"The Cut"

Chapter 12- Secrets Unleashed

CHAPTER TWELVE- SECRETS UNLEASHED

Bailey had already made her way to the bonfire with Gavin, and was elated to see Grace and Evan, walking hand-in-hand. One of the seniors was blaring G-Eazy and Halsey's "Him and I" from his truck, which was parked on the beach. A few others were sitting on the back of the smokey gray, sand-laden tailgate. Bailey was prattling away, but quickly set her cup down and danced her way toward them.

 Surprisingly, it wasn't a cheer.

 Hoorah!

"Hey, you two! Aren't we looking adorbs together. Fashionably late?" she looked from Grace to Evan and then said, "Or... did you make a wrong turn somewhere?" her voice was innocent, but Grace knew she was digging.

"Wipe that filthy mind of yours, Gurl." Evan said. "I just introduced Grace to my parents. I wanted them to meet each other before the dance. He squeezed Grace's hand and she squeezed it back.

 He was keeping her warm for the moment.

 Grace was all tingles inside. She felt several sets of eyes scanning them from the crowd. Bailey continued her endless chatter and smiled at the thought of Grace meeting the Vaughns. She knew they would love her.

 What was not to love?

"So... how did it go?" She continued. "Did everyone get along?" She knew the answer already.

"Absolutely. Evan's folks were great. Hey, Bail, they invited you and Gavin over for pics before Homecoming. Are you in?" Bailey lit up at the prospect of being involved in all things social.

 Having her picture taken was just a bonus!

"Of course we're in! I'll find Gavin and let him know. He is right..." Gavin came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Right here?" Gavin finished. "What's goin'on, you two?" He handed Evan a beer.

 Evan nodded in thanks and answered, "Not a lot. Grace was just telling Bailey that my folks invited you over to take some pics before the dance. You game?"

"Sure.", said Gavin and added, "Bailey said we're eating with you guys at Mangina's, too?"

 Bailey spun around and looked at him in horror. "Did you actually just say MANGINA'S?" Bailey repeated. Maybe the loud music had affected her hearing? 

 Grace let out a loud snort.

 Evidently, she'd heard correctly. Gavin was too much for her to handle at times. He looked at them with wonder and shrugged.

"Well, that's what it's called isn't it? The Italian place?" Gavin asked.

 He looked from Evan to Grace.

"It's pronounced 'La Mangia's', moron." Bailey laughed at Gavin's oversight.

"Pipe down. 'Mangina's', 'La Mangia's', whatever. It's a stupid name!" He defended.

"Well, I'd like to to think that it wasn't named after a cross between a dude and a female anatomy!" Bailey retorted. She sighed and shook her head. "He's such a dumbass sometimes, I swear." She said to Grace and Evan, who continued to laugh.

"Precisely!" Grace thought to herself.

"Anyhow", said Evan, "I should probably call tomorrow and make reservations for eight. I'm still not sure what's going on between Carson and Chase, but if they decide to work things out, there will be eight of us."