Beautiful Mess

by Preston, Jennifer

  “Just one. It ended earlier this year.”

  “And, what happened?”

  “Apparently, things between us weren’t as wonderful as I thought, and it just didn’t work out. Let’s leave it at that,” she smiled sadly.

  “I’ll drink to that,” Cole lifted his Mountain Dew. Bri lifted her Dr. Pepper, they clinked glasses. “Alright, back to you, and you spilling every last detail about yourself,” Cole rubbed his hands together hungrily.

  “Hey, that’s not fair,” she protested with a smile. “I want to know about you, too. If you want me to spill, you have to, also.”

  “Alright, but I get to start.” Cole got a wicked gleam in his eye that made Bri a bit nervous. “There is something I’ve been dying to know since the day we met. Where is this tattoo of yours, and what is it?”

  Bri laughed and pulled her hair back from her right ear. Right below her earlobe was a small, white calla lily. She usually kept it hidden under her hair. It didn’t surprise her that he had never spotted it.

  Cole stared at her neck, mesmerized for a moment.

  “Wow,” he said, seemingly to himself. “That is the sexiest thing I think I’ve ever seen.” Snapping out of his trance, Cole’s eyes quickly darted up to Bri’s and he smiled, embarrassed. He cleared his throat. “Okay, then, moving on. What about your family?”

  Bri let her hair fall back into place. “Dad, stepmom, twin three year old brothers. How about you?”

  “It’s just me and my dad.”

  “Where did you grow up? Have you always lived here?”

  “Born and raised right here in L.A. My dad and I have moved around the area a bit, but we’ve been here in Santa Monica for a little over three years now. Alright, something a little tougher… Favorite movie, TV show, and book.”

  “Hmm. Shakespeare in Love, The Vampire Diaries, and Pride and Prejudice. Yours?”

  “Well, I’m not much into books, but The Matrix, and Top Gear, British version.”

  “Get out!” Bri exclaimed. “I love Top Gear! They have the coolest cars on that show. And Clarkson is freaking hilarious! If I ever get famous, I’m so going on that show.”

  “Wow, I wouldn’t have pegged you for a car girl,” Cole looked impressed. “That just made you even hotter!” he winked.

  "Yeah, thanks,” she shook her head. “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

  “Ah, getting to the meaty stuff already. Well, if I could be anything I wanted, I think I’d be an artist. But, as my dad likes to remind me, a starving artist can’t support himself, or anyone else. So, to be honest, I’m not really sure yet. Something will come to me, eventually,” he gave a lopsided smile.

  “Your dad doesn’t support your art?” Bri couldn’t believe it. “Has he seen your work? You’re very talented.”

  “No, it’s not that. He’s totally supportive. He just knows it’s hard to make a living in the art world, and wants to make sure I have a backup plan.”

  “Oh, good,” she was relieved.

  “What about you?”

  “I really want to be an editor. I’m going to go to Stanford, as long as I don’t do anything stupid and mess it up, and major in English. Then, I might stay at Stanford and get my master’s degree, or I might go to New York, and get it there. I’m not quite sure yet.”

  “Wow! It sounds like you’ve got your whole future all planned out already.”

  “Well, yeah. You make it sound like a bad thing or something.”

  “Oh, no, not at all. Nothing wrong with knowing what you want and where you’re going.”

  Their food arrived, and they took a break from the heavy stuff, and talked about some lighter subjects. After sharing a delicious Tres Leches, they headed out to the pier. They wandered around the carnival-like atmosphere, played some games and rode some rides. It was the best time Bri had ever had on a first date. In fact, it didn’t feel like a first date at all. Except for those first few moments, there was no nervousness or awkwardness. It was surprisingly comfortable being around Cole. He was so personable and easy going, and he could make her laugh like no one else could.

