“Serena was really only interested in me physically. She fell in love with the idea of me. Believe me, anything about me she didn’t like, she set out to change. Whether it was my hair, my clothes, or my personality. She just wanted me to be the other half of her power couple. I broke up with her because I was tired of having her try to change me into who she wanted me to be. All of my friends see me as they want to, and expect me to act that way. We never even talk about anything deeper than who’s getting with who, or how the stupid football team is doing,” he laughed dejectedly, without humor.
“But...but...,” Bri faltered, trying to wrap her mind around what he was saying. As things finally began to make sense, she felt incredibly sad and sorry for what a lonely, empty life he had lived.
Cole reached out hesitantly and took her hand.
“That’s why you’ve ruined me, Ambria. With you I have finally been able to be myself. The person I want to be. And I’m not giving that up without a fight.” He looked at her meaningfully.
Bri stared deep into his eyes, and realized that she believed him. For better or worse, hopefully not worse, she believed that the Cole she knew and cared for was not some carefully constructed persona, but the man who lay hidden underneath all the facades.
“Okay,” she replied softly. She smiled at the relieved look that came over his face.
“Okay? Does that mean you believe me?” The hope in his eyes was almost irresistible.
“Yes, I believe you.”
Cole jumped out of his chair and pulled her into his arms.
“Oh, thank god,” he mumbled in her hair. “I didn’t think I’d ever be able to convince you.”
Bri felt herself soften. She tentatively returned his embrace, not quite sure what this meant for the two of them. They held each other for a few moments before Cole pulled back to look at her.
“Bri, do you... do you think that maybe we could give us another try?” His face appeared calm, but she could see the fear and trepidation in his eyes. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she knew that she wasn’t quite ready for that yet. She pulled out of his arms, her body protesting the whole way.
“Cole,” she began sadly. “I can’t. I’m sorry, but I’m just not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Bri, I promise you, you have nothing to worry about,” he replied ardently.
“I have nothing to worry about?” she asked softly. “Cole, other than Serena, what is the longest you’ve dated a girl?” She looked up at him.
“Um, three weeks,” he answered reluctantly, running a hand through his hair. “Maybe four.”
Bri nodded. “And I have nothing to worry about? We both have so little experience in actual relationships. I’d hate for us to screw this up because we rushed into something we both weren’t ready for. Do you understand?” she pleaded.
“Yes, I understand,” he exhaled. “You need time, I get it. I really don’t blame you, with everything I’ve put you through. I can wait. I’ll wait for you forever, Bri.” He said, completely serious.
“You can wait?” She was equal parts hopeful and terrified.
“I can be very patient when I want to be,” he smiled. “Though, I’d be exceedingly grateful if you didn’t make me wait too long.”
“Okay, I’ll do my best,” she smiled back.
“Now that I’ve spilled my soul,” Cole smiled lightly as he lifted Bri’s hair from the side of her neck. “Will you please tell me how you got this?” He traced her lily tattoo with his thumb before looking in her eyes.
She smiled sadly at him.
“Not tonight. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Cole was obviously disappointed, but he nodded as he let her auburn hair slip through his fingers and back into place.
“Another time, then,”
Chapter 14
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Cole suggested they meet at a local coffee shop to study. And since school was out for the rest of the week, they didn’t do much studying.
“So, when does Psycho get in?” Cole asked. They were sitting in a couple of armchairs towards the back where it was quiet.
“Ugh, tomorrow night,” Bri groaned. “Luckily she’s only here for four days this time. I don’t think I could handle anything longer. So, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?” She took a sip of her peppermint hot chocolate.
“We’re heading over to my dad’s friend’s house. We kind of have this tradition of spending Thanksgiving over there.”
“Oh, good. For a minute there I was picturing you and your dad eating frozen dinners in front of the TV or something,”
Cole laughed. “We may be bachelors, but we’re not quite that pathetic!”
They talked as they finished their drinks, and then Cole walked Bri outside.
