by Anthology
Mom gave my dad a sideways glance, prompting him to offer his hand to Kylian. “I’m Tommy and this is Miriam.”
“But you can call me Ma’am. I kinda like it,” Mom said with a devilish grin. She was actually flirting with him!
“Mom!”
“What? I do like it. Anywho, we have dinner plans, so we’ll be heading out,” she said with a wink. “You two don’t have too much fun.”
It was my turn to burn with embarrassment. We said our goodbyes, let the coach know we were leaving, then headed out to the car.
Here’s to trying out this whole dating thing.
THE END
Hi! I’m Danielle Brenna and this is my first published story. (YAY!) I give everyone a chance at love and I’m totally open to any and all walks of life. Love is love. And happiness is only a page away.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleBrenna
Let’s Start Something
Copyright © 2018 by Vanessa Morse
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
To my boys, may you always find the fun in falling in love. -Mom
“Hey Savvy, watch this!” Layla yelled as she ran full speed toward the lake. I turned as my best friend since kindergarten grabbed the rope swing and flung herself into the cool Georgia water.
“You’re such a child, Lay.” I giggled, my sunglasses riding low on my nose to watch Layla splash around. I shook my head, “I wouldn’t be caught dead swinging like a monkey over that water, who knows what’s lurking under the surface!”
The sun set high in the sky, making the water shimmer. Layla floated on the surface, her hands and feet swished about, her eyes closed and not a care in the world. I watched her from my lounge chair on the dock, content in the silence of her company.
“You know, Savvy, we should do something fun this spring break.” Layla suggested, her arms dragging under the surface of the water. “I’m tired of the beach. I was thinking we’d change it up a bit.”
“Any ideas? Because I was hoping to lay low, go to the spa—” I responded, wondering where her thoughts were headed.
Layla straightened her body, her raven hair slicked back from the water as I blurted, “How about we just play tourists here at home then?”
I leaned forward and flipped my glasses up onto my head. Curiosity and uncertainty shone in my expression as Layla smiled with that little hint of crazy she always got when we were about to start trouble. This spring break was going to be anything but quiet if I let Layla have her way…
“Savvy, I have the perfect idea! We can spend a day or two—pretend to be guests at the Fitzgerald and use my parents’ member card. We can pick up some poor unsuspecting boys and let them think they’ll show us around the lake!” She couldn’t contain the eagerness in her words and her smile widened further. “Oh, I know!” She attempted to snap, but her fingers were too wet to make a sound, “what if we’re the tour guides and show them around a thing or two!” I laughed as her eyebrows raised suggestively, her fingers danced along the surface of the water and her smile broad with excitement.
“You are so bad!” I playfully admonished my best friend and pulled out my phone. “I’ll check their spa availability.” A little fun never hurt anybody, right?
Our skin darkened along with the sky. The sun set low along the tree line as Layla and I plotted our week crashing at the Fitzgerald Hotel and Spa. We knew our parents would never go for us staying there since we lived around the corner, so we stuck to the basics. One day of spa services; the rest lounged by the pool overlooking the water, sipping fruity drinks. We would wait for the right guys to come along and sweep us off our feet for the week. Heaven knew, after the semester I had, I needed the distraction.
“Dude! This place is the shit!” Mitchell slapped me on the back as he shoved past the threshold into the lake house I rented for the week and dropped his bags onto dark wood floors. I could hear his maniacal laugh mixed with shuffling feet and slamming doors after he disappeared through the opening to the kitchen. I checked the wall behind the front door to see if I still had my security deposit.
Damn.
“Hey Mitch, you think you could go easy on the house? I’d like it to still be standing at the end of the week.” I yelled through the open space. “And the master bedroom is mine!”
The rest of the guys wouldn’t be here until tomorrow, Mitch and I came a day early for a moment of peace before the chaos of frat boy shenanigans and binge drinking games. The illusion of us being respectable adults would’ve been lost had we all showed up at once. Readjusting my bag on my shoulder, I pocketed the keys and looked around.
Tall ceilings, open railings, and windows with endless views of the water out back. The pictures weren’t lying—it was fucking paradise. I took a deep breath and ventured further into the belly of the house in search of my friend.
The back-sliding door was open, but Mitch wasn’t on the deck.
“Mitch?” I called outside, scanning over the railing. Sure enough, he was exactly where I thought he’d be. The hammock swung lazily, Mitch’s cheesy sandal dangled from his foot over the side. His head popped up, and I could swear I saw his molars he was smiling so wide.
“I’m never fucking leaving!” He plopped back, the hammock rocking harder and I laughed. So, I lost my security deposit, so what. Mitch’s schoolboy excitement was worth it.
“Welcome to the other side, bro!” I cupped my hands around my mouth, my voice booming through the trees down to my friend. “It’s not so bad having a spoiled rich friend now, is it?”
A single thumb shot skyward from his swinging perch and I turned back into the house to take inventory of the fridge.
The morning came too soon, the mascara smudged under my eyes proof of our late night and lack of face washing. I splashed cold water on my skin, the most effective way to chase away the night and greet the day ahead.
