“I was just leaving,” Ryder tells him.
Ryder brings his hand to my cheek, gently cupping it, his thumb a whisper across my cheekbone.
“I’ll see you around, Elizabeth.”
All I can do is nod.
I watch Ryder walk down the back patio steps and disappear around the corner of the house.
“So,” Jayson says.
“So,” I smile at him. “Thank you for keeping your promise.”
“Always, princess.”
“Where are we going on our date tonight?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Not telling. It’s a surprise.” He reaches for me and pulls me to him. “Have I told you lately that you are fucking gorgeous?” I blush.
Jayson’s eyes heat.
“Wait. Isn’t that the new bikini top you bought the other day?”
“How do you know?”
“Oh, princess, I think I need to show you what happens to naughty girlfriends who send sexy pics on their phone.”
Giggling I ask, “What happens?”
“They get their cute little asses spanked.”
Jayson bends down and I'm suddenly hoisted up and over his shoulder.
“What are you doing? Let me down right this second!” I exclaim, laughing and wiggling.
Jayson kisses the side of my hip and snacks my butt before marching inside the house to kiss me breathless.
It's nearing ten o’clock and I’m pacing my bedroom floor, full of jitters. Jayson told me to stay in my room and he would pick me up at ten for our date. The fact that he instructed me to stay and wait for him in my bedroom, and that our date is at ten at night, leads me to believe that his parents have no clue about our date, and he’ll be sneaking out of the house since he’s currently grounded.
Regardless of the time and circumstances surrounding our first date, I’m still excited and anxious about it. So like any sixteen-year-old girl, it takes me about an hour to pick out the perfect outfit after trying on everything in my closet and Hailey’s, and then another hour to make sure my hair looks just so. Jayson loves it when I wear my hair down, so I add some corkscrew curls to my long blond locks. I’m even wearing makeup and perfume which is a rarity for me. I figure, you only experience one true first date in your lifetime, might as well go all out.
My bedside clock turns ten and Jayson appears at my bedroom window. I should have known.
Since I keep my window open at night, it’s easy for Jayson to climb in, something he’s used to doing anyway. Something I’m not used to seeing, however, is him dressed in a dark grey collared polo shirt and khaki chino shorts. I’m also not used to seeing him holding out a bouquet of flowers at me.
“Oh my gosh,” I gush, taking the bunch of wildflowers from his outstretched hand and smelling them.
“I may have stolen them from mom’s butterfly garden. Hope you like them.” Wow. “Liz, you look beautiful.” Double wow.
My heart soars that he notices the effort I put in to look good for him tonight, so I repay the compliment.
“You, sir, look absolutely dashing as well.”
We take a minute to absorb what feels like a monumental moment before he reaches his hand out to me.
“Princess Elizabeth, I am here to escort you to your date.”
I want to say something silly like, I thought he was already here, but I don’t want to ruin the romance of what’s happening with jokes.
I place my hand in his and he raises it to his lips. He turns my hand over and kisses the back of my wrist below my palm before twisting my hand over and doing the same to each knuckle. I don’t know if I’m going to survive our first date if he keeps this up. I’m already melting into a puddle of goo at his feet.
Jayson wiggles his eyebrows, “Follow me,” and pulls me to the window.
My first thought is, he’s going to make me climb down a tree.
My second thought is, I’m glad I decided not to wear a dress.
Jayson, Julien, and I have gotten very good at climbing up and down the old oak tree between our houses. We’ve been doing it since third grade. Jayson helps me out of my window and carefully guides me down to a lower branch, one that’s sturdy and thick.
He steps out onto the branch and eases me down next to where the branch meets the trunk.
“Here. Sit.”
The branch is wide enough for me to comfortably sit without fear of falling. I perch in a straddle, my back against the trunk of the tree.
We have to whisper in hushed voices in case both our parents are still awake, especially since Jayson’s still grounded and isn’t supposed to leave the house for another three days. Jayson sits facing me and reaches into the side pocket of his shorts to take out a small remote. My eyebrows raise at him, and he smiles, then presses a button on the remote.
Hundreds of tiny white fairy lights come to life around us and start to intermediately blink and twinkle. I gasp, my hand coming up over my mouth in surprise. When did he do this? I’m filled with wonder for this boy, for all the ways he shows me he loves me, that I am special and precious to him. He truly does treat me like a princess.
“As a first date goes, how am I doing so far?”
“Oh, Jayson,” I breathe.
He’s not finished. He reaches into his other pocket and brings out a small item wrapped in tissue paper.
“This is for you.”
With shaking hands, I pull the tape off, being careful not to tear the tissue paper too much. I want to preserve it in a scrapbook, one I will make to commemorate all of Jayson and my firsts. I carefully pull back the last corner. Sitting inside the paper is a necklace. Not just any necklace. There’s a charm hanging from a thin leather cord. It’s the rose quartz heart Jayson found in the creek and gave me when we were younger. I’ll have to ask him later how he stole it from my rock jar without me noticing, but at the moment I am too in awe of the gift to care.
“I hope you like it. Jamie helped me make it.”
