Page 73 of You Found Me
“I was raised to never show up empty handed. So, I made homemade caramel brownies. You can always save these for after the party since you’ve got a cake.”
“Thank you. I was raised the same way and have tried to make sure my boys are the same. It’s nice to see Spencer found such a perfect girlfriend.”
I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. “You’re welcome, but I’m nowhere near perfect. Do you need any help here?”
“No, no. But do you think you could wrangle the boys into setting up the tables and chairs?”
“Absolutely. Any particular way . . .?”
“Nope. Whatever you think works best.”
***
A couple of hours later, the house is full of people eating, drinking, and talking over one another.
It’s chaotic and reminds me of my dad’s side of the family. I was able to meet Sebastian’s parents. His mom is so nice, and I can see how she and June would be sisters. She has the same twinkle of playfulness in her eyes as June does. Though Sarah is eight years younger than June, with striking ice blue eyes and blonde hair.
His dad, Ellison, is an absolutely handsome andhugeman—not super surprising after seeing Sebastian. When I told him about meeting his son, there was a little sparkle in his eyes before he politely smiled and said he was lucky to have such a talented kid.
Spencer obviously knew something I didn’t because he told his uncle, “Maybe you should tell that to Bastian. I know how much he’d want to hear it.”
Ellison gave a grunt then walked off. “What was that about?”
“Uncle Ellison’s hard to get a read on and he never tells Bastian those things—he never has. He thinks his dad isn’t proud of him because he only ever points out the things Bastian could improve on.”
“Sebastian has to know that his dad is proud. I mean he’s successful, kind, and seems like a good person.”
He shrugs. “I’m not sure if he does. Uncle Ellison was an NFL player back in the day but after an injury, he was taken out of the game in his fifth season. I think he puts so much pressure on Bastian to make smart decisions while playing to keep him from getting hurt.”
“Dads are so hard sometimes.”
“Luckily for us, our dads are pretty great.”
Before I can respond, the power goes out.
The storm rages outside causing the power to continue to flicker on and off. Bill lets out an ear-splitting whistle to get everyone’s attention to let them know that the storm looks like it’s going to turn into a tropical storm off the coast and that he doesn’t want anyone out in it.
Once the last person is gone, we clean up while Bill turns on the radio to the news station for weather updates. Tuning in just in time to hear that there are trees down all over the roads, causing traffic delays as people try to make their way back home.
June looks at the three of us. “You guys probably need to stay here for the night. The roads won’t get cleared while it’s still storming. Both of your rooms are clean and there are fresh sheets in the closet.”
I’m trying to school my face because I’m panicking internally. Sleeping in the same room tonight has the potential to make everything awkward. Spencer notices my squirming and suggests we play board games for a little while.
June claps her hands together. “Oh yes. Y’all can decide on which game, and I’ll go grab some candles and flashlights in case the power goes back out. If any of you want to rinse off in the shower, you better do it now.”
“I’d actually like to shower,” I quietly tell Spencer. “I think it might help me relax.”
“Of course. I keep clothes here forjust in casesituations. Let’s go grab you some sweats and a T-shirt.” He takes my hands, pulls me up and we walk toward his room. “My mom keeps the bathroom stocked with products and there’s a laundry bin in the closet to put your towel. I’ll be out here whenever you’re done.”
***
Spencer
I can tell she’s worried about staying the night here. I’d be kidding myself if I said I wasn’t feeling the same way.
However, I’m going to put on a brave face and pretend everything is fine. When she gets out of the shower, she cautiously pads into my room, placing her clothes on top of the dresser. Emmaline looks at me, unsure of what to do.
She’s wearing my clothes, and I can’t lie, she looks insanely hot in them. The tee is one of my old high school soccer shirts. It’s thin and falls only slightly past her hip bones. She’s completely engulfed in my sweatpants, and I notice she’s having to hold onto them to keep them from falling down. “Do you want a pair of shorts or boxers instead?”
