Summer Love (Senior Year (Vol. 1))

by Marysue Hobika

  “Me too,” Becca said.

  Three hours later, Becca dropped me off at home. I’d tried several more times to tell her what happened with Nathan, but every time I got close, something or someone interrupted me. I was a horrible best friend. I walked slowly up the driveway carrying my shopping bags. How could I have spent the entire day with her and not told her that her boyfriend kissed me last night? I slammed the back door and let out a deep sigh. Now what do I do? Try again tomorrow, or wait six more days?

  “What’s up, little sis?” Drew said, walking into the kitchen. “Where have you been all day?”

  I threw my bags on the table. “Shopping, obviously.” I didn’t even complain that he’d called me his little sis. I flopped into a chair and put my head in my hands.

  “Is everything okay? Did you and Becca have a fight?” He walked over and placed his hand on my back.

  I looked up. “No.”

  Sitting in the chair opposite me, he said, “What’s wrong, then? You look upset.”

  I sighed, deciding I might feel better if I came clean. Drew might know what I should do. “Nathan kissed me last night.”

  Drew’s forehead scrunched in confusion. “Nathan? I thought you were dating Gavin. Did you guys break up?”

  “No.” I wasn’t sure I could continue. My stomach was in knots. If it was this hard to tell Drew, how was I going to tell Gavin and Becca?

  “And I thought Becca was dating Nathan.”

  I took a deep breath. “She is,” I said.

  “I don’t follow.”

  “When you didn’t pick me up, Nathan offered me a ride to his house so Gavin could take me home after his mom got back. But as soon as we got in the car, he came onto me.” I shivered.

  “That bastard,” exclaimed Drew. He looked me over and I could see the concern on his face and hear it in his voice. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No, but he kissed me and stuck his tongue down my throat. It was disgusting.” I wiped my hand across my mouth again, even though the kiss was long gone.

  “What did you do?”

  “I pushed him away.”

  “And did he stop?”

  “Yeah.” I saw Drew relax a little.

  “Did you tell Becca? Is that why you’re so upset?”

  “I tried to tell her, but I didn’t.” Tears filled my eyes.

  “Really?” Drew looked surprised. “Aren’t you going to?”

  “Of course.” I was sobbing now. “But it’s really hard.”

  “What about Gavin—does he know?”

  “Not yet. Nathan wants to wait until after the Summer Jam to tell them.” I sniffed loudly.

  “What a prick. You have to tell them both, and now. The longer you put it off, the harder it’s going to be. Gavin’s already going to be mad as hell. And Becca deserves to know she’s dating a bastard.”

  “I know. I’m going to tell them,” I said with more confidence than I felt. Drew was right. If I waited, it would only make things worse.

  Drew nodded. “Don’t wait too long.”

  “I won’t,” I said, changing the subject. “I’m going to take this stuff upstairs.”

  “Let me know if you need anything.” Drew grinned. “I’m more than happy to give Nathan the pounding he’s got coming to him. Although for now, I’ll let Gavin settle that score.”

  I climbed the stairs to my room and dumped the shopping bags on the floor. Talking with Drew had helped a little, but I still had to face Gavin and Becca. Since my attempt to tell Becca had failed so miserably, I decided it would be easier to tell Gavin first. I texted him to see if he could come over. He said he was back from visiting the campus, and was at work. He’d meet me at band practice tonight. Shit! I can’t wait that long. I had to tell Gavin before I saw Nathan again. There was no way I could stand next to him on stage with this secret between us. It would be way too awkward, and the guys would know something was up. I could feel my chest tightening and the panic seep in. Thinking back to the first day of summer, I remembered taking one of Becca’s quizzes and being asked which quality in a guy was the most important to me. I’d picked honesty. I refused to be a hypocrite. I took out my fiddle and began to play, knowing it would calm the war raging inside of me, and give me the strength I needed to tell Gavin the truth.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Gavin

  I couldn’t wait to see Carly tonight. I couldn’t get the thought of her beautiful smile, soft, smooth skin, and dark, sexy eyes out of my head. I missed her. Hell, who was I kidding—I loved her.

