Soaked

by Courtney Elliott

  We left my room and headed out to the party. There seemed to be a person covering every square inch of our house and I wondered how the girls had even known that many people. Katie and I made our way out to the beer stand and a guy passed each of us a solo cup.

  Katie and I kind of wandered aimlessly for a bit when she stopped suddenly, causing me to almost run into her. “Katie, what’s the deal?” I asked, but her attention wasn’t on me. It was on a guy across the room from us wearing a crisp blue shirt. He must have sensed us staring because he slowly turned his head our way. I watched as a slow smile spread across his face. He was handsome that was for sure. There was also something vaguely familiar about him, but I couldn’t actually place him.

  “Who is that?” Katie asked, never once taking her eyes off him. I looked around and spotted Layla standing close by. I motioned her over and pointed toward the guy that seemed to be just as focused on Katie as she was on him.

  “Who is that guy over there in the blue shirt?” I asked. She turned her head and gave a slight shake of her head.

  “Don’t know. I think he might be a friend of Patrick’s or something. They came in together and I’ve seen them hanging out some, but I’ve never actually gotten his name.” I frowned that we had stumbled across the one person on campus that Layla didn’t seem to know at least five facts about. It seemed like a problem that would soon be resolved though because he started to make his way over to us. Katie straightened next to me and I looked over at her. She was smiling wide.

  The guy stopped right in front of us. His eyes focused on Katie, so it was pretty safe to assume the feelings she was having were mutual.

  “Hey there,” he said in a deep voice that oozed masculinity. It reminded me of Sam Elliott.

  “Hi,” Katie said back and I saw a blush rise to her cheeks. I raised my eyebrows. I had never seen Katie be so nervous around a guy before. Except maybe Sebastian way back in the day. It brought a smile to my face.

  “I’m Parker,” the guy said as he held his hand out.

  “Katie.”

  “Nice to meet you. So, what brings you girls here this evening?” He asked as he looked towards Layla and me.

  “This is our party,” Layla said.

  “Oh, are you friends of Patrick’s then?”

  “He’s kind of dating our roommate,” I said. A flash of recognition swept across his face.

  “Bri?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Oh, she’s a sweet girl. I think he really likes her.”

  “How do you know him?” Layla asked.

  “He’s my little brother.” I guess that made sense to why he looked older than us. Patrick was already a year ahead and if this guy was older than him, then he must have been a senior at least.

  “Do you go here?” Katie asked. Parker chuckled as he shook his head.

  “No, I actually graduated a few years ago. I live close though so occasionally I stop in to hang out with Pat or I drop in on our other brother, Paul in Houston.” That got my attention. I quickly dismissed it though. There had to be hundreds of guys in Houston named Paul. What were the chances that he just happened to be the brother of the one living with West?

  “You have a brother that goes to Houston?” Katie asked. “My brother West goes there.”

  “Weston Blake?” Parker asked. Katie nodded as she smiled.

  “Yeah.”

  “Wow, small world. He’s Paul’s roommate. I actually just visited with them a few weeks back.” Well, I guess the chances were pretty freaking high. I took a sip of my drink as they continued chatting.

  “Really? I haven’t seen him in ages. I was thinking of taking a trip down there before Spring Break was over.”

  “You might want to let him know you’re coming. Apparently he’s seeing some girl. I hardly saw the guy and I was there for a week.” I nearly spit my drink out all over the place. Katie looked over at me.

  “Uh, sorry,” I mumbled. “I should go clean up.” Then I left before she could say anything to stop me. I went into my room and I closed the door behind me before letting out a calming breath. I was so not a party girl. I don’t know why I even tried. I walked over to my dresser where my phone was charging and I checked the screen. I had two text messages from West. I quickly unplugged my phone and walked over to my bed before plopping down on the mattress and checking them.

  West: Are you still awake? Practice just ended and I would really love to hear your voice.

  West: Alright, I guess I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow. Goodnight, Lennon. I miss you. Sweet dreams.

  The last message had only been sent ten minutes before so there was a chance I could catch him before he passed out. I quickly dialed his number and waited as it rang three times. Then I heard the click and his deep voice came through the line.

  “Hey beautiful,” he said, causing the butterflies in my belly to go crazy.

  “Hey.”

  “Did I wake you?”

  “No, the girls threw a party at the house. I was trying to be social.”

  “And I missed it? Damn.” I rolled my eyes as I shifted on the bed to get more comfortable.

  “Funny. How was your day?”

  “Fine, I met with a couple of different coaches today.”

  “That’s great, West. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you.” A few seconds of silence passed between us. “I miss you.”

  “I miss you too. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”

  “I know. It’s sucked not being able to see you these past five months.”

  “Do you think you might be able to make it back for my birthday?” I asked, hopeful. We had talked about the possibility, but it wasn’t a sure thing. This agent had been keeping West insanely busy. It seemed like every day he had someone new to meet with or some potential contract to look over. He hadn’t even become pro yet and already several large athletic equipment companies were trying to get him signed on as a spokesman. It was crazy to think about.

