Chapter 18 #2
“Yup. It’s a different world down here in some respects.” Jake blinks a few times before returning his gaze to the court. The ref announces a technical foul with a warning, and that Seb will take two shots. Guess he’s staying in the game.
Seb makes both free throws, and then the game continues. BJ plays the remainder of the game but is subdued. As the final buzzer sounds, the crowd erupts. We win by 11 points. Another league championship!
The team from the bench swarms the players on the court, coaching staff in the mix as we cheer and holler for Seb and E.
They break away from the masses and jog our way.
I get picked up in a sweaty hug and twirled around by Seb as congratulations flow from our group.
Seb sets me down as Troy steps up to hug him.
He fist bumps Jake too, before they’re called back to the bench.
Officials, medals, and the third-place team join the others at center court. We clap as each team gets their medals and trophies, and Seb receives the MVP award again this year. I’m so proud of Hurry.
As the crowd clears out, we keep our seats to wait for the guys. I notice that the USC and Charleston scouts are remaining seated as well.
“Glad you came, handsome?” I ask Jake, turning in my seat to face him.
“Yeah Sum. Seb and E are really good. Great game. Are we waiting for them now?”
“Yup, and for the scouts. Seb should get offers today.”
“They’re back,” Troy announces as I swing my head towards the locker rooms. Sure enough, Seb and E are walking out, holding hands and smiling. Both scouts get up and walk towards them, so Troy jumps up and jogs over to join the discussion.
The rest of our group gets up to stretch and mingle as I sit with Jake’s hand in mine, knee bouncing as I watch their interactions. Seb is smiling, which is a good sign, but Troy is standing with legs spread and arms crossed over his chest, looking serious.
The conversation isn’t long. Seb, E, and Troy shake hands with the scouts before they walk to the main doors. Seb pumps his fist in the air without making a sound, Troy and E smiling at him.
When the main doors close, Seb runs over to us. “Full ride, baby!” he yells, hugging Alex first, bouncing in a circle. Alex is laughing as he congratulates Seb. He hugs Bay, me, Gabby, Dad, and then Jake.
“I’m so happy for you, Hurry!” Seb is so ecstatic, he’s like the sun after an eclipse. We gather our belongings as we make our way to the parking lot. Seb insists on pushing Jake’s wheelchair as he shares the details of his scholarships.
Both are offering full rides to cover tuition, room, and board, and he'll receive acceptance letters from the schools on Monday morning with the details. Charleston University tried to entice E again, but he declined.
“What about Jonathan?”
“Not sure. I’ll check with him on Monday, but they were definitely interested in him too,” Seb answers.
Will helps Jake into the vehicle, and I kiss his cheek, promising to visit later today, and Dad invites everyone to our house for dinner to celebrate. I follow Dad to the grocery store, where we buy ground beef, hot dogs, buns, and drinks to barbecue later on.
While Dad preps the burgers, I make a garden salad and potato salad. Once everything is ready, I leave to visit Jake.
“Hello,” I call as I unlock the condo door, but I don’t get an answer. Strange. I don’t see Ray anywhere, so I walk into Jake’s room. I say hi to Will as I notice Jake has his headphones on, eyes closed as he rests back in bed.
Touching his hand, Jake’s eyes pop open, a dusty pink color touching his cheekbones. He hits a button on his tablet, pulling his headphones down to rest on his neck. “Hi Sum.”
“What’cha listening to? You’re blushing.”
“Uh, just an audiobook Seb suggested. It’s a series, and I’m on book two.”
“That’s a great idea. I never thought of audiobooks for you.” Ignoring his blush, I ask how he’s feeling after being at the game today.
“Good. A little tired. Tell me more about the rich families here.”
I spend the better part of an hour explaining about Alex and his dad, E and his family, as well as the other random people I’ve come across since moving here, including the guy wanting to date me when he found out I was rich, and the chick harassing Nick on the beach last summer.
“Obviously it’s not everyone, as you can tell with Alex and his dad, but it's strange. Oh, and there’s like actual debutantes, and girls are presented to society every season. ”
“Wow, that’s crazy, Sum. A whole different lifestyle.”
“It really is. So, what are we doing for the rest of the afternoon?” After making Jake’s smoothie, I blend one for Will and me, and then we play a few games on the tv.