He sounds nervous and unsure.
There are no words I can say to him to express how I feel right now, and a simple thank you isn’t enough, so I lean forward for him to place the necklace around my neck before murmuring against his lips.
“I love it.”
Then I kiss him. I pour everything into the kiss, everything I want to tell him, show him.
“I think as first dates go, you knocked it out of the park. And you are so definitely telling me later how you were able to do all of this without me noticing, but for now, I just want you to hold me.”
He feathers his nose across my cheek. “I can do that.”
Jayson stands up on the tree branch and has me skootch forward away from the trunk before settling down behind me. He pulls me back against him and envelops me within his strong arms. For the rest of our date, he holds me like that, my head laying back against his shoulder, and we talk amongst the starry fairy light universe the boy I love made just for me.
Chapter 9
Julien
I was worried about the beach trip our families were taking together. Things have been tense between Jay and Ry, which is to be expected. I’m proud of my brother for stepping up and going to Ryder to apologize. I still don’t agree with what he did regarding Liz, but I’m glad they are putting their personal issues aside to be there for her. I see how hard it is for Ryder to watch Liz and Jay together, see them kissing or touching. They both have been working hard to be respectful around him and keep the PDA to a bare minimum when he’s around. Sometimes, it’s hard to do, for instance, times like this.
We’ve been out on the beach all day, boogie boarding, swimming, playing volleyball. Heck, we even made a kick-ass sandcastle. It’s midafternoon and we have two days left before we head back home. We’re staying to watch the big fireworks extravaganza tomorrow night and then plan to leave the beach house the following morning. I join our parents under the shade canopy to grab a bite to eat. Ry takes a bag of chips out of one of the coolers and joins me.
&nb
sp; Jay and Liz have broken off from our group and are leisurely walking hand in hand down the beach toward the end of the barrier island where the sound meets the sea. I can hear Liz’s tinkling laughter as Jay picks her up and throws her over his shoulder racing into the waves. She screams, “Jayson Patrick Jameson!” before he launches them both under the water. Without looking over, I know Ry’s watching them and I feel for him. Unrequited love and heartbreak are two emotions I’m becoming very familiar with.
“Want to toss the football?” I ask him. I try to distract him as often as I can hoping it helps take his mind off my brother and Liz.
“Nah, man. I’m good. I think I’m going to head on in and take a shower.”
“Want some company?” He punches my arm. “Not like that shithead,” I clarify, and he barks out a laugh.
“I know what you mean. Still funny though.” He pops a chip into his mouth, looks over to where Jay and Liz are in the distance. They are wrapped around each other bobbing up and down in the water, her arms circling his shoulders.
He sighs. “I need a break. I’ll probably walk over to the pool hall and play a few rounds. Want to join me there later?”
“I can do that.” We fist bump.
“Catch ya later then,” he calls out and walks back toward the beach access that leads to the house.
It’s dark on the beach as I sit looking out over the water, a cool land breeze blowing from behind, when I hear footsteps in the sand approaching me.
“Hey you,” Liz says and sits down beside me, tilting her head to lean against my shoulder, her presence exactly what I need right now.
“Where’s our boy?” I ask.
“Believe it or not, he and Ryder are playing video games together. It’s the first time they’ve stayed in the same room other than when we eat, so I tiptoed out of there like a silent ninja,” she grins.
“I’m happy to hear that.”
“Yeah, me too. I know everything is so weird between all of us now. Seeing them together like old times gives me hope.”
“They both love you and want you to be happy.”
“I love them, too.”
“They know. And I’m here for you, too. And for them.”
“You’ve been really great with all of it. Thanks for being there for both of them.”
We sit in silence, watching the night sky and listening to the rhythmic pounding of the waves against the shore.
Elizabeth’s head lifts from my shoulder. “Julien? What’s going on with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Just like I know those two boys inside, I also know you. You’ve been quiet this entire week. Want to talk about it?”
This girl has been my heart since the day I met her. Like my brother and Ryder, I love her. It’s a profound type of love. One of friendship, a love of trusting that the other person holding your heart does so with care, that they will protect and cherish it. The type of love that you trust your deepest secrets to. Everyone thinks because Jay and I are twins, we have this unbreakable bond. We do. My brother is everything to me. But there are some secrets rooted deep within my soul that I can’t tell him. Secrets that scare me. I take Liz’s hand and link our fingers together.
“It’s complicated.”
She chuckles. “Um, have you seen my life recently?”
I release a dejected laugh. She’s right, this past week has been a shit show of messed up proportions.
Five minutes go by as our gazes remain locked on the dark horizon illuminated by a half moon.
“I like Elijah,” I say out of nowhere.
“I heard you two have been hanging out with each other a lot lately. He’s a good guy.”
“No, Elizabeth. I like Elijah.”
Her head whips around. I wait. I can see every emotion flashing across her expressive face. I can also see when understanding hits her.
“Oh. Oh!”
I pick up some sand with my left hand and let it drift through my fingers, counting how long it takes for all the grains to fall, like an hourglass counting down time.
“Are you...does he...does he like you back?” she finally gets out. I shake my head no.
