Sweet Alibi

by Adriane Leigh

  “Enough with the macho names,” he grumbled, in a sour mood no doubt because Drew would be up in his business for the rest of the summer.

  “Fine, cupcake. Let’s go in,” I teased as he followed me up the first set of steps to the front door.

  The beach house was built on wood pilings that elevated the first floor nearly twenty feet above the sand. The ground level on the beach was semi-enclosed and served as storage space. The house was less than a hundred yards off the water and surrounded by rolling dunes and swaying grass. When the realtor walked us through the house, she assured us that the water rarely made it up this far on the beach, but the house would be protected if it did. Hurricanes were another issue entirely and she’d suggested I have a hurricane safety inspection done to make sure the house could withstand hurricane-force winds.

  I unlocked the front door and we stepped into an open space that featured a spacious living room with French doors that looked out over another grand deck and the ocean. Water and waves dominated my vision. To the left was a large kitchen and to the right were the guest bath and a hallway leading to two bedrooms. Beyond the kitchen, another hallway led to three bedrooms and the stairway to the second floor. Each first-floor bedroom had an en suite bathroom, which made arrangements for this summer much more comfortable. Drew and I were certainly capable of logging time in the bathroom, but Silas was on a whole other level―he could spend hours in front of a mirror spiking his hair with half a dozen different products.

  A large island divided the kitchen and living room, and the house was completely white walls and worn wood floors. The realtor had suggested I refinish the floors, but I adored their charm. Whoever had designed the house was inspired by the simple beauty of the beach. I had fallen in love at first sight.

  Walking across the room, I threw open the French doors and felt the warm wind wash over my skin. I wanted these doors open the entire summer to let the ocean breeze waft in and keep the dust bunnies and stale air at bay.

  “I’m going to throw this stuff in my room.” Silas headed down a hallway.

  “The corner room is mine, Silas,” I called after him. He shot me a dirty look. It was the largest room on this floor with the best views. “Advantage of being the owner,” I grinned.

  The house had two floors, but the three bedrooms on the second floor were in rough shape and I’d need to call a carpenter in to replace flooring and update the plumbing.

  While the bedrooms on the main floor were livable, they could use a fresh coat of paint and some modern updates, just one of the summer jobs I’d roped Drew into helping me with. While Silas said he would help, I knew his version of help was more like overseeing while sipping a drink with a little umbrella in his hand. He was good for opinions though–he had plenty of those.

  I continued to walk around the living room, opening all the windows before lifting the sheet off the ratty, old couch. There was some wicker furniture tucked in a corner that was in need of a paint job, but I liked it and planned on leaving it.

  “I’m starving. Let’s order something.” Silas ambled back into the kitchen. “Stop working, we just got here.”

  “That’s why we’re here, Silas. Let’s get our stuff hauled in and then we’ll talk dinner.”

  “Fine, Mom.” Silas always complained that I was too responsible, but on the flip side he was entirely too irresponsible, making us a perfect fit.

  Later that night we sat on the couch eating pizza and drinking beer.

  “I’m dying without TV, love.” Silas took another slice out of the box between us. I smiled at his pet name for me. He’d begun to call me that shortly after we met our freshmen year at Duke. I’d assumed he called everyone that, but I soon found out I was the only one who’d earned that affectionate epithet. It made me feel safe and protected, loved. Silas soon after became a part of me. He was there whenever the pain became too much to bear, listened with open ears, sat with me quietly when I needed silence, and started calling me “love,” something that had helped warm my frozen heart.

  “I’ll work on it tomorrow, but you should know that I believe you have an entertainment addiction.” I crooked a grin at him.

  “I fully admit to that. If there were a twelve-step program I’d be there.”

  “I bet.” I rolled my eyes. “You okay with Drew being here this summer?”

  “Do I have a choice?” He scowled through a bite of pizza.

  “No. Maybe you could come to an understanding,” I trailed off.

