“No. I’m from Virginia. My dad and I moved to Los Angeles when I was twelve.” I say.
“Just you and your dad?” He asks.
“Yes. We moved out here after the accident.” I don’t talk to anyone about this stuff. Bryn is the only one I’ve confided in but for some reason I feel comfortable telling Logan. I take a deep breath and add, “My mom was killed in a car accident.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispers.
“It was a bad time.” I say. I lie back on the blanket and look at the beautiful sky. Logan stretches out on his side next to me so that he’s looking at me with his chin resting in his hand.
“I miss her.” I say as I close my eyes and feel the sun shining on my face.
“What’s your dad like?” He asks.
“My dad is wonderful. He’s an amazing artist. But he likes to worry about me.” I say in a matter of fact tone.
“That’s what dad’s do best. I’d worry about you too if you were my daughter.” He says with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
“Oh?” I whisper.
“Alone on a secluded beach with a boy that you barely know.” He teases.
I open my eyes and look at him. “Should I be worried?”
“Well, I warned you that I was trying to stay away from you.” He says with a mischievous grin.
“You don’t make any sense.” I smile.
“I know.” He says.
“You have a big, dark secret?” I tease.
“No big, dark secret. I’m not a vampire or anything.” He smiles. “I just don’t do the dating thing.” He cocks his head to see my reaction.
“Well, that makes two of us.” I smile. I wonder what he means that he doesn’t date. Bryn is probably right about the pump-and-dumper thing. My mind is reeling.
“We’re perfect for each other.” He smiles.
“You know I’m lost? I have know I idea what your talking about.” I say.
“I know. So when you aren’t in Santa Barbara, do you live in LA with your dad?”
“You changing the subject?” I tease.
“Very observant.” He smirks.
“Yes, in Venice Beach. Tell me about your parents.” I say.
“You already got to interview me. Remember? I think you referred to me as a cocky, spoiled brat.” He raises an eyebrow at me.
“Why does everyone misquote me? Those aren’t my exact words.” I flush.
“Close enough. I found it amusing.” He smirks. “ My parents live in New York but they travel a lot.”
“What about your sister?”
“My sister is a senior in high school. Her name is Tessa. Did you like being an only child?” He asks.
“It’s all I’ve known but I think it would have been nice to have had a brother or sister – growing up. Bryn is like a sister to me now.”
“You don’t like to talk about yourself, do you?” He asks.
“I can say the same about you. My life is pretty simple and there’s not much to say.”
“I find that hard to believe. You’re an English major?”
“I have a double major. English and Communications. What about you?”
“Business.” He says. I suddenly feel overwhelmingly tired. The combination of lack of sleep, and the warmth of the sun is making my eyes feel heavy. The cool breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the intoxicating husky voice of Logan make me drowsy and I feel myself yawn.
“Am I boring you?” He whispers.
I drift off to sleep before I can answer him. I don’t know how long I sleep but I’ve never felt so relaxed, serene. I reluctantly open my eyes when I feel Logan lightly caressing my face.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty.” He smiles and gazes down at me.
“I don’t think your dad would be pleased if I let you drift out to sea.” He teases. I sit up and see that most of the beach has disappeared. It’s no longer low tide and if we don’t climb the stairs soon we will be washed away.
I jump up in a panic. Shit, Bryn is going to flip out. She probably has already called the police. “How long was I sleeping? Why didn’t you wake me?”
“I did wake you.” He looks amused.
“It’s probably past one o’clock.” I say with a worried tone. Logan grabs the blanket and we start to make the treacherous climb up the stairs.
“It’s actually almost four. Sorry. You looked so peaceful and I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Four o’clock?” Crap! “I never sleep that long.”
We finally get to the top of the stairs. I don’t know if I’m out of breath from freaking out about falling asleep or from the steep climb. Logan opens the passenger door to let me step in and then he tosses the blanket in the back.
He starts the engine and says, “It really wasn’t that long. We talked for a long time. You just started to doze off when I was telling you about my major.” He smirks.
I feel my face blush. “Oh, sorry.”
The rest of the drive we ride in silence. When we reach the house I share with Bryn he stops the car. He hasn’t tried to kiss me all day. I’m wondering if I imagined our kiss at Soho. Maybe the mojitos gave me the illusion that we shared a kiss? He climbs out of the car and opens my door.
