Chapter 12
Kadence
I’m tired and hungry, which probably makes me seem moody. As much as I would have liked the company for breakfast, I know it’s best if Caleb and I go our separate ways. It’s not because I think he’s clingy or strange. It’s because I hate goodbyes. I hate the awkward feeling I get when it’s time to part ways, so the sooner the better.
While I’m in the diner eating my breakfast, I take my phone from my purse and notice a slew of messages from my friends. I send them a group text back saying I’m fine and that I spent the night walking around in order to be alone. What I did is none of their business, nor would I ever feel comfortable confessing the things I do in private. They like to gossip, and far be it from me to be to topic of discussion.
I’m not surprised to get a response back suddenly. The message is short and to the point, none of them even asking if I’m okay. Instead it said they were packed up and heading back to the city, and if I didn’t want to pay someone else to drive me home, I better get there fast.
After leaving a twenty dollar bill on the table for my waitress, kind of as a sorry I couldn’t stay and finish gesture, I ran out of the diner and down the street in the direction of the house. Upon arriving, I notice the car is in fact packed. Mandy and Steph and already standing outside waiting to go. Davina is still yelling about something in the house.
“What the hell?”
Steph rolls her eyes. “You missed it all. She’s gone off the deep end this time. Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
But I do. I want to know why my vacation is being cut short. I need to find out why Davina can’t get her shit together and act like a normal human being.
“Where were you last night?” Mandy questions.
“I couldn’t deal with the yelling, so I went out for a walk. I ended up falling asleep near the water.”
“You slept on the ground?”
I shrug. “Guess I was tired.”
The fact that I feel the need to lie tells me these people aren’t real friends. I don’t know when or how it happened, but we’ve drifted apart in more ways than one. We have nothing in common, and that’s when I know this is the last time we’ll ever spend time together. Unlike the night they all obviously experienced, I’m satisfied and comforted knowing I was able to share the evening with someone who brought me unimaginable pleasure. It’s enough to feel like the trip wasn’t all a waste. If I could stay I would. I’d book another kayak tour and maybe have a repeat with the guide named Caleb.
The ride back is unbearable. Everyone argues with each other, to the point that only hate is spread. By the time Davina pulls up in front of my house, I’m done thinking this can ever be rectified. What’s done is done, and she’s a terrible person I no longer want to admit knowing.
I discover my mom out on the sun deck with a binder containing a case she’s working on. Her eyes beam when she sees me, but only until she realizes I’ve returned before I’m due back. “Kadence. What are you doing here?”
Taking the seat beside her, I sigh and start with the long explanation. I tell her about Davina, and how she treated our kayak guide, going as far as trying to get him fired. I talk about how she complained how everything looked old, and there wasn’t a single place on the island to her standards.
Mom’s face contorts, a sullen reaction to a sad story. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Unfortunately, Davina has only been taught to live one way. That’s why your father and I are so adamant about you experiencing other ways of life. We want you to know that not everyone is fortunate, and that we should always appreciate every little thing we have, instead of taking it for granted. Davina will never be happy, because she’s been taught to expect the impossible. It’s terrible. She’s a beautiful girl with a terrible attitude. She’ll probably never leave the Hampton’s. It’s a shame, because someone so shallow will never be able to experience happiness within.”
Grabbing the bridge of my nose, I sit back on the chaise lounge and sigh loudly. “That’s true. It is sad. I don’t think any of the girls will stay in touch after this fiasco. I spent last night alone because I was tired of hearing them bicker.”
My mom reaches over and takes my hand. “I’m upset your vacation was cut short.”
Shrugging, I manage a smile. “”I had a couple days to myself. Sure, I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but I can always go back. I’d love it if you and dad could go with me.”
“We were discussing that last night over dinner. I’d like that too. If we didn’t have the practice I’d book something sooner than later.”
Gripping the handle of the chaise, I start to sit up. “It’s fine. I need to finish my exams and make sure I’m ready to transfer in the fall. Maybe something later in the summer would be good. The Pony Swim is in July. Maybe we could go for that.”
“We’ll see.”
After I lean over and kiss her, I stand and stretch. “It was a long ride. I think I’m going to lie down for a while.”
“Go take a nap. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
Once inside the confines of my room, I sit down on my bed and open my laptop. My screensaver has a countdown to vacation. After removing it, I log onto social media and search for places in Chincoteague my family could rent. When I consider the fact that they’ll probably bring work with them, I wonder if a hotel wouldn’t be more convenient. Then I get a hair up my ass and start searching the kayak tour website, followed by the diner. That website has a picture of the whole family, including Caleb. I stare at the person I spent the night with, getting those same butterflies when I recall the way he touched me, and how he made me forget about everything else in the world. I’m fully aware he probably sees me as some random chick he’ll forget about tomorrow, but for some reason I don’t think I’ll ever have the kind of night we shared again in my life, and it makes me so sad. It’s almost like I feel incomplete and last night was a reminder.
