Summer Love (Senior Year (Vol. 1))

by Marysue Hobika

  “Gavin.”

  “Gavin, huh?” He winked and rested his head back against the couch.

  “What?”

  “I’ve seen how he looks at you.”

  I choked out a laugh. “Gavin gives me the same cold, disinterested look that he gives everyone.”

  “Whatever,” Drew shrugged, letting it go. “Who was Becca’s date?”

  “Gavin’s older brother, Nathan.”

  He sat up straight. “Gavin has an older brother?” Drew’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Yup.”

  “What’s he like?” This was typical Drew stuff. Wanting to know what kind of guy Becca was dating so he could somehow mimic or at least compare himself to them. I always thought it was sweet that he worried about her, but as we got older, I wasn’t sure whether he worried about her like he worried about me, his sister, or whether he worried about her because he wanted to get with her.

  “He’s nothing like Gavin.”

  “Meaning what, exactly?”

  I knew Becca dated a lot of disreputable guys, but sometimes Drew took his big brother act a little too far, hence my contemplation of his real intentions. Wanting to tease him, I said, “He’s blond with blue eyes and nice abs.” It was true, but normally I didn’t talk about things like that with my brother.

  Drew sputtered, “When did you see his abs?” His face was red and his frown deepened.

  “He’s a lifeguard at the country club. That’s where we met him.”

  “I don’t like this guy.”

  “You’ve never even met him,” I said, smiling. “Anyway, what I really meant was that Nathan isn’t quiet and moody like Gavin.” I thought about the strange mood Gavin had been in last night, but quickly shook it off. “He’s friendly and outgoing. He plays guitar and is the lead singer in the band, or he was, until last night.” I beamed, remembering how much better his voice sounded coupled with mine.

  Drew’s frown finally disappeared and was replaced with a grin. “You actually sang in front of other people? I thought you were too embarrassed,” he gently teased.

  “I know, right? I can’t explain it. The band just felt right.”

  “Are you sure it was just the band, and not something else? Or rather, someone else, who made it feel just right?”

  “What? No!” I exclaimed, turning red as I realized what he meant. I was not interested in Gavin, but my fire engine red cheeks screamed guilty.

  “You can’t fool me little sis—”

  “I’m not your little sister. I’m your big sister.” Drew and I went back and forth on this all the time. He insisted on calling me his little sister, even though I was born four minutes before him. He did it on purpose. He knew I hated it when he called me that.

  “Like I’ve told you a million times, size and strength take precedence here, so that makes you my little sister.” He leaned over and squeezed me. I swore he was trying to squeeze the life right out of me, but I held firm. It was true; Drew towered over me. He was at least a half a foot taller than I was and had big, broad shoulders. However, I liked knowing that even though he was bigger, I was older, which was why I wasn’t a fan of his nickname.

  “As I was saying before you so rudely interrupted—” I stuck my middle finger up, catching him off guard, “it’s obvious you like him.” Drew grinned mischievously.

  “Who?” Drew had gotten me so sideways, I’d forgotten what we were talking about.

  “Gavin. And don’t even try to deny it. It’s written all over your face whenever he’s around. You can’t fool me. I’m your twin, remember.” He sat back on the couch and folded his hands behind his head.

  “I don’t like Gavin,” I protested loudly. “And even if I did, which I don’t,” I rushed to explain, “he isn’t in to me.” Drew was still smirking. I took a deep breath and confessed. “Actually, he was an ass last night.”

  “More so than usual?” he chuckled.

  “Yes. He kept trying to talk me out of auditioning, claiming all the guys in the band were jerks.”

  “And were they?”

  “Well,” I paused, not wanting to admit that Gavin had been right. Brady had said things I was sure his grandmother wouldn’t approve of. “Most of the guys were actually pretty nice. Ed’s funny and I love his spiky hair, and Connor seems to really like the violin. And of course, Nathan was down with the whole idea in the end,” I said, giving the whole experience a positive spin.

  “I feel a but coming. Out with it.” Drew stared at me.

