Six Years After The Bet

14. Jordan

I enter The Grill the same time as Daniel and I can tell that he's nervous. Troy texted me a few minutes ago telling me everyone was already here and was waiting on us. Honestly, I'm afraid of seeing Jake and Alyssa again. I didn't leave things so great with them. I not only lied to Abby, but to them too.

We spot them at the table we used to sit at when we were in high school and came here. I see a girl with a dark brown french braid in her hair and I know that it's Alyssa. Jake is facing towards us and when he sees us, his whole expression changes. I can't tell if he's angry, but he's definitely not happy.

I take a deep breath before walking over to the table along with Daniel. I feel slightly light headed from the beer I had a while ago, but I'm not drunk or anything. I haven't told the guys about how Stephen and I are friends now, but I'm sure it'll come up tomorrow when he comes to the barbeque.

"Hey, guys." I greet everyone, trying to ease the thick tension.

"Hey, Jordan. Hey, Daniel. We were just wondering where you guys were." Abby says.

"Probably somewhere hooking up with girls." Alyssa not so subtly says under her breath.

Abby sends her a look, but I shake my head at her, telling her it's okay. I'm not a teenager anymore, so it's time I take responsibility for my actions and apologize for them. I have to fix things with both of them.

"Listen, I know you guys don't like me. I understand that. For a while, I didn't like me. I not only broke my trust with Abby, but with you guys too. I did love Abby and I did consider you guys as friends. I made a stupid decision that I will forever regret. Abby and I are trying to rebuild our friendship and I would really like it if you guys would give me another chance. Both me and the guys. I should have said this a long time ago, but I'm saying it now and I hope we can all start over." Alyssa and Jake look at me, expression blank.

Jake is the first one to crack a smile, "So, about that last touchdown that won the championship."

I smile before taking a seat along with Daniel. "Let me start by saying, that whole touchdown was not supposed to happen. If it weren't for Dirty and Ryan, I wouldn't have made that touchdown."

Everyone laughs and I turn to Alyssa. "Are we good?" I ask.

She gives me a playful eye roll and I hug her from the side. Abby claps her hand, cheering. "The team is back."

"Ah, stop being dramatic." Jake says, causing everyone to laugh.

"I'm paying for everyone's meal tonight." I announce.

"No argument from me." Troy grabs a menu and we all laugh at him. Abby smiles at me, sending me satisfied look. She's happy and so am I.

We spend the night catching up and talking about what's been happening over the past six years. Daniel and Alyssa even go into a conversation by themselves and I wonder if they might still like each other. If it weren't for me, they'd probably still be together. Daniel stayed mad at me for a while, but I couldn't blame him. I ruined something for him because of my actions.

"My parents are throwing a little get together tomorrow and you guys are invited. You don't have to bring anything, but your empty stomachs." I tell them.

"We should make a toast. It's been years since we've all been in the same place." Alyssa says.

"I agree. Everyone raise your glasses." Troy raises his glass along with everyone else.

"Who wants to make the toast?" He asks.

"Let's toast to love because love is the reason we're all here. That's what connects us all. So, to love." I look over at Abby and I can't describe the look she's giving me. She's deep in thought before a small smile breaks on her face.