When we walk in the house Bryn leaps up at me and nearly knocks me over. She hugs me and I can see a hint of tears in her eyes. This is embarrassing. She glances at Logan and turns back to me. I can tell she will have words for me later but for now, since Logan is here, she’s struggling to contain her emotions.
“How was coffee?” she says with sarcasm as she carefully examines me.
“Good. Bryn, you remember Logan? Logan, this is Bryn.” I reintroduce them because they only met at Elsie’s that one night. They just politely nod at each other.
“Well, I better go.” Logan mutters.
“Thanks for the coffee.” I smile.
He softly strokes my cheek with the tip of his fingers and whispers, “Any time.” I can feel my body quiver at his touch and then he’s gone.
“Not so fast missy.” Bryn says as I quietly try and sneak up the stairs. Uh-oh.
“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” Bryn has never been this upset with me. Ever.
“I know. I’m sorry. I fell asleep.” I plead.
“In Starbucks?” She snaps.
I try and contain my smile but she’s so mad at me I can’t laugh.
“No. We got coffee at Starbucks but it was so crowded that we went to the beach to talk and that’s when I fell asleep.
“You fell asleep?” She says with a shocked look.
“I know. It’s weird and you probably don’t believe me but it’s the truth.” I say. Bryn knows that I don’t sleep well. Was it the way Logan made me feel?
“Did he try anything?” Bryn asks and that’s when I realize why my stomach is in knots.
“No. He was a perfect gentleman.” I say and I’m not sure why but this makes me sad. I should be relieved that he was a gentleman but for some reason I’m not.
“That lothario was a perfect gentleman?” she says with disbelief in her eyes. I can feel my eyes brimming with tears. “Oh, Emilia, don’t cry. I’m upset with you because I was worried but that’s all.”
“I’m not sad about that.” I mutter.
“What then?” She whispers.
“I’ve just never been so confused or scared. I just feel so many emotions and I just don’t understand any of it.” I whisper.
“You like him and that’s why it’s confusing. You’ve never been interested in a guy before.” Bryn tries to reassure me.
“Yes, but he doesn’t like me.” I say.
“What are you talking about? He’s totally into you.”
I frown. “He told me he doesn’t date.”
Bryn giggles and says, “Well, you don’t date either.”
“It’s not funny, Bryn. I don’t get it. You’re probably right – he’s just after one thing.”
“He’s a typical guy. I can tell he’s int
o you and he’s just freaking out that he has feelings for you and you aren’t throwing yourself at him like all these other girls. He’s got commitment-phobia.” Bryn smiles.
I’m grateful for Bryn’s smile. I don’t like when she’s angry with me. “I would bet that he’s confused by you too. He probably doesn’t get why you aren’t all over him like a cheap suit.” She laughs.
“I don’t know.” I mutter.
“Just give it time. But can you promise me one thing?” Bryn asks with a concerned look in her eyes.
“Sure.” I say.
“Please don’t make me worry like that again. I almost called the police. You went to coffee at ten and then you didn’t come home until almost five.” She says with worry.
I throw my arms around Bryn and hug her. “I know. I’m really, really sorry.”
In an effort to lighten the conversation, Bryn adds, “Must have been quite the date since he put you to sleep. I bet that’s a first for him. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t date? He bores girls to sleep.”
“Oh yeah!” I smile and we both fall into hysterical laughter.
I make myself go upstairs to get started on my homework. I could sit and chat with Bryn the rest of the night but since my day was counter productive I force myself to power up my laptop. I can feel my face light up when I see there’s an email from Logan in my inbox.
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Today
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 5:58pm
To: Emilia King
I enjoyed your company today despite you falling asleep on me. ;)
I feel a bit relieved that he’s teasing me but still not sure if he’s interested in ever seeing me again. After some thought, I write up my reply and hit send.
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: To avert sleep…
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:10pm
To: Logan Prescott
Maybe we should have ‘just’ espresso next time? But since neither of us dates I guess there won’t be a next time.
I’m aghast at my audacity but I’m also curious to see his response. I hear a ‘ping’ and I know I have another email from Logan.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: To avert sleep…
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:15pm
To: Emilia King
Espresso? I know of other ways to avert sleep.
Don’t be so quick to count out a next time.
Oh my. If I’m being completely honest with myself – I like him – really like him. I decide that I need to try and stop over-analyzing everything and just see what develops.
Besides, I need to get my mind off him and on to Shakespeare!