  “Fine.” I blew the loose hairs out of my face. “There was this one guy, Brady, who didn’t like me very much. He actually seemed offended that I was a girl. He voted not to let me in the band, and even stormed out of the garage at one point.”

  “What? Yeah, he sounds like a dick!” Drew stiffened. “Let me know if he causes you any trouble. If you need me to take care of him for you, I will. Or better yet, I’m sure Gavin would be more than happy to put him in his place.”

  I laughed. “I doubt it. Gavin was acting weird all night. Besides, he was there when all this was going down.”

  “Well, I still think you should cut the kid some slack. Maybe he didn’t want you to audition because he knows you’re shy and he was worried about you performing in front of strangers. Maybe he was trying to protect you.”

  Huh? I’d not thought of that. “Why didn’t he say that, then?”

  “He’s a guy. We aren’t the best with words.”

  “Yeah, but I felt like it was more than that, like he didn’t believe in me.” I omitted the fact that I was truly hurt when he’d walked out before I even sang a note. I had wanted him there. I sang my best just to prove to him how wrong he’d been.

  “He believes in you. Trust me, I’m a guy. I know these things. And even though there is no excuse for him being a dick, don’t be too hard on him. I think he really likes you. So, you’re in a band, huh?”

  “Yup,” I beamed, barely able to contain my excitement.

  “Cool. When can I come listen?”

  “Monday night?”

  “Great. I’ll be there.”

  Drew and I spent the rest of the day hanging out. Our dad returned from his errands and joined us. We watched movies and ordered pizza. It was a great way to wind down after a long week.

  “Thanks for letting me crash your movie marathon. It was entertaining. I leave again on Monday. I’ll be gone for two days. Let’s go out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate you finishing another year of high school.”

  “I’m in,” said Drew. He was always in when it involved food.

  “Okay,” I agreed.

  “Night. See you both tomorrow.” My dad stood and went to bed.

  “One more?” Asked Drew, scanning through the list of free movies.

  “Sure.” I snuggled deeper into the couch, falling asleep before the credits rolled.

  ***

  Drew and I picked Gino D’s for our celebration dinner. He wasn’t into getting dressed up and this place had the best wood-fired pizza in town.

  “Seniors, huh?” my dad said, after we placed our order.

  “Yup,” replied Drew.

  “It’s hard to believe. It feels like just yesterday Mom and I were putting you on the school bus for the first time.”

  “Don’t get all emotional on us, Dad,” Drew huffed.

  “Fine. Have you two narrowed down which colleges you want to apply to?”

  Drew was quick to answer. He’d had his future planned out for as long as I could remember. “Syracuse University, of course.” All he ever talked about was being an Orangeman and rooming with Lucas.

  “Excellent,” my dad said. “What about you, Car? Do you still want to go the Eastman School of Music?”

  “Yes,” I replied. I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps. She had gotten her degree from there.

  “I’m sure you’ll both get in, as long as you keep up the good work and don’t blow off too many classes your senior year.”

  I looked
at my dad in shock. I couldn’t believe he just said that.

  “What? I was senior once too, remember? I know all the tricks because I probably invented them. I didn’t settle down until I met your mother. And then I was a changed man. I would’ve done anything for her. She’d be so proud of the both of you.”

  My dad didn’t mention my mom a lot. Not because he didn’t still love her, but because it was too painful for him even though she’d been gone ten years now. My mom had been the love of his life. And she was stolen from him, and us, when she was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. I could see the sadness in his eyes. My dad had done the best he could after she died. He wasn’t much of a cook, but he took care of us in all the ways that counted. Trying to love us enough for two parents.

  Our food arrived and we began to eat, finishing almost every bite.

  “That was delicious,” said my dad, wiping his face with his napkin. “Good choice.”

  “It sure hit the spot,” said Drew, patting his stomach.

  “I’m stuffed,” I said.

