The warning bell rings for first period. “Let us all remain vigilant today and keep Summer in our sights at all times. Until we know the reason for these bouquets, we are at a disadvantage,” Alex tells us.
The guys all agree, and we head to class. Alex calls Jaxon over after AP Biology and asks him to keep his eye on Ben and me today because things have escalated. He agrees and offers to spread the word to Holly and their friends.
Cara is almost giddy with excitement in AP English and during lunch. She keeps looking over at me with a smirk and giggle. I’ve got a bad feeling; I just hope it’s unrelated to the flowers.
Coach wants the track team to rest their legs today, so Jaxon and I hang out in the stands with the other runners. I try to get some homework done, but I’m too nervous to focus.
Nick comes to get me from the stands, and he and Jaxon both walk with me to the parking lot. All the guys are waiting by my Jeep. “Hey Sunshine,” Seb says, pulling me into a hug.
“Hi guys. Thanks for walking me, Jaxon.” I wave goodbye to him. “What’s the plan now?” I ask.
“Alex and I need a light dinner, and we have to be back here by 5pm,” Bay tells us.
“You need to train,” Nick says, looking at me.
“Let’s go to Sunshine’s house,” Seb says. “We can eat there and train.” The guys agree, and we split up into two vehicles. I text Zander the plan as Seb drives my Jeep home. E offers to make dinner while I let the guys know I’m calling Jake. I really want to crawl into Jake’s bed today and listen to his heartbeat to calm down. I settle for hugging the pillow with his cologne as I tell him my worries.
Zander arrives home after we’ve eaten, as Alex and Bay leave for school. He grabs dinner and joins us outside as Nick begins my training. E fills Zander in on the sweet peas as I work with Nick and Seb. He’s not happy to hear the news, but there’s nothing we can do but be safe.
Nick is working tonight and tomorrow with Troy, so we drop him off at the office on the way to the pool. Holly and Jaxon wave to us when we get inside. I take a seat between Holly and Zander, with Seb and E behind me. The solo divers are already in mid-competition. “Where is Reesa?” I ask Seb.
“She doesn’t come to the meets,” Seb tells me. I remember Alex telling me she wasn’t into sports, but this is her boyfriend. It’s not right, but not my business.
“How are you holding up, darling?” Zander asks.
I turn to him. “Freaking out a bit, honestly. I don’t know the game here, and I don’t like it,” I say.
“Understandable,” he nods. “We will stay on high alert. You’re making good progress with Nick from what I saw today,” he tells me. “I’m proud of you for learning to protect yourself.”
I give him a smile as I refocus on the final round of solo dives.
I hear my name being yelled from somewhere as the last diver sets up. Looking around, I find Olivia waving at me as she climbs the stands. “Hi Olivia,” I wave back. She comes up and wiggles her bum until Zander slides over enough for her to sit beside me. He chuckles at her, then greets David, who sits in front of us. “Are you excited to see Bay dive today?” I ask her.
“Yes, he’s gonna win today,” she states.
“I hope so,” I smile at her as they announce the winners of the solo diving competition. Our team placed third for both boys and girls today. Not bad.
Olivia suddenly jumps up and starts waving and yelling Bay’s name. I look down to see him and Alex walking towards the pool. He smiles as he and Alex both wave up at us. I’ll never get used to seeing them in their speedos. So…many…muscles.
The competition begins, and I get mesmerized as usual. The new team we saw last week is doing well, but their scores aren’t as good as Alex and Bay. Our guys win, with the newcomers coming in second.
Right after the winners are announced, David, Olivia, Holly, and Jaxon leave while the rest of us wait for the guys. We congratulate Alex and Bay, and then I’m surrounded as we move outside to our vehicles. There’s been no sign of Ben or Cara tonight, thank goodness.
I make a batch of high-protein granola bars for the track meet tomorrow when we get home, and then watch tv with Zander.
Chapter 46
I wake up full of nerves after tossing and turning all night. My instincts are still buzzing like a bee, but I have no idea what to expect. After a quick shower, I dress in my track uniform and walk to the kitchen. “Morning, Summer,” Zander greets.
“Morning,” I mumble, heading for the kettle.
“What can you eat for breakfast this morning before running?” He asks.
“Bacon and toast, please,” I request. I make a cup of tea and sit at the island, trying to wake up while Zander cooks breakfast and joins me to eat.
“Nervous?” He asks.
“Yup, and I didn’t sleep well,” I reply.
