Hoe for Hosie

Behind the Spotlight 2

Day One

Josie's PoV

It had been a long time since Lizzie and I last saw our high school friends: Cleo, Kaleb, Jed, Rafael, Landon, Ethan, Maya, MG, and my ex - Penelope.

Now, here we were, reminiscing about every memory from our high school years.

From unrequited romantic crushes to chronic embarrassment, desperate struggles for popularity, sexual awakenings, parental pressures, and competitions—social, athletic, and academic.

We joked around, laughing like there's no tomorrow, completely losing track of time as we caught up with each other.

As dusk approached, we finally decided to prepare dinner.

"Finally! I'm starving," I exclaimed.

"Can you believe it? After all this time, we finally get to see each other again," MG said, smiling broadly at us while he grilled cabbage, potatoes, corn, chicken, shrimp, and steak. .

The other boys busied themselves preparing more food and setting the table. Maya, Lizzie, and I watched them since they had volunteered to cook dinner for us tonight.

"You already said that earlier, MG," Penelope replied, rolling her eyes.

Oh right, I forgot about Penelope.

We still felt a bit awkward around each other. We hadn't properly closed things after our breakup.

But I knew we were on good terms now.

"Alright, time to eat, guys!" Jed announced once everything was ready, and all our friends quickly took their seats.

"Where's Hope?" I asked Lizzie. Hope was with Sebastian, Lizzie's bodyguard. She'd probably know where they were, since she and Sebastian were close.

Just like me and Hope.

Sebastian and Hope were friends because they both came from the same agency and knew each other from their military service. Lizzie also had a bodyguard since she was a famous model and actress in America.

So, both of us decided to bring our bodyguards along to ensure our safety.

"They're in the pool area," Lizzie replied, taking a sip of her drink.

"Okay, I'll call them so they can join us for dinner."

"Alright, thanks, Jo."

I smiled at her and walked over to the pool area. I saw them deep in conversation on a bench. They seemed serious judging by their expressions.

"Hey guys, dinner's ready," I said, approaching with a smile. They both nodded and stood up.

"Thanks for calling us, Josette," Sebastian said with a smile as he walked ahead, leaving me standing next to Hope.

"Hey, everything okay?" she spoke softly, squeezing my hand.

I loved it when she did that.