After the Boys of Summer

Chapter 12- Bonfire

Organizing for the centennial gala was on full force and there was so much to plan, from the decorations to the entertainment, to the food and the guests, all of which kept me from achieving my daily REM sleep.

Max kept his word and helped with all of the details. He even went above and beyond and put together a "centennial committee" as he called it. The committee consisted of a few people who worked on the golf course and several from the dining hall including Pierce who admitted to only joining to get out of serving duty. Whatever the reason, I was grateful for the help.

It was late Friday afternoon when the committee got together to discuss the menu.

"I'm tired Layla." Pierce complained. "Everyones already left for the day."

"Theres still too much to do Pierce, we cant leave now."

"We've been non stop all week. We can pick it back up on Monday."

"I Was actually thinking we could work through the weekend." Everyone groaned simultaneously.

"Lay, theres a bonfire tonight. We're all going to be nursing hangovers this weekend." Everyones face pleaded with me to change my mind but I stood my ground. "Max, would you please talk some sense in to her. She's gone mad with power."

Max who was busy flipping through a sample menu looked up at the group. I sat there with a smug expression knowing that there was no way he would side with them. He was as dedicated to this event as I was.

"Pierce is right." My jaw dropped. "We've been working really hard and I think we deserve a break. Lets start again on Monday."

"Quick!" yelled pierce. "Hurry up before she tries to stop us." Everyone grabbed their stuff and was on their feet quicker than I could pick my jaw up from the floor.

I squinted my eyes at Max. "Traitor."

Max smiled and moved to the seat beside me. "When I said we needed a break, I was mostly thinking of you. You've been borderline obsessed with this."

"You, more than anyone, knows how important this event is to me. I need everything to be perfect."

He nodded. "And it will be but you deserve some rest too. Plus, I may have ulterior motives for wanting the weekend off."

"Oh? Hot date?" I teased.

"Not exactly. Im going to the bonfire and I'm bringing you with me."

"Nice try Max."

"You're not even going to consider going?"

"I have plans."

"But You were willing to spend all night planning."

"And now thanks to you, I don't have to."

"Layla-"

Before Max could finish his sentence, a giddy Ruby skipping towards him, wrapping her arms his neck, pulling in to a hug that lingered longer than what was considered friendly.

"I ran in to Pierce outside," Ruby said finally letting go of Max, "And don't worry Max, I'll be there and so will St. James."

"I have plans." I deadpanned.

"Sure you do. I'll pick you up at eight." She gave Max another hug before dancing away to the imaginary music that constantly played in her head. I turned towards Max and gave him the dirtiest look I could muster before stomping away.

"Around eight" in Ruby speak meant two hours later so I was shocked when she knocked on my door at half past eight. It was another warm, summer night so I dressed in denim cutoffs and a loose off the shoulder knit sweater. Ruby wore a sheer top over a skin tight black dress and her signature doc martens.