“He doesn’t know how I feel. It’s so stupid. I know he would never like me like that. It’s stupid. I’m stupid,” I groan.
“Julien, you are not stupid.”
“I am. Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
“I first realized I was, well, the way that I am, that day at Jay’s swim meet. Remember that day when he went up against Elijah and then we all met Elijah after when he came over to congratulate Jay?”
“Do you mean that time he asked for my number but the three of you knuckleheads scared him away? Or after, when you all lectured me on why I wasn’t allowed to date anyone and treated me like I was a baby?” she accuses, kicking sand at my feet. “Oh, yeah, I remember that day.”
I wince. “Sorry, not our finest moment. I thought I’d bust a nut when Ry said you were too young. That was funny as shit.”
“Let’s agree to disagree.”
“I was actually jealous of you,” I confess, feeling shame at having such a petty feeling toward her.
“Jealous? Of me?” she asks, surprised. “Why?”
“I thought Elijah was the most handsome boy I had ever seen. But then he started talking to you, not me. It scared me a lot. How could I want you and him at the same time?”
Liz looks a little unsure on what to say. It takes her a minute before she continues.
“You wanted me?”
“You know I’ve always loved you, Liz.”
“I love you, too.” She starts to wiggle her toes, digging them into the cool sand. “You’re right. This is very confusing. I’m with Jayson now and you like Elijah. So, um, are you saying that you’re bi?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. I guess it would make sense. I mean, you’re the only girl I’ve ever been truly interested in in that way. And, yeah, I like Elijah, too,” I admit as I create a picture in the sand with broken pieces of seashells.
“You know it’s ok to be confused and it’s ok to have questions. Have you talked to Jayson about things?”
I shake my head. “No. No one knows. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
She’s shocked. I don’t think I’ve seen the type of shocked expression on Liz’s face before.
“I’m very honored then. Thank you, Julien.”
My breath releases in a torrent.
“Do you plan to tell Jayson? Your parents? I’ll be there with you, be there for you, no matter when or where or how. Whatever you need, I’ll do it. Just say the word.”
This girl is so special. She would walk through fire for me. I’m grateful to have her in my life. I’m grateful that she loves my brother, that she loves me and Ryder, too. Her capacity for love is overwhelming.
“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. It’s been hard enough trying to figure out what’s in my head. I’ve always felt different in some way.”
“You’re not different, Julien. Don’t ever think that. You’re strong and kind and honest. You put others before yourself. You are one the most wonderful people I know, and I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t in my life. Your parents, Jayson, even Ryder, will support you no matter what. They won’t abandon you. Being gay or bi doesn’t change who you are. You must know that, right?”
“I know things are better today than they used to be, Liz. But there’s still a lot of hate and prejudice that exists. I don’t know if I’m ready to face all of that. Especially when we go back to school.”
“Those small-minded people can go fuck themselves then,” she says vehemently.
I’m not used to hearing the f-word come out of Liz’s mouth. “Whoa, mamma tigress. You can sheathe those claws now.”
“Not on your life. Anyone wants to mess with you, they will have to get through me first, claws and all.” Turning somber again, “I mean it Julien. No matter what, you need me
and I’m there.”
“I love you, Liz.”
“And I love you, too.” The hug she gives me is warm and welcoming.
I gradually get up from where we sit, wiping sand off the backs of my legs. “Let’s head on in and make sure Jay and Ry haven’t killed each other yet.”
“Whatever you want,” she replies, and I know she means it in every way.
Chapter 10
Jayson
I glance over at Ryder. I understood Liz’s intentions last night when she silently slipped out of the room leaving me and Ryder alone for the first time since our fight. But I also understand that the rift between him and me will take a lot of long, hard work on my part before it mends. I’m up for the challenge. I’d do anything for my girl. I get it, too. I get Ryder’s anger at me. I’m the piece of shit he accused me to be, going behind everyone’s back and claiming Liz for myself. I’ve asked myself, would I have done anything different if given the chance. Yes and no. Having Liz as mine? Fuck no.
Bright flashes of red, gold, green, and blue explode across the evening sky. We are sitting on the beach watching the barrage of fireworks put on a dazzling show, enjoying the last night of our stay before we head back home tomorrow. Liz is leaning back against me and I squeeze her tighter, resting my chin on top of her head. From our spot on the southern end of Topsail Island, we can also see fireworks going off in Wilmington and Wrightsville located miles away. The boom and thunder of each explosion reverberate like a heavy drumbeat. Liz is seated in between my outstretched legs, her arms grasping mine which are wrapped around her middle. She gasps each time a firework detonates.
“Oh, I love that one,” she voices in wonder and points to the cascade of golden sparkles showering down like a waterfall.
We have probably another twenty minutes before the big finale when an idea forms. Between the morning parade, the cookout, and now fireworks, I haven’t had one minute of alone time with Liz all day. Not to mention she’s currently wearing that damn bikini top and I’m at the point where I will lose my ever-loving mind if I don't get my hands on her soon.
All Our Next Times: Fallen Brook Series: Book 1 Page 10