  “Doubtful. When will she be here exactly?” He traipsed to the kitchen and grabbed us both another beer. The boy was absolutely delectable. If he didn’t like other boys, I would, without a doubt, have been in trouble. I'd have fallen for his mischievous grin and sexy dimples, and he would have broken my naïve heart.

  “Thanks.” I took the beer. “I talked to her earlier―she and Gavin will be here tomorrow afternoon.” I emphasized his name.

  “Gavin, huh? Sounds like a tool.”

  I shook my head at Silas. “Well, apparently he’s a hot tool, with a big tool.” Silas and I erupted into a fit of giggles.

  “Can’t wait.” His brown eyes sparked with amusement. “Did you talk to Kyle?”

  “Yeah.” I took another sip.

  “And how is he?” Silas watched me with a thoughtful expression.

  “He’s…okay.”

  “Still not happy about this summer’s arrangements?” Silas asked.

  “Not particularly,” I picked the pepperoni off my pizza.

  “Are you guys going to be okay?”

  “Sure. He’ll get over it.”

  “What if he doesn’t?” Silas continued to watch me. I was fast becoming uncomfortable with his scrutiny.

  “He will. It’s just for the summer.”

  “And what about next summer?”

  “I don’t know, Silas. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m here and he’s there. That’s it. That’s what it is.” I jumped off the couch and headed for the kitchen to dispose of my paper plate. Kyle was an up and coming attorney in D.C. working seventy plus hours a week. That left me alone a lot. Or in recent months, Silas and I snuggled up on the couch instead, watching movies together long past our bedtime.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you, love.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and set his chin on my shoulder.

  “I know. I just don’t want to talk about it. We’ll be fine. We’ve always been fine.” I plastered a half-hearted smile on my face. “I’m exhausted.”

  “Okay.” Silas regarded me with somber eyes. “If you need anything, just holler. I'll come running like the valiant knight in shining armor that I am.”

  “Brandishing your blow dryer?” I chortled.

  “Absolutely.” He grinned before gathering our empty beer bottles. I slid the pizza box into the empty fridge and then flicked off the light before we headed down the hall to our respective bedrooms. Silas paused outside his door.

  “Are you really going to be okay, love?”

  Silas knew sleeping in a new place often triggered nightmares. “Yes.”

  I was never good at lying.

  “Come on.” He wrapped his arm around mine and headed for my bedroom where we curled up together as I tried to swallow the burning lump of tears that fought for release.

  Three

  Georgia

  “HONEY, I'M HOME!” Drew's voice sang as she opened the front door the following afternoon. Earlier that morning I'd scrubbed out the fridge, then gone to the grocery store to stock up on food and drinks. I'd also bought cheap utensils and dishes and was now arranging the kitchen. Silas had just finished washing the main floor windows and was sweeping when my dark-haired pixie of a best friend arrived.

  I set down the glasses in my hands, skidded to the front door, and wrapped Drew in my arms.

  “God, G, I’ve missed you so much.” She held me tightly as we rocked back and forth. Tears sprang to my eyes as I inhaled her familiar perfume.

  “Me too. I'm s
o glad you came. Your hair is shorter.” I held her at arm’s length and took in her layered brown bob. “I love it.”

  Drew was obstinate, opinionated, and self-centered, but she, much like Silas, had the ability to set me straight. She told it like it was unapologetically. She and Silas were also the two most hilarious people I’d ever met, so unlike me I couldn’t help but be drawn to them.

  “Drew,” Silas said behind me with a curt nod. I rolled my eyes.

  “Silas.” She rolled her bright blue eyes before a smile broke out across her face. For all their bickering I think they really enjoyed each other.

  “Great house. Give me a tour?” Drew looped her arm in mine and we headed down the closest hallway.

  “I’ll take you to your room first.” She dropped a bag off in the bedroom I was giving her before we made our way through the sprawling house. At each room we talked paint colors and design schemes. My degree was in hospitality with a focus on interior design–I was in my element. After the tour we made our way back to the kitchen and found Silas making margaritas.

