Finally...One Summer (Just One of the Guys)

by Kristi Pelton

  He pointed at me. “Damn it. I knew you’d do this.” He paused staring at me. “Come on. I don’t want to miss it.” Austin and I sat on the third row. I wedged myself between Austin and my dad. Another awkward situation.

  “We’re going to talk about this,” Dad said smoothly under his breath to both me and Austin.

  Austin nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “There is nothing to talk about, Dad,” I said rolling my eyes.

  “All rise.” The words echoed through the room.

  We watched the jurors parade into the room and into the jury box; one held a sheet of paper.

  “Has the jury reached a decision?” The judge asked.

  “We have,” a petite woman in the front said, rising to her feet and holding out the paper she held.

  The court reporter took it, passed it to the judge and he reviewed it.

  “Will the defendant please rise?”

  Cooper Lynch and his attorney stood. All the eyes in the courtroom seemed focused on him, but I couldn’t pull my eyes from the girl, so close to my age, in the front row, lodged between two families that loved her, watching the man she loved. Her future as much as his…lay in the words to come. My heart ached, for her and I felt sick as my lunch churned in my stomach.

  Austin gripped one hand and my father gripped the other.

  “I will direct that any reactions be contained and that everyone wait until all charges and verdicts are read. Regarding the charge of Murder in the second, the jury finds Cooper Lynch not guilty.”

  Mia put her hand over her mouth holding in whatever almost escaped. I squeezed both hands that I held. Zach was nodding in front of me.

  “Regarding the charge of Murder in the third, the jury finds Cooper Lynch not guilty.”

  A hush settled over the room.

  “Regarding the charge of Manslaughter, the jury finds Cooper Lynch guilty.”

  A gasp from one of the mothers resonated in the room, and Mia collapsed, burying her head in her lap. Cooper stayed upright staring at the judge.

  “Sentencing will be held March 29th at 1:30. All parties are ordered to reappear. The defendant will remain in custody until that date.” The judge’s gavel thudded on the wood and my body flinched. Austin squeezed my hand.

  I think it was Mia’s parents who bent next to her trying to console her. Mr. Resnik was already talking to Cooper and his parents. A corrections officer gave them distance but it was obvious he was present solely for one reason. Cooper spun around and looked at the fair-haired girl in the front row that hadn’t been able to hold it together.

  “Mia?” Cooper’s face broke as he saw her.

  She lunged forward, flinging her fearful arms around his neck. He lifted her off the ground burying his face in her shoulders.

  “I’m so sorry,” she wailed.

  He shoved her back shaking her arms. “Stop! You did nothing wrong. You did nothing. This was my choice. I did this. I’m the one that’s sorry,” he cried.

  “How long? How long will you be gone?” she cried, her father held her at the waist supporting her body.

  Mr. Resnik shook his head. “He has no priors. Probation is unlikely but a year…up to three.”

  He sentencing was sketchy, I could tell. Three years?

  Mia reached up to touch his face. “I’ll wait for you.”

  “No, Mia. You deserve better. Just move on.”

  “No, Coop. I won’t. I love you.”

  The corrections officer was there with the silver handcuffs clanging in his hand. Cooper’s mother sat and covered her face. Mr. Lynch wrapped his arms around his son.

  “Be strong. We’ll be here, son.”

  Cooper shook his tear-streaked face. “I love you, Dad. Mom.” He held his hands behind his back. “I love you, Mia.”

  “I love you.”

  Chapter 45—Life

  I felt like an intrusive voyeur as I watched the heartbreaking story unfold before my eyes. It was worse than any episode of Law and Order I’d ever seen and unfortunately, it replicated what unfurled in my life. I hadn’t realized that I had silently cried until Zach wiped the dampness from my cheeks. Zach had turned in the bench seat in front of me. Austin stood at the end of the row speaking with my father. I was nervous about what that was about.

  “You OK?” Zach quietly asked, his index finger still wiping the falling tears.

  “That was us,” I whispered.

  He shook his head. “I know.”

  “No. I mean that was us. He’s leaving her.”

  Zach’s eyes held a pain that I didn’t understand. “He doesn’t want her to waste three years on him.”

  My forehead creased. “Is it a waste if she loves him?”

  “I don’t know. Only time will tell. It’s obvious he loves her too. Look what he did for her. But he still has to be punished for what he did.” He paused staring at me. “He may regret his decision to let her go.”

  I watched his Adam’s apple jet out when he swallowed.

  He cleared his throat. “He’s an idiot,” he whispered.

  We both knew we weren’t talking about Cooper and Mia anymore. The similarities touched too close to home, and we stopped talking and just stared.

  “Zachary. We need to go,” Mrs. Owens spoke softly leaning in and kissing the top of my head. “Goodbye sweetheart,” she said to me.

  “Bye,” I mouthed.

  Zach stood and Dad waited for me. There was so much I wanted to say…so much I needed to hear, but knew I wouldn’t get the chance to do either.