“Any chance I could give you a ride?” He motioned to his black monstrosity of a motorcycle.
“Um...,” Bri pretended to contemplate. “No! Nice try though. If all else fails, try the direct approach,” she laughed. Cole had been trying anything he could think of to get her on his bike. What he didn’t seem to realize was that Bri was pretty attached to her life, and wanted to keep it that way.
“I’ll wear you down eventually,” he smirked. “So, I guess this is goodbye for a few days. I probably won’t see you with your family in town.”
“Oh,” Bri felt a lurch inside her. “I didn’t think about that. That kind of sucks,” she pouted. Just one more reason she was not looking forward to this weekend.
“Don’t worry,” he smiled, seeing the disappointment on her face. “I’ll check in on you every once in a while, make sure you don’t murder your cousin or anything! Well,” he took a deep breath, “I guess I’ll see you on Monday. Bye, Bri.” He turned reluctantly to go.
“Cole,” she called. He stopped and turned towards her. Before she realized what she was doing, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him. He tensed momentarily, and Bri smiled as she felt him release a breath wrap his arms around her. He held her tentatively, though, and Bri could tell he was a little surprised. “Hey,” she gave a small laugh, “we’re friends now, aren’t we? We used to say goodbye like this all the time.” She omitted the fact that it was more than just a friendly hug goodbye she was interested in. But her words had the desired effect, and Cole’s hesitant hold on her softened into a warm embrace.
“I remember,” he replied softly. “I just wasn’t sure you did.”
“Can I see you sometime this weekend?” She couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing him for five days, but she wouldn’t allow her mind to look too deeply as to why. “Even if it’s only a couple of hours or something.” Anything was better than nothing. He squeezed her tighter.
“I’d like that.” He released her and stepped back. “I’ll text you, and we’ll work something out, okay?”
“Sounds good,” Bri nodded and smiled at him. “Bye, Cole.”
“Bye, Bri.”
Bri turned and walked off to her car.
“Let me know if you need help disposing of the body!” he called after her. She turned, laughing, and watched Cole ride off.
Carly and her mom arrived Wednesday night, and since Bri’s Aunt Rachel was taking the hide-a-bed in the den, Bri was stuck sharing a room with Carly. Oh, joy.
Carly walked in and dropped her bag on Bri’s floor. She then plopped down on the air mattress that Bri had been forced to make up for her, and started taking off her knee high boots.
“So, you ever see that Cole guy from the beach again?” Carly asked, pulling some skimpy pajamas out of her bag.
“Um, no,” Bri lied. “I’m surprised you even remember him.”
“I’ve just been thinking about him since I got here.”
“Why? Do you want to see him again or something?” Bri didn’t want Carly anywhere near Cole.
“Well, yeah! I still owe him a kick in the balls after all!” Carly huffed. “Plus, he was like, really hot. Maybe he’s not such a jerk anymore.”
&nbs
p; “Yeah, well, good luck with that,” Bri spat angrily, the thought of Carly and Cole together making her physically ill. “I’m going to go shower. Try not to make a mess of everything,” she glared at Carly’s clothes all over the floor, before she bolted for the bathroom. She didn’t know where this jealous protectiveness was coming from, but she knew if she didn’t get out of there she was going to rip Carly’s bleached blond hair out.
Thanksgiving morning dawned, and Bri woke to clashes and bangs from the kitchen, as Aunt Rachel and Summer were already up cooking. Bri spent the morning playing with her brothers, while Carly took advantage of the warm November day and worked on her tan out by the pool. They ate dinner later that afternoon, Summer and Rachel having managed quite the feast between them, and then gorged on homemade pumpkin and apple pie as they watched football.
Bri realized she’d left her phone in her room all day, and decided to go see if she’d missed anything. She refused to admit that she really wanted to see if Cole had texted her. She shut her bedroom door and picked up her phone. Her heart picked up when she saw a message waiting for her.
Happy Turkey Day, Bri!
It was just a short text, but it made her smile. It felt good to know that Cole had been thinking about her.
