Chapter 34
Summer
Saturday morning, Zander and I drive to Alex’s house for the pool party. It was nice of him to invite Gabby, Troy, and Zander.
When we arrive, Seb is just pulling up. “Sunshine,” he yells, jumping out of the Jeep and jogging over to give me a hug.
“Morning, Hurry,” I reply, waving to Gabby and Troy. “How was your night?”
“I hate being in the main bedroom by myself,” he grumbles.
“Gabs started sleeping in her own room again. I told Troy we could switch rooms, but he said no because Nick will be back, so there's no point. I get that, even appreciate it, but it’s weird now with the silence. I can’t pretend Nick’s just gone for the night anymore.
Even though he was a cranky bastard and didn’t talk much, the room is like a tomb without him.
E isn’t around to comfort me anymore either. ”
“Sorry Hurry. I know it’s tough.”
He nods, then lets me down with a smile. “Come on, guys. Swimming awaits!” He exclaims.
Seb opens the door, and I see an older lady with a smile on her face in the foyer. “Mrs. Grant, how are you? I hardly see you anymore,” Seb says, giving her a hug.
She laughs. “Nice to see you too, Seb.”
“What are you doing here? This is my brother Troy and sister Gabby,” he says, pointing to them. “And that’s Summer and Zander,” he adds.
“I’m back full-time now that Mr. Williams is home. Come inside. Alex is in the pool house. Nice to meet y’all,” she smiles.
We walk down the hall to the pool, where Bay is already swimming and Alex is climbing the tall diving board.
“Morning,” I call with a wave, setting my bag on one of the loungers before removing my clothes.
I walk to the shallow end and get into the water right away. Gabby joins me as we swim around.
“Sunshine,” Seb calls, doing a cannonball into the water near us.
“Seb!” Gabby yells at him, wiping her face.
He smiles at us before waving to the guys.
We watch Alex perform a perfect dive and then swim over to us. “Hey man, you hear from E?” Seb asks.
“Yes. He was having brunch with his grandparents before coming over today.”
Seb nods as Steven enters the pool house, followed by Mrs. Grant and a man I don’t recognize rolling carts of stuff.
“Good morning. Glad you could all join us today,” Steven smiles.
“This is Mr. and Mrs. Grant, for those who don’t know.
They’ll be with us full time now that I’m home.
We have extra supplies and snacks for everyone, so help yourselves. ”
We have a great morning diving, floating, and playing. Alex is so relaxed, acting like a teenager, and it’s wonderful to see.
Seb asks me to join him in the hot tub before lunch, where Alex and Steven are already relaxing. “Hey. I know you guys are probably busy getting settled in, but do you think you can help E with his grandparents?” Seb asks them.
“What did you have in mind?” Steven responds. “Alex has told me a little about the situation.”
“I just told him a summary of what I know, Seb. Not specifics,” Alex adds.
“Okay,” he nods. “E moved in with his grandparents after his dad retired from the military to avoid the abuse. They’re trying to control every aspect of his life by hanging his inheritance over his head.
His career, his love life, his calendar,” he checks points off on his fingers.
“They have his whole life planned out, and it includes nothing E likes or wants.”
“I see. What are you asking of us exactly?” Steven inquires.
“I guess just to talk to him? Maybe you can make him see reason where I can’t.”
“He believes he can change his grandparents’ minds, reason with them, and still get his money,” Alex adds.
Steven sighs before taking a sip of his mimosa. “There will be no changing their minds, especially considering what happened with his father.”
“Yeah, what happened with him anyway?” Seb asks.
“I don’t like to gossip, but considering the circumstances, I will tell you the facts I know.
Ted was engaged to a lovely girl, arranged by his parents, senior year of high school.
All seemed to be well until one of the social gatherings in the summer after they graduated high school.
The young woman came running out of the house, crying and disheveled.
I intercepted her to ask what was wrong.
She confessed Ted hit her and tried to force himself on her.
I walked her to a quiet bench and called her parents.
While I waited with her, she told me Ted was abusive and she couldn’t stay with him any longer, no matter what her family wanted.
Her parents arrived and took her home. Elijah’s grandparents told people it was a mutual decision between the families, and he left for boot camp less than a week later. ”
“Damn. So, he’s had issues since he was a kid.”
“It would seem so,” Alex replies.
“I don’t know what people said or did to keep it quiet, but no one has ever spoken of it, as far as I know.
Elijah’s grandparents won’t take any chances with him because of what happened.
I would be happy to speak with him, but unless he’s willing to walk away from his inheritance, I don’t see what can be done.
Perhaps going over the terms with an independent lawyer to see how it’s written.
However, if his grandparents are in charge of the entire sum, they can change it at will. ”
“I still think it’s worth a try if you’re willing. Maybe he’ll listen to you that his grandparents won’t change their minds. If he believes at least that much, then he can decide what to do from there,” Seb shrugs.
“I’ll schedule a meeting with him then.”
“Thanks,” Seb nods as Zander joins us.
As we’re eating lunch on the patio furniture, E shows up. He looks tired, but is acting like everything’s fine. Seb gets up and dives into the water before E sits down. It must be hard to see him. I join him after saying hello to E. “Hi Hurry.”
“It hurts so bad sometimes, Sunshine.” Seb looks so devastated.
“I know. You still have the rest of us.”
“I do,” he says, pulling me in for a hug. “Part of my heart is just missing, ya know? And with Nick gone, it’s just wrong.”
Nodding, I hug him back, and then we just float around while the rest are still eating.
We play a few rounds of volleyball after lunch.
Seb watches E all afternoon, trying not to be obvious. E is smiling and talking, but I know he’s stressed out and sad. Other than saying hi they haven’t talked directly to each other.
While Seb and I are resting on loungers, Bay takes a seat beside me. “Hey. I talked to E, and he’s heartbroken, but he doesn’t know what to do.”
“How about leaving his grandparents and choosing us?” Seb replies.
“I agree, but I also don’t understand their world. We aren’t from money, Seb. It’ll never make sense to us,” Bay replies.
“Yup. I’m happy I’m not wealthy, but if I were, I wouldn’t choose it over people, ever.” Seb says.
Steven calls for attention late in the afternoon.
“Everyone, I just wanted to thank all of you for caring for Alex when I was away. I have much to make up for, and I will work hard to do so. If any of you ever need anything, please reach out, and I’ll help in any way I can.
It’s a genuine offer with no strings. Ya’ll are always welcome at our house,” he smiles.
It’s not long after his speech that we gather up our stuff to leave. I notice Steven talking briefly with E, so maybe he’s setting up a time to meet, like Seb wanted.