  “I don’t know. I’m trying, but each time I think I’m almost ready to come back, something else pops up. I don’t want to make any promises, Len.” I nodded my head. He was living his dream and this was the opportunity of a lifetime. I would have hated myself if I tried to keep him from exploring it.

  “Okay.” I tried not to sound disappointed, but it was hard not to let it seep through just a little. A sigh on West’s end told me he heard it. Before he could say anything though, my bedroom door opened and Katie came in.

  “There you are,” she called out. “What are you doing back here? Who are you talking to?” I said the first thing that popped into my head.

  “Mom, I have to go.” West called out my name, but I hung up before I heard whatever he said after.

  “Len, you can’t stay cooped up in here. Come on, live a little.” I dropped my phone down onto my bed and followed Katie back out. Then for once, I actually let myself have a little fun while I tried not to let the fact that I wouldn’t be seeing West anytime soon get to me too much.

  Thirty-Eight

  “Hey Len, can you come out here for a second?” Jessie called out. I put my bookmark in before I got up and made my way into the living room. I found her standing at the front door and on our front porch was a man dressed up in what looked like a renaissance costume of some sort.

  I stepped closer and Jessie looked at me over her shoulder with a cheesy grin plastered on her face. I stopped at the door and looked back at the guy.

  “Yeah? Can I help you?” I asked.

  “Excuse me Miss, we are…uh circus guys,” he said. He looked off to the side before turning his attention back to me. “Is there…” he looked back to the side. “What was it again?” I peeked around the corner to see who he was talking to, but I couldn’t see anyone there. “Uh, is there a village?”

  I looked back at the guy with one brow raised. I had no clue what was happening. “Um, no,” I replied.

  “Then no one can hea
r us scream.” I smiled widely as it finally dawned on me what was happening. He was quoting The Princess Bride, albeit badly, but that’s what he was doing. Suddenly West stepped out from around the side of our house with a grin on his handsome face.

  “Word of advice, when trying to impress a girl by acting out a scene from her favorite novel, get better actors.” My mouth fell open as I looked back at him. He was supposed to be in California. He grinned even wider and it reminded me that I should probably say…something.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Dude, can I go now? This thing is hot as balls.” West glared at the guy in costume. Then he motioned for him to go before turning back to me.

  “In my head, this went a lot smoother.” He stepped toward me and pulled me into his arms. He leaned down and gave me a sweet peck on the cheek before pulling back. “Happy birthday, Len.”

  “Thank you and thank you for that. I can’t say anyone has ever done anything like that for me before.”

  “You’re worth it.”

  “What are you doing here? I thought you were still in California.”

  “I wanted to surprise you. You have no idea how hard it was not to let it slip a couple of weeks ago that I was coming.” I pulled him close to me again. I still couldn’t believe that he had done this for me. It was so sweet, and I was so happy to have him there. Celebrating my birthday without him just seemed strange to me.

  “Do you have any plans tonight?” He asked.

  “I think I could move some things around. For the right reasons.” He grinned again before he reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a thick envelope. It looked like something a wedding invitation might come in. He passed it over, and I gave him a quizzical look before slowly opening it.

  Inside there was a letter and what looked like two tickets. I opened the letter first and saw West’s familiar messy handwriting.

  Lennon-

  If everything went according to plan, then I’m currently standing in front of you, having just thoroughly impressed you. If that’s true, nod your head.

  I looked up at him, and he just smirked back at me. So, I nodded my head, making his grin even wider. I chuckled before going back to his letter.

  Good. Now, I’ve enclosed two tickets inside this envelope and I’m sure you’re dying to know what they are. So, go ahead and take a look. I’ll wait.

  I smiled again before reaching inside for the two tickets. My eyes scanned over the words and widened. No way. No freaking way. I read over them a second time because I couldn’t believe it. Then a third just to make sure. The words were still the same.

  Pinewood Theater

  Presents

  The Princess Bride

  April 20th through the 25th

  7pm

  My heart stopped then kick started. I couldn’t believe he had done this. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as The Princess Bride play. How had I never heard of it before? I looked up at him again and he was beaming back at me.

  “How? Is this real?” I asked. He laughed as he nodded his head.

  “Yep,” was all he said. Forgetting all about the rest of the letter, I threw myself at him. He caught me easily and held me tightly. “Happy birthday, Len,” he whispered into my hair. I could feel my eyes watering and I wiped at them once he sat me back down.

  “I can’t believe you did this, West. This is amazing.”

  “I wanted to do something special.”

  “Oh my gosh. I seriously can’t believe this.” I read over the tickets again and sure enough they still said the same thing. Then I went back to his letter.

  Just the reaction I was hoping for. Now, you don’t have to take me, but I wouldn’t mind tagging along if that’s what you want. This is all for you Lennon. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. It’s your day, enjoy it.

