Chapter 24

The next day, I called Casey to catch her up on everything that had taken place. I couldn’t even believe what I was saying, but Jagger was here and we were going on a date with Keegan and Izzy.

“Oh James, this is a terrible idea. Do you need me there? I could bring Cyman,” she offered.

“Yeah that might be a great idea actually,” I said, “I’ll add you both to the group text.

I felt a lot better knowing my best friend would be there to help keep things in order. I felt like I was going to absolutely die if I saw Keegan hugged up with Izzy.

I got dressed in my cute white and blue Polo dress and white tennis shoes. My tan skin looked so good with white clothing. I hoped that Jagger would like it. Baylen was driving myself, Quinn and Casey to the Jennings house.

The Jennings were the foreign exchange student family every year. Isadora had been with them since our junior year. The Jennings had two kids of their own, but they were in college and in their twenties. They had three children, but lost a son in a car accident five years ago on Homecoming night. His name was Jordan and he was 15. I don’t remember him much, but I have seen several pictures and news coverage on the story. He was two years older than Baylen. There were five teens in the car and three were killed. The two girls that died, went to North Chandler Rhoads. Jenna Pierce was Jordan’s girlfriend and was also 15 years old. Destiny Jeffers was driving and she was 16. It was a tragic story and my mom sent dinners to them weekly for about three months after it happened. She grew up with Mr. Jennings, so she knew them well. She gave us a box of chocolates to take to them today.

When we arrived, the house was being decorated for Christmas by a company called Nola-tides Greetings. Their house was absolutely stunning. Mr. Jennings was a local news production manager, so he was pretty wealthy.

Isadora met us at the service entry to lead us directly to the bowling alley. She had all sorts of bowling type foods. There was pizza, nachos, popcorn, hot pretzels, fries, candy and eight different flavors of cold drinks.

“This looks amazing Izzy,” I said.

“Thank you Brees! You have a special guest waiting by the lanes,” she said, pointing to the bowling area.

Jagger was already here and she looked amazing. She had on baggy jeans and a crop top. Her favorite ball cap donned her head and her hair was in a neat, curled ponytail. She ran over to me as soon as our eyes met.

“Hey there, beautiful. I was worried you had stood me up,” she joked, taking my hand and leading me over to get shoes.

I looked at the neatly laid out shoes. They were in small cubbies and there were five of every size. I grabbed a size seven and went to sit at a table with Jagger so I could change. I slipped my shoes on and before I could tie them, Jagger grabbed my foot and put it on her lap so she could tie my laces.

“You’re so silly Jag! I can tie my own shoes,” I said, giggling at her gesture.

“I know. I just wanted an excuse to touch you,” she said, running her fingers down the back of my calf.

My whole body got chills. She was already trying to win my heart and it was working. Jeff knew about our date today, but I still wanted to consider his feelings. I didn’t want to give her any ideas that she and I were a couple. After she finished tying my shoes she walked me over to get a ball. Casey met us over there as well.

“I haven’t seen Cyman yet, but Keegan just got here,” she said, nodding at the door.

Keegan looked really good. He had on a sweater and dark jeans. He must really like Isadora, I thought to myself. He never dressed nicely for me. Sweats and old shorts were it for him then. I had to be okay with this even though it truly still broke my heart.

“Okay all, I am going to do the partner wheel and that’s who you will partner with for the tournament!” Isadora yelled.

As she was entering our names, Cyman walked in, with Harper. Why was she here? Wasn’t he here as Casey’s date? Casey hadn’t seen them yet and I wanted to prepare her.

“Case, I’m so sorry this is happening,” I started.

I was cut off by her seeing Cyman sitting to put his shoes on. She ran over to sit on his lap and kiss him. She was met with coldness however.

“What the fuck are you doing Casey? Are you drunk?” he asked, pushing her off of his lap.