by Amber Nicole
“You guys think you’re so funny! I am not wearing this in public!” I holler, coming around the corner, only to freeze. Holy crap! Not only are my girls sitting at the kitchen table, but three of the hottest guys in my school are there as well. “What’s going on?” I ask, quickly grabbing my mother’s apron from the hook by the fridge and covering myself. Cassie rolls her eyes at me and plumps up her hair, pursing her lips. “Really babe. You have a killer body. I don’t know why you insist on dressin’ like Mary Sue from church,” she says with a snort. Sam giggles and comes around the counter to give me a hug. I wrap my arms around her in return, only to be totally fooled. She snatches the apron from over my head and tosses it to Lee. “As much as I love the little ruffles and lace, girl, it will look a bit odd at the beach.” I roll my eyes and huff, tugging my shorts down. “If I agree to wear this, can we at least compromise on these shorts. I haven’t worn them in over a year and I can barely breathe,” I whisper quietly as I don’t want the guys to hear. She looks over at Lee, who I’m guessing is the one in charge today and nods. “Come on, I stuffed all your clothes in the guest room.”
I sigh in relief and follow her out the door and down the hall.
After changing to some bigger jean shorts, I move back to the kitchen to finally get my caffeine fix of the day. Sam hands me my mug, and I sigh in bliss after the first few sips. “Better?” she asks with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. “Yes,” I reply warily giving her a look. “So is anyone going to tell me what the plans are for today? And why the guys are in my backyard throwing the football around?”
Lee comes over and smacks the back of my head making me yelp, but thankfully not drop my mug. “What the hell was that for?” I sputter out.
“That, girl, was a wake up smack. It’s time for you to wake up, get over Memphis, and maybe even hook up with someone before you go off to college.” The blood rushes from my face and I know what she's about to say before she says it. “That's right babe, this is operation ‘Help Carson Lose Her V-Card.’”
Lord please save me! I look up at the ceiling ignoring their snickers, and pray. I’m almost at the end of my prayer when my dad walks in and bursts out laughing at my face.
“Baby girl, why do you look like someone is holding you at gunpoint?” Ha! right on the nose, Dad. I can’t help but think. I quickly mask my face and give him a smile. “Good morning, Dad.” I move over to the coffee machine and pour him a mug. “Good morning girls,” he says, taking the mug from me and giving my friends a look. “Good morning, Mr. Matthews,” they say in unison. Like they aren't the devils in disguise. He gives them a wink, and I swear Cassie sighs. Eww. “So what are you girls up to today? I take it from the bathing suits you are going to the water?”
Lee speaks up before I can reply, “Yep. We’re going down to Galveston for the weekend. Do some shopping, swimming, tanning.” Wait, the whole weekend?
“I can’t go the whole weekend. I still have some things to do here, and I made plans with Frankie to have a girls day.” I say pointedly towards my father hoping he will speak up. Should have known. He’s such a traitor.
“Cara, that sounds like a good time. Get out and have some fun before school starts, baby girl. You and Frankie can have a girls’ day when you get back,” he says with a bright grin on his face. I hate it when he is right. I sigh and nod my head. “Okay, yeah that sounds like fun.” The screeching pierces my ears, and I’m soon jumping up and down in excitement, my coffee splashing everywhere. Ugh. The girls back away, chatting a mile a minute about everything we’re going to do, and I nod on occasion, trying to keep up. My stomach growls, and I look over to the empty stove and moan. “I thought you said there were omelets?” They stop talking and give me a sheepish look. Sam takes my hand and looks me in the eye. “I burn water, Cassie sets fires, and Lee is too distracted, so….” I laugh and roll my eyes. Why doesn’t this surprise me?
“Please tell me you at least bought the stuff.” They clap and give me a big hug, before opening the fridge and pulling out all the ingredients. My father leaves the room and they turn towards the back door. I snap. “Um, excuse you. You may not be able to cook, but you have working hands and arms. Get to chopping ladies! And if those boys want breakfast, they better get in here too,” I say exasperatedly. The nerve of my friends. I am not their personal cook.
e
We finish up breakfast, then hit the road. The guys ended up getting us a van for the weekend so we all ride together. I’m still not sure why, or how, the girls convinced them to come along, but I can’t say I’m not enjoying the eye candy.