  -West

  I gave him another hug and peppered his face with kisses; I just couldn’t resist the urge. He laughed the whole time and didn’t bother trying to stop me. When I finally let him go, he looked down at his watch. “Now, we have about six hours before show time, and this place is a good hour and a half away. So, the girls are waiting to take you shopping and spend a day doing whatever you want to do.”

  “Are you going with me?” I asked.

  “If that’s what you want.” I quickly nodded my head and he smiled down at me. “As you wish.” I nearly melted right there on my front porch. I never thought anyone could say that line as well as Cary Elwes, but I was pretty certain West might just have him beat. “I’ll be here at five to pick you up.”

  “Okay,” I said. Then West gave me one dimpled grin before he sent me inside. Just as he’d said, the girls were all standing there waiting for me. They each had the same cheesy smiles that Jessie had earlier.

  “Now, we are under strict instructions to make this as painless for you as possible. Today is all about pampering you, and making you feel like a princess.”

  “Princess Buttercup,” Layla added, causing me to laugh.

  “Okay,” I agreed. Honestly, I was so happy in that moment, I would have agreed to anything they wanted me to.

  I spent the whole day doing just as West had asked. We went to the spa first where I got a full manicure and pedicure as well as a nice facial. I got a little bit of a haircut at the salon as well as a pretty uncomfortable waxing, but Bri assured me it was necessary. Next, it was time to get my outfit for the evening. Jessie swore she had it covered so I trusted her.

  She pushed me into the dressing room and passed a lovely black dress over the top. I tried it on, and immediately fell in love. It was easily one of the nicest things I’d ever worn and it really did make me feel like a princess. I opened the door and showed the girls. They all told me how stunning I looked and each one promised that West wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off me.

  By the time we got back to the house, I felt amazing. I was ready for a wonderful night ahead with West. I couldn’t wait for him to pick me up.

  He showed up at exactly five o’clock that evening, and I went to answer the door, but Layla shooed me away. Then she opened the door and the sight that greeted us was enough to make any girls heart stop beating.

  West was wearing a nice navy blue suit that seemed to cling to every taut muscle he had. He had shaved off the slight stubble he’d had on his chin when he had visited just a few hours ago, and his hair had also been trimmed and neatly styled. My eyes took notice of every little detail about him as though it were trying to take a mental picture for me to hold onto for years after.

  “Wow, Lennon, you look…wow,” he said, his voice gruff and sexier than I’d ever heard it. A blush rose to my cheeks as I smiled shyly back at him.

  “Thank you. You look amazing too.” He flashed that dimple my way before pulling his arm out from behind him. In his hand was a beautiful bouquet of violets, my favorite flower. “Oh my god,” I said at the same time as the three girls behind me. I turned and they tried to make it look like they weren’t watching us, but I knew they were.

  “Would you like to come in?” I asked. He gave a nod of his head as I stepped to the side. I made my way into the kitchen so I could put my flowers in water. Once I was finished, I came back to the living room where the girls were all giving him goo-goo eyes. I walked over and laced my arm through his and he grinned down at me. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” I said my voice full of giddy excitement then I turned toward the girls. “Don’t wait up,” I whispered.

  I let West lead me outside to his truck. Just as he always did for me, he opened the door and helped me inside. Then he walked casually around to the other side. When he climbed in, I looked over at him. He grinned at me before he took my hand in his and pressed a soft kiss against the back of my palm.

  I stayed giddy the whole ride to the theater. I still couldn’t believe I was actually about to see my favorite novel acted out in person. It seemed so surreal. I looked over at West. He must have felt me watching
him because he turned to look at me.

  “Thank you again for this,” I told him. “This is incredible.”

  “Of course.”

  “I just don’t know how you even found out about this. I’ve been a fan for most of my life and I didn’t even know there was a play.” He smirked.

  “A magician never reveals his secrets,” was his response. He reached for my hand that was lying on the bench between us and held it tightly in his. My heart flip flopped in my chest.

  It seemed to take forever for us to get to the theater, but I knew that was mostly because of how excited I was. Once we were seated, I finally started to relax a bit. All that went out the window though the moment I saw a woman in a peasant dress step out onto the stage. She beamed as she looked out over the audience and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we at Pinewood Theater want to thank you for coming tonight for our presentation of S. Morgenstern’s classic tale, The Princess Bride, adapted for the stage and screen by William Goldman. This was always a favorite of mine as a child as I’m sure it was for all of you. We’ve worked very hard on it, and I do hope we don’t disappoint. Please enjoy the show.”

  Everyone clapped and then the lights dimmed.

  “Oh my gosh, that was incredible,” I said as West and I walked out of the theater a few hours later. He smiled as he looked down at me and took my hand in his. I looked out over the parking lot just fully enjoying the moment I was in. I still couldn’t get over the fact that West had gone through all this trouble for me. In the distance, I saw a flash of lightning.

  “It was pretty good,” he added. We made our way quickly across the parking lot while I prattled on and on about some of my favorite scenes, but in the middle of telling him about one, I would remember another one that I liked just as much. He just listened as I recounted every second of the show we had just seen, and he did it all with the happiest smile on his face.