Sunkissed Serendipity

Chapter 27

Isla

I have babysat Jack two more days after dinner. The first one I had gone over for only a few hours because Julian was able to switch his shift so his mom could work at that time. After he came home, he asked for me to stay, which I said yes to. We had stayed inside playing video games before I got up to leave. I didn't want to stay too long, so I left. The second time, I hadn't seen Julian at all because of the overlap in schedules, so when Lorraine came home, I simply went home.

I'm not saddened about not seeing Julian the last time, though, because—well, I was a little disappointed. I wanted to see him long enough for him to make a dumb joke about something that would make me laugh despite its unoriginality. I wanted to just see him because the idea of hanging out with him would be overwhelming, and last time I did have fun with him as well as his friends. It was a good time, and I wouldn't have minded if I hung out with him again.

I sigh once I realize I'm letting some guy dictate how much fun I have or not, and I flop down on the couch. I rest my head against the couch, trying to think about what I can do. As anticipated, my parents had been so busy on a trip that they couldn't be here for the holiday. I was alone to myself for the next three days, which usually meant the girls would stay with me for the time being, but this time they weren't around.

I checked in with them to find that Jasmine was spending the Fourth with her dad and her new boyfriend, and the girls were invited to a college frat party around their campus. I told Jasmine to have fun with her boyfriend and asked the girls to be careful around college guys because they were underage and the boys were crazy. Especially at parties, and even though that source of information came from online, I knew it had to be true on some accounts.

As I start to think about how I'm going to spend the next few days, my phone vibrates in my hand. I pick up to find that there is a text message from Lorraine.

Hey, Isla
I heard Julian invite you to our family's Fourth of July celebration. I'm just here to say that the offer still stands, and honestly, with family coming for the first time since the announcement, I'd love it if you could keep Jack away from the scene. Julian will be there, of course, but he doesn't need to worry about that.

I'm sure Jack will not be a nuisance this holiday, but I'd love to see you there. I know Julian would enjoy your company as well, so if you are free, know that the offer stands for today.

My eyes widen as I reread the text one more time to make sure I wasn't misunderstanding. Lorraine was personally asking for me to come around for the holiday, and while she was looking after Jack, I honestly think it's just for me to go over.

I think about the offer for a moment. Would it be weird to join in on a family holiday? I didn't know how their extended family was, but if Julian was okay with inviting me the other day, did that mean they usually had a more casual gathering? I didn't know exactly how I felt, but I did know that I was leaning towards wanting to go. I needed to know if it was safe to head over there, though, so I called the only person who could give me reassurance.

"Hi, Isla," Julian says into the phone as soon as he answers.

"Hey," I say, leaning back in my spot and bringing my feet up the couch—the only comfortable way I can sit on the couch at this point. "So your mom texted me today."

"Huh," Julian says on the phone with a little chuckle. "She gets in contact with you more than I do."

"Well, that's because you only care to hang out with me if I'm already at your house," I say playfully, tugging a piece of hair out of my bun.