In Every Way

by Amy Sparling

  “All clear?” he asks, sitting up.

  I nod. “That was terrifying.”

  “All before our first date,” he says with an evil grin.

  “You might have to stay here until she goes to sleep so I can sneak you out,” I say, sitting on the end of my bed. He joins me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” he whispers into my ear.

  “I don’t want to take up too much of your time,” I say, letting my fingers slide into his. “Don’t you have work tomorrow?”

  He shrugs, tugging me closer to him. “I can never get enough time with you.”

  I rest my head against his shoulder and we sit like this for a few minutes, but soon that fluttery feeling in my stomach rises up again, and I’m pretty sure he feels it, too.

  I stand, just to put some space between us, hoping all of these hormones will cool off.

  Josh just sits there on the edge of my bed, his eyes peering up at me in this mischievous way that makes my knees weak. “Come here,” he says, curling his finger toward me.

  I take a step closer, then again until I’m standing in between his outstretched legs. “Come here,” he says again.

  “I am here,” I say, peering down at him.

  He shakes his head, reaches up, and grabs my hips. “You could be closer.”

  With one swift motion, he pulls me toward him and suddenly I’m way too close. My big gross belly is just inches from his face and he peers up, pressing a kiss to my left breast on top of my shirt. I am suddenly very aware of his hands on my body, his thumbs on top of my side fat, his face just inches from my boobs, which might be okay for a guy to look at, but they’re sitting right on top of my gross stomach.

  I flinch and step backward, pulling out of his grasp. “You should go,” I say, letting out a ragged breath.

  That concerned look comes back on his face. “Is everything okay?”

  I nod. “Just don’t want you to stop liking me,” I say lightheartedly. That’s clearly the wrong thing to say because he frowns.

  “Bess, that’s impossible.”

  I shrug. “You should go, though. I don’t want to risk getting caught. My window opens and there’s no screen so maybe you can sneak out that way.”

  “Okay,” he says, grabbing his keys from the floor.

  We head over to the window and I open it up, pulling back the blinds for him. Before crawling out, he turns back to me, takes my face in his hands and plants a big kiss on my lips.

  “Can I call you tomorrow?” he asks.

  I nod.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? Nothing’s wrong?”

  I shake my head. “I’m fine.”

  “Okay,” he says slowly, then he kisses me again before slipping out of the window. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t believe me. I don’t believe myself either.

  Chapter 27

  I wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, despite only getting about five hours of sleep. Falling head over heels for a girl will do that to a guy. I pop out of bed and get a pot of coffee going before my dad even wakes up. I scramble some eggs and make toast to go with it since we’re out of bacon. When my dad finally pads into the kitchen half an hour later, he gives me this incredulous look.

  “Son, have you gone crazy?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask as I set two plates on the kitchen table and divide the eggs and toast between them. “Coffee’s ready.”

  His lips press into a flat line. He pours himself a cup of coffee and then joins me at the table. “Son, are you in some kind of trouble and this is your way of buttering me up before you break the news?”

  I laugh. “Nope. Just felt like making breakfast.”

  Because my life is fucking awesome now that I have the attention of the greatest girl ever.

  “All right, guess I won’t argue with that,” Dad says, diving into his food. “Should be an easy day today because we got all the new inventory stocked last week. I do have a couple of guys coming in to buy surfboards, so that’ll bring in some good money.”

  “Cool,” I say, taking a sip of coffee. I wonder if it’s too early to call Bess? Obviously it is. But I wish I could. I miss her voice, her smile, everything. Damn, I am falling hard.

  The only downside to our wonderful night together after the barn incident is how she shoved me away so quickly. I’m trying not to let it get to me, because I know the girl likes me. She’s probably just following the advice of her girlfriends and making me work for it. That’s fine with me, of course. I’ll work as hard as it takes.

