Chapter 55
Summer
The rest of the week follows a pattern. School, running or schoolwork with the guys, then visiting with Jake. I take my driving test on Thursday at lunch after a brutal precalculus final. The guys took turns driving me around the testing route, and I’m now the proud owner of a valid driver’s license, which should make it way easier getting around.
Friday morning, Dad and I are taking separate vehicles for the first time. “This is weird,” I say.
Zander laughs, pulling me into a side hug. “It is. Have a good day, darling. Keep me updated.”
“I will,” I smile and get into my Jeep. Zander pulls out behind me as we head into town. I’ve driven alone before, but only a few times, so it still seems strange to me and makes me a bit nervous. I wave behind me when Zander breaks off to go to Finn. A few minutes later, I pull into school. We have a half day today, then I’ll be joining Alex to drop off the Christmas gifts for the orphanage.
I get two tests back this morning, but the rest I won’t get until the new year, and unfortunately, precalculus isn't one of them. We have a free period where precalculus usually is, since the course is over, so the guys and I grab the Toys for Tots boxesfrom the school office and gym and take them to Finn during that time. Both are full, which is great to see.
After lunch, Alex follows me to Finn, where I leave my Jeep and hop in with him to drive to the orphanage. He had to purchase 3 other gifts beyond what we bought on Black Friday. We all contributed a percentage of the total cost based on our earnings from Finn. Troy and Zander take the money off our paychecks, or we pay in cash. Alex offered to pay for everything as usual, but they’ve been doing this for several years now and everyone wants to contribute.
When we arrive, Mona greets us out front with a few men, and they help carry everything into the office just inside the door. We chat for a few minutes with her as the boxes are brought in. Alex hands her his list of names and corresponding gifts, and she's very thankful and kind, just as I remember her from Easter. The guys and Gabby wrapped the presents while I was in Charlotte with Jake.
Chapter 56
Summer
Saturday morning I offer to pick Bay up for the physics labs, and Olivia's behind the counter when I get to the shop. “Summer!” She yells, getting off her stool and running towards me. She slams into my legs, wrapping her arms around me.
“Hi Olivia. Are you working hard already?”
“Nah, we aren’t open yet. I have to help fix a Mustang this morning, though. It’s gonna be a big job cause the transmission is broken. What’s in the container?” She asks, peering at the plastic container I have in my hands.
“Wow. That is a big job. Why don’t you open it and see?” I ask, handing it to her.
She walks over to the desk, climbing back onto her stool. Taking a minute to get the top off, her eyes get huge when she sees what’s inside. She grabs a brownie and takes too big a bite. “Squirt. You’re gonna choke. Slow down,” Bay says, coming through the workshop door.
“Morning,” I smile.
“Morning, Summer,” he says, putting the top back on the container.
Olivia has finally swallowed the big bite she took, and there’s chocolate all over her face and hands. “So good. They’re all for me, right?” She asks.
“I was thinking you could share them with your dad and the others, Olivia,” I say.
She thinks for a minute, then nods. “Okay.” She grabs the container and thanks me before heading through the doors.
Chuckling at her, I ask Bay if he’s ready to leave. “Ready,” he smiles.
I drive us to the school where Alex is just pulling in. “Morning, Alex,” I greet. After a hug, he says good morning to Bay before unlocking the side door to the school. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about Alex. Since his breakup, I now get hugs in greeting all the time.
We follow him to the physics classroom. I turn on the lights when he opens the door and pull out the lab handouts. The guys help me set up the first lab that Bay assists me with while Alex sets up the next one on the bench behind me. We repeat that pattern the entire morning.
While we work, I ask the guys to fill me in on their lives. Alex and his dad are doing really well, and he’s happy. Steven travels for only one or two days at a time before returning home. He has applications ready for several colleges, which I groan about, but he just smiles and tells me he’ll help when I’m ready.
Bay is busy but good. They hired a new mechanic who started this week. He’s young, only 18 years old, but has been working on cars since he was little, and Bay thinks Olivia has a crush on him. One of the older guys retired to Florida with his wife. He’s working on college applications but still isn’t 100% sure what he wants to do. “What about Penny?” I ask.
“She’s good.”
That is not a big description. “You guys okay?”
“We’re fine, Summer,” he looks up and smiles.
Taking the hint, I change the subject and ask about E. Seems he hasn’t heard from his family at all. He’s stressed about not having his inheritance, but is happier now. “He really wants you and Seb back,” Alex comments.
