SIX

“Lorenzo? Kenzie?” Xara was taken aback when she noticed them on her doorstep. She hadn't seen them in years. She let Lorenzo go to start his own life after moving back in with her husband, though it was a difficult decision for her to make. It was past time for him to start his own family.

“Hey, Xara,” Lorenzo said, hugging her.

“Pardon my manners; come in,” she said as she ushered people in. She was the only one at home at the time. Giada and Jax had gone to see a movie with their friends, and Kai had gone out for drinks with his friends.

“How have you been?” She invited them to take a seat and placed a bottle of wine on the table in front of them while she waited for an answer.

“We've been good, just trying to figure out how to be good parents.” Kenzie sipped from her glass.

“Ah, teenagers and their problems. Don't be too hard on yourself; you'll get the hang of it. And how's the family business going, or have you both retired?" He was referring to the Mafia. After parting ways with Xara, Lorenzo joined Kenzie in the Mafia. His loyalty earned him the position of mafia boss's right-hand man.

“Not really, but we're not as involved as we once were.” Kids arrived, and now old age is setting in, but we do check on them regularly.” As the doorbell rang again, Kenzie responded.

Xara walked towards the door to see who was there because she wasn't expecting anyone right now.

“Hello, hun,” Penny kissed her on the cheek and walked into the kitchen, dropping the basket she was carrying. Alianna and Xara entered the living room, which was occupied by Lorenzo and his wife.

“Xara, I gotta go. I need to take care of business. It was nice seeing you again.” Lorenzo bid her farewell, leaving his wife behind.

“Hey Kenzie, it's been a while,” Penny greeted joining them. She had become a part of their friend circle.

“I'm good; it's been a long time since we last got together like this, and I miss it. I'm hoping it will be more often since the kids have grown up,” she responded.

“Amen to that,” Alianna added excitedly.

“You know, we complain about how much of our time they take when they are younger, but as soon as they grow up, we start complaining that they have no time for us,” Xara stated, filling up Alia, Penny and her glass with wine. She was glad she finally got to see her friends together like this again. She'd missed their company and their goofy nature.

“The basket in the kitchen is a picnic basket; let's head out to the garden for a picnic. A little fun won't hurt,” Penny giggled like a hyper 3-year-old child.

The four women headed out to the garden with the basket filled with food, drinks, and water. They sat down, catching up on old times, laughing, teasing, eating, and having random fun.

How I miss this?

---

The movie had ended, and they stood beside their cars, wondering what and where to go next.

“Any suggestions?” Brynn spoke out.

“How about the beach?” Giada suggested.

“I know what you're all going to say, but we could head to the mall to grab swimsuits and then drive to the beach,” she redeemed herself.

“I second her; it's not as if we have any other place in mind.” Sean, one of Jax's friends, seconded

The beach wasn't as crowded as it had been during the past few days. Giada and Brynn grabbed themselves beach umbrellas and blankets from the car and then looked for space to set them up as the guys lazed about.

"Yo, Jax, when are you going to grow balls and ask Brynn out?” One of his buds teased

“Who's up for volleyball?” He changed the topic. When they were leaving home, they forgot to grab swimsuits and other stuff for the beach; they had to get most things from the mall before heading to the beach.

Brynn sat on the blanket, admiring Jax from afar. She was drooling over his six-packs and messy hair. He looked so hot and sexy.

“You could equally tell him how you feel. There's no harm in telling him you want him,” Giada smirked at her friend.

“Hey there, I thought you were asleep." Brynn rubbed her neck nervously.

“I wasn't; well, let's say I just caught you-----

“Hey, you're Brynn and Giada. I saw your pictures all over the internet. You girls looked great!” a random girl complimented her.

"Thanks; we really appreciate it.” Brynn smiled.

“Can I get a picture, pretty please?” she politely asked. Brynn gave Giada the ‘stop-overthinking-look’ and dragged her to take the picture with the girl. The sunlight kissed them, making the picture more gorgeous than they thought it would turn out to be. They copied the picture from the girl's phone to theirs.

“See you around,” she happily waved at them while walking away.

“Who's up for truth or dare?” Sean asked, approaching them with the guys behind him.

“We all are, but before that, could we grab something to eat? I'm starving.” Giada announced. The guys walked towards the food stall to grab them something to eat while the girls waited behind.

This may be my chance to ask Brynn out. Jax thought to himself, grabbing the food. Sean and Kevin helped him with the other bags since their order was large.

“What took you so long? I almost died,” Brynn added as they approached them.

“Stop being overdramatic, babe,” Jax winked at her.

“Please don't make me gag,” Giada said. They dug into their meals almost immediately. It was set on the towels; they talked about random stuff, laughing and teasing each other.

“So, Jax, truth or dare?” Sean asked after burping out loud.

“Dare,” he answered, scrunching his face in disgust following Sean's action.

“Well, I dare you to ask the prettiest babe the question you've been dying to ask her.” He made things easier for him.

“Brynn Bryant, I know you think I've been too dense not to notice your attraction towards me; I haven't. I just haven't gathered the courage to tell you how I've felt since freshman year. Babe, would you go out on a date with me? I'm dying to get to know you better and go

He was cut off by a kiss. Giada and the guys whistled and clapped at her reaction.

“I would love to Jax,”