Page 21 of Forged Forever

“Colette and Joseph. My stepbrother and stepsister. They wanted to meet me, I guess. They’re staying in the area for a few weeks and want to get to know me.”

That is a surprise. “Do you want to get to know them? What about your mom?”

“They said she was in New York, and I don’t know. They seemed nice enough,” he shrugs. “What should I do?” His brilliant sapphire eyes connect with mine, looking lost.

“Well, that’s something you’ll have to decide. We can’t make that decision for you. With the court order to keep your mom from contacting you, it could get complicated,” I offer.

“I know, but it wouldn’t hurt to talk to them if Mom's in another state. Feel them out.”

“It sounds like you've already made your decision, Jake.”

He gives me a small smile. “We’ve already lost so many people. I can’t pass this opportunity up, Sum.”

“Okay, then talk with them. Did they give you a phone number to contact them?”

“No, but they said they would be back at the same time tomorrow. I’ll talk to them then.”

Nodding, Will slides Jake over so I can lie with him. I can’t say I’m not worried about this new situation, but I can understand his need to get to know his step siblings. He rapidly lost his mom and entire life, so wanting a connection is natural. It’s the ramifications I worry about.

Friday after school, I quickly visit Jake to get an update on his step siblings before meeting Alex and Bay for the basketball game. Colette and Joseph seem keen to get to know Jake but aren’t interested in interacting with Ray or Will to the point where they refuse to speak to them. Ray’s guess is that Jake’s mom has poisoned the well, so to speak. I can tell it hurts Ray, but he told Jake not to worry about it and that he didn’t want to interfere with his relationship with his step siblings. I don’t like their rudeness, but this is Jake’s decision. He wants me to meet them on Sunday.

The basketball game today is against the team we beat in the championship last year. As I’m putting my blue jersey on that Seb got me, I notice two scouts taking seats in our section. I bump Alex’s elbow, jerking my chin towards them.

Alex gazes over before smiling. “USC and our local university. Seb will be excited.”

The guys play an outstanding game. Seb and E are in sync, feeding each other the ball, and we easily win the game. Our rivals seem to have lost quite a few players, and their team's struggling. The scouts make their way to the bench to shake hands with the coach, who calls Seb, E, and Jonathan over. Jonathan is a guard, often playing beside Seb, and a senior.

I wait anxiously in my seat as they chat. E shakes hands before excusing himself to the locker room, but Seb remains. I notice Troy’s knee bouncing behind me as Gabby joins us.

Finally, Seb and Jonathan leave, and the scouts walk out. I hope it’s good news. Seb is counting on a scholarship to pay for college. Gabby tells us that one of the seniors on the cheer team received a conditional scholarship to a university in North Carolina last week. As long as she remains healthy, she has a full ride. Despite not wanting or expecting a scholarship myself, it’s exciting to see others getting rewarded and making plans for the future.

Seb and E join us shortly after, Seb carrying his bag, not bothering to shower. Troy and I stand right away as Seb comes jogging up the steps, a huge grin showing his straight white teeth. “Got two colleges interested. They’re talking full rides.” He does a happy dance in front of us as Troy pulls him into a hug, and we offer congratulations.

“Why did you walk away, E?” I ask.

“I told them I wanted to be a chef. Culinary schools don’t have basketball teams.” Shrugging his shoulders, he smiles. “They told me to contact them if I change my mind, but I won’t.”

“I’m glad you're staying true to yourself, E. You’ll be an outstanding chef.” I squeeze his hand briefly, which earns me a megawatt smile, his amber eyes shining.

Troy asks for more details from Seb. The scouts have been monitoring him since last year and will return for the championship tournament in April. Assuming Seb continues to play as he has, the colleges will have an offer in writing at that time, with all the details, and Seb is over the moon.

On Sunday afternoon, I drive over to meet Jake and his step siblings. I admit I’m nervous. If they ignore me like they have Ray and Will, I think Jake will go off on them. Jake met them outside the condo building 3 days in a row, and he invited them up to the condo today for a visit. Again, I don’t think I would've invited them into my place, but Jake cleared it with Ray first.

Taking a fortifying breath, I ride the elevator up. Knocking on the door, I find it unlocked, so I let myself in with a yelled hello. Ray's in the living room with the tv on when I enter. “Hello Summer,” he smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Hi Ray.” I toss my jacket onto the back of a dining room chair. “How are you?”

“Fine Summer. I hope today goes well for Jake.”

“Me too,” I nod. “Hang in there.” I pat his shoulder before walking to Jake’s room. He’s off to the side of his bed already, napping, so I slip in beside him and say hello to Will. “How long has he been out?” I ask quietly.

“An hour,” Will replies. “I would like to stay in the room when his step siblings arrive.”

“I agree.” Just then, Jake stirs. Brushing his hair from his forehead, his eyes lazily blink open and zoom in on me.

“Hey Sum,” he smiles.

“Hi handsome,” I reply as the doorbell rings. I start to get up, but Jake tells me to stay, so I get comfortable beside him.