“I love to swim and always wanted a pool in my backyard. My mom didn’t want one because she was afraid that with twins running around, one of us would fall in and drown.”
“So you wanted a pool, huh?”
She nodded.
“Me too. Nate and I begged my parents every summer to put one in, but my dad always said they were too much work.” I let out a forced laugh. “Funny thing is, he put one in when his new wife asked him to. I haven’t seen it, but according to Nate, it probably looks a lot like this one.” I looked around at the picture-perfect pool, trying not to let it show how much that hurt.
Carly was the only person I’d ever talked to about my dad walking out on us. In the short time we’d been together, she knew me better than anyone. I was so glad that I hadn’t let what happened between my parents prevent me from getting to know Carly. She was the best thing to ever happen to me. She made me happy and whole again.
She stood, still naked, but with her hands covering her chest (lucky for her, I let her keep her panties on) and came over to where I was leaning against the pool ledge. She made everything all right by giving me exactly what I needed. “I, for one, am glad that neither of us got our pool wish, because we wouldn’t be doing this right now.” She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed me hard on the mouth, making me forget all about my dad and his broken promises. I welcomed her sudden aggressiveness, and matched it with a hunger of my own. Suddenly, falling in love with Carly was all that mattered. She had done the impossible—changed me.
Chapter Seventeen
Carly
“Hey, girl,” I said, opening the passenger door and climbing in on Monday afternoon. “What’s with all the honking?” Becca had come to pick me up. We were hanging out at the pool today to work on the tan portion of our summer tans-and-cans mission. As far as the second half of our mission, I hadn’t had any interest since Gavin came along. Becca had a boyfriend too, but that hadn’t stopped her. She said it was okay to look, just not to touch. I didn’t agree.
“Wow, look who woke up with attitude this morning,” she said. “The reason we need to get our fine asses to the pool is because I got a new bikini and I can’t wait for Nathan to see me in it.”
“Of course you can’t,” I said.
She backed out of the driveway and sped toward the pool. I swore she thought she was Batgirl when she got behind the wheel. The same two chairs we sat in the first day of summer were open. It felt like a bad omen, and I scanned the pool area looking for Gillian and Marlena, but I didn’t see them. I shook it off. Instantly spotting Nate on his lifeguard perch, Becca waved like a lunatic. I simply nodded in his direction.
“What did you and Gavin do last night? Nathan said he invited you to the movie. How come you didn’t want to go out with us? Did you guys have more exciting plans?” I blushed, and really hoped Nathan hadn’t told Becca what he’d seen in the kitchen. Nevertheless, even the thought of what happened, and of course didn’t fully happen, made my body temperature rise a few degrees. “Oh my God,” she said. “You had sex last night. Or at least went down. Or wait—he went down. Or …”
I stopped her right there. “Enough, Becca. Nothing happened.” The problem was I didn’t think she bought it. Something had happened and I hated to admit it, but sooner or later, my BFF would pry it out of me, not to mention that as she spoke, my face turned tomato red.
Becca still wouldn’t shut up, so I told her once more. “Nothing happened!” I think I said it loud enough for everyone to hear as I saw a few heads turn and look. I didn’t feel comfortable talking about sex, even with my best friend. Although I clearly didn’t mind when Gavin explored my body like he had last night.
“Really?” Becca asked.
“Really.”
Becca didn’t have any qualms about discussing sex. As a matter of fact, it was one of her favorite topics. “Nathan and I did it. I held out for as long as I could, but I wanted to know if college boys were better at it than high school boys. All the boys I’d ever been with got off in like two seconds,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I mean, hold your shit together and let me at least fake something and find a little enjoyment out of it. Am I right?”
I ignored her last comment because I didn’t have anything to add to it. What happened between Gavin and I last night was the furthest I’d ever gone. Instead I responded to her early statement. “And?”
