Page 16 of Forged Forever

“Have fun at the arcade?” Holly asks after I pay for my ticket and stop beside them to wait for the others.

“I did. It was fun. Glad you guys could join us for the movie.”

The rest of our crew quickly gathers. Bay slides his arm around Penny’s waist, and she leans into him. I thought after months my feelings for Bay would’ve subsided, but they haven’t, so it still sucks, but they seem happy, which is what’s most important.

Once we have our hands full of buttery, salty popcorn, soda, and chocolate, we find seats in the theatre. It’s not busy since it’s in the middle of the afternoon. Jaxon, Holly, Seb, myself, Alex, and E sit in a row with Penny and Bay behind us. Gabby tries to sit behind us too, but Seb is having none of it, telling them to sit in the row in front of us so he can monitor them.

“Seb, she’s 16. Leave her alone,” I try to intercede.

“Nope. No can do, Sunshine. She’s my baby sister, and no one is gonna violate her while I’m still breathing.”

I hear Gabby groan. “Seb, I love you, but it’s not a violation if I want it,” she says, taking a seat in front of us.

“La la la la la,” Seb says, covering his hears. “I hear nothing. My baby sister will remain a virgin until she’s married.” He follows that statement up with a full body shudder.

I can’t help but laugh at his theatrics, grabbing his hand. “You’ll be okay, Hurry. Relax.”

“I see no sex, I hear no sex, I know no sex. Let me live in my fantasy land, Sunshine.”

Gabby rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. Adam looks a little scared, while the rest are chuckling. I can picture Nick rolling his eyes at Seb, but also watching Adam like a hawk. I wonder if he would stand up under Nick’s intense glare. Nick, I hope your weekend is going okay wherever you are.

Seb grabs my hand when the preview starts, kissing my knuckles. It’s a great movie, and we have some laughs. As we’re walking to our cars, Penny asks to speak to me, so we step to the side of the theatre in view of everyone. “What’s up?” I enquire.

“I was wondering if you and Seb are together?”

“Oh, uh, yeah, we are. Why do you ask?”

“Would I sound like a terrible person if I told you I’m insecure about you and Bay?” She asks, fidgeting, her fingers twisting her sweater cuffs.

Now I understand the question. “No, you’re not terrible, Penny,” I respond. “Neither Bay nor I would ever cheat on anyone, nor would I ever try to interrupt someone else’s relationship. Bay and I are good friends, just like I am with Alex, E, Seb, and Nick.”

“Thank you for clarifying. I’ve liked Bay for a long time, and my insecurities got the better of me,” she shrugs sheepishly, her cheeks tinging pink.

“It’s okay.” I give her an encouraging smile. “Are you and Bay doing well?”

“Yes, we are. I got into my head is all. Seeing Seb kiss you at the arcade made me relieved, despite having no reason to doubt Bay. It’s my issue, nothing more. I’m sorry I even asked. Please ignore me,” she waves.

“No worries,” I reply. “We all have insecurities. You seem sweet, and I’m glad Bay has you.”

That brings a huge smile, her face glowing. “Thanks Summer. We’d better get back.”

I nod, and we rejoin our group to walk to our cars. I drive myself home expecting Zander to be back from his trip, and he’s getting out of his truck when I pull up. “Hi darling. I got your text. How was your day with your friends?”

“Fun,” I step closer, giving him a side hug. “Seb is as terrible at arcade games as he is at mini golf and carnival games, but he beat us at the basketball shooting one.”

Laughing, he nods. “It’s a miracle he is so coordinated at basketball.”

We go inside, and I make dinner while Zander showers and unpacks.

Since I didn’t run today, Alex is running with me in the morning. I also need to make some more muscle cream for myself and the basketball team, as well as the lotion I make for Jake. I gave Seb and E a supply when the season started, but they’ve run out from sharing it with their teammates. Afterwards, Zander is taking Alex and me to the gun range, where I'll finally learn to shoot.

Chapter 9

After my weekly call with Sue, I dress in lavender leggings and a long-sleeved white tee. It’s cold today, but I’ll heat up quickly when I run. Ray and Jake know I won’t be over until late today to visit. Zander is already up drinking coffee at the island when I enter the kitchen. “Morning, darling,” he smiles.

“Hi.” I return his smile and put the kettle on for tea. Snatching a muffin, I nibble on it until the kettle boils.

Alex arrives promptly at 9am, dressed to run, with a change of clothes in a duffel bag so he can shower here afterward. I get a hug, and then we head outside.