Chapter 13
Caleb
I don’t know how to approach my brother about Evie. After spending the whole day on the water, I’m too beat to bring it up. Plus I don’t feel like hearing Bristol in my business. Her opinions are the last thing I need.
Since I haven’t been able to sleep, I crash before the sun goes down. Before I can begin to comprehend the last twenty four hours, I need to be able to think clearly. I’ve never overreacted when it comes to Coop. We don’t argue, especially over women. It’s not even like Evie was something special to me. We hooked up a few times and have been friends since we were kids. She’s not my property, not that she’d even let me make that claim.
When I really sit there and think about it I realize all of this is deriving from my encounter with Kadence. After my nap, I shower and change, hoping that I’ll be able to meet up with her at the bar and possibly have another go. I don’t know that much about her, but what I do know is that we both had one hell of a time together.
I no sooner go to leave when I come face to face with my brother. He’s already changed for the night, and from the way he’s coated his body with cologne, I’d guess he has plans. “Where have you been?”
“Out,” I quickly respond.
“Obviously. Dad said you weren’t there last night. I asked.”
“Like I said, I was out, not that you would have noticed. When I came home this morning you were face deep in pussy.”
He smiles and crosses his arms with a proud stance. “You jealous?”
Pinching my lips together, I refuse to answer. Instead, I decide to walk away. “I’ve got places to be. Catch you later.”
“Hang on. What’s with the secrets? There’s a party tonight at Jessica’s house. You going to stop by?”
I wave him off. “Probably not.”
I’m not sure if Coop watches me leave. It doesn’t matter. I’m not telling him where I’m going or why. In fact, I might not tell him anything at all until I can stop feeling pissed off about him screwing Evie.
Halfway across the parki
ng lot I run into my sister. She’s all dolled up, in the company of a couple friends, who are all carrying alcoholic beverages in the direction of the apartment. “Are you fucking serious? That shit is not going inside.”
“Coop already said it’s okay. What’s your problem anyway? It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. We just want to party. No one will be driving.”
I wave my hands in the air. “I don’t want any part of this shit. If Dad finds out, I wasn’t even here. Do whatever the hell you want, Bristol. You obviously don’t have respect for other people. You’re exactly the person Dad thinks you are.”
“Screw you, Caleb. What’s wrong with you?”
Running my hands through my hair, I let it all out. “I’m sick of all of you doing what you want without considering how it affects other people. Coop is the same damn way. Like I said, do what you want. I’m staying somewhere else tonight anyway.”
The bar is crowded with patrons, all except for the one I was hoping I’d run into. It takes me six beers to admit she’s not coming, and two more before I don’t give a shit. On a whim, I decide to walk to the pier where the sailboat is docked. It’s foolish to assume she’d go there, but it doesn’t stop me from looking around when I arrive. It’s too quiet as I stumble on the boat and go into the cabin to locate the booze. Noticing how I replaced the blankets and pillows only reminds me how rough things got the night before. Kadence was just a chick I banged. She wasn’t even that forthcoming when it came to communicating. It’s the kind of chick I’ve always wanted to hook up with. She didn’t complain. She took control. She never expected anything more from me. Hell, she didn’t even try to give me her number. I should feel relieved that I’m not obligated to pretend it meant something, but I don’t. Her absence and the fact that I’m sulking tells me it’s going to be hard to have that type of connection again. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not looking for a girlfriend, but I’d hit that shit as many times as she’d let me.
There’s a good chance I’m never going to see Kadence again. There’s also a chance I’ll never have another experience like I did with her. She’s a diamond in a pile of rocks. Being intoxicated allows me to put a lot into perspective. I bring the blanket out and lie down on the deck of the boat, staring up at the night sky full of stars. I think about my life, my current situation, and my future.
Truth be told, I don’t know if I’m in as good of a place as I think I am. It’s not all because of my previous hookup. Sure, Kadence represented the outside world, but she also brought something else to the table; something I wasn’t counting on.
She only proved that I don’t know shit when it comes to women. I’ve been living this easy life for so long that it’s prevented me from moving forward. I’ve been using women for my own pleasures, taking the easy route out of every hardship, and ignoring the fact that one day I’m going to have to be more than I am.
Maybe I’m starting to get over the late night parties, the random women, and the monotony of life. I need a change; some time to myself where I can make decisions that don’t involve Coop. We’ve spent our whole lives doing everything together. He’s proven that he’s ready to do what he wants with no regard for me. I need to get past that. I can’t hold a grudge when it comes to him, but I also can’t sit around and smile about things that obviously bother me.
Chapter 14
Kadence
Things go back to normal when school starts again. Throwing myself into my studies always occupies my time. At this point, I’m able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Graduation from this college is on the horizon. Three more years will go by fast, and then I’ll be set.
Some might call me crazy for my dedication, but I know it will pay off. I’m going to be someone who will make a real difference in people’s lives. At the end of the day it’s what I’ve worked so hard for.
