Dad and I are the last the leave the warehouse, and he's still smiling when we walk out to the Jeep. “That was an amazing afternoon, darling. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, Dad.” I hop into the driver’s seat as we head to visit Jake and Ray.