The Boy I Hate

by Taylor Sullivan

  “It’s time to grow up, Samantha.” She squeezed her eyes shut as moisture threatened to seep from her faulty lids. “It’s now or never.”

  She unzipped her luggage, muttering under her breath that she should be happy. She had a boyfriend who loved her. A hard working, driven man who’d been dedicated to her happiness since middle school. But there was a sort of loss that settled deep in her gut when she thought about this being the end.

  Steven was her first boyfriend. Her first love, her first date. She knew all there was to know about him, and he knew most things there was to know about her. She loved all those things about their relationship. She loved the sweet expressions that came on people’s faces when they heard they’d been together since high school. She loved his stability. His dedication…

  But there were times she hated all those things. Times when she longed for what Renee had. That sweep-you-off-your-feet, irresponsible love she’d seen in movies. The love she heard in Renee’s voice every time her friend spoke about her fiancé.

  A soft breeze washed across Samantha’s face, causing the sheer white curtains to flutter and the tears to cool and dry in place on her cheeks. She placed her bag on the center of her bed, wiped over her face, then fished her cell from her pocket. She needed to call her best friend and break the news. It was late, yes, past one in the morning in New York, but the news would eat her alive if she didn’t tell.

  She dialed the number, dreading the conversation ahead of her. Dreading the fact that she’d have to defend Steven’s choices—even when she wasn’t sure she liked them herself.

  “Sam!” Her best friend answered on the third ring. “Hang on! Let me get to someplace quiet.”

  Samantha nodded, thankful for her best friend’s fast-paced life so she could compose herself. “Sure.” She walked across the room, listening to muffled noises that sounded like they came from inside a bar. Laughter, clinking glasses, and chatter. She toyed with the tattered edge of her dresser, as her heart fluttered with anticipation of how this conversation would go.

  “Hey!” Renee finally said, out of breath. “Sorry. Opening weekend, things are crazy here! How are you? Your dress finally came in! I can’t wait for you to try it on!”

  Samantha smiled as the words flew from her friend’s mouth. Loving, enthusiastic, even so early in the morning. She sat gently on the side of the bed and took a breath. “It’s good! I’m packing right now, getting everything ready for the long trip.” She licked her lips. “But that’s actually why I’m calling. There’s been a change of plans.” She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping the action would give her strength. “Before you go all crazy on me—I’m still coming—I mean, of course I am. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She pinched the bridge of her nose, rising from the bed before she lost her nerve. “It’s Steven. He got an internship with Connor and Associates. It’s a dream come true. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—”

  “Sam, what are you trying to tell me?”

  Samantha cringed, biting her nails. “I’m coming alone.” The line went silent, and she could almost feel Renee gritting her teeth. “I wanted to tell you so you could change reservations.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “He won’t miss the wedding. Don’t worry about that!”

  “You think I’m worried about the wedding?”

  “Renee, this is a big—”

  “Does this mean you’re driving here alone?”

  Samantha looked up to the ceiling, trying not to let the tone in Renee’s voice make her emotional again. “I’ll be fine—”

  “When did this happen?”

  Samantha shrugged. “Tonight.”

  “Tonight? You mean he gave you two days’ notice?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Sam! I’m pissed for you! Who does that? Who cancels two days before a three thousand mile road trip? I can’t believe he’s being such a dick—and I also can’t believe you’re going to take it!”

  Samantha rolled her eyes. “He’s not a dick, Ren. This internship is a big deal. He’s been working on it for twelve months. If he passes on this now, he’ll never get it again.”

  “There are other firms.”

  “Not like Connor and Associates.”

  “So?”

  “He’ll be at the wedding; that’s the important part, right?”

  “It’s just… He always does this to you.”

  A dull ache began to pound behind Samantha’s eyes, and she pinched her brow trying to ease it. “No he doesn’t.”

  “Yes. He does. Remember prom?”

  She threw herself back on the mattress, unable to believe Renee was bringing this up again. “Prom was five years ago.”

  “You’re right. But Bali was just last year.”

  Samantha closed her eyes, because until this moment, Renee had never said anything at all about the long-lost trip. It had been Samantha’s graduating wish all throughout college, her dream for as long as she could remember. But somehow Steven had convinced her it was frivolous. That it was a waste, not only of money, but of precious corporate ladder climbing time. They ended up in some stuffy hotel in Los Angeles, sipping flat, generic “champagne” and rubbing elbows with pretentious people who could “take them places.”

  “He always puts his job ahead of you; that’s what I’m saying. It’s just the same shit. Him putting his life above yours.”

  “I don’t see it that way.”

  “And I thought he was going to propose?”

  Samantha stared up at the ceiling, wild cattle taking over her heart again. “That was your theory, not mine.” She rose to her feet, walked toward the window, and pulled in a calming breath. “Honestly, I’m glad I’m driving alone. I could use some time to think.”

  Renee paused a moment, silent in a way that told Samantha she was worried. “About what?”

  “I don’t know. Life. Career choices.” Sam brushed aside the curtains and pulled the double-paned window firmly shut. “Maybe mom was right.”

  “Sam, it was your first gallery, you can’t expect—”

  “Expect what? To sell something, after five years of trying?”