When graduation day comes my parents surprise me by an announcement that they’ve taken off for the annual Pony Swim in Chincoteague. I’m elated with joy, for a lot of reasons. Firstly, I want them to be able to have a vacation. Secondly, I think it would be good for them to get away from all the hoity toity people they’re constantly dealing with. Thirdly, I’m eager to get back to a place that made me feel so whole.
I’m not speaking of the hook-up I had with a local. He was a breath of fresh air. All that fun aside, I really do wish I could have stayed longer to explore and familiarize myself with such a beautiful place.
It goes with saying, if I ran into Caleb Wallace again, I’d be up for another night of fulfillment. It’s not like I’m into picking up strangers, so it would set my mind at ease a little to be able to meet up with him again. Perhaps my family will start vacationing more frequently and we can make it a casual arrangement. I’m sure he’d oblige if I offered. I’m not being conceited about it. It’s no secret that we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
I haven’t spoken to any of my girlfriends since the fiasco went down and we parted ways. Sadly, I haven’t even missed them. According to social media, which I really can’t stand in the first place, they’re all still hanging out, minus me. Why I’ve been singled out is beyond me. I didn’t do a damn thing to them, but I suppose they knew I didn’t enjoy their company. I’m not even upset about that.
At times I do feel lonely. My parents are rarely home. They have friends and other obligations, and since I’m a grown adult, I think they assume I have my own person social relationships. I’m embarrassed to say that, aside from my study group, there’s really no one I care to spend my time with.
Maybe that’s why my ex-friends never called me. They probably see me as pathetic. If that’s the case I loathe them even more, if that’s at all possible.
The first weeks of summer are spent split between a part-time clerical job at my parent’s firm, and being outdoors as much as possible. I play tennis every morning, and spend my afternoons reading by the pool. On occasion, I’ll head to the country club and have a meal and a glass of wine while watching others get drunk and act like fools. Drunk rich people are ridiculous. I guess they think their shit doesn’t stink so they can do whatever the hell they want. If I would have majored in journalism, I probably could have spent my career sitting at bar people watching.
Summer has always been my favorite season, because it’s the only time out of the year where I’m able to breathe. There are no worries.
It’s been months since I’ve visited Chincoteague, and I’m itching to get back. I know the beach is probably slammed with tourist, and all I want is to be one of them. There’s something about the ocean wind hitting my face, and the way the sand sifts between my toes. I love listening to the waves as they rumble ashore, or the endless seagulls that fly above. If I could bottle it up and keep it close I would.
The forth of July is a big deal in the Hamptons. My parents throw a huge shindig, inviting all of our extended family and friends. The morning of the party I wake to an upset stomach. It forces me to rush into the bathroom where I heave until I vomit. Back out in my bedroom, the smell of food from downstairs hits my nostrils. My stomach turns and I feel violently ill.
Mom ends up checking on me when I don’t make an appearance downstairs for morning coffee. She checks my temperature and suggests I take some medicine and try to sleep it off so I’ll be good by afternoon. Taking her advice, I remain in bed, nestled underneath my down comforter praying the queasiness subsides.
When I’m unable to fall asleep, I play on my phone and then my laptop. I go through all the silly sale gimmicks for the holiday and then check my calendar for the next week. That’s when I notice the date and cringe.
I have this application that tracks my period from month to month, but I turned off the notifications after it just got on my nerves. Now looking back, I haven’t had a period for a couple months. Feeling like I’m overreacting and probably ate something bad the night before, I shower and begin my day with little more thought on the matter.
The fireworks are always a huge deal, and I’
ve never had trouble staying awake, but this year I’m beat. I continue to yawn and check my phone for the time more than I’d like to admit. Still thinking my body is just worn out, I go to bed that night hoping I’ll feel better when I wake up.
The sickness comes on around the same time as the morning before. After everything has left my body, I sink down on the marble floor and really think about what’s going on with me.
Hoping I’m freaking out over nothing, I backtrack in my calendar and go over the amount of time it’s been.
So panicked, I make a fast trip to the pharmacy where I purchase two different tests. I’ve heard they can be false-positive and need to be sure.
A part of me already knows what the little stick is going to say before the words pop up. I’m literally gutted when I read them.
I’m so close to having everything I’ve ever wanted. So close to being able to celebrate all of my hard work and dedication, and now this.
I don’t know what I’m going to do, but having a baby isn’t an option.
Chapter 15
Caleb
Pony Swim week is upon us, and life is chaotic. I’ve spent the majority of my summer working both jobs. Time has gotten away from me, and where I felt incomplete and confused during the spring months, I’m back on track and living it up in the sun. My brother and I happen to be back to our old antics. Occasionally, he goes off without telling me what he’s doing, but I’ve given up on the Evie situation. Life is too short and blood is thicker than water. He’s not just my blood. We’re exactly the same chemical makeup. I can’t blame him for being attracted to her. If he wants my sloppy seconds he’s welcome to them. I just prefer to not dip into his pot. I don’t have to. There’s plenty of other gorgeous women wanting a summer flings, and I’m ready and willing to give it to them.
The Summer Catch (Oyster Cove Series Book 5) Page 6