“So, Texas? That sounds awesome. Do you know what you're going to study yet?” Connor asks from the seat beside mine. Lee decided to seat me between the quarterback and star basketball player from our graduating class. Yeah, super subtle too. She practically tackled the guys to claim the front seat. “Honestly, not yet. I’d love to do something with music, but I haven't decided. I’m mainly going, to join the Kippa sorority. My mom went there, so I’m a legacy.”
He nods and looks at Xavier over my head. “So do you have plans to go to Nashville like Memphis?” Xavier asks, making me turn to look at him. The sun shines behind his jet black hair through the window, giving him a bluish tint. I will admit he is one gorgeous guy. I’ve never met his family, but I wonder if he gets his Asian heritage from his mother or father.
“I’d love to perform there one day, but probably not. But, I will be visiting sometime soon.” Connor sighs and I feel a hand on my thigh. His other hand moves to the back of my head, and he runs his fingers through my hair. I spin to look at him, and Xavier puts his hands on my shoulders giving me a gentle massage. What the hell is going on? I go to open my mouth and Connor mutters, “fuck it.” Moving closer to me. Holy shit is he about to kiss me?
“I have to pee.” I yell, cringing at how loud that was. They both freeze and Lee starts laughing. “Okay Cara, we’ll stop at the next gas station.” I give Connor a shy smile, and shrug Xavier’s hands from my shoulders. “Sorry. Tiny bladder,” I mumble and he chuckles, backing away from me, nodding. Yeah I think me and my girls need to have a little chat. Definitely need some guidelines for this weekend.
No one touches me again, and we soon pull up at a gas station. Connor hops out saying he’ll top off the tank, and I sigh in relief now that I’m not surrounded on both sides. Lee coughs from the front giving me a look. Oh right I have to use the ‘bathroom’. I unbuckle and shuffle from the van, moving over towards the front window. “Can you guys come too? This place doesn’t look the best,” I ask, giving them a stern glare. Sam's eyes widen and she nods, Cassie looks oblivious but agrees, and Lee rolls her eyes but gets out from the passenger seat. I glance over at Jay in the driver's seat. “Do you need anything from inside?” He gives me a beaming smile and replies, “A water would be great. Thanks, sugar.” My cheeks heat and I duck my head, before racing to the small store. The girls follow, tittering away about how cute the guys are, and how much fun this is going to be. As soon as we make our way into the restroom, I slam the door closed and lock it. “Um babe, this is a public restroom we can’t hog it,” Cassie says with a giggle. I stand firm and cross my arms giving them all my resting ‘B’ face.
“One of you better start talking right now!” I growl. “Why are the guys here? I’ve barely talked to any of them during school. Flippin’ Connor Hannaberg just tried to kiss me, and Xavier Dai was massaging me!” Cassie's eyes light up.
“Cara, that's great news! Maybe one of them will be the one.” She goes to continue but Lee cuts her off. “What Cassie is saying is we asked them if they wanted to maybe hang out with us this weekend at my family's beach house, and maybe hook up with you—”
“WHAT!?” I yell, making Sam flinch.
“Cara, you’re going off to Texas. To college. We all know you haven't spent time with guys because you were pining for Memphis, but come on, it’s time. I’m not saying go screw one of them, but it wouldn't hurt for you to flirt. Have
some fun, and as for Connor and Xavier, girl they’ve liked you for years. How you were so blind to see that I don’t know.”
I uncross my arms and run my fingers through my hair. Have I really been that blind? No, I would know if someone liked me right? I mean they are really cute. Gah I have no clue these days.
“Okay if I were to maybe agree with you, how would I go about maybe having one of them date me?” I cringe at how clueless I am.
Cassie comes over and wraps me in a hug. Sam squeals and claps, and Lee answers me. “If you want my advice go for Connor. That boy has been smitten for a while now, and he’s never been a player. Xavier is super hot, like a K-pop star, and he has abs I want to rub up against, but he doesn't have ‘girlfriends’,’” she says with a roll of her eyes. I nod and step over to the sink, cringing at the panicked expression I’m wearing. My phone buzzes in my back pocket and I pull it out to check it really quick.