  “It’s a proper girls’ night already,” Drew said as Silas poured the frothy drink into glasses. “Thanks for letting Gavin come, Georgia. I know it’s weird since you haven’t met him, but he’s great. You’ll love him.”

  “Can’t wait to meet him.” I sipped the cold drink.

  “Tristan’s great too, and off-the-charts hot.” She rested her hip against the counter and took a drink.

  “Who’s Tristan?” I asked.

  “Is he single? How old?” Silas buzzed, suddenly all ears.

  “Twenty-seven, single, and straight.” Drew shot Silas a warning look.

  “Perfect, and not a problem.” Silas winked at her.

  “Tristan is Gavin's best friend. They’re in business together and working on a project they need to log hours on this summer. Plus he’s going through this thing―so I told him that you wouldn’t mind if he tagged along.”

  “Drew.” I frowned.

  “What kind of thing?” Silas cocked an eyebrow.

  “Lady trouble. He just needs to get away for a while, put his past in the past kind of thing. You’re not mad are you, Georgia?” Drew pouted.

  “Kind of weird that I don’t even know him…”

  “Do you think I would invite a lunatic? Gavin's known him since they were kids.”

  “Technically I don't even know Gavin,” I reminded her. She only pouted in response.

  “He's great. They both are, plus the more muscle we have here this summer the less we’ll have to do.” She tapped her temple as if she'd had a stroke of brilliance. I heaved an exasperated sigh. That was Drew…living in the moment and getting us into situations we probably shouldn't be in. Maybe it had been a good thing she'd been ten hours away in Jacksonville the last few years.

  “When are they coming?”

  “Hopefully soon,” Silas said flirtatiously. Drew shot him a scowl.

  “This weekend. Gavin’s driving and Tristan’s sailing up the coast.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

  “He has a boat?” I asked.

  “Oh, that could make for an interesting evening,” Silas said.

  “Straight, Silas.”

  “I know, I know. Has never stopped me in the past though.” He winked at her.

  Later that night we found ourselves seated on the porch sipping margaritas, catching up. It felt good to laugh and reminisce about old times. I'd missed having Drew in my everyday life. While we talked often on the phone, it was a poor substitute for being together in person. Silas was my best friend, and I loved him just like a brother, but it was so good to have girl time. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed that too. Apparently a lot of things had fallen out of my life over time and I hadn't realized it.

  “Shopping tomorrow?” Drew suggested.

  “Sounds great. There are some antique stores in town I'd like to hit first.” Drew and I had talked about the overall design of the house and how to maintain the cottage feel with modern updates. First we needed to start with the living room since this is where we'd be all summer. A couch was at the top of my list, as well as overstuffed chairs, end tables and an entertainment center where we could tuck a TV that would still blend with the décor. I also needed to stop at the hardware store for sandpaper and paint to refinish the beautiful wicker set that was left behind.

  We continued to drink while the tittering increased as the pitcher of margaritas dwindled.

  “So when will we be graced with the presence of Kyle?” Drew inquired.

  “I know, right?” Silas huffed.

  “Hey.” I shot them a glare.

  “Kyle's a douche, love.” Silas lifted his glass and took another drink. I whipped my head around and narrowed my eyes before a laugh escaped my throat.

  “Total douche.” Drew laughed. “So is he coming down this summer?” She watched me intently.

  “Sure, probably. Don't call my boyfriend a douche.” I stumbled over the last word.

  “Is he mad that you bought this place?” Drew raised an eyebrow at me.

  “Oh yeah.” Silas’ eyes grew wide. “He's pissed. They hardly talk.”

  “Silas.” I whipped a throw pillow at him, causing his drink to splash in his lap.

  “Is he that mad?” Drew asked softly. I chewed on my bottom lip and avoided her gaze.

  “No, he's not mad, he's just not happy.” I picked at my nails, avoiding the gazes of my two best friends.

  “Do you think he’ll come around?” Drew asked.

  “I don't know.” I focused on the cuticle of one nail.

  “Douche,” Silas muttered under his breath. All the drinks had caught up to me and my mood was suddenly crashing.

