Page 3 of Fortunate Miracles
“There are several. One this month, another mid-October, mid-November, and two in December. There is also one in January and one in February, but I recommend completing the test before next year. The local college does not require an SAT score anymore, but it is encouraged.”
“Great. Okay, enough serious talk. Let’s do something fun.” Seb suggests a drinking game, and since we don’t have to be anywheretomorrow, we agree. I stipulate we can drink beer or soda, though, since I’ve never had a drink before.
“I’ll start,” Seb offers. “Never have I ever ridden a motorcycle.”
Bay, Nick, and I all take a drink. “Summer?” E asks.
“Jake’s dad had an old motorcycle,” I shrug. “E, you’re next,” I smile.
“Ok. Never have I ever been to a tropical island.”
Alex raises a brow at E as he drinks. “Never have I ever played basketball.”
Seb and I smile as he, E, Bay, Nick, and I drink. “My turn. Never have I ever had a driver’s license,” I snicker.
Everyone drinks as I watch Nick for his turn. “Never driven a boat.”
Alex drinks again as we turn to Bay. “Hmm, never have I ever had a long-term girlfriend.”
Alex drinks again. “Is this get Alex drunk night?” He asks.
“Nah, man,” Seb says. “Just a coincidence. Besides, you can drink soda.” We all take another turn, and things dissolve from there. Alex and Bay get a good buzz going, and it turns out they’re really talkative when they’re drinking, and Alex is quite funny.
Chapter 2
Summer
I wake up the next morning wrapped in Nick’s tattooed arms. I treasure these nights being able to snuggle and sleep peacefully with no pills required. Reaching behind me, I feel for my phone to check the time. It’s a little after 7am, so I send a text to Zander and then relax until Nick wakes up.
Everyone joins Nick and me for a run before breakfast. I pick a trail from our map to try, and then we are off. The trees surround us, and we feel the force of a different, but equally strong natural energy. I see a few squirrels running up trees and hear the odd bird call, but it’s mostly the sound of our feet scuffing the pine needles below our shoes and the increased breathing of the guys.
The trail slowly inclines as we twist and turn up the path. Most of the guys stop after 30 minutes, but Nick and I continue, following the trail signs. It’s hard work running uphill and over uneven terrain, but I relish the burn in my legs. We make it to an overlook, and I stop to catch my breath. There's a small rock outcropping that I sit on, and Nick joins me, also breathing hard. I look him over, noticing dark circles bruising below his eyes, but he seems as stoic as ever. “How are you, Grumpy?”
“Fine,” he grunts.
“You’ve been distant since the court case. Even when you’re with us, you’re on your laptop. I understand why, but we haven’t seen or heard from your dad since that day. Maybe you can still keep an eye out, but step back, too. We’ll be careful, but you’re going to burn yourself out. I’m worried about you.”
Nick looks over at me, searching my face. I wait patiently, knowing he will talk once he works through what he’s thinking. “He’s up to something.”
“I know. But whatever it is, it doesn’t seem to be an immediate concern. Monitor things, but live your life too. Has working every waking moment gotten you any information?”
“Not enough.”
“Have you considered reaching out to your hacker friend?”
“Yup.”
“Maybe do that and see where it leads. In the meantime, be present with your friends. We’re starting senior year in a few days. Try to enjoy it.”
Nick raises an eyebrow at that, looking me in the eye.
“I know you don’t like school, Grumpy, but enjoy the time with us.” Taking his hand in mine, I give it a squeeze. I don’t have all the details of his life with his father. He keeps most of it inside his heart, but I know it was horrible, and I don’t want him to suffer now because of it.
He thinks for a little while, then nods, kisses my temple, and stands up, pulling me with him. We jog back to our campsite, both quiet in thought. The rest of the guys have already showered, and E is cooking breakfast.
I go into my tent to call Zander quickly while Nick showers, then grab my toiletries and clean clothes for my turn. Once my hair is clean, I soap up my body. As I’m rinsing, I see the flap on the shower move, and I yelp.
Seb pokes his head inside with a devious grin on his face, completely naked. “You scared me, Hurry.” I slap hischest with my hand, admiring the contracting abs of his tanned skin. Boys in high school shouldn’t have such physiques. Seb has well-defined muscles but isn’t overly bulky, but he is cut with a six-pack of abs and that delicious V guys have leading down to his hard member. “Mmm, like what you see, beautiful?” He strokes his cock slowly while perusing my wet, soapy body.
