KELSEY CLAYTON
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 by Kelsey Clayton
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [email protected]
First Edition. June 2019
Book design by Kelsey Clayton
ISBN 9781072632641
www.kelseyclayton.com
Dedicated to My Husband.
Thank you for always believing in me
and pushing me to succeed.
I Love You.
Contents
Preface
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter Twenty Eight
Chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Thirty
Author Note
Preface
Ever since I was twelve, I’d sheltered myself off from the world – emotionally speaking at least. The way I saw it was you can’t get hurt by people leaving if you never wanted them to stay. That mindset was going really well for me, until she came into my life. With no effort on her part, she broke through my walls like a bulldozer, leaving only wreckage of what once protected my heart. The way her honey brown eyes sparkled in the sunlight and her hair cascaded down the sides of her face, it was mesmerizing. Every part of me that never believed in love, was falling for her rapidly – and there wasn’t a single thing I could do to stop it. The only issue? She hated me with a fiery, burning passion.
Chapter One
I straddle the surfboard, waiting for the right wave to roll in. Brandon paddles back out from catching the last one, splashing me as soon as he gets close enough. I chuckle as I wipe the hair from my face.
“What time’s the party?” I ask.
The end of summer party at Alec’s house is tonight. It’s one of those events that everyone knows about and there isn’t a person in the area that doesn’t go. It’s basically just a bunch of kids getting drunk one last time before going back to college, but it’s always a good time.
“I think it starts at nine but we’ll get there when we get there.”
I nod. “Is Layla going?”
“Nah. I told her last night that I don’t want to stay with her after the summer. She didn’t exactly take it well.”
“No?” I mock surprise. “I can’t imagine why.”
He runs his hand through the water. “Yeah well, I didn’t expect her to throw her phone at my head.”
“Did she miss?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn.”
An onslaught of water covers my entire face and Brandon smirks at me triumphantly. Fair enough. I really should have thought that one through.
“Bianca will be there.”
I roll my eyes, knowing he always loves to mess with me about her. They’ve never gotten along. Brandon seems to think she’s the devil in disguise, and she thinks he’s the reason I won’t go out with her. Seeing the two of them together is actually rather comical.
“I figured. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a party here that she hasn’t been at.”
“Yeah, that’s not a coincidence. She stalks you.”
I throw my head back, laughing. “She does not.”
“Oh yeah? Name one place you’ve gone this summer that she hasn’t coincidentally shown up at.”
The massive wave coming towards us pulls my attention away. “I would, but this one’s mine.”
I lie on my board and start to paddle into it, harder as I feel the wave start to lift me up. As soon as I begin to fall into the curve, I stand up, turning the board to carve. The thrill is liberating but it ends too soon. I step off my board and pick it up under my arm. Brandon comes out of the water behind me.
“Calling it a day?”
I nod. “Yeah. Let’s go back and shower. We can grab a bite to eat before we head over to Alec’s.”
THE PARTY ISN’T LIKE the kind we have back at school. It’s at his parents’ fancy house so there are rules that need to be followed. Caterers walk around with trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne. I recognize everyone inside from the class above me. Alec’s sister, Tiffany, must have invited them.
Brandon and I make our way through the house to the backyard where it’s more our scene. A bunch of my friends are playing beer pong while others swim in the pool. They notice our arrival and come up to greet us.
“Holden, my man.” Alec says excitedly, putting his hand on my shoulder. “You have to help me teach these morons how to play pong. They’re horrible. My grandmother could play better.”
I tilt my head to the side. “I’ve met your grandmother. I’m pretty sure she could wreck us all at this game.”
“Touché.”
A few of the girls I only ever see at events like this come over to say hello. It’s obvious with their fake giggles and hair twirling, what they have on their minds, but I don’t pay much attention to it. Anyone who was worth paying attention to in this small town has already been in my bed. The rest are either too ditsy or get way too emotionally attached.
Brandon and I follow Alec over to the table. Bran gets on a team with Cody, a guy we met our sophomore year of high school, and Alec comes on my team. My best friend and I make eye contact and he winks.
“Loser buys lunch tomorrow?” He suggests.
I smirk. “You’re on big guy. Hope you have big bills. I’m craving hibachi.”
ALEC AND I OBLITERATE them, sinking all the cups with ease. They don’t even have a chance to catch up. Once Cody misses the second shot, it’s all over and Brandon officially owes me lunch tomorrow.
“Bullshit.” He mumbles. “My partner sucked.”
I throw my hands up defensively. “You picked him, not me.”