  “I’ll be going out of town again tomorrow morning. I’ll be back late Wednesday night. Drew you’re the man of the house while I’m gone. Take care of your sister. I hate leaving you guys all the time, but I don’t have much of a choice. Duty calls. You’re old enough now to stay by yourselves. You’ll both be going off to college next year at this time.” My dad took a new job last year that required him to travel, and he trusted us to stay home alone. He called to check in all the time and refused to be gone on the weekends.

  “Got it, Dad,” said Drew.

  I nodded.

  “And no wild parties while I’m gone.”

  “Dad, I’m hurt you think I’d do that,” said Drew. He placed his hand over his heart in mock pain.

  “Please,” said my dad. “Remember, I was a teen once too.”

  ***

  When I woke up Monday morning, I had a million and one notes running though my head. I hadn’t picked up my violin—or fiddle—since the audition Friday night. I was anxious to test out some of the new rhythms I’d been mentally working on.

  I walked over to the corner of the room where I’d left my fiddle, took it out of the case, lovingly rubbed its side, and placed it under my chin. I was a little nervous and the thought even crossed my mind that I was in way over my head. The Summer Jam always drew a huge crowd. Would I be able to perform like I had in Ed’s garage? I closed my eyes and concentrated. Playing always calmed me and transformed me. It allowed me to become someone else. When I played, I was no longer the shy, quiet girl nobody turned a head for. Instead, I became the girl who made people stop what they were doing and listen, mesmerized by the beautiful music. Music gave me power.

  I practiced until my back ached and my fingers cramped. Feeling confident once more, I put it away.

  I went downstairs to see if I could find anything edible for breakfast. My dad was always either out of town or working, so I usually did the grocery shopping. I’d been so busy studying for exams that I hadn’t been to the store in at least a week. The chances I’d find anything were slim.

  I met Drew on his way out of the kitchen. “You sounded awesome. Tonight’s the big night, right? I get to come and watch?”

  “Yup.”

  “Cool.” He ran his fingers through his light brown hair. He did that whenever he had something else he wanted to say. I waited patiently for him to continue. “I’m proud of you. And I know Mom would be too. You sound just like her, you know.” He tugged on my dark brown hair. “And you look just like her too.”

  “Thanks, Drew,” I said, giving him a quick hug. He always knew exactly what to say to make me feel better. I desperately wanted to believe my mom would’ve been proud. She was a professional musician, playing cello in the local philharmonic and giving private lessons on the side. She also had an amazing voice. I remember her singing us to sleep when we were little.

  “How about I buy you breakfast to celebrate? It’s not like there’s anything here to eat.” He pointed over his shoulder at the kitchen. “I already raided the pantry and all I could find was an empty box of Lucky Charms.”

  “I wonder how that got in there?” I said, laughing. We both knew he was the only one who ate sugary cereal.

  “No idea,” he chuckled. “I was thinking after breakfast, we should get groceries. We’re out of everything and I’m craving Doritos, which you always forget to buy.”

  “I don’t forget.”

  “Yeah, well, I can’t survive strictly on fruits and vegetables. I need a well-balanced diet of junk food too.”

  I laughed. It was impossible to tell by looking at him that my twin ate any junk food at all. I could’ve easily pointed out the fact that he could go to the store whenever he wanted and that he didn’t have to always rely on me to do the shopping, but since we’d already agreed to go after breakfast, I didn’t bother. Water under the bridge.

  Ten minutes later we were in the car. “Where to?” I asked.

  “I don’t have a lot of money,” he said, simultaneously pulling out his wallet and sorting through a crinkled mess of one-dollar bills. “Nine bucks. McDonald’s?” he said.

  “No way,” I responded. “Your strip club money is still enough to buy us both a coffee and bagel from Tom Tom’s.”

  “Perfect,” he said. Drew backed out of the driveway and headed in the direction of Tom Tom’s, which occupied the same building as the local library.

  As we walked through the parking lot to the main entrance, Drew nudged me and kept his voice low. “Hey, isn’t that Gavin?”

  Oh, great. But Gavin surprised me. He saw us and held the door for me, but quickly trailed me before Drew could enter. Typical guy move.

  “Hi, Carly,” he said. “Drew.”