Happy Thanksgiving, Cole! Hope yours is better than mine! She sent back. She almost jumped when her phone vibrated a moment later with a response.
That bad, huh?
Worse. Carly actually ate dinner in her bikini, and guess who got to sit by her? Yep! My whole meal tasted slightly like coconut from the smell of her stupid tanning oil.
Carly in her bikini? Dang, sorry I missed it! Think you could send me a pic? ;)
Ha ha. You are so not funny. Bri thought she heard a noise outside her door.
Hey, I’ve gotta run, but can I text you later tonight?
Definitely! I’ll be waiting!
Just then Carly came barging into the room. Bri quickly slid her phone under her pillow.
“Ugh, are you sick of “family time”, too?” Carly even did the air quotes. “Is that why you’re hiding out in here?” She flopped on the bed beside Bri.
“Yeah, I was just trying to get some peace and quiet.” She looked pointedly at Carly, but Carly was clueless, as usual.
“Me, too. Hey, do you think if we went down to Venice Beach this weekend, Cole would be there?” Carly turned to her, an eager gleam in her eye.
“Cole? I thought you were over him.”
“I was. I am. But, now that I’m here, and so close... I don’t know. I just want one more shot, I guess. He’s had plenty of time to come to his senses. All want is one killer make out session with him. I bet that boy could turn a girl to jelly with just his lips!” Carly all but moaned.
“Okay, then,” Bri practically jumped up off the bed. She so didn’t want to hear any more of Carly’s fantasies. “If you want to go checkout Venice, be my guest. I, however, will not be driving you, so you’d better find someone else to chauffeur you around.” She headed for the door.
“Fine, whatever. Hey, Bri?”
Bri paused and turned.
“Are you going shopping with us tomorrow? We’re hitting all the early sales.”
“Um, no thanks.” Bri wanted to scoff, but decided to be polite. “You don’t want to see me that early in the morning. I’m not very nice.”
“Whatever. I just thought you’d want to do something fun for a change. Guess not. You should try to be less boring Bri. Guys don’t really do boring,” Carly gave a patronizing smile. She reached down and pulled out her iPod, and switched it on. “Close the door behind you.” She popped in her ear buds and sprawled out on Bri’s bed.
Smothering her anger and annoyance, Bri shut Carly in her room. Two and a half more days. She just had to survive two and a half more days. It seemed an eternity.
The rest of the evening passed uneventfully. Since Summer, Rachel, and Carly were going shopping the next morning, everyone ended up going to bed fairly early.
Later that night, after she was pretty sure Carly was asleep, Bri pulled out her phone. She made sure to silence it, and sent a text to Cole.
Hey, you still up? It was about 11:00. She waited a few minutes for an answer.
Of course I am. I was waiting for you, remember?
Sorry it’s so late. I had to wait until Psycho fell asleep. She’s been talking about you, by the way! Bri grinned.
Great. I was really hoping she’d forgotten I existed.
Oh, no. She’s been pondering, vigorously, all the amazing things she believes you can do with your mouth. She’s dying to find out if she’s right! She teased.
Well, at least she called that one right! If you’re curious to find out, I’d be more than happy to enlighten you!
Bri burst out laughing, which she quickly smothered, not wanting to wake her cousin.
Why, Cole, are you flirting with me? She giggled.
What? Me? Never! You’re pretty funny Bri, you know that?
Of course I do. It’s one of my more charming qualities!
Yeah, something like that!
Bri chuckled again. Alright, enough with the text flirting! ;) We need to make some plans. When do I get to see you?
Um, how about tomorrow? I have some stuff to do in the morning, but we could get together around 1:00ish. We can hang out at my place, watch a movie or something?
That sounds great! I’ll figure out a way to sneak out, and I’ll be there!
Good!
Bri hesitated a moment, and then did something she knew was probably really stupid, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She decided to be honest.
Oh, and Cole?
What Bri?
I miss you. Bri’s heart started pounding as she waited for his response.