Ray returns around 4pm, so I excuse myself to drive home for the celebratory dinner. I ask Jake to come even though he was already out today. He declines, as I expected, but I never want him to feel left out, so I’ll keep offering, and he can choose what he's up for.
Pulling into the driveway, I see Seb, Troy, and Gabby are already here. I stop in the bathroom to take care of business before switching my clothes for shorts and a tank top. Grabbing a lemonade from the fridge, I step through the patio doors to greet everyone.
“Sunshine!” Seb picks me up into a hug as I wave to Gabby and Troy.
Dad is cleaning the barbecue. “Alex, E, and Steven are on the way, and Bay is bringing Olivia. Look, I brought the water guns too, so we can play after dinner. Can you believe I got two scholarship offers today? I’ve gotta wait until Monday to read over the offers, but I’m thinking Charleston since E will be here and you’ll get into Charleston soon, then we can all be together.
What a day, and it’s not over yet! Did Jake have fun?
I caught him smiling a few times while I was playing. It was nice to see him out.”
Everyone is laughing at hurricane Seb when he stops for air. “I’d love to play after dinner. Charleston University would be great. Yes, Jake enjoyed his day.”
Seb sets me down as I take a seat beside Gabby. “He’s been like this since the win,” she smiles fondly at Seb.
“It’s a pretty incredible day for him.”
The rest of the gang arrives as Dad grills the meat.
I ask Bay to help me with one of the irrigation lines in the garden, and Olivia joins us to help Bay switch out a broken line and connector.
She wants to pick a bouquet for the dinner table afterward, so we follow her around the yard as she points to blooms she wants.
Bay cuts them for her as I hold the growing bouquet.
She follows me into the kitchen to find a vase and then carries the mixture out to the patio table, setting it in the middle. “How is school going, Olivia?” I ask her, plopping down onto a dining chair beside Gabby.
“It’s okay, I guess. There’s this boy who keeps bugging me at recess, but my best friend Ellie pushed him to the grass yesterday. I think he’ll leave me alone now.”
“Make sure you tell Bay if he keeps bugging you, okay?”
“I will, but Ellie will protect me.”
“Who’s protecting you?” Bay asks, flipping Olivia over his shoulder.
A screech and giggle leave Olivia as she thumps on Bay’s back. “You protect me, Bay. Only you!” Peals of laughter bubble from her as Bay tickles her ribs.
“That’s right. Dad and I are the only men allowed in your life.” He flips her over and sets her gently on the deck. Olivia takes off after she taps Seb on the back to play tag.
Seb chases her through the backyard as Bay drops beside me. “Feeling protective?” I ask.
“Ellie's a nice kid, but he’s a boy and crushing on my little sister.” Bay has a sour expression on his face; arms crossed over his chest. Gabby and I both laugh. I’ve never seen Bay grumble before.
“All big brothers are the same.” Gabby stands and pats his shoulder, heading for the grass to join the game of tag.
We enjoy a splendid meal outside, laughing and talking together.
Troy stands as we’re finishing. “Thank you all for being here tonight. Seb, I want you to know how proud I am of you for not only getting accepted to college but getting a full scholarship. Don’t waste it.
Study as hard as you play basketball, and you’ll achieve your dreams. Nick would be proud too.
” His misty eyes meet Seb’s for a moment.
“Here’s to celebrating more good news as other acceptance letters arrive.
” We raise our glasses in cheers as Troy retakes his seat.
Nick. I wish you were here with us tonight.
We clean up the mess and food, then Seb and Bay fill the water guns. It’s a simple game of hide and seek, and we’re all drenched by the time it’s over. Even Steven joined us. Seb thought ahead and had everyone bring towels to dry off.
Bay carries an exhausted Olivia to his car as I help drain and collect the water guns. After placing them in the garage, I get wet hugs from the guys as people disperse to their vehicles. Dad and I wave from the porch until they’re out of sight. “Thanks for inviting everyone over, Dad. It was fun.”
“Of course, darling. Troy wanted to get everyone together to celebrate, but the condo would be a tight squeeze, so I volunteered our place.”
We both get hot showers, congregating on the couch for the rest of the evening.