Page 122 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

Turning back to me, Jerry said, “Jude told me y’all are having a graduation party and I’m not invited, so I think I should at least be allowed to buy you a late lunch.”

I looked at Jude and shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

“Lunch it is.” Jerry clapped his hands together before Jude could say anything.

We started to head back to the parking lot, there was no point in lingering, when we heard, “Juuuuuuuuuuude.”

Jude fell to the ground as Tristan crashed into him.

“That’s my boy,” I heard Trent say.

Rowan gasped. “Jude, are you okay? I’m so sorry!”

Jude rolled over and grabbed Tristan, lifting him in the air easily despite the fact that the boy wasn’t that small anymore.

“I’m fine,” Jude assured her, “he just took me by surprise is all.” He set Tristan in the grass and sat up, ruffling the little boy’s hair.

“I’m really sorry,” Rowan said again as she approached and reached for her son’s hand, “he wouldn’t listen to me when I told him you were busy.”

“It’s fine,” he waved a hand dismissively. He stood and dusted pieces of grass off his gown. “Rowan, this is my grandpa. Pap, this is Rowan, my best friend. Her fiancé Trent, and their son Tristan. And that beauty back there hiding,” he pointed to where Ivy stood a few feet away by a tree, “is Rowan’s sister, Ivy.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Rowan smiled at Jerry. She let out a squeak in surprise when he hugged her.

“We’re heading to get lunch. Would you all like to join?” Jerry asked, nodding at Rowan and her family.

Her face fell. “I’d love to, but Trent’s mom is having a meal for us at her house.”

“Some other time then,” Jerry smiled. “I must get to know you better.”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed. “I’ve got to go.” Trent picked up Tristan and lifted him onto his shoulders as they walked away.

“Wait!” Jude called and Rowan turned back. “Are you coming to the party?”

“I’m not sure,” she bit her lip. “We’ll try.”

Jude nodded and her answer seemed good enough for him.

Jerry, Jude, and I started to head towards the parking lot again. This time we made it without any interruptions. There wasn’t enough room for all of us in Jude’s truck, so I followed them to the restaurant in my car. That was fine by me, because I needed to go home and get ready for the party.

Our lunch was short and then it was time for Jude to take Jerry back home. He hugged me tight before leaving and told me he better see me soon for dinner. I agreed.

Since Rowan was busy, and not sure if she was coming to the party, I was getting ready by myself tonight.

The house was eerily quiet around me as I scrambled around. I found myself speaking out loud just to fill the silence.

After spending most of the day in a nice dress, because we were required to dress formally for the graduation ceremony, I wanted nothing more than to wear shorts and a tank top. So, that’s what I did. Jude wouldn’t care and I had no reason to dress up for anyone else.

I left my hair down and touched up my makeup. I still had several hours to kill before leaving for the party. I ended up spending it cleaning the house, since I had nothing better to do.

It came time for me to leave and for the first time ever I was excited for a party. Maybe this time felt different since we were actually celebrating something worthwhile.

I parked my car down the street and sent Rowan a text as I walked towards the townhouse, asking if she was coming. She didn’t reply immediately so I stuck my phone in my pocket.

I turned my head up to the sky. It was quickly becoming a dark, stormy gray. I wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of rain, but at least it had held off till after graduation.

I bound up the steps and opened the door into the townhouse.

The place was already packed.

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