Saving Grace

The Great Reunion

Chapter Eleven

Jay

Damn whoever slammed their car door. I possibly, almost, might have kissed Cali. But now that I think about it, it would have been weird. Maybe... I don't know. I was so confused.

I also couldn't tell what she was thinking. But she obviously could. She gave me that look that looked like she was reading over my face. She had an unfair advantage.

All I do know is that Cali left really quickly. She practically ran down the hall and down the ladder. I put the guitar back on a hay bale and walked slowly after her. I got down to the bottom of the ladder, right as I heard Cali tell

"Finn?!"

Finn? As in Finley? As in my cousin Finley? I walked out of the barn and sure enough, there was Finley, outside, leaning against his car. I almost didn't recognize him. His dark brown hair had grown out and he looked a lot taller. He was probably taller then me now. That was weird. But again, I hadn't seen him in a very long time and everyone around here seemed different.

Cali ran up to him and he picked her up and spun her around. He put her down and he had a huge smile spread across his face. Lucky asshole. Gets to give Cali hugs like that.

Woah, am I serious? I'm turning into a freakin sap.

"Hey Cals, how've you been?" He had a smile that looked like he won the lottery and was coming to tell her. Did they have a thing? God, I hoped not.

"Good. Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" She asked, as she slapped his chest playfully.

"It was last minute. Dean, Penny and Greg will be here later." His smile got even bigger. Bastard.

I kind of just stood off to the side during this. And I thought it would be awkward if I just walked up to them. I didn't know Finn knew Cali or that Cali knew Finn. But I was always confused around here anyways, so it didn't really make a difference. Finn looked over Cali's shoulder and directly at me. I could tell he recognized me immediately.

"Jay?!" I nodded my head and smiled as he jogged over to me. He pulled me in for a hug and I hugged him back. Finn used to be my best friend. We were just as close as me and Preston. But thanks to my jackass dad, I lost him too when the whole fight thing happened.

"Yeah it's me. What are you doing out here?" I asked as I took him in.

"Oh, I don't know. Thought we'd stop by for a little party tonight. God you grew up." Well no dip Sherlock. But I didn't say that. I had no reason to be at him. Other for the fact that he might have the only girl I've ever really liked.

God, I'm such a girl.

I laughed a little. "You too, man."

He really grew up. He had to have grown at least a foot since I last saw him. He looked bigger and had really muscular arms. Must have been from playing football. I heard he already had offers from the pros.

"It's really good to see you. What are you doing out here?" He asked as he patted me on the back and caught his breath.

"Um...serving out my punishment..." I shrugged awkwardly.

He looked confused for a second but then remembered what I was talking about. Even if my dad didn't like it, my mom still kept in contact with all my aunts. And word travels fast in my family. Everyone knew about it by the day after it happened. Being a close family had its downsides.

"Oh right. I heard about that. You're an idiot." He was trying to hold back laughter while looking serious.

I laughed a little. "I know. I've heard it all from everyone else." He laughed too and slapped me on the back.