I know. I miss you, too.
Goodnight, Cole.
Sweet dreams, Ambria.
Bri was woken, quite unceremoniously, by the loud beeping of her alarm clock. Groaning, she reached over to shut off the annoying machine. Her bleary eyes caught sight of the time. 2:30 am. Someone was going to die.
“What the heck?” Bri shrieked, still half asleep, as Carly flipped her bedroom light on.
“I have to get ready. Don’t whine, I’ll only be a minute,” Carly replied. Bri threw one of her throw pillows at her.
She pulled her covers over her head and tried to go back to sleep, but she swore Carly was trying to be as loud and obnoxious as possible, just to annoy her. Finally, Carly flipped the lights off and left. A minute later, Bri’s dad, looking like he’d just been pulled out of bed, walked in.
“Hey Pumpkin,” Connor yawned. “Summer wants to know if you’re sure you don’t want to go this morning. She thinks it’ll be more fun for Carly if you’re there.”
“Well, why doesn’t Summer come in and ask me herself, then?” Bri quipped grumpily. “Besides, she just doesn’t want to have to deal with Carly herself. She just wants me to go as a buffer.”
“Okay, then. I’ll let her know that it’s a resounding no from you.” He patted her head. “Why don’t you get back to sleep. You’re downright unpleasant this early in the morning!” he smiled.
“Well, you all are dumb enough to keep waking me up,” Bri grumbled. She snuggled down into her blankets, and drifted off to sleep.
The girls were still out shopping when Bri woke up, at a much more reasonable hour. So she spent the morning with her boys, sandwiched between Liam and Logan, watching cartoons. Her dad sat at the other end of the couch, working on his laptop. It was a perfect morning.
Bri was in such a good mood, she even offered to make everyone lunch when Summer, Rachel, and Carly finally returned around noon. She reheated the Thanksgiving leftovers, and after they were done eating, the crazy shoppers trudged off to take a nap.
It was getting close to 1:00, and Bri decided it was time to make her escape.
“Hey, Dad?”
“What, Sweet Pea?”
“Would you mind if I headed over
to Layla’s for a little while?” Her dad looked at her doubtfully, so she continued quickly. “It’s just that she and Devon had a bit of a fight yesterday, and she’s freaking out about it. I’m worried that if I’m not there to talk her down, she might do something crazy, like break up with him.”
“What about your cousin? She’s only here for a couple more days.”
“Yeah, and she’s sleeping right now. I promise I won’t be longer than a couple of hours. Please?” She gave him her sweetest smile.
“Oh, all right. But you need to be back by 4:00, okay?”
“Thanks, Daddy!” Bri kissed his cheek and then grabbed her keys before he could change his mind. She felt a little bad lying to him, but she didn’t think he’d agree if he knew she was going over to Cole’s. Plus, she really didn’t want Carly to find out where she was going.
She knocked on Cole’s door, and waited anxiously. A moment later he answered, a huge smile on his face.
“Ambria!”
“Hi,” Bri smiled, glad he seemed as happy to see her as she was to see him.
“You know,” he closed the door behind her, “I had my doubts about whether or not you’d be able to sneak away. You must be more devious than I give you credit for!”
“That’ll teach you to underestimate me,” she teased back.
Just then Cole’s dad walked out of the kitchen.
“Bri! So lovely to see you, my dear!” Jimmy leaned toward her conspiratorially. “Did Cole tell you he’s been moping around the house the past two days? Did you finally take pity on him and come over?”
“Thanks for that, Dad. And I have not been moping.”
“Sure you haven’t.” Jimmy winked over at Bri, and she stifled a laugh. “Well kids, I’d love to stay and chat, but a friend of mine is having a slight car problem, and I’ve got to meet him down at the shop.”
“Do you need any help?” Cole politely volunteered.
Jimmy glanced at Bri, before turning to Cole.
“No. Thanks though, Sport. I can handle this on my own.” He winked at Cole before heading out the door. “You kids have fun!” he yelled as he left.
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