Page 87 of Chase

“I’m not sure I can follow up from Mr Blakely’s performance. So, I’ll finish up by saying congratulations to everyone and enjoy the night. Remember, even if you are eighteen, this is a school event so no alcohol will be served to you,” she says and glances at us.

Knowing Arden all too well.

We finally make our way off the stage and over to the table. Everyone hops up to hug and congratulate us.

“Did you really just fucking give everyone a pair of twelve hundred dollar shoes?” Smalls asks Arden suspiciously. Smalls would’ve guessed who was who based on my description of them and the few photos I’ve sent him over the weeks.

Arden looks at him weird. It’s almost admiration?

“You know your sneakers?” Arden asks the giant standing before us.

“I do. You must be Arden. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Smalls says, extending his hand to Arden.

Arden looks him up and down before pushing his hand away and giving him a bro hug.

“Finally someone who understands shoes,” Arden offers. He pulls away. Smalls’ face is priceless. Arden surprised him. “I’m sorry though. I don’t have size gigantic. Yasmin never said you were a fucking giant,” Arden says.

I shrug. How the hell was I supposed to know what he was planning?

Smalls just laughs. “All good dude.” He turns to Chase. “You must be Chase?” The fact that Chase is holding my hand is probably a dead giveaway.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Chase says.

“Hurt her and I’ll kill you,” Smalls says. his face expressionless and scary.

Chase gulps nervously. “I wouldn’t dare hurt her.” He pulls me into his side. “She’s stuck with me. We were destined to be together.”

Rhys gags and Arden laughs. “What’s with all the fairy tale bullshit?”

That sets Smalls off laughing as well. Chase relaxes.

They might be picking on him, but I swooned at his words. I look up at him and mouth “I love you.” He smiles and mouths back “I love you more.”

“Right can we eat before you pair force me to lose my appetite?” Smalls asks ruining the moment.

Ally clears her throat.

Right I forgot to introduce her and Rhys.

“Rhys, Ally. This is Smalls,” I say, taking the seat that Chase is holding out for me.

“Nice to finally put a face to the voice,” Rhys says and gives him a fist bump.

“A face to the voice?” Chase queries.

“Long story, I’ll fill you in later,” Rhys explains.

I wasn’t sure if Rhys ever told them he knew about my past. But I guess that just confirmed it.

I wanted him to be the one to tell them. The reason he did it was for them.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Smalls,” Ally says. Smalls pulls her in for a hug. He whispers something in her ear, which has Ally giggling.

Rhys shoots daggers at him and I can’t help but laugh.

During dinner I sit and look around at my family and friends. Everyone is laughing and having a good time and it makes my heart soar a little.

Three months ago, Millie and Smalls were pretty much the only friends that I had.

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