“That was exciting,” Sue exclaims while Zander drives out of the parking lot.
I smile at her. “It was. Glad you enjoyed it.”
When we get home, I take Sue for a walk around the yard, showing her all the flowers and the vegetable garden I started. Zander brings out some sweet tea and unsweetened for me to the outdoor table. He made a salad while we were exploring and is grilling up some barbecue chicken for supper, so Sue and I relax at the table. She asks questions about my classes and the guys. I tell her there’s some kind of surprise Easter thing tomorrow I’m not allowed to know about. “You’ll like it,” Zander winks at me.
“Geez, does everyone know but me?” I complain.
“Sue doesn’t yet,” Zander chuckles. “Oh, Troy is taking Gabby to some cheer thing tomorrow, so they won’t be joining us. I’m not sure if the guys mentioned it.”
“No, they didn’t. That’s too bad they’ll miss tomorrow. Whatever is happening,” I reply, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m a vault,” Zander responds, smiling.
Sue is chuckling at us. “Oh, sweetheart, I forgot to tell you I placed some fresh lilies for your mom and sister before I left for Easter.”
“Thank you, Sue. I appreciate that,” I tell her, giving her hand a squeeze. Sue knows I try to visit with flowers on holidays as much as I can. “Speaking of lilies, Zander, there was a bouquet of lilies at my locker yesterday with a similar note asthe roses.”
“Dammit. Do you think it was Ben again?” Zander runs his fingers through his hair, frustration etching his face.
“That would be my guess. I don’t know who else it would be.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t accept this contract, Summer. I can apply for another one later on.”
“Fill me in?” Sue asks. “I’m aware of Ben, but not the contract.” Zander tells her about the contract Finn has won, including the traveling and nights away.
“One of the guys will stay here with me when Zander has to stay overnight, and I’ll be staying with Alex for the night training portion.” I add.
“It sounds like a great opportunity, Zander,” Sue says.
“It is, but I’m worried about Summer,” he tells her, pacing the deck while he watches the chicken on the grill.
“I understand, believe me,” she smiles. “For what it’s worth, you’re less than two hours away. You could be back here quickly if needed. Heaven forbid anything should happen, but it would probably occur when you’re not with her, anyway. It sounds like you’re taking every precaution you can, and the boys are all trained in safety and security. “
“I don’t want you to miss this opportunity, Zander. I’ll be safe. I promise.”
Zander looks up at the sky, taking a deep breath. “I wish I could make this Ben guy disappear forever.”
“Me too,” I agree.
“Me three,” Sue pipes up. We all laugh, breaking the tension. Zander serves up the bbq chicken and salad, and we move onto lighter topics over dinner.
Sue turns in not long after we eat, while Zander and I relax on the couch for a while, watching Thor.
Chapter 42
Saturday morning, the sound of whispering wakes me. Cracking one eye open, I see E trying to block Seb from coming into my room. “Good morning, guys,” I say as I sit up.
“See, you woke her,” Seb says, whacking E on the arm. “You need to go back to sleep, Sunshine. I’m not ready yet.”
“But I’m awake now.” I state the obvious, waving at my upright body.
“But you can’t be awake yet,” Seb insists. I look over at E, raising my brows as if to say, what am I supposed to do with that?
E gives me a smile. “Can you try to go back to sleep, Summer? It’s still early, and Seb will blame all of us for ruining his surprise forever.”
“I’m not above locking you in your room either, Sunshine,” Seb adds.
“Okay, fine, leave, and I’ll try to go back to sleep.”