Ten I See: I miss you. I miss home.
Me: IMU2 Memp. Wherever you are, as long as you have music. You are home.
Ten I See: Where did you hear that horse shit?
I burst out in giggles and Sam gives me a knowing look. I glance up at the mirror and my panic has turned to elation. Crap, I have a problem.
Me: You told me that!
Ten I See: Yeah sounds about right. I love you shortcake.
I tell him I love him too then put my phone away with a groan. Gah why is this so hard? Okay Cara it’s time to pull up your big girl undies, or bikini bottoms in this case. Go out there and have some fun. I give myself a small pep talk, use the toilet, then splash some water on my face after washing my hands. I can do this!
Four
Connor
I jump out of the van and mumble something about getting gas. Cara gets out behind me and shuffles over to her friends, making some excuse about them going with her. I watch as they enter the gas station. Cara looks pissed. I am such a fucking screw up. The guys start to laugh in the van and I know it’s about me. Can’t blame them.
I put my credit card in, push the buttons without paying attention and grab the nozzle. I turn, unscrew the gas cap and push the button for the cheap gas, all while thinking about how incredibly dumb I am. How could I just kiss her out of the blue like that? I may know everything about her, but she barely knows my name. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I mentally berate myself and try to think of a way to fix things. Xavier jumps out of the van, shaking his head, and smacks my shoulder.
“Dude! You have it so bad. Don’t get me wrong, she’s stupid hot, but making a move before letting her know you’re interested is child’s play man,” he tells me, making me feel like an even bigger dumbass. I groan, running my hand down my scalp. I need a haircut. My honey brown hair is too shaggy. “I know man, but she's just so pretty and sweet. The way she was looking at me, I just got lost in the moment.”
He nods and coughs looking at something behind me. I turn, and Carson is striding towards me pretty damn fast with a determined look on her face. She walks right up to me and pushes me back hard against the side of the van before pressing her lips to mine. I stand frozen for a moment before snapping out of my shock and grabbing her by the back of the neck, pulling us closer together. Fireworks flash behind my eyes and I moan. Wow how embarrassing. I smile into her mouth, letting her neck go and she pulls back, blinking up at me, before her eyes go wide with realization. A pink blush covers her cheeks down to her chest and she rushes away to the other side of the vehicle. I stay against the van for a few seconds panting, trying to catch my breath. No one says a word.
“Did that really just happen?” I ask aloud.
“Um yeah man. So I guess she likes you after all. Bummer, she would have been fun,” Xav says under his breath. I send him a glare but he’s already eye fucking Sam. She gives him a wink, and I call dibs on the back row with Cara. It’s a two seater and we can actually talk, maybe get to know each other better. Maybe share a few more of those kisses too. Honestly right now I’m just happy to sit next to her. I know from what the girls said Cara’s not very experienced and I don’t want her to feel pressured. Ever.
I run inside the store and grab a few snacks and drinks that I’ve noticed she likes.
I’ve known Carson Matthews for six years. I used to watch her during lunch and in some of the classes we shared, but until today we haven’t really said more than two words to each other. Hopefully I can change that. I pay for the items and move back to the van, slipping in the back. I hand her a drink with a smile. She hesitates then takes it from me with a beaming grin.
“Thank you. This is my favorite tea.”
“I know,” I blurt, then cringe. Way to play it cool, Con. I really am such an idiot. Especially when it comes to pretty girls. People would be shocked, but it’s true. The big town football star is bad with girls. Alert the media, folks.
A hand touches my arm, and Cara leans over to kiss my cheek. Nothing like the kisses we shared outside, but it still makes my heart skip a beat. My cheeks heat and I know I am about to embarrass myself by blushing. Six foot two, built like a MMA fighter and I blush like a prepubescent seeing his first tits. She sits back and looks at me from the corner of her eye. The van starts back up and Jay pulls out of the parking lot. I almost didn’t come today. I thought it would be awkward, but I’m glad I did.