The first official day of our spring break vacation.
I smiled at my reflection. Thoughts of our plans for the week were still fresh in my mind, the possibility of forgetting the heartbreak and the asshole I left behind in Carolina was welcomed with renewed enthusiasm.
“You got this, Savvy. You’re worth so much more than that loser.” I assured myself, face fresh and open to whatever adventures lie ahead.
I made quick work of my shower, hair, and simple makeup before venturing into the kitchen for coffee.
“Hey, you’re up early.” I startled as Layla turned the corner, still sleepy-faced and puffy-eyed. Her mascara was long gone from the lake yesterday. “Have you showered?” I curled my lip thinking the worst.
“Of course, gross girl. I was covered in lake grime.” She snapped. “I was up much later than you were.” She breezed past me into the kitchen and grabbed a mug. “I thought I heard some noise from the house next door this morning, I guess it’s rented for the week.” One sip. “Ah, that’s good.” And she was gone again, the aroma of sweet cream and coffee left in her wake.
“Guess who’s not a morning person.” I mumbled as I grabbed my own mug and filled it to the brim. No creamer for me, the bolder the better. I inhaled the strong smell of fresh grounds and took my first sip.
Heaven.
Satisfied in my morning routine, I headed to the porch swing for a little quiet time before Layla fully woke and wanted to put our plans into action.
I watched the fish jump around as the birds swooped low for their breakfasts. The wate
r clear, the air still crisp, a perfect spring morning.
“Yo douchebags! The party has arrived!” The sound of slamming doors and obnoxious males echoed down the cove. I guess Layla was right, the house next door was rented.
Great.
I sighed and wrapped my sweater a little tighter around myself and rocked. The steam from my cup a soothing reminder of the early hour. Not the least bit interested in the shit-show that will no doubt commence next door, I continued to stare out at the water as the sun ascended higher into the sky, wiping the colors of night away in favor of daytime hues of cornflower and Carolina blue.
The sun came up earlier than I thought it would, even with daylight savings time. I dragged my tired ass out of bed and pulled open the sliders in my bedroom. The air was still crisp, the bite of winter trying to linger into morning, so I grabbed a hoodie and threw it over my head. A stretch and a scratch while overlooking the serene water of Lake Oconee wasn’t a bad way to start the day. North Carolina was still much colder this time of year, even if it was only a few short hours away from where we currently stayed.
The rest of the guys were coming in today, except for one. Tony flat out refused to venture south with us this season, instead headed north to ski with his new girl. I cringed. She didn’t hold a candle to the girl he dumped her for.
I sighed, my hand rested on the back of my neck as I thought back to the look on her face when she found out he had cheated on her. I watched their exchange in the parking lot from the quad, not to mention heard the smack as she hit him with all her strength. It was pretty epic, I’ll admit. But the tears in her eyes did something to me, and all I wanted—all I still want—was to wrap her in my arms and assure her that everything would be okay. He wasn’t worth her tears. Her time. Tony wasn’t good enough for Savannah. I hoped she had realized that too.
“Dude! Quit scratching your balls and come on!” Mitchell’s booming voice caused me to flinch, I didn’t think he was awake yet, forget peppy.
“The fuck, man? You’re lucky I didn’t deck you just now.” I threatened, annoyed at his disruption of my quiet morning. “Get out!” I shoved him back out of the room and slammed the door, but I couldn’t hide the humor in my tone.
“Get dressed, pretty boy! We have a full day ahead of man-business, and I want to check out the area.” Mitch yelled through the closed door before he stomped back down the hall.
I headed to the bathroom and got ready for the day. Chaos was a blink away and I needed to be cognizant. Who knew what my brothers had planned, but I was sure it wouldn’t be quiet for much longer.
“Yo douchebags! The party has arrived!”
Too late.
The front door slammed open and shut, heavy footsteps and loud voices carried through the house. I listened to their sounds of praise of the digs, the view, and the well-stocked refrigerator. High-fives and laughter greeted me as I joined my fraternity brothers around the kitchen island.
“Sup guys, you’re early,” I grabbed a bottle of water, “anxious to see what Georgia has to offer?” I snickered. “Or were you too fucking cold in Carolina?” I took a swig, “Don’t worry, your balls will drop again…until you get in the water.” I held out my arms to the group. “Welcome to the lake, fellas. Mi casa es su casa, at least for the week.” I took another gulp and slapped Mitch’s back as I passed him to the deck out back. “Show them around.”
It was still semi-quiet outside, so I embraced it for as long as I could. I leaned over the railing to get a look down the lake, the sun already higher than the trees, when I saw her. Wrapped in a pink something, swaying back and forth on the porch-swing next door.
Savannah Porterdale.
I gripped the railing with white knuckles as I leaned a little further forward. Was I seeing things? Surely, she wouldn’t pick here to spend spring break? How did she even fucking know about this place?
I leaned back and let out a breath. The iron-fisted grip I still had on the railing ached with exertion and nerves.
Shit just got real.
“So, what’s on the agenda?” I asked Layla.
