Chapter 5 #3
I follow my friends across the threshold into a sunroom outfitted with a large sitting area at the front of the house, a small dining table near the back, and an abundance of plants.
Bennett’s hand brushes my lower back, guiding me farther inside and through another open door into the kitchen.
The gesture sends a shockwave through my nervous system, only relenting when his hand drops a few seconds later.
The sensation is reminiscent of last year, when we walked through the door of the late-night diner.
I had no idea what to expect. I mean, the man had asked me out in the middle of his match, I’m pretty sure that goes against some rule, right?
But from the moment I stepped backstage, Bennett made me feel comfortable, never overstepping in the way one might expect from someone in his position.
He was famous—is famous—not to mention incredibly good-looking, so I’m sure he has women throw themselves at him all the time.
I expected him to use those qualities to his advantage—I’ve seen it happen time and time again with so many athletes—but he never did.
He was sweet, funny, and charming, making me completely at ease in his presence.
And maybe that’s what ultimately made me retreat at the end of the night, this feeling of peace and security, an effortless connection with someone whom I had only just met.
Nothing is ever that easy, and even when it is, it’s far too easy to lose.
“Where did you run off to in such a hurry? Your aunt was in the middle of—”
“I’m sorry, I had to get outside so I could greet our new guests.”
“Guests?” Mrs. James peeks around the open refrigerator door, and her eyes widen when she sees four strangers in her kitchen.
They’re the complete opposite of her son’s—bright blue orbs the color of the sky.
“Oh my goodness! I didn’t know we had—Wolf, why didn’t you warn me?
I didn’t know anyone else was coming.” She wipes her hands on the apron tied around her waist before undoing it and placing it on the counter.
“I am so sorry I wasn’t there to greet you when you arrived. How long have you been here?”
“No need to apologize, Mrs. James. We just got here,” I say, shoving my hands into my back pockets and offering her a smile.
What does she have to apologize for? She didn’t know we were coming.
I hope it’s okay that we’re here. I’d hate to be an imposition on them.
Not that I think we could be considering the glimpse I got of the party in the backyard on the way inside.
She laughs, a bright, airy sound that reminds me of a summer breeze. “Oh, no, honey, call me Esther. Mrs. James is my mother-in-law.”
“Mom, this is Sloane,” Bennett says, motioning to me. “Her friend Gabe, his sister Allyson, and Gabe’s boyfriend…Chase?” He looks at me for confirmation, and I nod. “They’re from Barrington. We ran into each other at Marie’s last night, and I invited them. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Not at all. Everyone is welcome at the James Jubilee!” James Jubilee?
Note to self: remember to ask Bennett what that’s about later.
“Please, enjoy yourselves. There’s plenty of food and drinks, and—” Her words get lost when a gaggle of kids runs through the kitchen toward the door.
“Don’t let the…door slam.” Esther sighs as the blonde boy bringing up the rear disappears and the screen slaps the frame.
She mumbles something under her breath before shaking her head with a soft smile.
“Well, don’t let me keep you. Wolf, show them around, get them some food.
Enjoy yourselves! And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. ”
Ally stands to my right, eyes scanning every inch of the kitchen, the same energy from the car hidden behind a tight smile. If she doesn’t combust by the end of the day, it’ll be a miracle.
“Do you need help with anything, Esther?” Gabe asks, stepping around me.
“That’s very kind of you, but I’m about finished.
I’ve been preparing the s’mores plates for later.
” On cue, she lifts one of the four trays—the only one that’s been filled—to show off the impressive display.
There’s a diagonal line of graham crackers down the middle, followed by alternating rows of red and white food items: strawberries, raspberries, marshmallows, and red star-shaped cookies, ending with a snack mix of Puppy Chow and colored M&M’s, and in the top left-hand corner, white chocolate stars lie atop Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in blue foil.
Next to the trays are four stacks of Hershey’s Red, White, & Blue Cookies ’N’ Cream bars. Damn, she really thought of everything?
“That’s gorgeous, but can I make a suggestion?”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. I sigh, giving Chase a pleading look, but he only shrugs. This is typical Gabe, and while we know his intentions are good, Esther may not appreciate his boldness.
Without waiting for an invitation, Gabe steps forward to wash his hands, and they launch into easy conversation, as if they’ve known each other their whole lives.
“C’mon, he’s in good hands.” A warm hand lands on my lower back again, guiding me to a hallway at the other end of the kitchen and through the back door. “Ladies and Chase, welcome to the James Jubilee,” Bennett says when we step out onto the back porch.
From the raised porch, I have an unobstructed view of the entire property.
The house is surrounded by dense woods on either side, leading straight back to the shoreline of Beckett Reservoir.
There are boats anchored out in the water, no doubt claiming their spot for a fireworks display later, while others speed past in the distance.
An oversized white tent is set up on the far left side of the yard, fitted with a buffet line and long rows of tables.
People are spread out between the pool—of course, they have a pool—and the variety of activities available in the green space.
Horseshoes and corn hole areas are set up along the edge of the woods, a face painter sits at the picnic table below, and an oversized white projector screen is set up farther down the yard.
“I’m starting to understand why she called it a jubilee,” I say.
Bennett chuckles to himself. “It’s a little over the top, if you ask me, but it makes Mom happy.”
“You guys do this every year?” Chase asks, the shock evident in his voice as he steps up the banister.
“Yep, ever since I was about ten.”
“Wolf, there you are! Where in the hell did you run off to?” A baritone voice calls out from below.
“Holy shit,” Ally whispers with a sharp intake of breath.
Here we go…Looks like Gabe is going to miss the freak-out.
She squeezes my arm, eyes locked on the people waiting at the bottom of the dual staircase.
We follow Bennett down the right side, where his friends wait.
“Do you know who that is?” Ally whispers, her voice getting a little higher with every syllable.
Please, God, do not let her make this a big deal.
I recognize two of them from last night—Rae and Brody—but not the other two.
They look familiar, in the same way any celebrity might if you see them out and about.
The kind of familiarity where you recognize their face, but you can’t quite place where you would’ve seen them.
Whoever they are, they’re about to send Ally into full-blown fan mode.
Bennett introduces us, including an official introduction to Rae and Brody, saving me for last. The whole time, I watch the new woman’s eyes survey the scene, and her brow raises when Bennett’s hand lands on my lower back again.
She traces every movement he makes—every movement I make—before her gaze settles on my face.
Only when I offer her a smile does it put a slight dent in her armor, and she returns the gesture.
“And this is Savannah and Brooks, two of—”
“You are my favorite female wrestler ever,” Ally says to Savannah, practically squealing.
Great job, Ally. Way to keep it together.
This is going to be a long day if she fangirls the whole time.
“And what am I, chopped liver?” Rae scoffs, crossing her arms.
“No, that’s not what I—Oh my gosh, Rae, I’m so sorry. I didn’t—”
“It’s okay, Ally. I’m just giving Sav crap.” Rae laughs, wrapping her arm around her friend’s shoulders. “She’s my favorite, too.” Savannah laughs, rolling her eyes, and I get the distinct feeling this isn’t the first time this kind of thing has happened.
Pulling away from Rae, Savannah slides her glasses back over her eyes, but continues to stare straight at me. “Are you any good at corn hole?”
“Well, I’m from Kentucky,” I say.
A knowing grin spreads across her lips. “We were going to do couple versus couple, but girls versus guys sounds like a lot more fun. Don’t you think?”