Surrendering (Surrender 1)

There’s concern in her voice. I know the other room has heard every word.

“I know you get worried, but honestly, I haven’t had any threats since last year. All of my friends know what happened and we’re careful. We just went out and had a great time. It was just a friendly show. We saw a lot of people we used to dance with and it was exciting.”

Mom looks at me and breaks into a wide smile. “Well, since it was so exciting, why don’t we watch it so I can see you girls back in action?”

I realize that she wasn’t mad at all, but she wanted me and Finn to know how concerned she was that I exposed myself. She’s worried some crazy radical will come after me again.

“What do you mean watch it? I don’t even know where to find it.” The fact that there’s a video of us dancing doesn’t sit well with me.

“Why do you think Jenny is here? She’s setting up the video on your TV right now. She downloaded it for me this morning and we transferred

it to a digital format. And I have a surprise for you.”

I can’t do this. I’ve never been able to watch myself on the screen. I get nervous and self-conscious. It’s different when I’m in the moment with the energy and the music blaring. I can’t watch it in my living room with a room full of friends.

“No way. Finn, go stop her. I hate watching playbacks.”

Finn starts laughing and leaves the room. I need coffee like now! I get out two mugs and pour some for my mom and me. I yell into the other room, “Jenny, you want some fresh coffee?” She declines and I go about pouring the milk and sugar.

My mom gets close to me and whispers. “For the love of God, who is that guy in the living room? Is he a friend of the guys?”

“Yes and no. He is a friend, and he’s also Declan Collins. He’s the guy I was telling you about. He’s Abbi and Ella’s brother.”

“He’s gorgeous. Have you seen his eyes? Does he have a girl-,” she stops talking and the realization hits her. “Is he the one you’re dating?”

“Yeah, kind of. We had a fight a couple weeks ago and he’s trying to convince me it was a huge misunderstanding. We have a date tomorrow night so I can hear his side of the story.”

“What kind of misunderstanding?”

“Remember the pictures for the “Who’s Who”? She nods, “He thought I had a thing with Finn and Max. He sort of got mad.”

“Well, it is a hard relationship to understand, but I’m sure you can work it out. Why don’t we go back in there so you can introduce me properly?”

She winks at me and I know her look; she likes him.

When we get back, everyone is awake and all the girls hug my mom. I go straight to Declan.

“Mama, this is Declan Collins.”

She reaches out her hand to him. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jenna Hayes.”

He takes her hand and smiles widely. “So nice to meet you, Mrs. Hayes.”

“Please, call me Jenna.” She drops his hand “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a surprise.” She goes to the door and Jenny and her grab something from the front porch. When she turns around, Harper and I scream at the same time. She has bags full of food from our favorite deli in Brentwood.

“When did you do this?”

“When Jenny called this morning to tell me about the video. I decided I needed to talk to you and see it for myself. At first I was furious because of the exposure it gave you, but then I changed my mind and wanted to watch it. I knew the girls were here and I had a feeling your little group may be hungry. I sort of expected Jimi and Gabe to be here too. Don’t worry; I have enough food for everyone.

I take the bags and head to the kitchen. She has gone all out; there is a variety of bagels with different flavored cream cheeses, smoked salmon, shaved turkey, sprouts, fruit salad, pasta salad, dessert pastries, and a tray of brownies. I laugh because this is a hangover spread.

Everyone filters in the kitchen to fix their plates.

Tripp sees the variety and laughs loudly, “Jenna, you are a gift. If I wasn’t so scared of James, I would steal you out from under his nose. We would run away never to be seen again.”

“Watch it, Tripp. If my dad even hears you talking like that, he will make it so you are never seen again.”

The whole mood in the kitchen is happy and the conversation is easy.