We grab a couple beers and lean against the fence. It doesn’t take long before there’s a familiar face standing in front of me. Her dress is short and it may as well not even be covering her breasts, with how little it leaves to the imagination. Brandon gags as he sees her but she ignores him.
“Hey babe.” She greets me.
“Bianca.” I reply. “Having fun?”
She smiles. “Much more now that I’ve found you.”
“I didn’t know I was missing.”
Her fingers run through her black hair, pushing it back and out of her face. The bright red lipstick she has on helps me decide then and there that I won’t be hooking up with her tonight. I’ve never understood a girl’s desire to cake on makeup. This is exactly why Catfish exists. Besides, the last thing I need is to be scrubbing red stains off my skin before I leave tomorrow.
She turns her attention to Brandon and looks him up and down. Her disgu
st is evident but she knows he’s my best friend, so she at least tries to play nice.
“Good Evening, Brandon.”
“It was until now.” He answers, causing me to choke on my beer.
Bianca is not amused. She gives him a dirty look before focusing back on me. Her hand reaches forward to grab mine.
“Baby, let’s go for a walk.” She suggests.
I pull myself from her grasp. “No thanks. I’m good here.”
Stepping forward, her pointer fingers go into my pockets. “Please? I’ve missed you.”
I hand Brandon my beer and wrap my hands around her wrists, releasing her hold on me and placing them back at her side. “You know the rules.”
“Whatever.” She scoffs. “You think you can find someone better than me here? Have at it.”
With that last comment, she storms away. It’s not that I mean to be a dick, but the last thing I need is that girl putting one of her invisible claims on me. We dated a couple times in high school, but it didn’t work out. She’s never been able to hold my interest, and having a girlfriend isn’t really my thing. I’d rather be free to do whatever I want than have to explain my every move to someone else. Besides, nine months out of the year, I’m in Maine and she’s still in Jersey.
Her father paid big money to get her admitted into Princeton, despite the amount she begged to go to the University of Maine with me. I was so thankful he put his foot down with that one. I could only imagine if I had to deal with her all year instead of just the summer. She’s a fun girl and all, but she’s just a little much. I think the best way Brandon has described her was when he referred to her as Cling Wrap for three straight weeks.
“Uh oh.” My best friend jokes. “You made your girlfriend mad.”
“Not my girlfriend.” I grab my beer from him and take a long swig, allowing the cold liquid to flood my taste buds.
He hums sarcastically. “You, my friend, are going to get your heart broken one day. Karma for how you’ve treated almost every girl since you hit puberty.”
I laugh. “You know, you’re probably right.”
“I always am.”
I WAKE TO MY alarm, wondering why I thought it was a good idea to get up this early after being at a party most of the night. However, this is the last morning I’ll be able to see the sunrise for the next couple months. I want to take advantage of it.
I get out of bed, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before heading out the door. The walk over to the beach is easy – not many people are awake at this hour. I take my seat in the sand just as the sun beings to peak above the waterline. The colors in the sky have always been my favorite. The way the light creates a pink and orange glow as it reflects off the blue ocean – it’s breathtaking.
Using my phone, I take a picture and save it as my background. I’ve made a habit of doing that almost every day this summer. The sunrise was my mother’s favorite thing about living here, and it’s the same place my father proposed. I guess that’s why I love it so much.
I lie in the sand until the beach starts to become crowded - all the many people who come here for the summer taking over. I really wish they’d stay in their own towns instead of swarming mine. Standing up, I brush myself off and head back home. I have a lot of packing to get done. Let’s just say procrastination isn’t my friend.
I’VE GOT ABOUT HALF my stuff in the suitcase when my phone rings. Bianca’s name appears on the screen and I roll my eyes before answering it. I should have known she would try to see me before I leave.
“I thought you were pissed at me.” I say without greeting her.
She sighs. “I was, but now I’m not. Are you home?”
“Yeah. I’ve got a lot of packing to get done.”
“Can I help you?”
I run my fingers through my hair as I think about it, concluding that there’s no use denying her. “Yeah, I guess.”
“I’ll be right over. Unlock the door.”
“Yup.” I answer, popping the p.
By the time that I get downstairs to unlock the front door and get back up to my room, I hear her come in. It’s almost as if she was waiting around the block, which wouldn’t surprise me but I’m not about to ask. The answer scares me. If she were to say yes, I’d have to admit that Brandon is right – she stalks me.
“Hey babe.” She greets, kissing my cheek before sitting down on my bed. “I can’t believe you’re going back to school already.”
I shrug. “I’m excited. I’ve missed the guys.”
“And the girls, probably.” It’s mumbled under her breath but I hear it.