We sit in silence for a while just listening to the music on the radio. Well this is thrilling. “Let’s play a game,” I suggest. She turns to me and her eyes light up.
“I love games. What one are you thinking?” she replies excitedly. I get lost in her gaze and she blushes looking down while playing with the ends of her hair. Right, a game.
“Twenty questions?” Someone snorts from the front, and I internally groan. That’s a lame game, isn’t it? She nods her head yes and replies, “Twenty questions sounds good,” I sigh in relief and watch as she sits sideways with her back against the window. She unscrews her tea and takes a small sip, catching a droplet on her bottom lip with her tongue. Someone up front changes the radio station and I internally cheer. They didn’t pick a country station. I may live in Kansas, but I’m not a huge country fan.
“Okay, question one. What’s your favorite color?” I ask and she looks down at her bikini top, my eyes trail with hers and I quickly look back up at her face. I don’t know who created bikini tops, but I owe them so much thanks. Cara is gorgeous in anything she wears, but I have always seen her in jean shorts and T- shirts or summer dresses. She’s never shown this much skin before and it’s doing things to me. In a bathing suit she’s a complete sin.
“I’ve always loved hot pink, or pale pink. I know I'm totally girly, huh?” she says with a soft giggle.
“Not at all. I happen to like the pink, too.” Xavier snorts in the seat in front of me, and I smack myself in the forehead, immediately looking down. “Gah I did not mean that, the way it came out.” Someone up front is also laughing, but I don’t dare look to see who. I’m embarrassed enough as is. I risk a glance at Cara. She probably thinks I’m a total perv now, but she just looks confused. “My favorite color is green. How about ice cream?” I rush out, hoping she doesn’t ask me to explain my faux pas. She pauses for a moment and I know I really did screw things up this time. I have bad foot in mouth syndrome. I go to apologize once more but she answers my question instead, blowing my mind.
“Oh I like strawberry cheesecake. How about you?”
I sigh and give her a smile. “That’s a good one, but I have to go with Pistachio.”
She crinkles her nose at that, and I laugh.
“Not a fan I take it?”
She laughs with me and shakes her head no. “I tried it once and it tasted too nutty for me.”
My mind immediately jumps to the gutter and I snap my mouth closed, preventing my thoughts from popping out again.
“Um, favorite song?” she asks, and I have to really think on this a moment.
“I think I have to go with ‘Bad Habits’ by Ed Sheeran. What about y
ou?” She bites her lip while she thinks, and I can’t help the urge to bite it too. “Would it be totally cheesy if I chose one of Memphis’ songs?” I shake my head, but don’t respond. I should have figured that out for myself.
Xavier scoffs and turns around. “You guys are so boring. Twenty questions is so lame unless you spice it up.” He turns to Sam, waits until she faces him and shoots her a wink. “For example, Sam. What is your favorite position?” Sam's eyes get huge and Cara spits out some of her tea, coughing up a storm. I gently pat and rub her back until she can breathe again. Her face is flushed and bright red. I don’t know if it’s from the question or choking.
“Is that really what this game is about?” she asks me. I go to reply and Sam says, “No Cara it’s not. Xav is just being an ass.” Xavier huffs and mutters under his breath, “I was just trying to help.” Cara is quiet for a few minutes and I think the game is over, but she surprises me. Leaning closer she whispers, “So how long have you liked me?”
I freeze, my eyes going wide. I was not expecting that. Should I play it cool and say it's recent, or should I confess how much of a stalker I am and that I’ve been obsessed with her for three years now? She takes my silence as she made a mistake and gets nervous, stuttering her words.
“Um sorry. Th-ey said you liked m-. If you don't th-at's fine, if you do that’s totally fine too.” God she is so adorable with her rambling. I lean over and shut her up with my lips. She gasps, opening her mouth slightly, enough for me to get my first taste, and damn does she taste amazing. Like strawberries, and a hint of the sweet tea she’s drinking. She hesitates, but meets my tongue with hers, setting my blood to boiling. I kiss her harder, gently holding her neck. This time I’m not letting her back away until she's completely breathless. I don’t know how long we kiss for, but Xavier ruins the moment. “Now that's what I was talking about.”