  “Hey, Nate,” I called out, running down the stairs two at a time.

  “Yeah?” he yelled from across the house.

  I found him in the kitchen, sitting at the counter eating a giant sandwich. He didn’t look up when I came in. “Can I catch a ride to band practice with you?” I’d finally saved enough to get my own car. This should be one of the last times I had to bum a ride from Nate or anyone else.

  “Sure.” He continued to stare at his plate.

  “When are you leaving?”

  “In ten,” he replied.

  “Cool. Thanks.” I rummaged around in the fridge, looking for something I could devour quickly. I settled on the leftover Chinese. I didn’t bother warming it up and sat down next to Nate, eating right out of the box. I took a deep breath, composed my thoughts, and asked, “Have you seen the baby yet?” I know my question seemed like it came from left field, and I wasn’t up to meeting her, but since our last talk I couldn’t help wondering what she was like. Maybe Nate was right. I haven’t really given Dad or his new family a fair shake. I never did give my dad a chance to explain his side of things and lately, I’ve been thinking maybe I should.

  Nate finally looked at me, surprise registered on his face. “Really? You’re asking me about our sister?”

  I shrugged, “Yeah, I guess I am.”

  “She’s tiny.” He chuckled. “And she cries a lot.” I wasn’t sure why, but hearing that made me feel better. “I’m not really into babies, but she’s cute.” I still wasn’t sure how I felt about having a sister, but I was trying to accept it. He studied me closely. “Are you planning on going to see her?”

  “No.”

  Nate went back to staring at his plate. He didn’t give me a hard time about not making more of an effort like he always did. This was a constant source of tension between us, and I couldn’t believe he let it go so easily. Normally, he’d question me about whether I’d returned Dad’s phone calls. My dad left me three or four messages a week that I never bothered to listen to. Something was off.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “Nothing. Why?” Nate stood and went over to the sink, rinsing his dish and putting it in the dishwasher.

  “You’re acting weird.”

  “Nah, sorry, man. I’m just getting nervous about the contest. It’s in five days.” He rubbed his chin.

  “Are you sure that’s it?” I felt like there was more to it than that.

  “I’m sure.” He nodded at my dinner. “Are you almost finished? We need to leave soon.”

  “Yup.” I stood and threw the empty container in the garbage.

  Even though we weren’t late, we were the last ones to arrive. I guess Nate wasn’t the only one getting nervous. Maybe he’d been telling the truth. The atmosphere in the garage was quieter than usual. Even Ed wasn’t banging on his drums.

  Carly rushed over to greet me when I walked in, throwing her arms around my waist. I squeezed her back. I wasn’t normally a touchy-feely kind of guy, but I welcomed Carly’s embrace any time. She must’ve missed me as much as I’d missed her. I inhaled deeply, breathing in her sweet summer scent.

  “Hey, Gavin. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too,” I whispered, lightly kissing her mouth. I let her go, standing back so I could sweep my gaze across her. It had only been two days since I’d seen her last, but it felt like more. I felt starved for her touch and her sweet lips. I wanted to kiss her again, but I kn
ew the guys were anxious to begin rehearsal and if I let my lips press against hers, I’d never want to stop.

  I kept thinking about what happened in my kitchen that night. We still hadn’t made love. I was waiting for the right time. Maybe tonight? Her lips had seemed more urgent than normal. I’d have to make sure we had plenty of time alone later. I watched her ass shake in her hot little sundress as she climbed onto the makeshift stage.

  The band didn’t waste any time setting up. As I sat down to watch, I was amazed at how much they had improved. They sounded great. It was clear they had as good a chance as any at winning the contest. I could see the energy and excitement radiating off them, and it was clear as day that Carly’s voice and fiddle were the secret weapons no other band had. I’d be pulling for them to win. I knew it meant a lot to all of them, especially Carly.

