Page 96 of Ravenous

“Oh my god, I love this place! I haven’t been here since I was a kid. There’s tennis courts and these huge concrete mushrooms that have picnic tables under them and hiking trails…” Ollie poked him in the side. “You didn’t randomly pick this park. I smell shenanigans, did-” He gasped as Finn pulled into a spot, both hands covering his mouth. “Oh my godagain.”

Out of all the odd structural mushrooms, the purple one was the largest, and Ollie’s family and friends were gathered under it, excitedly waiting. Lilac tablecloths and balloons donned the surroundings, and Ollie’s parents held a small banner that saidCongratulations!in shiny golden script. Uncle Joe sat in a lounge chair off to the side, Owen and Liam next to him, all three waving at the car. Ellie gave them both the metal sign, snarling happily, but Finn barely noticed because the person standing next to her had a familiar head of magenta hair.

“Is that…” Finn squinted.

“Quinn? From the restaurant?” Ollie’s voice dripped with disbelief. “She’sthe girlfriend?”

“I think so?” Raising his eyebrows, Finn gestured toward the mushroom. “Why don’t we go find out? Everyone is here for you today, Sunshine. We’re all so proud.”

“No, no, don’t say that, I’m gonna cry!” Ollie waved a hand in front of his face, trying to dry his shimmering eyes. “I can’t believe this, it’s amazing -wait.” His tears suddenly forgotten, Ollie made a face that had Finn choking back laughter. “How did you know about everything? Did my parents contact you?”

“They did,” Finn mirrored Ollie’s expression, “and I almost had a stroke but we’re good now.”

“…you’re good now?” Ollie blinked like it wasn’t sinking in.

“Yep! They think I treat you well.” Getting out, Finn opened the passenger door, lending Ollie his hand.

“Oh!” A flirty grin spread across Ollie’s face. “Well, you most certainly do, Mr. Cooper.” His drawl accompanied an exaggerated grasp of the offered hand, which Ollie continued to hold as they headed toward the picnic tables. “My parents saw that you’re my knight.”

“I think you’re capable of defending yourself now, though,” Finn pointed out.

“True.” Ollie slightly bumped Finn. “But it’s nice to have you around.”

Giving Ollie’s hand a squeeze, Finn smiled broadly, lighting up inside. “I know.”

Ollie rolled his eyes. “Why are you such an arrogant-”

“Will you two lovebirds get over here already? We only rented this thing for four hours!” Tommy called out as Liam met them halfway, grabbing Ollie in a hug.

“One Hundred Percent Ollie-y!” he exclaimed, planting a kiss on Ollie’s cheek. “You know you’re valedictorian, right?”

“I guess we have matching ribbons now, Li Li!” Ollie giggled. “Do you get a ribbon for valedictorian?”

“I think you just make a speech?” The last word got mangled as Liam laughed along with Ollie, the two of them leaning on each other, and Finn couldn’t help but chuckle along with them as they made their way to the party. Breaking away from Liam, Ollie beelined right to his parents, hugging them with fervent thanks. Excitedly tearful, his mother forgot to let go of the banner, and it ended up wrapped around Ollie, complimenting his short-sleeved turquoise jumpsuit and leaving Finn in stitches again.

“I guess Mom really wanted to congratulate you!” Ellie approached next, grabbing Ollie once he was freed. “And so do I. You kicked treatment’s ass! But I knew you would.”

“Biz…” Ollie clung to her, and they whispered back and forth. A flash of magenta appeared in Finn’s peripheral vision and he turned, confirming that Quinn, their favorite waitress, was indeed Ellie’s new girlfriend. What a strange small word they all lived in.

He held out his hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you. I’m Finn.”

“I know who you are, bacon double cheeseburger.” Her voice and energy were sharp enough to cut, only dulled by the curl of her smirk, and once they shook her grip was almost as tight as his. “You’re aware that there areotherthings on the menu, right?”

“I am, but I like what I like,” he grinned, glancing at Ollie. Quinn followed suit, but her eyes were on Ellie, who wore a stylish black flowy dress and knee-high boots despite the hot temperatures, her matching inky hair shaved on the sides and bundled up into a faux hawk.

“I hear you on that,” she murmured as the dynamic duo finished their chat, looked over with wicked grins, and returned to them. Ellie nodded at Finn and he touched two fingers to his forehead, giving her a quick salute. Although their past relationship had torn through him and Ollie, she’d done more than enough to help repair something that was no one’s fault, singing Finn’s praises to her entire family. Finn was a part of this celebration because of her efforts.

But he’d have to thank her later because Ollie’s parents jumped back in, this time with Tommy, and Sophie quickly followed. Since Ollie didn’t want to touch his phone, Finn offered to take pictures with his device, snapping a few of the family together, and sending them to everyone.

It turned out that all his worries were for nothing; of course, he’d wanted to make a good impression after their disastrous first meeting, but The Clarks seemed to have a short memory and were nothing but open and welcoming, like Ollie. Only Sophie seemed more reserved but once Finn mentioned tennis, she lit up in such a way that Ollie eventually sauntered over, arching an eyebrow in surprise.

“Did she challenge you to a match yet? Don’t do it, it’s a trap! She’smuchbetter than me.” Latching onto Finn’s arm, Ollie practically glowed. To be honest, Finn had worried that a party might be too much for Ollie, but that radiant smile made him happy to be wrong.

“Not yet,” Finn kissed Ollie’s temple. “But if she’s as good as you say I’m going to have to pass, I don’t need another trouncing.”

“Are you sure? I could always use the practice.” There was a gleam in her eyes that confirmed she was a beast on the court, and Finn quickly shook his head. She gave him a good-natured huff, turning to Ollie and looking him up and down, the purse of her lips emitting approval. “I’m so happy that you’re doing well, Ollie.”

“Thanks, I’m super happy about it too,” Ollie beamed. “Next is the day program, which is about three or four hours in the mornings.” And Finn would be driving him there and back if needed, helping whenever possible.

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