  In fact, the only thing Bri found difficult about the whole evening was keeping her eyes off him. She noticed the way his gray eyes lit up when he smiled, and the way his hair fell across his forehead and into his eyes. And she was definitely aware of how hot his butt looked in those jeans. She was happy to find that Cole seemed to be having trouble keeping his eyes off her, too. This, combined with the way she felt drawn to him, was beginning to make her nervous. She hadn’t felt this way about anyone in a long time, and it scared her. She barely knew him. She shouldn’t be feeling this attracted to him already. She was more aware of him than anything else around her, and that set off warning bells in her head.

  But then Cole would catch her eye, and flash her a brilliant smile, and all her worries would fade away. Her heart would start fluttering, and there was nothing but the way he lit her up inside. Her body couldn’t get enough of it, even if her brain was wary.

  In fact, her body was begging her for more as Cole walked her out to her car.

  “Well, this is me,” she stopped next to her Mazda. She fidgeted with her keys, nervously.

  Cole took a step closer, catching her eyes and holding her gaze.

  “I had a really great time tonight,” she smiled, her heart picking up at his closeness. “More fun than I’ve had in a long time. Thank you.”

  “I had a great time, too,” he said softly. His eyes seemed to darken in the moonlight. He reached out slowly, almost like he couldn’t stop himself, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Bri’s breath caught as his hand moved slowly from her hair, tracing her cheek and jaw with his fingertips. Her heart began pounding as he leaned in closer.

  Cole’s lips inched closer to hers, and Bri’s body rejoiced. It begged for permission to press itself up against him, tangle her fingers in his hair, and kiss the crap out of him. She was shocked at how much she wanted this, how much he already affected her.

  His lips were just millimeters from hers, when her brain started working again, and all of her earlier fears and doubts came flooding back. She had been right, she wasn’t ready for this. Things were moving too fast. Panic gripped her, and she forced herself to act.

  “Wait,” Bri whispered desperately, just before their lips met.

  “Okay,” Cole paused, his eyes darting up to hers questioningly. “I’m waiting...”

  “Cole, I’m sorry, but I can’t,” she pleaded. Her body and mind were at war with each other, and it practically tore her in two to say that. She couldn’t hide the pain in her voice, or on her face, and she felt tears forming in her eyes. Cole let out a sigh and straightened. Seeing her stricken expression, he gently grabbed her shoulders, ducking his head a little to look right in her eyes.

  “Hey, it’s okay,” he assured her. “What’s wrong?” He looked genuinely concerned.

  “It has nothing to do with you, I promise. It’s all me.” Cole’s disappointment cut through her, and she felt she had to explain. “I know this will sound incredibly lame, and like a total cliché, but... the truth is, I went through a pretty rough break up and I’m just not ready for this yet. I just don’t think I have it in me to start anything romantically right now.” She felt a tear slip down her cheek as she realized just how much she wanted Cole to kiss her, and what a bad idea that would be. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, or led you on or anything, but... I just can’t.” More tears began falling now. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Oh, hey, don’t cry,” Cole pulled her into his arms and held her. “It’s okay. I understand. Am I a little disappointed? Only because I’ve been wanting to kiss you all night. But you’re not ready, I get that. How about this,” he pulled back so he could look at her. “What if we try just being friends first? None of this romantic stuff. We just keep getting to know each other as friends for a while?”

  “You’d want to do that?” Bri sniff
ed doubtfully.

  “Of course! You’re still the most interesting girl I’ve ever met. And I was serious when I said I wanted to know everything about you. What do you say?”

  Bri smiled. “I think I’d like that very much.”

  “Good, me too!” he smiled back. “Just so I’m clear, hugs are allowed, right?”

  Bri laughed and pulled him back to her. “Of course,” she said in his ear. It felt so good to be held in his arms, that for a minute she questioned her decision. But this was for the best. It was better to be smart, take things slowly, be cautious, rather than just jump blindly into something.

  And so, sooner than she would’ve liked, she released Cole and unlocked her door.

  “Bye, Cole. Thank you.”

  “Bye, Ambria. Have a good night. Oh, Bri?” he called as she got into her car. “Come visit me down at the beach next week?”