  With my eyes glued to the stage and ears focused on the sound, I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. Nate had something with Carly that I’d never have. Their voices were the perfect complement to one another and they moved effortlessly around the stage. It was easy to see that they shared a special connection. My gut twisted when I saw how he looked at her. Then Carly turned in my direction and smiled as if she was singing directly for me. This gesture loosened the knot in my stomach. Carly and I might not have an onstage connection, but we had our own special bond, one that spanned beyond any stage. She continued to sing just for me for the remainder of the rehearsal.

  “What do you want to do tonight?” Carly asked, as she put her fiddle away.

  “Go to your place?” I suggested. I was desperate to make love to Carly. I knew she was ready and I believed the time was right. I wanted to hold Carly in my arms and please every part of her beautiful body. However, I couldn’t announce my intentions with everyone listening to our conversation.

  “My dad’s home, and I really wanted to go somewhere private so we could—” My blood traveled south at her words, but before she finished her thought, Nate interrupted.

  “We’re going to Rosie’s Ride and Slide. You should come. It’s open until midnight tonight and it’s only ten bucks to get in. Becca’s coming, and Ed’s girlfriend should be here soon,” said Nate.

  While the idea of spending time alone with Carly made my heart race, it didn’t seem like it was going to be possible with her dad home and my mom checking on us every few minutes if we went to my house. It would be easier to restrain myself if we went out. Going to Rosie’s sounded like a decent option. It was an old-school amusement park about twenty minutes from here, with wooden roller coasters, bumper cars, a wave pool, and water slides. I hadn’t been there in ages. I gave Carly a look, hinting that I thought we should join them.

  “What do you think? Want to go?”

  She hesitated for a second, but nodded. “Sure.”

  It turned out to be a fun-filled night, even though I didn’t have a moment alone with Carly. We laughed on the roller coasters and on the pirate ship, collided on the bumper cars, and held hands on the Ferris wheel. We joked while we waited in lines. I snuck kisses in here and there, but it wasn’t the intimate session I’d originally been hoping for. When it was time to go, Becca and Nate caught a ride with us, so I didn’t even get the chance to give Carly a proper kiss goodnight. I promised her that we would go on a picnic by the lake again soon.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Carly

  It had been a long week and I was glad that the Summer Jam Contest was finally here. The excitement and possibility of winning was overshadowed by the fact that I still hadn’t told Becca or Gavin about Nate kissing me. But regardless, they would know by the end of the day. Nate had promised me that as soon as the concert was over, we would tell them, together. I’d tried to tell them each a thousand different times, but in the end, I hadn’t. Waiting a few more hours wasn’t going to make a difference now.

  I sighed. Becca was on her way over to help me get ready. She’d insisted on doing my hair and makeup. Things had been a little off between us, but she just thought it was because I was nervous of falling flat on my face again during the performance. Dressing me was her way of trying to soothe me, which only made the guilt worse.

  I heard Becca downstairs talking to my dad, and a minute later, she was bouncing into my room carrying a huge bag. “What’s in there?” I laughed nervously. It was getting harder and harder to act normal.

  “Clothes, shoes, makeup, blow dryer, curling iron. You name it, I got it.” She threw the overstuffed bag on my bed. “Let’s see, where should we begin?” She looked me over from head to toe, then rummaged around inside her bag. “Here, take these.” She handed me shampoo and conditioner; they looked expensive. “Go shower. I’ll start organizing all the shit I brought. I’ll do your hair when you get out.”

  I was like a robot, doing exactly what Becca said. In all honesty, it was the only way I knew how to get through this day.

  As soon as I was out of the shower, Becca started working her magic on my hair. I couldn’t even meet her eye in the mirror as she worked on me.

  “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” she asked. She’d braided a small section of hair and pinned it back. The rest of my dark hair fell in waves down my back. It looked like a picture straight out of one of her magazines.

  “It’s beautiful.” Tears filled my eyes.

  “Don’t cry. I believe you,” she laughed.

  “Thanks.”

  “Don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for, right?”

