A few minutes later, Alex and Bay join us with clean clothes on, followed by Seb and E. When everyone is ready, we head out, and I choose to ride with Alex and Bay while the rest get into the Jeep. Twenty minutes later, a gate, but no guard, greets us at the end of a long driveway. A lovely two-story brick home is situated close to the water. Looks like this guy has money, although not as much as Alex and E. We park on the lawn, and I follow Alex as he leads us left around the side into the backyard.
A sizeable crowd has gathered as colorful lights flash, music pulses, and we are beckoned toward the inviting pool. I grab Seb’s hand as the guys surround me without me saying a word. I can’t see much with the wall of muscles, so I just step along with them. Once they stop, Seb pulls me forward between him and Nick. Chairs surround a fire pit where we are, the flames crackling and casting dancing shadows. Looking around, I see another fire closer to the dark, calm water. Behind us are the pool and patio. I can see people dancing inside as the doors of the house are open wide. Seb turns me and pushes me down into Nick’s lap. “We’re gonna go find Trev and say hi Sunshine. Want something to drink?”
“A soda or water, please.”
“You got it,” Seb smiles as he grabs E’s hand, and they walk towards the house.
“I’m going to find Penny,” Bay tells us as he follows behind them.
Since there are empty seats, I slide into my own chair between Alex and Nick. “Any updates from your dad, Alex?”
“Yes. A hurricane hit the resort island. There is extensive damage to the hotel and foundation. Work is starting next week, so my father is expecting to be there for a while yet.”
“Oh crap. That sucks. Is it safe to use?”
“Yes, but he offered other accommodations to everyone who had a booking there if they preferred. If they stayed, he discounted the rates since there will be construction occurring.”
“That was good of him. So, is he delaying his trip home?”
“Yes, but I must see him soon.”
“Did something else happen?”
“Yes. I interrupted a planning session between Reesa and Alicia for the engagement party. They were discussing venues and invitations.”
“Wow.” Does Reesa agree with Alicia? She knows how upset Alex is, but is still planning. Imagine living with your husband after doing something like this.
“I believe I put a stop to it, at least.”
“Alex, it’s possible that you won’t be able to wait for your dad to come home.”
He nods, getting that faraway look as I hear my name being called. Turning my head towards the house, I see Holly and Jaxon walking towards us. “Hey guys,” I smile.
“Hi girl. Where’s the rest of your guys?” Holly asks.
“Seb and E are getting drinks, and Bay is looking for Penny.”
“Who's Penny?” She asks, looking confused.
“She’s the new girl he’s dating.” I haven’t talked to Holly about my guys, but she knows how close we all are. We’re still being quiet about the poly lifestyle.
“Oh, I didn’t see that coming. Is she nice?” Holly asks. Pulling a chair over between me and Nick. Jaxon sits and pulls her onto his lap.
“She is, and she’s cute. They look good together.”
Holly scrutinizes me for a minute, a question in her gaze, but I give nothing away, so she eventually nods. Seb and E come back with drinks and marshmallows. E pulls a chair up beside Alex while Seb pulls me up after handing out drinks. He sits down, pulling me onto his lap, and I can smell the sugary sweetness of the marshmallows as he places the bag on my knee. “Time to roast marshmallows, Sunshine. I’m craving sugar.”
E hands me and everyone else a stick as I put two marshmallows on the end of mine before handing the bag to Holly. Seb and Hollykeep the conversation going as we roast marshmallows and have a few laughs.
Bay eventually shows up with Penny. She has a beer in hand but doesn’t seem drunk. Bay pulls up a chair as she plops into his lap and wraps her arm around his neck. Gosh, why does this hurt so much? I have three amazing guys already. I’m being selfish. Bay deserves to be happy too. While Penny and Holly chat, I notice him looking my way, so I smile and he smiles back. I won’t show him I’m upset. I’d be a crappy friend if I did. Seb squeezes my waist as I turn to look at him. “I still believe it’ll work out, Sunshine. Stay strong.”
I nod and lean back into his embrace as I watch the fire crackle in front of me. Hot girl shows up with a six-pack of beer, handing one to Nick. He takes it, and she tries to sit in his lap, but Nick puts a hand on her lower back to stop her, gently pushing her away. She turns and bends over to say something to him, and I see him shake his head. She seems to be frustrated and pulls on his arm. Nick removes her hand and stands up, walking her away from us. I can’t tell what he says, but she’s shaking her head at him. Nick finishes his speech and comes back to take his seat. Hot girl stands silently for a few minutes, her gaze lost in the distance, before she turns and walks away. I raise my eyebrow at Nick when I catch his gaze. He raises one back, then returns his attention to the fire. Okay then. “I think he just told Brooklyn to leave him alone permanently,” Seb whispers in my ear.
“Oh, that’s her name. Has she been bugging him?”
“Not a lot. You saw her at lunch that one day, and she's called him a few times, but he never answers. He’s not sleeping with her, Sunshine. He’s not the type. Don’t worry,” Seb says, kissing behind my ear.
“I wasn’t worried about him cheating, Hurry. I know he wouldn’t hurt me like that. I kind of feel bad for Brooklyn.”