  “I’ll be there Monday,” she smiled, and closed the door. She checked her rearview mirror as she drove away. Cole stood there, watching her, until she was out of sight.

  Chapter 5

  Of course, Bri’s dad was waiting up for her in the living room when she got home.

  “So, how’d it go?” he asked innocently.

  Bri smiled. She was so onto him. “It was fun. I had a really good time. Cole is a lot of fun.”

  “Good, I’m glad. Did anything… interesting happen?” And there it was.

  “Actually, yes,” she paused, enjoying his stricken expression. “We decided that we are just going to be friends for a while.”

  Connor exhaled loudly in relief. “That’s fantastic, Pumpkin!”

  She gave him the evil eye.

  “No, I mean it’s good that you are taking things slowly. You barely know this boy. No reason to go jumping right into a relationship. It’s good you’re being careful.”

  “Right, Dad. You’re just relieved there weren’t any bodily interactions tonight.” She leaned down and kissed her dad’s cheek. “Night, Daddy!”

  “Goodnight, Sweet Pea.”

  Bri walked off to her room.

  “Oh, and Dad?” she turned. “Cole’s last name is Marra.”

  “Well, I’m glad you covered that important piece of information. Anytime you want to bring you new friend by to meet your dear, old dad, you just let me know. I got the shotgun all cleaned and ready to go while you were gone!”

  Bri shook her head and headed into her room. Different versions of how the night could’ve ended between her and Cole swam through her head as she fell asleep.

  Monday morning dawned bright and warm. Bri waited until Summer left to take the boys to the zoo, before hopping in her car and heading down to Venice Beach.

  Cole was busy drawing, and didn’t notice her approach.

  “Hey there!”

  He looked up and smiled as he quickly shut his sketch pad.

  “Hi! I was wondering if you’d show up,” he teased.

  “I brought you something,” Bri held up the two cups in her hand. “I didn’t know what flavors you liked, so I got two and you can pick.”

  “You brought me a present! Someone’s been thinking about me!”

  “If by “thinking about you” you mean that I was thinking it was hot today, and you might like something to cool you down, then yes.” She held out the two Slurpee’s. “Take your pick, Mountain Dew or Orange Fanta?”

  Cole grabbed the Dew Slurpee. “Thanks Ambria! Seriously, this was a really nice surprise.”

  “What, your other friends don’t stop by to visit and bring you treats while you work?”

  “No, my friends never come down here. They prefer Newport or Hunting Beach. I’m on my own out here.”

  “Really? That kind of sucks.”

  “It’s not a big deal,” he brushed it off. “Besides, I usually have a steady stream of potential customers to keep me company,” he smiled wolfishly.

  “And those potential customers wouldn’t happen to be bikini clad girls vying for your attention, would they?” Bri raised her eyebrow.

  “What can I say? Business is good!”

  She gave him an indignant slap on the arm, making him laugh.

  “Come on over, I saved a seat for you,” Cole unfolded a camping chair for her and motioned for her to sit.

  “Oh, you brought me a chair,” she mimicked his tone from earlier. “Someone was thinking about me!”

  “Ever since you left the other night,” he replied, unabashedly.

  Bri felt her cheeks heating, and quickly changed the subject. “So, I know you like to paint. What else do you like to do?” She took a sip of her Slurpee, and tried to ignore the way her heart picked up as he sat down next to her.

  “I like to surf, play sports, mainly football and basketball, hang out at the beach, play video games. And me and my dad like to go camping and boating. What about you? What do you do for fun? Besides reading. I already know that one.”

  “I dance.”

  “Really?” Cole got a wicked gleam in his eyes. “As in...?” he lifted his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Ew, no! Not that kind of dancer! Perv!” She shoved him, laughing.

  “I know. I was just messing with you. You wear way too many clothes to be a stripper!” he laughed. She went to hit him again, harder this time, and he threw his hands up. “Okay, okay, no more stripper jokes! So, you do ballet and stuff?”