She twirled her hair, “Hmmm…let’s see,” she tapped the screen of her phone. “Today is actually a free day. We can explore the town, hit up the local café for lunch, and maybe see a movie?” She looked up at me and smiled, obviously not satisfied with her suggestion.
“Or…. we could see who’s next door?” She shimmied.
“There you go with those eyebrows again, Lay, and even a little wiggle to boot.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the corners of my mouth turning up. “I don’t see the harm in being neighborly, but no parties!” I warned. “You know my parents would kill me if the house was trashed. Plus, I’d like to keep the chaos—” I pointed over my shoulder “—over there. Deal?” I held out my pinky for her to grasp.
“Deal!” She squealed, hooking her baby finger with mine.
Layla skipped back into the house, humming an excited tune, and I turned back toward the water. “Savvy!!” She yelled from inside, “Get your gorgeous ass in here, we have a busy day ahead!” Her sing-song voice rung through the exposed rafter-beams.
I grumbled and headed in. Whatever we were doing today, Layla wouldn’t stand for me in yoga pants and a tank top. The only acceptable attire for leaving the house during spring break was a skimpy bikini and cutoffs or something equally revealing. Lucky me.
“Lay, it’s just a little too chilly right now for anything too crazy. Can’t we wait an hour or two?” I whined, hoping for a little more peace and quiet.
“No! Operation Sexy Savvy is underway, it’s our spring break!” She griped right back. “You’re not going to sit and stare into space every morning, Sav. You and I both know who and what you’re thinking about, and Tony is a piece of shit.” She popped her hand on her hip, “He didn’t deserve you when he had you.” She leaned forward and grabbed my hand with both of hers, the promise of adventure and understanding in her eyes. Her mouth was quirked in a lopsided smirk as I allowed myself to be led to her room.
“C’mon, my wardrobe is so much better than yours. Let’s see what we can find.” She disappeared into the walk-in closet and reemerged with a low cut red cotton dress. It was flowy and shapeless.
I raised an eyebrow, “Really? That’s what you want me to wear today?”
“Relax, there’s more.” She tsked. “I know you like comfort, and this is actually quite sexy. All you need is…” She bit the tip of her nail and tapped her foot as her eyes scanned around the room. “Aha! Here.” She spotted a wide belt and tossed it my direction. “Some big earrings and wedges and you’re all set!”
I laughed. “You’re crazy, you know that, right?”
She shrugged and went back into the closet. “You love me.”
A few beats of silence before Layla appeared in the doorway with another frock. This one was willowy and almost sheer. “What do you think of this one?”
I started to shake my head, my eyes widened in horror.
I was not going out in the daytime in that!
“For me, not you, silly!” She caught my shocked expression and gave the soft pink fabric a shake. It seemed to float on the hanger, it was almost dreamy.
“Yes. One hundred percent yes, Lay! That dress is so you.” I grabbed my BFF-approved outfit of the day and headed to my room, “I’m going to get myself ready. See you in what? Like twenty-thirty minutes in the kitchen?” I asked over my shoulder.
“Girl! Perfection takes time, don’t rush me like that!” Layla shouted back, “Not everyone can wake up looking like a supermodel, okay!” The playful jab caused me to pause and turn.
“Really?” I asked. “You’re telling me those guys next door won’t be falling all over you when we knock on their door later?” I rolled my eyes. “Please. You ooze sex-appeal, why do you think I call you Lay?”
Whoosh!
A pillow flew past my head, barely missing and plopped against the wall.
I walked back into the kitchen, all the guys where I left them, minus their bags. Not even nine AM and they’re already slamming beer cans on their foreheads. I shook my head, already knowing what I was getting into this week by inviting ten of my frat brothers to some remote paradise surrounded by water and lack of night-life. We had to create our own party. What the hell, it’s spring break, might as well have taken full advantage while I could.
“Where’s mine?” I questioned as a can slid my direction. “Thanks.” I popped the top and tipped my head back. I chugged the contents as a chant filled the room, hands slapped the granite countertop, and as I crushed the can in my fist, Mitch grabbed me by the neck.
“Yeah! Look who’s joined the party!” My childhood best friend yelled in my ear. “You’re the fucking man, Charleston Reed!” The rest of the guys hollered. “That had to be new record!”
I raised my crushed can in the air, “Who’s ready to have the most epic spring break ever?!” The beer sat heavy in my gut, but I wasn’t fazed. This was just the beginning, and if I had any hope of getting through the week without knocking on the front door of the next house over, I was going to need enough liquor to cement my feet right fucking here.
“I’m going to get dressed, are ya’ll ready for the day?” I called over the ruckus I just raised.
“Yeah, man! Go get pretty-fied, I’ll hold shit down here.” Mitchell pushed me from the kitchen, “and take a shower. You reek.”
“C’mere!” I grabbed him in a headlock and rubbed my fist in his hair. “Dick.”
He tried to push away but I held on, pushing us into the wall. His muffled remarks and grunts had the other guys gathering, his arms flailed about as he tried to get a grip on my torso.