  After breakfast, I take a fast shower and get dressed for work, once again thanking the universe for giving me a job where regular summer clothes are the same as a work outfit. Before I leave, I pop my head into Abigail’s room.

  “You coming with me to the store?”

  She rolls over in bed, her hair all tangled around her head. “Will any of your hot friends be there?”

  I think of Bryce, and how he’ll be escorted out of the store of he even tries to step foot inside after the shit he pulled. And Colby is still out of the country, and those are the two friends she’s talking about. “No, but your life doesn’t have to revolve around guys who are too old for you,” I say.

  She blows a raspberry and rolls back over, pulling the covers up to her head. “No, thank you. Boys are life.”

  With a snort, I let her go back to sleep. On the drive to work, I keep glancing over at the empty passenger seat, remembering how damn perfect it was when Bess was sitting there. Today at work, I plan on coming up with the perfect romantic date for us. I’ve never been much of a romance guy, but I’m older and wiser and more in love than I’ve ever been, so it’s time to become a romance guy.

  I know Bess likes science stuff and exploring museums, so I rack my brain trying to think of a way to make that into a fun date, but all of the museums close before we get off work. I spend most of my morning playing on the work computer at the front counter, looking up places to take her, but nothing seems to work out.

  Then I stalk her Instagram feed again, trying to find pictures of things she likes, hoping it’ll spark a romantic date idea. She has so many pictures of Missy, her cat, and it makes my heart hurt. She really loved her cat, and now she’s gone. It was so sweet when she was telling me about Missy during one of our emails. I keep thinking that a girl who loves an animal that much would probably love a person even more.

  My phone buzzes and it lights up that mushy part in my chest that’s been dying to hear from her.

  Bryce: you at work? I’m gonna come by

  My jaw clenches. Bryce is seriously the dumbest asshat alive. I check the time—nine in the morning—and decide that I’ll just have to text Bess and hope she’s awake soon. She’s lucky and has the day off work today, which is terribly unlucky for me because I don’t get to see her on my lunch break. But first, I have to get rid of this asshole.

  Josh: You’re not allowed here anymore, not after the shit you pulled with my girlfriend.

  Bryce: Girlfriend? Wtf dude? A fuck buddy is one thing, but girlfriend?

  Josh: Go fuck yourself. I’m done being your friend.

  After a few deep breaths to calm my rage, I text Bess but she doesn’t reply right away. She’s probably still sleeping, and the mental image of her in bed makes my heart flutter and my pants tighten. I’d really love to be snuggled under the sheets with her right now.

  The next time my phone goes off, it’s an international call from my best friend.

  “Colby,” I say, answering the phone with a shit ton of enthusiasm. “What’s going on?”

  “What’s got you so happy?” he says with a laugh.

  “I met a girl. And she fits every item on my list, which means she’s perfect.”

  “Nice. I want to meet her when I get back, okay?”

  “Totally,” I say, grinning from ear to ear. In the background, I can hear Maddie talking.

 
; “What’s he talking about?” she says.

  “He met a girl,” Colby tells her. To me, he says, “What’s her name?”

  “Actually, Maddie knows her,” I say, glancing up at the store to make sure I’m not inadvertently ignoring any customers. “They had classes together last year.”

  There’s a shuffling of noise while Colby relays the information to his girlfriend and then Maddie gets on the phone. “I know her? Who?”

  “Bess Navarre.”

  “Oh my God, really?” she says so high-pitched that I have to hold the phone away from my ear. “That is so cool! I love her! She’s the sweetest!”

  “Have you been drinking?” I ask. Each sentence she said was higher and more slurred than the last one.

  “Mayyyybe,” she says back, laughing. “But seriously. O-M-G, I’m excited for you, Josh. Bess is so sweet and so cool.”

  “I know. I’m falling for her hard.”

  “Just be careful, okay? She’s kind of . . . sensitive.”