  “Hey, Gavin,” Drew said. He turned to me and winked, “I’m starving. I’m going to order. I’ll get you the usual, Car—plain bagel with strawberry cream cheese, small coffee? Find me when you’re done.”

  “Thanks,” I said, through clenched teeth. I was going to kill him for setting me up like this.

  Gavin and I stood awkwardly as we watched Drew disappear into the line. I really didn’t have anything to say. I was still pissed.

  Gavin was the first to speak. “I’m glad I ran into you.” I raised my eyebrows in disbelief. He cleared his throat. “I’ve been meaning to call you, but I didn’t want to have this conversation over the phone, so yeah, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “What do you want?” There was no way I was going to make this easy for him. I was learning to speak my mind, and something about Gavin made it easier.

  “I wanted to apologize for the other night. I don’t know how things got so twisted around. I … I just didn’t want to see you get hurt. I’m sorry I acted like a dickhead. I think you’ve got an amazing voice. I’ve heard you sing when we were studying.” Did Gavin just blush? “I didn’t think my brother and his friends would be smart enough to recognize how talented you are. Sometimes they can’t see beyond their own big heads. I was only trying to look out for you.” It made me think of the explanation Drew had given for Gavin’s strange behavior. He wasn’t off the hook yet, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “I also wanted to tell you that you totally blew me away. I had no idea you could play the violin with such elegance.”

  “Fiddle,” I corrected him, smiling wider.

  Gavin smiled too. He was incredibly handsome when he wasn’t brooding. “I had no idea you could play the fiddle like that. I have to admit, you looked pretty hot doing it. Dare I say, sexy?” Now it was my turn to blush. I wasn’t sure Gavin knew exactly what he’d just said or if he was simply caught in the moment, but he quickly added, “The band sounds much better with you in it.”

  “Thanks,” I nodded. I was still too shocked by his compliment about being hot and sexy to say anything more.

  “Are we okay, Girly?” he asked, pushing his dark hair out of his eyes. And that’s how you ruin the moment, I thought.


  “Yes, we’re okay. As long as you remember not to call me Girly.”

  “Got it,” he nodded, and his shaggy hair fell into his eyes again. He pointed toward the library. “I hate to do this, but I gotta bail. One of my jobs this summer is tutoring and my first appointment starts in a couple of minutes.” He looked at his watch.

  “Oh, okay.” I was surprised by how disappointed I felt that he had to rush off.

  “See you around,” he waved, entering the library without a backward glance.

  Chapter Four

  Gavin

  I felt lighter after seeing Carly. I was glad she accepted my apology. Throwing in the bit about her looking sexy as she played, probably helped. I wasn’t planning on saying it, and it surprised me to hear it come out of my mouth. However, I still wasn’t looking for a relationship, and to prove my point I didn’t look back as I entered the library.

  A half an hour later, my first tutoring session was over. I had time before my next one began, so I sat down at the computer to research colleges. I wanted to study pre-med. My dream had always been to go to Cornell, but it only took a minute to realize that wasn’t happening. It cost way too much money. My dad offered to pay, but we weren’t on speaking terms. I wouldn’t take his money. I wouldn’t take money from my mom either. I didn’t want to burden her. This was my problem. I could take out a loan, or go to a local college and live at home to save money, or go to a state school. I researched a few options. Narrowing down my list, I made appointments on-line to visit them.

  My phone buzzed, signaling a text message. It was Connor. He asked if I wanted to do something. At first I typed an excuse why I couldn’t, but then changed my mind before hitting send. It had been good to see him. I missed hanging with my boys. Getting out would be good for me. I made plans to swing by once I wrapped things up here.

  My second tutor session lasted a half an hour. I packed my stuff and headed to Connor’s.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Connor asked, opening the door and moving aside.

  “Not much.” I followed him to the basement where he had a TV. We sat on opposites ends of the couch.

  “I was glad you showed up at Ed’s the other night. I was beginning to worry you’d died from food poisoning. I’ve heard the cafeteria food at Crownwood High is disgusting. It’s good to know you survived.”