  “Look, I don’t want to fight you on this, but driving across country to figure out your life is crazy. We’re talking three thousand miles. And my beautiful blond girlfriend who always seems to attract the creepiest of men when out alone.”

  Samantha laughed, staring out the window to the street below. “Yeah… Well, I’ll keep the doors locked.” She walked toward the closet and pulled more clothes from the hangers. “Besides—my mind’s made up.”

  “Sam…”

  “I’ll be fine. Really.”

  “Why don’t you drive with Tristan? He’s leaving tomorrow, and I’m sure he could use the company.”

  “Ha!”

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I am NOT driving with your brother.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’d rather eat poop.” It was a gross analogy, but it was mostly true. “I can think of a million other things I’d rather do than be held hostage with Tristan. It’s bad enough you invited him to the wedding.”

  Renee laughed. “He’s my brother. Or course he’s going to be there. And he’s not that bad. He’s had a rough year—I think he’s finally growing up.”

  “Tristan Montgomery, grow up? I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  “Good. I’ll have him pick you up tomorrow at ten.”

  “No no no, that’s not what I—”

  “I have to go.” Renee sing-song yelled into the receiver, “Be ready by ten! I LOVE YOU!”

  CLICK.

  Samantha looked at her cell, her eyes bulging with shock and terror before redialing the number.

  The line went quickly to voice mail. “Hi, this is Renee. You know what to do. BEEEEEP.”

  “Shit!” Samantha hung up the phone. An image of Tristan popped into her mind and she closed her eyes. “Like hell!” She moved across the room, pulled her
chair from her desk, and sat down upon it. If Renee wasn’t going to answer, she’d be forced to send an email.

  Renee,

  I’m sure you’re expecting this email. I mean, why wouldn’t you, after dropping that bombshell of a bad idea in my lap? Tristan? Really? REALLY?

  And since when is he “Not that bad?” It’s hard to believe those words actually came from your mouth!

  Samantha paused in her typing, drumming her fingers on the mouse pad before continuing.

  Tristan Montgomery was that guy. The guy every girl wanted and every guy wanted to be. The boy who made even grown women blush when he walked into a room.

  He was also the guy who was handed everything on a silver platter. The one who worked hard for nothing, yet had everything. Tristan was everything she stood against, yet girls used to befriend Renee just to get closer to him.

  Everyone except Samantha.

  In fact, Renee and Samantha’s relationship had blossomed over their mutual hatred for Tristan Montgomery. Samantha was the only girl outside of Renee who didn’t like him. No, correction, didn’t LOVE him.

  There wasn’t anything in particular about Tristan that left a bad taste in Samantha’s mouth, it was everything. The fact that teachers turned a blind eye so he could stay on the varsity football team. The fact that he said nothing, did nothing, was no more than a high school jock, yet every girl in high school bowed at his feet.

  You’re worried about my safety Renee, and you think driving with Tristan would make things better? He had his license suspended senior year for too many speeding tickets. He jumped off your parents’ roof and into your neighbor’s backyard pool on a dare! This isn’t a guy who makes the best decisions regarding safety. He doesn’t think about how his actions could affect other people.

  She closed her eyes as memories flooded her. Tristan was a risk-taker and never thought about the consequences of tomorrow. He did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, without thinking about the future. And he was the only boy who held one of Samantha’s firsts outside of Steven.

  She cringed.

  He was the only part of Samantha’s life she couldn’t share with her best friend… and that scared the shit out of her.

  3

  Chapter Three

  Six years earlier

  Samantha adjusted the pillow behind her head, glancing up the stairs at the sound of Renee’s cough rattling from the loft of the cabin. She cringed at the wicked sound of it, certain the Montgomerys should come home from their party to take her to the hospital—but as soon as she sat up to reach for her phone, the dull snore of her sleeping friend came drifting down to comfort her.

  She smiled, sure it would keep her up all night, and picked back up her book. She’d been reading all week, catching up on her ever growing list. This was their last trip before junior year, but poor Renee was stuck in bed with a bout of pneumonia. Fevers, body aches, and a prescription for antibiotics and rest. The trip had become remarkably uneventful as a result, but Samantha really didn’t mind. She was just happy to be away. From chores, too much heat…and Steven.

  Mostly Steven.

  The pressure to become his girlfriend was beginning to annoy her. He’d been at her house almost daily, hinting about needing an answer before school started. It was no secret that he loved her. He’d confessed to as much in front of their entire sixth grade band class. Everyone knew how he felt, but until now they’d been just friends. The best of friends.

  Samantha loved Steven with all her heart, but she didn’t like him that way. He was her best friend outside of Renee—and she was determined to keep it like that. Dating him would only mess things up. But how could she tell him no without hurting him? To say no, and not have him push her away completely? It was a catch twenty-two in the worst kind of way. No matter which way she said it, her words would be a rejection. A rejection she wasn’t sure their friendship could recover from.

  She nestled down in the couch, determined to get lost in her book and not think about tomorrow, but bits of sun steamed in through the tall picture window, reminding her that the day was almost over. That they’d be returning home in the morning. To school, to homework, and big fat decisions.