  I grip the phone tighter. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Well . . . I shouldn’t be telling you but . . . she’s insecure about her looks, mostly her weight. She’s always complaining that she doesn’t think she’s good enough to get a guy. So, just make sure you let her know that doesn’t bother you. I keep telling her the right guy won’t be bothered by it.”

  “What’s with this shit?” I say, letting out a big breath of air. “The girl isn’t fat! So what if she’s not rail thin? Honestly it’s hot as hell when a girl has curves.”

  “Amen to that,” Colby says. I must be on speakerphone.

  “Oh yeah, before I forget. I’ll explain it more later, but we’re currently not talking to Bryce, okay?”

  “Okay,” they say at the same time. I like that my friends are good enough friends to just take my word on it and not ask questions.

  “Hey, Maddie?” I ask, before we get off the phone. “Do you have any suggestions for me? Any way I can really win her over?”

  “Just be yourself,” she says. “And let her know you don’t care about her weight.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “We’ll be back home soon,” Colby says. “We’re thinking of throwing a party when we get back, so you bring your new girl, okay? I want to meet her.”

  My girl. I like the sound of that. “Sounds good. Ya’ll be safe.”

  I ring up a few customers and watch my dad sell some expensive surf boards before lunch. I can’t stop thinking about what Maddie said, and what Bryce said for that matter. So what if Bess was a little chubby when we were kids? She’s certainly not now. She’s sexy as hell. I hate the idea of her being ashamed of her body because of what pricks like Bryce have told her in her past. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that she’s beautiful and has nothing to worry about.

  A short while later, my phone alerts me that I have a new email.

  From: BessNavarre

  To: TheFlyingJosh

  Subject: ughhhhhhhh

  Yeah so my stupid phone is dead! I woke up this morning wanting to text you, but I can’t, and although it’ll probably only take a few minutes to charge up enough to turn it on, I’m sending you this frustration email to pass the time. How’s work? I’m enjoying my day off…so much better than working… ha! Can’t wait to see you again. Or talk to you. Or text you… stupid phone.

  See ya,

  Bess

  I smile as I read, picturing her cute voice saying all the words to me. Knowing her phone will be on soon, I send her another text.

  Josh: So about that date. I’m taking you out tonight at six. Dress comfortable. I think you’ll really like the date I have planned.

  A few minutes later, my phone chimes while I’m helping a customer and it drives me crazy waiting to read her reply. Finally, I get a chance to sneak off and check my phone.

  Bess: Sounds good. Can’t wait!

  I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling so much. The date has been arranged and she’s agreed to it. Now all I have to do is pull off my super romantic plan.

  Knowing I can’t do this alone, I call my sister. “Hey,” I say when she answers. “I need your help.”

  Chapter 28

  After Josh’s declaration that he wanted to take me on a real date and do something nice for us, he texts me saying to dress casual. I’m not even sure what that means. Did he think I’d wear a ball gown so he wants me to wear just a normal dress instead? Did he say it because his old girlfriends always dressed too nice? Does he mean jeans and a shirt or workout clothes?

  My stomach sinks at the thought. Surely he wouldn’t take me to the gym on our first date? Ugh.

  I’ve been racking my brain to remember who he used to date in high school. I’m pretty sure he had a girlfriend or two—all of the popular guys did—but I can’t remember who. Up until I was whacked with a football on Blue Beach a few weeks ago, I never really cared about that group of people. Did his last girlfriend dress nice for dates? Was she beautiful?

  I sigh so hard it makes the hair in my face fly around. Of course she was beautiful. Why wouldn’t she be? So why is he dating me?

  The world may never know.

  I stare at my vanity; at the collection of crappy cosmetics I’ve accumulated over the years. Makeup is so not my thing, but I feel compelled to wear it for tonight. I only have two hours left until he’s coming to get me, so I need to figure out this whole what-to-wear fiasco immediately, that way I can spend every single second getting ready.