Giving her a knowing look, I keep my expression firm. “You don’t want me to answer that.”
She looks down at her hands. “No. I don’t.” I continue packing until she whines. “Can you please just take a break and come kiss me?”
A part of me wants to refuse, but soon I’ll be heading back to Maine and I won’t have to deal with her for a while. I may as well make her happy for now. I finish folding the shirt in my hand and place it down in the suitcase. Then, I walk around the bed and sit down next to her. She smiles happily as wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me in, connecting our lips. Thankfully, she didn’t wear six layers of makeup today.
“I’m really going to miss you.” She breathes as we pull away.
“I know.”
There’s a couple moments of silence before she speaks again. “Can I come visit you this year?”
“You have school.”
“I can take a few days off.”
I tuck a strand of hand behind her ear and kiss her to try to soften the blow. “B, I really don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t want to give you false hope that we’re something more than what we are.”
Her disapproval is evident. “Why can’t we be more than what we are? Would it really be that bad? We’re good together.”
Realizing that brutal honesty is the only thing to get through to her, I pull away. “Because I’d only end up cheating on you anyway.” I go to stand up but she stops me.
“Wait.” She senses my mood change and grabs my arm. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up again.”
I allow her to pull me down and wrap my arm around her. We fall onto the bed and she blushes. I can tell by the way she molds her body against mine, she wants me. I don’t know when the next time I’ll get laid is, so I go with it.
“You know,” I begin. “This is the last time I’m going to see you before I leave.”
She smirks. “Well then, we should take advantage of it.”
BRANDON AND I HAVE lunch together and he pays for hibachi as promised. My bags are already packed and in the car. As soon as we’re done, I give him a quick hug goodbye and climb into the driver’s seat. I only have one place left to stop before hitting the road and heading back to campus.
My skin goes cold as soon as I pull through the gate. Eight and a half years of coming here, and it still never gets any easier. I drive slowly down the winding road until I reach the tree next to the small pond. Grabbing the flowers off the passenger’s seat, I get out of the car.
Charlotte Rivers
Loving Mother and Wife
04/04/1972 – 04/17/2009
Andrew Rivers
Devoted Father and Husband
05/16/1970 – 04/17/2009
I read the names over and over, still in disbelief that they’re in this place – six feet under and lifeless. The day they died was the worst day of my life. I can still remember the sound of Brandon’s mom’s voice as she sat me down and explained to me what had happened. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard. She sobbed too, just holding me close and stroking my back for hours. That woman and her husband saved my life.
“Hi Mom. Hi Dad.” I say softly. No matter how many times I talk to them like this, it still feels awkward. “I’m heading back to school today, so I just wanted to stop by one last time. I won’t be back until Thanksgiving. I love you both and I miss yo
u so much. I hope you’re looking down on me and that I’m making you proud. I just wish you were here.”
I sit in silence for a bit but leave it at that, lying the flowers on top of the gravestone. I kiss my fingertips and place them over my mom’s name – repeating the same sentiment for my dad. Using my sleeve, I wipe away the few tears that have managed to leak out. Then, without another look, I get back into my car and put it in drive. I have a university to get back to.
Chapter Two
The drive back to Maine is long but I manage to get there just in time for bed. As I lay on the lumpy mattress, I remind myself to go shopping for a new one at some point soon. I don’t think I could spend another full year sleeping on this thing. It messed my back up so bad that I needed three straight weeks of massages to fix it. Hockey’s starting again soon and I can’t have that screwing me up.
I wake in the morning to the sound of my friends being rowdy downstairs. Putting my pillow over my head does nothing to drown out the noise, so I reluctantly get up and throw on a pair of sweats. When I walk down the steps, I see Caleb with Jason in a headlock. Jesse watches with amusement from the couch.
“Oh, you’re awake. Good morning sunshine.” Caleb teases.
I take a seat next to Jesse. “You expected me to sleep through your loud ass shenanigans?”
While he’s distracted, Jason elbows him in the stomach and he hunches over in pain. The three of us laugh as he falls to the floor.
“What are your plans today?” Jesse asks me.
I shrug. “Probably going to buy a new mattress at some point. That one is horrible.”
He looks confused and then turns to Jason. “Stupid fucker, did you take the new mattress out of H’s room?”
Jase smiles. “First come, first serve.”
Grabbing the pillow next to me, I chuck it and hit him right in the face. He doesn’t even have a second to block it. I grin triumphantly and pull my phone out of my pocket. I have a few text messages from Bianca. That girl does not know the definition of just friends.
Awakened in September Page 1
