Chapter 18-Group Hangout Pt.2

                                    

                                          
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So please leave all your questions for me below regarding anything.
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"Xander?" she whispered, hoping it was a mirage. But it wasn't. Her and Xander had dated on and off during middle school, freshman year and the beginning sophomore year after that Sophie got into a serious relationship so they lost touch. After that she never felt like she wanted another easy rebound and was looking for love, something she was lucky enough to find with Keefe.
He looked up, his eyes meeting hers, and she saw the same mischief sparkling in them that she had once found so charming. "Sophie," he said, his voice cool. "Fancy seeing you here."
Her stomach twisted into a knot, but she forced a smile. "Xander," she said, her voice even. "It's been a while."
He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Too long," he murmured, his hand brushing against her arm. "We should catch up. Maybe go for a little spin on the dance floor, just like old times?"
Sophie's smile remained in place, but her heart was racing. She had moved on from those days, from the games and the uncertainty. "Actually," she said, her voice firm, "I'm here with someone."
Xander took a step forward as Sophie took one back. "Oh yeah, well that never stopped you before, you're only a sophomore have a little fun."
Before she could respond, Keefe's voice cut through the music. "Hey, babe, was wondering where you were?" He had come up behind her, his eyes narrowed at Xander. She also noticed the use of the new nickname and flushed a little.
Xander flinched at the word babe, during their time together, Xander had always wanted to be official but at the time Sophie just wasn't into long term relationships. It probably annoyed him to see she committed to a guy so much. "Who might this be." He said with a clenched jaw.
Sophie felt a flood of relief at his presence. She turned to Xander, her smile firmly in place. "This is Keefe, my boyfriend. Keefe this is just an old friend of mine."
Xander's eyes narrowed at the mention of the word 'boyfriend', his cocky smirk still evident. "Oh," he said, taking a step back. "I didn't realize you'd moved on."
Sophie's smile remained firm. "Easy when there's nothing important to move on from," she said, her voice clear and unwavering, Xander was used to always getting his way with her so he looked surprised.
Xander's smirk faltered for a moment before he nodded. "Well, enjoy your night, then," he said, his eyes flicking to Keefe before he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Keefe wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Who was that?" he asked, his voice low in her ear, his eyes still on the spot where Xander had been standing.
Sophie leaned into him, letting his warmth soothe her. "Just an old friend," she said, her voice tight. "We used to date, on and off, during middle school and freshman year. Nothing serious, just...complicated."
Keefe's arm tightened around her, and she felt his tension ease slightly. "Three years is a really long time," he said, his eyes searching hers.
Sophie turned to face Keefe, placing her hand on his chest. "You know I only have eyes for you, right? I love you."
Keefe's expression softened, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. "I do, Foster. I do, and I love you too." he murmured, his thumb brushing against her skin.
Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her quickly, a gesture that sent a shiver down her spine and reminded her of their first kiss under the moonlit sky. Then, before she could process what was happening, he grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the dance floor.
The group danced together for a while, the music and lights spinning around them in a dizzying array of colors. Their laughter melded with the rhythm of the songs, their hearts beating in time with the bass. It was the kind of moment that made the troubles of the outside world feel like a distant memory, and for a while, they were just a group of friends enjoying their youth.
Finally, they made their way to their reserved booth, breathless and smiling. The waiter, who had been watching their dance floor antics with a knowing smile, led them to their table with a nod. "Looks like you all had some fun warming up," he said, placing menus in front of them.
Sophie and Keefe sat close together, their legs brushing under the table. The rest of the group followed suit, the booth a tapestry of smiles and easy banter. They ordered a variety of dishes, the sound of their laughter and the clinking of silverware creating a comforting symphony of friendship.
"So, what are everyone's plans for Thanksgiving break?" Biana asked, looking around the table.
Keefe's smile dimmed slightly, and he shrugged. "The usual," he said, trying to keep his tone light. "My parents are off on another work trip, so it'll just me."
Biana's eyes widened, and she looked at Sophie with a glint of mischief. "Well, that settles it," she said, her voice filled with determination. "You're coming to HavenField for Thanksgiving."
Sophie felt a swell of warmth in her chest. Biana had always had a way of making everyone feel included. She looked at Keefe, whose eyes had lit up at the invitation. "I that would be amazing! The Vackers and my family do thanksgiving together so one more person would just add to the fun." she added, looking at him.
Keefe leaned in, his voice a whisper only for her. "But we'll have to tell your parents about us before then, don't you think? And your dad hates me." His eyes searched hers, a hint of nervousness hiding behind his usual playfulness.
Sophie felt her heart race. "Yeah, he isn't the fondest of any boys." she breathed, her voice barely audible over the din of the restaurant. "We'll figure it out, let's just have fun tonight."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food, steaming plates of pizza and pasta placed before them. The aroma filled the air, making their stomachs growl in unison. As they dug in, the conversation flowed freely, filled with jokes and stories from their days at Foxfire. The tension of the earlier encounter with Xander had dissipated, and Sophie found herself relaxing into the warmth of Keefe's side.