Chapter 28
Thursday morning goes much better for me and my legs. I take the combination of meds Alex suggested, since they seem to work better. I’m still stiff and sore, but I can move on my own.
Morning classes go by quickly. Nick joins us again in AP Seminar, and I get a “Shortie” when I say hello. Progress! Cara tries to sit between E and Seb at lunch when we’re walking up, but the guys are refusing her. I take a seat beside Bay while they sort things out. That girl is persistent; I’ll give her that. Nick meets me at my locker for gym again, so we walk over together. I get a good stretch in and jog before the coach times my runs. She doesn’t comment on my times, but wants me to see her in her office Friday afternoon between basketball games.
I sit on the steps by the entrance today, waiting for Nick, not wanting to risk walking in on anything, but Ben finds me first. “Hi Summer. How’s it going?” He stops behind where I’m sitting.
Not feeling comfortable with someone I don’t know above me, I rise and lean against the wall. “Fine. You?”
“I’m great. How is your running coming along?” He asks as he attempts to lean on the wall right beside me.
I step forward so there are no walls around me. “It’s going well. How is your training?”
“Good. Doing weights and conditioning for spring training right now. So, what are you doing Friday night? I thought we could catch a movie or something?”
Nope, no nada. “Oh, ah, thanks, but I have a boyfriend.”
“Who is he?”
“None of your business” comes from my right. I glance over and notice Nick as relief washes through me. This Ben guy is very forward and makes me uncomfortable.
“It’s not you, Nick,” Ben laughs. “So that leaves one of your other friends.”
“Why do you care who it is?” I ask. I’ve only spoken a handful of words to the guy.
“It’s good to be aware of my competition,” he smirks.
That boils my blood, making me feel braver. “I’m not a prize to be won. There is no competition. I won’t go out with you for that sentence alone. Let’s go,” I say to Nick, stomping down the stairs.
Nick silently follows me as I head to the parking lot. “What an egotistical asshole,” I mutter.
Nick chuckles beside me, and I glance up to notice a genuine smile on his face. Wow, he’s even more gorgeous when he smiles, and it stops me in my tracks. “You’re actually smiling right now,” I state the obvious.
He quirks an eyebrow at me. “Don’t expect to see it often, Shortie.”
“Got it. Too risky to do it more than once a year, in case your face gets stuck that way. Then what would you do?” I tease, as he rolls his eyes at me.
“Hello Summer,” Alex greets as we arrive at the parking lot. “I’ll be driving you today.”
“Thanks, Alex,” I reply with my own smile. “Bye, Nick,” I say, waving goodbye. Nick nods as he hops into the Jeep and drives away.
“I’d be happy to drive you home instead of to the office today,” Alex offers.
“I’d appreciate it. I’m expecting my herbs and oils to arrive today.” Alex nods, so I text Zander I’m heading home. There’s a large box on the porch when we get there, thank goodness.
“Those are your supplies?” Alex asks.
“Yes, I’ll be busy tonight.” I’m feeling excited about playing with plants again.
“If you do not mind, I would be interested in learning how you prepare your items,” he says.
“Sure. I have to take a shower first. Then we can get started,” I easily agree.
Alex graciously carries the box into the kitchen for me, setting it on the island. I tell him to help himself to anything in the kitchen while I shower. I remember to text Sarah to delay our video call for a few hours. She responds right away that she’s available later this evening.
After a quick shower, I walk back to the kitchen to find Alex has already unpacked the supplies. “I’m making a fruit and granola bowl, Alex. Would you like one?” I offer.
“Yes, thank you,” he replies, reading the inventory list.
