Page 121 of Baseball and Shifters
“Hey, not my fault the sun knows who the hot one is,” Derrick fires back with a shrug and smirk.
Bas flicks water at him. “You’re lucky we’ve got plans or I’d soak that smug look right off your face.”
Liam turns, rolling his eyes at the other guy’s antics. “You ready, Shadow Girl?”
I nod, smiling as I lean on the doorframe. “Almost. I just needed to take a moment to appreciate the chaos I signed up for.”
When everyone is ready, we head outside, taking the path toward the quad. Campus has been completely transformed. There are bright, colorful banners, live music on one end of the quad and vendor booths, games, and food trucks on the other. Enchanted lights hover along the walkways and over the temporary paths mazing through the grassy area. I’ve never seen anything so exciting. And I thought the farmer’s market was big. It looks like the entire school is here celebrating the start of the tournament.
Derrick holds my hand as we walk, pulling me back as I almost trip over my own feet. I’m too busy taking in the scene with wide eyes to pay attention to where I’m walking. I smile at him in thanks then keep walking, my head on a swivel.
Masculine chuckles echo around me.
“You should watch where you’re going, Firefly,” Bas chuckles.
I roll my eyes. “Why would I do that when I have you four to watch for me?”
“She makes a good point,” Lucas agrees with a shrug.
“Rachel!” Aubree squeals, drawing my attention to my three besties.
We greet each other with hugs as if we haven’t seen one another in months instead of just yesterday.
“Someone’s glowing today,” Maya teases as she pulls away from me.
My cheeks flush. “It is a bright, sun-shiny day,” I defend before Dallas takes her turn, wrapping me in a warm hug.
“Mhhmmm. And those tight muscles and tired eyes?” she grins as we separate. “Those from the sun, too?”
“Is she always this nosey?” I ask Aubree jokingly.
“Welcome to the family,” she responds with a wink.
We hug and I step back with a smile and watery eyes. “Best family I’ve ever had,” I murmur.
All three of my friends converge on me in the best group hug ever. Three months ago, I would have died of a heart attack at the thought of touching so many people. I never realized how touch starved I was. Once I realized I could touch people without the world ending, there was no going back. I think physical touch may be my love language. Not only was I never shown love, he tried to take my ability to show love too.
But now here I am. Surrounded by people who love me and show me every day. People who are always there for me when I need them. And in a way, I have my father to thank for it all. I mean, sure he tried to take it all away. But if he wouldn’t have sent me to Eldergrove, I would’ve never met any of them. The thought has tears coming to my eyes for a whole new reason.
Pulling back from the hug, I smile at my friends… mysisters. “I love you guys.”
“We love you too, Rach,” Maya says.
“Always,” Aubree adds.
“And forever,” Dallas ends.
“So, where to first?” I look around, including the guys in the question.
“I vote rides, then games, then food. I’ve found that’s the best order to tackle the carnival. You don’t want to do the rides after you eat… that could only end in puke. And you don’t want to be stuck carrying all the stuffed animals we’re sure to win you all day,” Lucas says solemnly.
“My mates are so smart. What would I do without them?” I beam.
“You’ll never have to find out, Moonbeam.”
“Awww, how sweet,” Dallas coos.
“I know,” I sigh. “I don’t deserve them.”
