Page 117 of Fortunate Miracles
“No, was I supposed to?”
“No. I just thought you might've with the rest of us stuck at school today.”
“Nope. I cleaned, took Gabs to the mall, and relaxed on the balcony.”
“Steaks are ready,” Zander calls, so Seb and I grab the potatoes, salad, plates, and cutlery. We enjoy a delicious meal at the patio table as the guys laugh and joke around. It’s relaxing and just what I needed after a really long week. “Darling, why don’t you take Seb with you to meet Jake tonight?” Zander suggests. “He has to meet all your friends at some point.”
“Can I, Sunshine? You know, I really want to meet him. Is it too soon? I’ll behave, I promise. I’ll even be quiet if you want,” he says excitedly.
I've been considering introducing the guys soon, but I figured I would have him meet Zander first. Seb might be the best choice, though, since he’s so friendly. “Let me ask Jake,” I say, stepping inside to call. The phone rings several times before Jake answers. “Hi Sum.”
“Hey handsome. What do you think about meeting one of my guy friends tonight? Are you up for that?”
“Sure. As long as he knows I won’t remember him for a while,” he replies in a deadpan voice.
“He knows handsome. We’ll be over soon. Do you want me to pick up anything?”
“No, I’m good. See you soon. Love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.” I go back outside and let Seb know he can come. He’s very excited to finally interact with Jake, so we clean up the dishes, and I grab the coconut cream I made for himbefore leaving, and Seb offers to drive my Jeep. Once we get there, I place my hand over Seb’s arm to prevent him from getting out. “Hurry. Will you be okay with my kissing Jake on the cheek and telling him I love him?”
His face softens. “Course Sunshine. We’re gonna be best friends and share you in every way,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows. “I know you love us both, and you’re not trying to be sneaky or anything. I promise I’m fine with all this. Tonight I’m just your friend. Later, when Jake's ready, I know you’ll tell him about us. Have you thought about what will happen if Jake doesn’t want a poly relationship?”
Nodding, I sigh. “Yeah, and I’m not giving you up, but he’s an easygoing guy, and I think he’ll wrap his head around it. I’d hedge my bets on it anyway,” I shrug.
“Good. Let’s go meet my future best friend then,” he smiles.
We head inside and up the elevator to the condo. I knock on the door, and Ray answers. “Hi Summer.”
“Hi Ray. Do you remember Seb? He’s one of the guys who helped with your condo.”
“Nice to see you again, and thanks,” Ray smiles.
We settle around the island. “How was today?”
“Good. Will had him playing games on the tv today that were voice-activated. I’m going to head out right away to get groceries and things if you’re good here?”
“Yup, go ahead.” I walk into Jake’s room with Seb bouncing behind me. “Hey Jake,” I smile, kissing his cheek. “This is my friend, Seb.”
Seb comes up beside me. “Hey man, nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Jake replies, looking him over.
I say hi to Janus and introduce Seb, then turn back to Jake. “I made you a treat. Coconut cream without the pie part. Interested?”
“You know I am. Thanks, Sum.”
“Be right back,” I smile. I quickly scoop some into a bowl, put the rest in the fridge, and grab a spoon. Seb is talking to Jake about basketball when I return, so I go around to the other side of the bed and set the bowl on the side table. Giving him a small spoonful, he makes a humming noise as he chews. “That’s so good, Sum.”
“Glad you like it,” I smile. “I left the rest in the fridge for you.”
I slowly feed him the cream as he and Seb talk about sports. Seb is patient, allowing Jake to swallow before asking questions. When he’s finished, I give him water, then Seb gets serious. “Okay Jake. I need embarrassing stories about Summer when she was younger. I have none.”
Jake gets a twinkle in his eye as he thinks. “Jacob Brian Miller. Don’t you dare. I have just as many stories about you, probably more.”
“Oh, there must be some good ones if she’s pulling your full name,” Seb smiles.
“There are,” Jake responds.