“Nate is fucking amazing. He gave me multiple orgasms, which no high school boy had ever done. I was so wet, Car. It was amazing,” she said, fanning herself with her hand.
“Ugh! Too much information!” I shrieked. I really didn’t need that visual.
“What about you? When do you think you and Gavin will have sex?”
Although Becca had told me about all the boys she’d ever slept with, I didn’t want to tell her about Gavin and me. It was too personal. Although he’d started to finger me and seen me almost completely naked, we hadn’t gone all the way. I respected Gavin even more now because I’d been ready to give up my virginity to him, and he hadn’t taken it. He wanted to wait until the moment was right, making me feel special. Being intimate with Gavin was more than just a means to an end, and telling anyone about it would take away some of the magic.
Interpreting my hesitation for uncertainty, Becca searched in her bag and pulled out a magazine and a pen. “Don’t worry, I have just the thing.” She quickly flipped to a page and read aloud, “How to know when you’re ready to have sex.” I blushed. The truth was, it was all I thought about lately. Gavin made my heart race and my skin tingle with the slightest touch. Even though he was my first boyfriend, even I knew the difference between what was real and what wasn’t, and what Gavin and I shared was real. That’s why I’d decided I was ready to share this with him too.
“There’s not a quiz for that,” I said, grabbing the magazine out of Becca’s hand in disbelief. “Oh my gosh, there is.” I shook my head. I was continually amazed by the content in the magazines Becca read.
Grabbing it back, she continued, “Okay, let’s see. First question: ‘How long have you and your boyfriend been dating?’” She looked at me.
“A little over a week.” When I said it out loud it didn’t seem possible that I was ready to have sex after dating for only a week. Maybe things were moving too fast. However, it seemed like we’d been together longer.
She looked back at the magazine. “Yeah, but you’ve known each other a lot longer than that, so that counts for something. I’m checking off five months.” Her pen scratched across the page.
“You can’t do that.”
She held up the magazine and smirked. “Already did. Next question: ‘How do you feel when you’re together?’”
“Amazing.” My cheeks warmed again. Becca grinned and marked the magazine. I needed to be careful with how I answered these questions.
“‘Have you discussed birth control?’”
“What?” I said, taken completely off guard.
Becca laughed. “The magazine wants to know if you’ve discussed birth control. It’s question number three.” She looked at me over her sunglasses and saw that my mouth was still hanging open. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Of course we haven’t.”
“Are you on the pill?”
“What? No,” I said, emphatically.
“It’s not a bad idea, you know. I’ve been on it forever. It helps with my periods. I used to get the worst cramps. Now, my period only lasts two days and it’s super light. Plus, I don’t ever have to worry about getting pregnant. That is not a scare I need, nor do you. If you and Gavin are getting serious, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m happy to go with you to the appointment, if you want.” That’s why I loved Becca—she told it like it was and was supportive at the same time. However, most girls at school didn’t know how to take her, which was why, other than me, her friends were all guys.
“Good to know, but Gavin and I aren’t there yet. But please tell me you make guys wear a condom. You h
ave to be careful. Even though the pill protects against pregnancy, it doesn’t protect against STDs.”
“Damn, girl. You sound just like the presenter from Planned Parenthood that came into our health class last year to talk to us. You should see if they’re hiring.”
“Haha. Very funny.”
“I thought so,” said Becca, chuckling.
“Well, it’s scary stuff. Don’t you remember the gruesome pictures she showed us?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, Mother, I made Nathan wear a condom,” she said. “I’m not an idiot.”
“Okay, good.”
Becca continued going through the list of questions. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the answers I gave. The quiz couldn’t determine when Gavin and I would be ready to have sex. Only we could. I couldn’t imagine when and where it would happen, but what I did know was that when it did, it would be perfect. I wanted to spend every minute I could wrapped in his arms, but there was more to it than how he made me feel physically. I was falling in love with him.