  The guys waited for us in the hall, and we all left the courthouse together. It seemed a juvenile thought…silly at best…but they were my boys. I loved them and I knew deep down each of them loved me in their way. We took care of us…had each other’s backs…and always would. I knew there was nothing they wouldn’t do for me or nothing I wouldn’t do for them. I didn’t know what the future held for me at this moment, but I did know that when the time came I would have a maid of honor in Ali and five guy bridesmaids—whoever the groom may be.

  My boys drove one way and we drove the other not far behind Zach’s folks. I would have given anything to be a mouse in that car on the ride home, wondering what they talked about.

  “Bug?”

  “Yeah, Dad?”

  “I was proud of you today.”

  Mom twisted around and smiled at me.

  “Thank you.”

  “You handled that respectfully and with grace. I was proud to be your dad.”

  I smiled. “I’m proud to be your daughter.”

  “We have something else we need to discuss.”

  Austin! I braced myself for impact. “What’s that?” I asked innocently.

  He glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Falsone.”

  “Austin’s dad?” I asked stupidly, and the minute it came out, I could have conked myself in the head.

  “No. Austin.”

  “Oh,” was all I said.

  “He has expressed…interest in…dating my daughter.”

  OMG! I fought a smile. I cannot believe he did this. My mom hid her smile with her palm and looked out at the mountains we passed.

  “What are your thoughts about that?” he asked.

  My thoughts…they were strewn from Eugene to LA…no wait…from Cannon to LA. I never believed dating Austin would be a viable option. I was certain my dad knew nothing about the skinny-dipping and I laughed to myself.

  “Want to share with the group?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “No. It’s weird, Daddy.” I threw out the Daddy remark because it pulled at his heartstrings. “Austin and I are friends and…he’s older than me.”

  “I am well aware of that,” he said sounding disgruntled. “I’m inclined to say no, Emma.”

  My pulse quickened. I didn’t know what I wanted. I liked Austin…OK…it was more than like, but I loved Zach.

  “Emma,” Mom spoke up. “You’ve seen no one for three months and that is fine with us. Your
education is priority, cross-country, possibly employment then dating. Austin is a fine young man and I certainly don’t have a problem with it…”

  I heard a but coming.

  “But…” she continued. “Don’t lead him on if you are not over Zach.”

  I stared out at the trees passing in a blur. I wasn’t over Zach and wasn’t sure if I ever would be no matter how much time passed. My phone vibrated on my lap. Austin texted and I smiled.

  Are you dead yet???

  I giggled.

  I’m not but surprised you’re still alive send

  He took it better than I thought. Is it a no?

  I think its up to me send

  and??

  I didn’t text back. I sat…smiling…waiting…

  WTF??

  I laughed out loud and both Mom and Dad glanced at me.

  Im thinkin. Im scared send

  WTF??

  Stop saying that send

  Sorry…scared why

  I wasn’t’ sure why.

  What will your friends think send

  WTF??? Kidding…idc anymore

  I don’t believe that send

  Whats your answer

  Whatsthe question send I giggled.

  He didn’t text back. I’d made him angry or frustrated. A little anxiety on his end would be good for him.

  “You know,” I said breaking the silence with my parents. “I know he’s older, but he makes me smile. He makes me laugh and that feels good right now.”

  My dad glanced over at my mom and I’m not sure what secret message passed between the two.

  “Does that make you angry?” I asked.

  “No,” my dad answered. “But, maybe we can start with a visit to the house.”

  I shrugged. “We’ll see. We may be better as friends,” I added.

  The rest of the drive was quiet.

  My clock read 9:47 when my phone buzzed and I was in my PJs. I half expected it to be from Austin. The message was from Zach. My heart thudded against my chest and took my breath away. He hadn’t texted me in three months.

  R your parents up?

  I opened my door and peeked out. Mom was zonked in bed and dad was asleep in the recliner.

  Both are asleep why? Send

  May I come n

  My heart skipped a beat as I peered out my bedroom window and he stood against the side door of his parent’s car with the phone in his hand. He waved and my teeth pressed into my lower lip.

  I snuck down the stairs a second time and entered the alarm code to deactivate it.

  I opened the door and he was there. His face was serious.

  “Hi,” I mouthed, and I pointed up stairs.

  When I locked the door, he entered the code and followed me up, closing my door.

  “You look upset,” I said softly.

  He stood at my window, his back to me. No answer.

  “Zach. What’s wrong?”

  His hands were deep in his pockets, and as he turned toward me, he was lost in thought. “May I give you that kiss now?”

  I slowly nodded giving consent. It was like in the beginning of our relationship, when he moved toward me slowly, a hunger in his eyes that scared me just a little. When he moistened his lips and his face was inches from mine, the incoherent rhythm of my heart frightened me. Then his lips slightly parted and met mine. His arms wrapped around my waist crushing my body to his. His smooth tongue mingled with mine and my knees buckled. He knew me well and was prepared to support my weight. My hands slid behind his ears grabbing two hands full of hair as I reined him in as close as I could. I knew this was goodbye. I knew this was it. I wouldn’t get a second chance.

  Not that my legs provided me with any stability, but when my feet left the ground and he held me snuggly in his arms, I took full advantage of the situation and wrapped my legs around his waist. When the inevitable whimper rose in my throat and broke free, we both smiled but didn’t stop. His hands memorized every square inch of my face as they roamed over it.