  “Among other things. I was a captain on the dance team at my old school, and I taught at my studio for a couple of years. My dad’s been working the principal, trying to get me an audition for the team here. But he’s getting some resistance. I also like to run, play tennis, and I also like to hang out at the beach. I love the ocean.”

  “You in one of those tiny tennis skirts… now that I have to see!”

  “Ha, ha! And I’m dying to see you squeezed into some of those tight football pants!” Bri had been joking, but an image of Cole’s butt in said pants flashed through her mind, and suddenly she wasn’t so sure anymore.

  He grinned wickedly. “You just name the time and place and I’ll be there! Me in my pants, and you in your skirt. Or, better yet, some of those tight dance pants, the ones that show off your butt!

  She raised her eyebrow at him. “I thought we were just going to be friends here. This is coming dangerously close to flirting.”

  “Flirting?” he scoffed. “This is totally platonic, friendly banter. I can’t help it if you are trying to flirt with me.”

  “Whatever, Cole. You just keep living in that deluded world of yours,” she laughed.

  “As long as you come visit me in those sexy dance pants!”

  Bri stayed a little while longer before deciding it was time to head home. True to his word, Cole was on his best friend behavior. They exchanged phone numbers, she hugged him goodbye, and drove home.

  A couple of hours later, Bri’s dad called her from work.

  “Hi Pumpkin, how’s it going?”

  “Good Dad, what’s up?”

  “Just wanted to let you know that I heard from the principal today. She’s convinced the dance team advisor to give you an audition!”

  “Seriously? That’s great!”

  “She wants you there Friday at noon, and she wants to you perform one of your routines from your old team. Friday is their last practice before they break for the rest of summer until school starts. So, remind me to send you with a check for fee’s and uniforms, just in case.”

  “Okay. Thanks Dad, I know how hard you’ve been pushing for me.”

  “Just don’t let me down, Pumpkin.”

  “Have I ever done that?”

  “Not once! Love you!”

  “Love you, Dad! Bye!”

  Bri was so excited. She decided to try out the whole texting Cole thing, and let him know.

  That’s great! He texted back. You’ll have to come down and show me your stuff. I can let you know if you’re good enough for the team. :)

  Yeah right! Like I’m going to dance out on the board
walk at the beach. People will think I’m nuts.

  No way, you’ll totally fit in out here.

  He did have a point. She might even make a couple bucks while she was at it.

  I’ll think about it.

  Just make sure you wear those tight dance pants, or all bets are off for my help!

  Friday managed to sneak up on Bri rather quickly. She’d been practicing all week, though she’d declined Cole’s offer of dancing for him on the beach. Although she was confident she would make the team, she walked into the gym feeling slightly nervous. Of course, the twenty or so pairs of eyes scowling at her and judging her didn’t help.

  Turned out, her audition was going to be in front of the advisor and the whole team, who were eyeing her disdainfully. Not about to let a bunch of teenage girls psych her out, Bri straightened her shoulders and glided into the gym, her head held high.

  The audition was fairly simple, and fairly quick. Bri was asked to do a few technique combinations, and then performed her routine from her team in Dallas. It was a routine that she had choreographed, and she made sure to tell them that. By the time she finished, the looks of disdain were replaced by shock, and even some grudging acceptance and respect. Bri was asked to wait outside while the team deliberated. It took only five minutes for her to be called back in.

  “Welcome to the team!” the advisor, Belinda, hugged Bri. “We’re so excited to have you! We think you’ll fit in beautifully! And now,” Belinda guided her to the gym door, “we have a few things to take care of. The rest of you are dismissed. See you bright and early the first day of school!”

  Belinda pulled Bri into her office, and spent the next hour taking measurements, going over practice schedules and team rules. She gave Bri a list of required items, including practice wear and team makeup. Belinda’s face brightened when Bri handed her a check paying all her dues in full.

  “I knew you’d fit in here! We resume practices again at 6:00 am, on the first day of school. Feel free to call me if you have any questions at all!”