***
It was late and Gavin and I were curled up on the couch in my family room watching a movie when my cell phone started ringing. It was Becca. I was surprised that she was calling—I’d overheard her and Nathan at the pool today making plans to go out with the guys after band practice. It wasn’t like her to call me when she was on a date.
I quickly grabbed my phone before it could go to voicemail. “Becca, is everything all right?” I sat up, tense.
“No. Can you give me a ride home? I’m at the lake with Nathan and our DD is drunk. There’s no way I’m getting in a car with him, and none of us are sober enough to drive.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I said.
“Thanks,” she sighed, hanging up.
“What happened?” Gavin asked, lightly stroking my arm.
“Becca and your brother need a ride home. Whoever was supposed to drive, is drunk.” I chewed my lip.
“I’ve got my mom’s car. Let’s go.” Gavin stood and gave me his hand. It was warm and strong. I followed him out the door.
It didn’t take us long to get there. We pulled into the parking lot and walked down to the lake, following the noise. Right away I spotted Becca standing next to Nathan and all the other guys from the band. Suddenly, the events from the last time I’d seen all of them came rushing back. But I told myself I wasn’t that girl anymore. I was here for one reason and one reason only: to make sure Becca got home safely. I didn’t have to stress myself out with events of the past. If there was one thing I’d learned this summer, it was to live in the present and enjoy life. For me, I couldn’t be happier living in the now, especially with Gavin by my side.
I’d almost made it to the small group of friends when Brady and I locked eyes. Next thing I knew, he was in my face yelling, “What the fuck are you doing here?” He reeked of alcohol, and I took a step back.
Before I could even get out a response, Gavin jumped in, rage distorting his handsome face. “Don’t you ever,” Gavin shouted, pushing Brady hard in the chest, causing him to stumble backward, “talk to Carly like that again. Do you hear me?” He shoved him again and this time Brady fell. Gavin clenched and unclenched his fists several times. The entire party stared in our direction.
I’d never seen Gavin angry like this. He was always so quiet and appeared emotionally detached. However, I’d always sensed that it was a cover-up. The look in Gavin’s blue eyes was dark, and it scared me.
“Let it go, Gavin, ” I said, tugging on his hand. “He’s not worth it.” I really didn’t want Gavin getting into trouble because of me.
He shrugged me off. “I’m not finished with him yet. I’ve been waiting for the chance to find out what his problem is, and now I finally have it.” He stepped closer and towered over a clearly drunk Brady, still sprawled on the grass. “I can’t let him just get away with what’s he’s done to you. He’s the reason you’re not in Karma anymore.” I winced. It was true—Brady had been the main cause of me giving up my dream of performing with them and winning the Summer Jam Contest.
Gavin grabbed Brady by the front of his shirt with one hand and made a fist with the other, threatening to hit him if he didn’t cooperate. “So, Brady, I want to know what your fucking problem is with my girl?”
I held my breath, waiting to hear what Brady would say. I’d been curious since we first met why he hated me so much. I’d never done anything to him. Nate went to stand behind Gavin, and Becca came to stand next to me, looping her arm through mine. Everyone else formed a circle around us.
“Brady was the designated driver,” she whispered.
Now it was my turn to get angry, and I was pretty sure the look on my face matched Gavin’s. I felt the anger build in the pit of my stomach. There was nothing I loathed more than drunk drivers. I left Becca and stepped in front of Gavin who still held Brady’s shirt in his hand, waiting for his answer.
“Give me your keys,” I demanded, and held out my hand.
“No fucking way, bitch,” he said.
I felt Gavin tense behind me, but he didn’t move. If he tried to reach around me to hit Brady, he might hurt me in the process, and he’d never do anything to hurt me. I turned and looked at Gavin, placing my hand on his chest. I could feel the anger coursing through his body.
“I’ve got this,” I pleaded. This was between Brady and me, and I had to settle it myself.
Gavin sighed deeply. “Fine. But I’m not moving. If he so much as tries to lay a finger on you, I’m going to kill him.” His jaw tightened and I didn’t doubt his words.