  Grandma taps on my doorframe. “Are you going somewhere tonight?” she asks after surveying my state of being wrapped in a bathrobe, vanity full of makeup, dejected look on my face.

  “Yeah, um, it’s kind of a date actually.”

  Grandma lifts an eyebrow, her bright red lipstick puckering up in surprise. “A date?” She lets herself into my room and sits on my bed. “Well, this is exciting. Who’s the lucky boy?”

  When I’d told her I was going to a party with a friend last week, I left off his name. Luckily, I don’t have to lie to her now . . . I just won’t tell her this date is with the same “friend” from the barn incident.

  “His name is Josh,” I say, dabbing some foundation on my cheeks with my fingers. “He’s one of Maddie’s boyfriend’s friends.”

  Grandma brightens. “Oh, that’s nice. I like Colby.”

  She’s only met him once when he dropped off Maddie at my house so we could go to the mall, but Grandma pretty much likes everyone. “When are they coming back from their vacation?”

  “Soon,” I say. My teeth bite down on my bottom lip as I focus on my makeup application in the mirror. I can’t exactly look at Grandma now, or I know I’ll blush.

  Grandma watches me in the reflection of the mirror. “Is he cute?” she asks, her voice all low and conspiratorial.

  I shrug, trying to be cool about it. “Yep.”

  “Wonderful,” she says, rising from my bed. “I knew Julie’s makeover would give you a lot more confidence. I’m so proud of you, Bess.”

  My phone rings, saving me from any further obligation to talk about Josh and his cuteness. “It’s Maddie,” I say, closing the lid on my powder compact.

  “I’ll let you chat,” she whispers, and she ducks out of my room, closing the door behind her.

  “Hey,” I say, answering the phone.

  “BESS!”

  “Don’t sound so surprised,” I say with a laugh. “You’re the one who called me.”

  “I know, I know, but Bess! Oh my God! I’m so excited for you!”

  “What exactly are you excited about?” I ask slowly, figuring I already know what she’ll say.

  “Josh just told Colby about your date tonight. I’m so excited for you, Bess. You’re going to be the cutest couple. Josh is a really good guy.”

  “You think?” Now my hands are all shaky and nervous and I can’t focus on finishing my makeup.

  “He’s really excited to be going out with you,” she sa
ys, her voice all swoony. “When we get home in two days, we’ll have to double date. It’ll be awesome.”

  “That’s assuming this date tonight goes even slightly well,” I say with a laugh. “I’m still not convinced I won’t find some way to screw it up.”

  “No way, he likes you a lot. Just be yourself, Bess.”

  I roll my eyes. “That’s the most overused and non-useful advice ever.”

  “I know, but it’s true. I know you and Josh, and you’re both great people. It’ll work out, I promise.”

  “Hey, what do you think dressing casual means? Jeans and a shirt?”

  “Is it for your date tonight?”

  “Yeah, Josh texted me saying to dress casual. I have no freaking idea what that means.”

  She chuckles. “Anything will work, trust me. Jeans will be fine.”

  “Why did you say it like that? Do you know something I don’t?”

  “Possibly,” she says in this way that definitely means yes.

  “You know where he’s taking me? You have to tell me! It’s girl code!”

  “Not when the secret is super adorable, I don’t. Trust me, you’ll be happy.”

  I sigh. “Not even one whole date yet and my best friend has abandoned me for her boyfriend’s friend.”

  Maddie giggles. “Wait until the date is over and then tell me if you’re still mad I kept the secret. If so, I’ll apologize, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be psyched. Trust me.”

  ***

  “You look beautiful.”

  My eyes roll slightly as I wait while Josh opens his passenger door for me. “You already said that.”

  “I know, but it needed to be said again.” Josh looks ridiculously hot in a black button up shirt, the sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms, revealing the taut muscles underneath. His jeans fit snugly against his thighs, making his butt look really cute. I never really knew I liked guy’s butts until now. Maybe it’s just Josh’s.