  After several long minutes, he broke free, and I panted trying to catch my breath. His arms still held me.

  “When do you leave?” I whispered.

  “In the morning.”

  I nodded and lay my forehead against his chest tucked perfectly under his chin.

  “I’ll try,” he said. “But I can’t make any promises.”

  My head immediately came up to read his eyes. “Try what?”

  He hesitated. “To be your friend. If that’s what you want.”

  My eyes rounded. “That’s not what I want. But…if that’s all I can have, I’ll take it.”

  His chin cocked to the side. “Giving you what you want isn’t an option right now.”

  I unlocked my legs behind his back and tried to wrestle free.

  “Em. I don’t get to hold you for the next three or four months. I’d appreciate your patience and allow me to hold you now.”

  I stopped fighting and allowed him that. “Do you regret leaving?”

  “It doesn’t matter. I would have regretted staying too. It was a no win.”

  “Was it that bad here?” I heard the sadness in my voice.

  He shook his head as he slid some stray hairs behind my ear. “Being with you…was perfect. Hurting you…was unbearable.”

  “It hurt more when you left.”

  He scowled. “I know. But in the long run…”

  I shrugged. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter. You’re where you want to be.”

  As he shook his head, I could tell he dismissed my words. “This friendship thing. How does it work?”

  “Set me on the bed,” I requested. He did though he didn’t let go of me. “Well.” I didn’t know how it worked either. “We touch base on occasion. Support each other. Text. Call.”

  He smiled. “This won’t help you move on.”

  “Is that what you want? For me to move on?”

  His hands immediately tightened on my shoulders. “I’m gone for at least three years. You deserve to move on.”

  “That’s not what I asked.”

  He leaned in and brushed the softest kiss over my lips. “The thought of someone kissing you…let alone…” He lowered his head taking a deep breath. “Promise me something.”

  “Anything,” I whispered.

  He delicately traced my eyebrows. “Anyone but Austin.”

  My body stiffened. Were there any other guys that existed besides Zach and Austin? I opened my mouth but nothing came out.

  The back of his jaw flexed with heartbeat. “Am I too late? Are you and Austin already making plans?”

  “No!” I couldn’t breathe. “Sort of…”

  A low growl roared in the room.

  “Zach. He’s my friend. He’s always been part of my life. And you are the one choosing to leave me. So, you can’t make those kinds of requests. That’s not fair.”

  “So the intent is already there?” he asked with a deep pucker between his eyes.

  “No. I don’t know. You’re not being fair.”

  His hands cradled my face then slid deep into my hair massaging my scalp. “He’s twenty years old. You’re sixteen. He’s too old for you!”

  I threw myself around his neck burying my face in his shoulder. “Forget him! This isn’t about Austin—you’re leaving in hours. Please don’t waste this time.” I bordered on the brink of crying. “Hold me. Hold me till I fall asleep.”

  He kicked off his shoes and pulled me back onto the bed without another word, positioning my head on his chest and fingering through my hair. My head moved up and down with each of his breaths. He twisted my hair around his finger, pulling it to his nose and inhaling my scent. The tears that formed in my eyes and spilled over onto his shirt were not of sadness, nor of joy, but of love. I truly loved Zach Owens and tomorrow he would be gone from my life again. Three years he would spend in California…without me. Though the silence was intense, it wasn’t awkward. We both knew there was nothing left to say. The last time I
glanced at the glow of the clock, it was1:39am and my eyelids gave up the fight.

  When the hint of pale pink colored the eastern sky, I blinked my eyes a couple of times realizing it was morning. Zach was no longer beside me, and I sniffed the pillow he’d laid on through the night. It smelled just like him. I wished there was someway to capture it and keep it forever, but I knew by nightfall it would be gone.

  Zach was gone. I didn’t know if he’d text or call and that drove me nuts but what could I do about it? Nothing. He asked only one thing of me and that was to not see Austin. Austin was my friend, and I didn’t know what the future held for us. But, I did know that if Austin asked, I would probably go out with him, mainly because he made me smile and right now, I needed to smile more than I needed anything else.

  We would be heading back to Cannon again in three months, and for some reason, this summer seemed even more intriguing than the last. Maybe it was because I didn’t know what those few months had in store. My life up to this point had been pretty predictable. The last two years…going north to the beach…was more of a chore than a vacation. This year, nothing would hold me here. Ryan had a place to live in Eugene. It disappointed me to think of him not joining us, but then again that was the change he and I had talked about. Change would rule our world for the next few years.

  The thing I realized most…guys had ruled my world—first as protectors and caretakers, then as friends, then one or two became more. It was important I learned who I was, Emma Hendricks. Not Ryan’s sister. Not Zach’s girlfriend. Even though I had always been just one of the guys…maybe this was my time to live without a guy.

  This year, I’d be seventeen and almost a senior in high school, praying for my last shot at a state championship. That was one certain that my life held. The other certain—I would never forget Zach Owens, and I was pretty sure, he would never forget me. I had to believe I’d see him again. I assumed he’d be home over the summer and I’d be gone, which may be for the best…I wasn’t sure I could survive another good-bye.