Dreamboat | Chase Stokes Love Story

Chapter 24

Rudy opened the door heading out first and confirmed everyone was outside so I headed back for the kitchen to cut pineapple. My emotions had calmed down and I just listened to everyone talk and laugh outside.

"Hey, so you happen to know where some tongs and plates would be?" Chase asked walking in the back door.

"Uh, yeah," I nodded setting down the knife and going to the cabinet where I had seen others grab plates from. I took a stack out setting it on the counter for him to take. We started searching through the drawers for the tongs in silence until Chase found them. "Once I finish this I can bring out some utensils," I told him.

"Sounds good," he answered and went to take the stack of plates but paused.

Please don't say anything. Please don't say anything.

"Are you okay?"

Fuck.

"Hello?! The party is here!" Lilah and Julia walked in the front door and I quickly walked to greet them.

"Welcome!" I said putting on a fake smile and giving them each a hug. I watched Chase turn away and walk back outside.

"This place is so cool!" Lilah said setting down their bags.

"It's great, definitely crowded, but we'll see how long we're actually here for," I told them walking back to the kitchen as they sat at the counter. I grabbed the grapes from the fridge and washed them in the sink.

"I saw it was going to be a week or more for the storm to pass," Julia answered.

"Everything is going to have to be pushed back and rescheduled," Lilah added.

Drew walked in with JD from the backyard, "Hello friends, we're heading out real fast to get wood for a bonfire. Do you guys need anything?" Drew asked as they got the car keys.

I shook my head no.

"Get stuff for s'mores," Lilah told them.

"Sounds good, be back before dinner," JD said and they headed out the door.

"Are you excited to go zip lining tomorrow?" Julia asked.

"We're doing that tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yeah, my dad is coming too, along with a few other crew members," Lilah answered.

"Oh, I didn't know that it was finalized. It sounds like a lot of fun though," I nodded. Once I had the grapes washed I cut up a few strawberries before mixing the bowl together. The two girls went to greet everyone outside and I grabbed the utensils and headed out as well. They had a picnic table and two folding chairs sat out for everyone to sit at. The plates were already on the table and I laid out the silverware setting the bowl of fruit on it as well.

"Almost done," Chase told us as I sat between Elaine and Austin.

JD and Drew got back and sat down just as the burgers were being passed around before we ate.

"How was your guys' hike today?" Julia asked.

"Treacherous," Elaine answered.

"She's over exaggerating," JD cut in.

"We got to go cliff jumping," Austin added.

"More of a rock, but sure," Maddie laughed.

"Where are we going for zip lining tomorrow?" I asked as we ate.

"It's about an hour north of here up in the mountains," Elaine answered, "We checked out their website and it looks like it'll have some really nice views of the valley."