Chapter 7
Summer
Friday evening, after talking with Jake, I take a shower and grab a dress for dinner with E’s grandparents.
Seb, E, and I have talked a lot about what he wants to do about his family.
E is determined not to move home still. His abusive dad is retiring at the end of the month from the military, so he'll be a permanent fixture around here soon.
That's my guess as to why they want to have dinner.
Zander gets home just before I have to leave, so I give him a quick hug then head out with E.
The butler greets us at the door and escorts us to the parlour, where we take seats to wait for E’s grandparents again.
E is nervous, his head cast down and his leg bouncing quickly, so I place my hand on his knee.
“No matter what this is about, you have us, E. We’ll figure out a solution you’re happy with.
Don’t let them pressure you into anything tonight. ”
E smiles at me, taking my hand. “Thanks for coming with me, Summer.”
I lean up and kiss his cheek as his grandfather clears his throat. We stand and greet them before following into the dining room. Bill asks about our courses for senior year, and then we eat our small-portioned meal in silence. Luckily, we have chicken and not seafood tonight.
After dinner, we move back into the sitting room. “Elijah, I’m sure you are wondering why we wanted to talk,” Bill starts.
“Yes, grandfather. What would you like to discuss?” E grabs my hand as I notice the tension in his posture.
“Now that you are a senior, it’s time to make some changes and plans for your future. Your grandmother and I have had extensive discussions regarding you this summer.”
“What are you suggesting?” E says, looking wary. I lean my body against his in support.
“For starters, you’ll be attending college next year. What career path have you chosen?”
“I still want to be a chef, grandfather.”
“That is not a suitable career choice, Elijah,” his grandmother chimes in with a sniff.
“You have an opportunity to join the family business, or there are a number of other suitable career paths you can take. Business, law, the military, to name a few. If you want us to pay for your education and receive your inheritance, then you must choose something else. I’ll give you a few months to decide,” he says, waving his hand, like he’s discussing something mundane.
“Now, another issue needs to be resolved. Your boyfriend. We’ve allowed you to carry on for years now, but it’s time you started looking for a suitable partner. ”
“We could tolerate your friend here, if absolutely necessary, as she has money, Elijah, but I have several lovely young ladies available who come from appropriate families for you to choose from,” his grandmother adds.
I look up at E, but he seems stunned into silence, his mouth hanging open. The gall of these old southern families continues to astound me. I can’t say I’m overly surprised after everything I’ve seen, but damn. Nothing like the subtle dig at me, too, not that I care what these people think of me.
Since E can’t respond, I decide to say something. “Forgive me, but I’m a little confused. Didn’t Elijah’s father marry who he wanted? Why do you insist Elijah chooses someone meeting your approval when his father didn’t have to?”
“His father is a disappointment in that regards and we cannot have another Seagrave step outside of tradition. I won’t tolerate it,” Bill responds.
“So unless he marries who you want and chooses a career you want, you’re going to withhold his inheritance?”
“Correct, young lady.” Bill looks completely at ease and righteous in his beliefs, sitting there with a scotch in hand, one knee crossed over the other.
“Unbelievable,” I mutter.
“What was that?” his grandmother asks.
“Nothing, ma’am.” My smile is a sealed envelope. I feel so bad for E. This is what Alex has been dealing with forever, but E is getting a crash course today.
“Elijah,” Bill says, drawing E’s eyes over to him.
“Your father is retiring this month too, as you are aware. We have decided you are to move in here with us since you refuse to live with him. It’s inappropriate for you to stay at the Williams’ house full-time.
We are having a room prepared for you that will be ready next weekend.
That will give you time to gather your belongings and make arrangements. We expect you here Friday evening.”
Oh wow, they’re really going for it tonight. E will be replanting himself. Nothing like completely changing someone’s life in one shot. E will have to make some hard decisions really fast. I squeeze his hand as he looks at me, trying to convey that I’m here and he’s going to be okay.
“Thank you for dinner, grandfather, grandmother,” E finally says as he pulls me to standing. “I have a lot to think about.” He leads me out into the hallway as the butler opens the door for us. I steer E to the passenger side since he’s not in the right frame of mind to drive right now.
After climbing into the driver’s seat and adjusting the seat and mirrors, I text Seb to meet me at Alex’s house, then text Zander. I slowly pull out, nervous driving such a long truck, but manage to get the hang of things quickly. E doesn’t speak or even move as I drive us.
Seb pulls into Alex’s house just after us.
He comes over and opens E’s door, pulling him into a hug, murmuring words I can’t hear.
I follow them into the house and up to the third floor.
After taking a seat on the couch, I fill Seb in on all the demands of E’s grandparents.
He doesn’t seem surprised, but I can tell he’s hurting for E.
“What are you thinking, E?” Seb asks, keeping him wrapped tightly in his arms.
“Why am I surprised? I shouldn’t be. I’m not giving you up, Seb. I can’t,” E says, with tears in his eyes.
“I’m not giving you up either,” Seb answers, gently kissing his lips. “You need to figure some shit out, though. We don’t have much time. Do you want to just cut them out completely? I don’t think you’re going to change their minds on any of this.”
“I don’t want to lose my inheritance though,” E replies, looking so distraught. His eyes are becoming glassy again as he tries to take slow, measured breaths. The shock must be wearing off.
“E,” I say, pulling his attention. “It’s just money.
Your happiness is more important. We have an entire year to figure out how to pay for chef school.
You have money saved from working at Finn, and you can work while you go to school, or I can pay for it.
It can be a gift, or you can pay me back. I really don’t care,” I shrug.
E is quiet for a little while before responding.
“Maybe if I live with them, I can convince them that being a chef is an adequate career choice. They said I could be with you, Summer, so we can do that. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I had to get a regular degree. I could still cook for all of us.”
“What about Seb?” I ask gently.
“We could still be together,” E says, looking Seb in the eyes and grabbing his hands. Hope clears the tears from his eyes, or desperation. “We’d just have to be careful so they don’t find out about us.”
I can see the cloud of anguish in Seb’s eyes. “No, E. I won’t be your public relationship while Seb is only yours in private.” That idea is a disaster waiting to happen.
“But they approve of you. Seb doesn’t mind, right?” he asks, turning to look at Seb.
“Whatever you want, E,” he replies quietly, but looks down, not meeting his eyes.
“How about we let E process this tonight, and we can talk more tomorrow. It’s not a good night to make decisions after everything,” I suggest to them.
Both guys nod their heads. “Now. I need to get home. Seb, do you want to drive me?”
“Can do, Sunshine. E, do you want to stay here or come with?”
“Do you mind if I stay here?”
“Nope,” I say, getting up to kiss his cheek. “Sleep on this. We’ll talk tomorrow, E.”
He nods as Seb and I head downstairs. After we're driving, I ask where Alex is. “No idea. He’s very elusive these days.”
“True. I’m trying to give him space, but he needs to get a handle on things. He’s not talking to anyone about this. It doesn’t have to be me, but he needs to stop cutting us all out of his life.”
Seb smiles over at me. “You can handle Alex, Sunshine. Thanks for calling me tonight. I’m gonna stay with E.”
“Of course. I figured you’d want to. Don’t take what he said personally. He’s not thinking clearly right now.”
Seb reaches over and takes my hand, giving it a squeeze.
We drive the rest of the way in silence, both consumed with worry for our partner.
There’s a lot going on right now. Nick’s dad, E’s family, Alex’s engagement, Bay.
For once, the drama doesn’t revolve around me, but it’s still too much.
I need to make sure my guys weather these storms without too much damage being done.