I faced Brady again. Feeling Gavin right behind me, I gathered my new courage. “You’re not driving in your condition. Give me your keys, or I’m calling the cops.” I waited several seconds, but Brady didn’t make a move. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. “Fine.”
I’d started to dial 911 when he yelled, “Go ahead and call the cops. You and your family already ruined my uncle’s life.”
I stopped before hitting the send button. What is he talking about? My breathing became shallow. “What?”
“It’s because of you and your family that my uncle’s whole life has been ruined. He paid for his mistake by going to jail, but he can’t get past it. He refuses to leave the house because he has a panic attack every time he gets in the car. He’s terrified he’ll hurt someone else.”
“Oh my God,” I whispered, covering my mouth with my hand, as the pieces of what Brady was saying came together. My knees started to buckle and Gavin let go of Brady to grab me. “It was your uncle who killed my mom?” I heard everyone gasp. Gavin pulled me into his arms, my back pressing against his hard chest.
“Yes,” Brady sobbed in defeat. “He was coming home from a party late one night and lost control of the car, hitting your mom’s car head on, killing her.” He continued to cry. “He wasn’t supposed to be driving that night. He’d called my mom to pick him up, but she couldn’t because she was in the emergency room with me. The guy who was supposed to drive was in even worse condition, so my uncle decided that he’d drive. He reasoned that it was only a few miles. They’d be fine.” Nobody interrupted as Brady continued. “I was supposed to be sleeping, but instead I was playing Superman in my room, leaping from my dresser onto my bed. I missed and landed awkwardly and broke my leg. My mom got the call from my uncle just as I was going into surgery. Do you know how many times my mom had told me not to play Superman? If only I’d listened, your mom would still be alive, and my uncle would never have gone to jail.” Brady had curled into a ball on the ground and was crying even harder.
The sole sound in the park was Brady’s sobs. I was only eight years old when my mom was killed; all I knew was that the driver of the car had gone to jail. I was so young when it happened that I never really thought about the driver as a person with a family of his own. All I ever thought about was how much I missed my mom. I missed everything about her—her magical voice, the sound of her cello filling the house, her cheery laug
h, and how she smelled like the cinnamon mints she always ate and would let me sneak from the tin in her pocket. I thought of her every day.
No wonder Brady hated me so much; he hated himself. He blamed himself for what happened, even though it wasn’t his fault. It was Brady’s uncle who ultimately made the decision to get behind the wheel of his car wasted. I couldn’t believe Brady almost made the same mistake tonight, putting the lives of my friends and others at risk. That was unforgiveable.
“Brady, give me your keys,” I repeated for the last time. He should know better than anyone not to drink and drive.
“I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t?” I was thinking about asking Gavin to beat the crap out of him for me. Even though he’d calmed down, I doubted he’d mind.
“No, I mean, I can’t. I don’t have them anymore. When I realized I was too drunk to drive, and no one else here was sober enough, either, I threw them in the lake.”
A laugh bubbled up and escaped my lips. “You mean, all along you had no intention of driving?”
He looked at me like I was crazy. “What? No!” he shouted. “I’d never drive drunk. My family has already learned that lesson the hard way. I’d never do that to them, or anyone else.”
Breaking free of Gavin’s embrace, I reached down and hugged Brady. I wanted him to know that he didn’t have to blame himself anymore. It was never his fault. As I held on tight, I felt Brady relax and finally release some of the tension he’d been carrying around with him for the past ten years. Tears ran down my face too. Thinking about my mom always made me cry. Helping Brady move past some of his own pain actually helped my heart. I held him until we ran out of tears.
I stood up, wiped my face, and cleared my throat. Some of the partiers had gone back to whatever they’d been doing before the circus had come to town, while everyone else searched for a ride.
Summer Love (Senior Year (Vol. 1)) Page 16