  “I don't want to talk about it. I'm going to bed. Be ready bright and early, sunshine.” I pointed at Drew.

  I brushed my teeth before stripping off my jeans and crawled into bed in my tank top and underwear. I nestled into the pillow as my thoughts drifted over the past few years of my life. A few minutes later I heard my door creak open. Drew's silhouette was bathed in the light of the hallway. She closed the door behind her and silently curled up in the bed behind me.

  “Are you okay?” Her voice was heartbreakingly sad.

  “Yes,” I whispered, failing to keep my voice from cracking.

  “Doesn't sound like it,” she said.

  “I am.” I hugged my pillow tightly.

  “Have you been to see them lately?”

  “No.”

  “You should. I think it helps.”

  “Really? Silas said–”

  “I don't care what Silas says, what do you say?”

  I twisted my fists together in a grip so tight the knuckles faded to the color of bone china. “It feels like I'm dwelling…”

  “Did you talk to Kyle?”

  “He thinks I should go. Or at least not be so quick to stop.”

  “I agree with him. For once.” She pushed me playfully before nuzzling deeper into the pillow we were sharing.

  “I'm sorry I haven’t been around, Georgia.”

  I sucked in a sharp breath and closed my eyes as tears stung my eyelids. “I know.” I took another deep breath and tried to fight the memories that threatened to invade the dark.

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING I dragged Drew and Silas out of bed at ten, and the three of us headed to town for shopping. We picked up coffee then wandered the streets, in and out of antique stores and boutiques. Our first purchase was a love-at-first-sight large, cream couch. We came across some eggshell blue and cream-striped chairs that complemented it. With the big items out of the way, we focused on smaller, decorative things. Silas spotted a weathered, wrought iron and glass side table, and I found a beautiful, vintage, mirrored lamp to place on top of it. My vision for perfect “modern cottage chic” was coming together.

  With bright sunshine and a cool breeze, I breathed deeply and thought, at this moment, I was the happiest I'd ever been; life was simple as I st
rolled around a small seaside town with my two best friends. Tears pricked my eyes, thankful for both of them.

  After lunch we went to the hardware store for paint samples. Silas and Drew went a little wild, bickering and stuffing dozens of colorful paint chips into my oversized purse. Kyle and I had moved into a beautiful, furnished apartment in D.C. where not a single thing needed to be done, so I was embracing starting from scratch with the beach house.

  We headed home mid-afternoon to meet the furniture delivery truck. They hauled the old couch away and brought the new furniture into the living room, along with the oversized plasma TV Silas had insisted on. Once the furniture was in, Silas, Drew, and I spent time debating the placement of the smaller items. I cracked beers for the three of us and smiled as I watched them argue over everything. This summer would be an exercise in patience between the two of them to be sure.

  Four

  Georgia

  THE NEXT FEW days went by in fast-forward as college years were rewound and replayed. The only piece missing was Kyle. Once a permanent fixture of our group, when he'd finished his bachelor’s degree and entered law school, he’d been all but absent. We’d become just a threesome.

  Late Saturday morning, Drew and I were decked out in oversized shirts and paint-splattered shorts as we finished painting the first guest bedroom. We'd decided on a light shade of gray with pale yellow curtains and accents. Silas had just let the technician from the cable company out and joined us in the guest bedroom to chat as we worked.

  We were starting to clean up when a heavy knock rattled the front door.

  “I'll get it.” Drew skipped out of the room. A few seconds later Silas and I heard her shriek, “Gavin!”

  I scrunched my nose–the guys weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow. I frowned, looking down at my paint-covered clothes. It would have been nice to be more presentable, but we were here to work this summer, so I wasn’t overly concerned.

  Silas and I stepped into the kitchen and found Drew passionately kissing a guy with broad shoulders and bulging biceps. Her fingers wound through his short, dark hair and legs wrapped around his waist, his hands holding her bottom firmly. It was slightly indecent for company, but Drew was never one for appropriate behavior.