  Pain stabbed my guilty heart. “Yes.”

  “Promise me no more tears. I’m doing your makeup next.”

  I sniffed loudly. “Promise.”

  Becca applied the makeup with soft, gentle strokes. I found it relaxing because I had my eyes closed most of the time. She’d instructed me not to move my lips or speak, which made things easier.

  “Open your eyes. You look beautiful.” It was true. I did. My makeup looked like a professional had done it. It was heavier than what I normally wore, but it would look light and natural from the stage.

  “Thank you.” I stood and gave Becca a hug, squeezing her tight. I didn’t want our friendship to change once she learned the truth nor did I want her to be angry with me for not telling her sooner.

  An hour later we were both ready. I was wearing a red sundress and the beloved boots Becca had bought for me. In my hand, I carried a jean jacket and a straw hat for later. Becca looked sexy in a pale blue eyelet tank top with a white cami underneath, and super-short jean shorts. She’d also bought herself a new pair of cowboy boots, which she rocked with her long legs.

  “Damn, you two look good,” whistled Drew as we made our way downstairs. He wasn’t shy about checking out Becca from head to toe, and it was obvious he liked what he saw. She spun in a circle, reveling in the attention.

  “Thanks. You’re coming today, right?” I said.

  “Of course,” he nodded, staring at Becca the whole time. “I wouldn’t miss it, but can I talk to you for a second?” He pulled me into the other room and kept his voice low. He hadn’t approved of me waiting until after the concert to tell them, but he tried to be supportive anyway. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I just can’t wait for this day to be over.” The stress was wearing on me. I’d even lost weight.

  “I know.” He held my hands in his. “I’ll be in the front row cheering you on. You’re going to do great out there today, and then tonight, you’re going to put all this other shit behind you once and for all.”

  I leaned my head against him, absorbing some of his strength. “Thanks.”

  “They’re here,” Becca called from the other room.

  “It’s show time,” said Drew.

  Nathan and Gavin were picking us up, which wouldn’t make the ride to the concert awkward. Ha. My stomach flipped upside down at the thought. Drew was coming later with Lucas and a bunch of other friends. Becca and Gavin wanted to ride with us so they could get there early enough to score a spot in the fron
t row.

  “You can do this,” said Drew.

  I nodded. I hoped he was right. I followed him to the kitchen where they were all waiting.

  “Hey, Girly, you look hot, ” said Gavin. He squeezed me tight. I knew my heart would break if anything changed between us.

  “Thanks,” I said when he released me.

  “Ready?” asked Nate. He was holding Becca’s hand, acting like nothing was the matter. He better not be wrong about believing it was the right thing to do to wait until tonight to tell them. I wish I had his confidence. I was quaking in my boots.

  “I think so,” I replied.

  “Break a leg,” said Drew.

  Gavin helped me carry my things and we left.

  The ride was quiet. Nerves were beginning to get the better of me. I had to pull it together. There was no way I was going to choke on stage again. I picked a favorite song and mentally ran through it. I felt the steady pressure of Gavin’s hand in mine.

  The four of us walked through the concert gates together, but then we had to go our separate ways. Only band members were allowed backstage. Becca wished me luck, and then it was Gavin’s turn.

  He pulled me tight against his chest. “The judges aren’t going to know what hit ’em.” He took off my hat and looked me in the eye. I could see how much he loved me. “I’m going to be right in the front row. Just pretend we’re back in Ed’s garage and you’re singing directly to me.”

  I nodded, placing the hat back on my head, which Gavin immediately pulled over my face to protect us from all the wandering eyes while we kissed. At first, his lips moved slow and deliberate, but quickly became urgent and intense. I opened my mouth and welcomed his tongue. I poured my heart and soul into the kiss as my heart matched his, beating as one. I wanted this to be a kiss he’d never forget. I had never told Gavin I loved him, but I did. I loved him with my whole heart. It was the kind of love that songs were written about. Completely caught up in the moment, I forgot where we were until someone loudly cleared his throat.