  The front door slammed open, and Tristan strolled lazily into the cabin. He’d just come back from a run and his hair was slightly damp, his shirt off—revealing his perfectly sculpted chest and abs. She swallowed. She didn’t much like him, but she wasn’t blind. He was hot. More than hot. Broad shoulders, washboard abs, with that bad boy messy vibe that everyone loved.

  She glanced back at her book, ignoring him like she always did, but before she could read the first line, something heavy settled down at the other end of the couch. She glanced up and found him sprawled at the other end, arms braced against the back cushions, feet up on the coffee table. She cleared her throat, making herself smaller on the other end—because this was odd. Normally Tristan didn’t stick around for this long. Normally he had a crew of people vying for his attention that would pull him away. She knew for a fact there was a cabin full of girls just across the lake who would volunteer for the job. She’d seen them with her own eyes. Splashing around all week, practically naked, obvious in their attempts to grab Tristan’s attention.

  Before she knew what he was doing, he leaned forward and snatched the book right out of her hands. “Let’s go swimming,” he said, leaving her mouth open, and heart pounding.

  She blinked a few times, not knowing what to say as he placed her novel on the coffee table.

  She was so confused by his behavior she had a hard time breathing. “I’m not going anywhere,” she replied, pushing herself to the edge of the couch to grab her book again.

  He quickly blocked her. “You haven’t done anything all weekend.”

  “So?” she replied, not attempting to hide her irritation. “Renee’s sick—if you haven’t noticed.”

  “Oh, I noticed.” He smiled before leaning back in his seat again. “Renee snores like a jackhammer.” A loud grumble came bellowing down the stairs again and Tristan raised his brows in response. “See?”

  Samantha laughed, but then shook her head and hit his arm. “You’re mean.”

  He shrugged. “Just because she’s sick doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy ourselves. This is our last night of vacation. Monday morning we leave for home. I pack for college, and you get ready for another year of high school. Don’t make me look like a loser splashing around in the lake by myself.”

  She grinned at the imagery, but couldn’t help glancing over. “You won’t be alone.” She lifted her chin to the west end of the lake. “Those girls have been dying for your attention all weekend.”

  He set his feet to the ground, leaned forward and laughed under his breath. But it wasn’t a laugh of happiness or humor; it was something else.

  “What? Are half naked women not your type?”

  “It’s not that.”

  “Then what?”

  He glanced over at the kitchen, as though contemplating ending this conversation, but he met her eyes again, offering the bluest storm she’d ever seen in her life. “I wanted to spend my last night with you.”

  Her heart squeezed. Like the air had been sucked from her body. She wasn’t sure why, but for some reason he sounded serious.

  Samantha forced herself to keep breathing, disgusted by the fact he affected her so easily. She didn’t think it was possible, but she felt even more uncomfortable than before. Why would Tristan want to spend his last night at the lake with her? Why would he want to spend his last night with her alone? And why did the fact he said so cause a conflicted feeling to form in her stomach? A mixture of butterflies, adrenaline, and nausea.

  She looked toward the cabin door, battling her wild heart and the parts of her that wanted to let it loose.

  “Come on,” he said, bumping her arm with his shoulder. “I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”

  She crossed her arms at her stomach, wondering if she was about to throw up.
/>   “What? You don’t believe me?”

  “It’s not that. I’m just surprised the word ‘gentleman’ is a part of your vocabulary.”

  His blue eyes danced with amusement and he started laughing. “Go upstairs and change, Sammie. I’ll meet you outside in five minutes.” He pushed himself off the couch, not waiting for a reply, and headed to his bedroom in the basement.

  She waited for the door to close before taking a much-needed breath. For some reason, he assumed she would meet him, even without an answer. But she knew why. Because requests like that were all it ever took from Tristan Montgomery. He had the body of a God, all six foot something of him, and his wild surfer boy hair was the blond icing on top of the beautifully sculpted cake. She knew she should ignore him and continue reading, but her heart had never pounded so hard in her life. In spite of herself, she was curious about what it would be like to spend an evening with Tristan Montgomery. Curious to see if what everyone said about him was true…

  She smoothed her hair behind her ears and headed upstairs. Renee was buried under a mound of blankets, and rolled on the mattress toward the door when Samantha entered the loft.

  “Hey,” Renee said in a hoarse whisper. “Have I been sleeping long?”

  “Hey,” Samantha replied, smiling as she sat softly on the side of the bed. “Just all day. How are you feeling?”

  Renee shrugged. “Eh, could be better.” She frowned. “Sorry I ruined your weekend.”

  “You didn’t ruin anything.” Samantha shook her head. “I finally caught up on all the reading I’ve been wanting to do this summer. For what it’s worth, I’m team Edward.”

  Renee wrinkled her nose and flashed a sleepy grin. “What time is it? Are you coming to bed?”

  “No…” She looked away. “Tristan actually asked me to go to the lake with him—for some reason I’m actually considering it.”

  Renee’s eyes narrowed, analyzing her in a way that made Samantha fear she could see her heart. That she knew Tristan had affected her downstairs, and Samantha’s stomach rolled with the thought of it.