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Avert to Revert
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:29pm
To: Logan Prescott
Your other ways to avert sleep? I think you have reverted to your perverted thoughts.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: I’m in good company
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:33pm
To: Emilia King
Should I point out that some refer to Shakespeare as “the bawdy bard” and that his plays are full of sexual innuendoes?
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Prescott vs. Shakespeare
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:38pm
To: Logan Prescott
While you are right that Shakespeare’s plays are full of clever sexual imagery and double entendres, I don’t think your bawdy words live up to Shakespeare’s poetic devices. For example, some of your sexual wordplay consists of the images of various sizes of surfboards and surf wax.
An example of Shakespeare’s sexual wordplay: “Come, night come, Romeo; come, thou day in night; For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night Whiter than new snow on a raven’s back.
Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night.
Give me thy Romeo.”
Yes, while I agree that Shakespeare was a bit of a pervert, his use of words are a bit more poetic than your choice of words, making them not seem as lewd.
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Your choice of words
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:40pm
To: Emilia King
“Romeo; come…Give me thy Romeo.” Is that an invitation for me to come over?
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Your words vs. my words
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:41pm
To: Logan Prescott
I think you missed my point or ignored it all together.
Although I’m tempted to extend an invitation for you to come over, some of us have work to do. Don’t Business majors have any homework?
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Business major
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:43pm
To: Emilia King
You should be careful…talking about my Business major often causes some to dose off. I thought you needed to work?
__________
From: Emilia King
Subject: Sorry
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:45pm
To: Logan Prescott
Why do I have the feeling that you will probably never let me live this down?
I really have to go.
Good night,
Emilia
__________
From: Logan Prescott
Subject: Apology accepted
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 6:47pm
To: Emilia King
Sleep well. Although you might not since you slept so well today. Now, I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.
Good night to you too.
Logan
He’s joking but he’s right. I won’t sleep well. I still don’t understand how I fell asleep today but I need to stop dwelling on it because I seriously need to get some work done. I fluff up some pillows on my bed, get myself comfortable and open my textbook, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
8
I DON’T KNOW how many times I wake in the night. My dreams are full of darkness and shadows. No matter how fast I run, I can’t get away and I know I wake at least three times because of the three tanks tops that I’ve discarded in a pile on the floor. When I wake I’m usually drenched in sweat and I have to change. When I finally give up on trying to sleep and I’m running out of dry tanks, I decide to email my dad.
From: Emilia King
Subject: Just checking in…
Date: Monday, October 8, 2012 5:36am
To: Anthony King
Hi Dad,
To let you know that all is well. I hope all is well with you. I also wanted to let you know that Parent’s Weekend is November 2-4. I’d love for you to come for a visit but I also know how busy you are so no worries if you can’t make it.
Love you,
Emilia
After I run and take a shower, I gather my books for class and head downstairs. I’m eating my regular Greek yogurt and berries when Bryn walks in the kitchen. She’s wearing a flowing sundress that crisscrosses in the back and shows off her enviable tan. It’s still early but it’s already really warm and it’s obvious that it will be a hot day.
“You look extra lovely for a Monday morning. Do you have plans today with Josh?” I tease.
“We might just meet for a seven hour coffee.” She winks at me and says in a sarcastic tone.
“Bryn, you aren’t going to let me live that down. Are you?” I ask.
She beams. “Sorry. It’s hard to resist but it would serve you right if you had an inkling of just how much I was freaked out.”
“I do. Trust me. So you have a busy day?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Not really. You want to meet me after your second class and grab some lunch?
” Bryn asks.
“I’m going to head to the track and run. I’ll just meet you back at the house.”
“Didn’t you already run this morning?” She asks.
“Yes but it was just a short one. I need to go to the track. Coach Walker wants to time me.”
“Well, make sure you eat something.” She says.
It’s just after noon when I get to the track. I head into the girls’ locker room and change into a navy pair of Nike running shorts and a matching tank. After I pull my hair into a ponytail, I head out onto the turf to do some stretches. The sun is showing no mercy today. There’s not a cloud in the sky and the air is completely still – not even the slightest breeze. I haven’t even started to run and I can already feel the perspiration beading on my forehead. The thermostat on the wall near the snack shack reads one hundred five degrees.
Coach Walker walks out of the boys’ locker room with several of the boys from the Cross Country team, including Sebastian. I can hear Coach telling them to start stretching when he walks over to me. Coach Walker is a tall, slender man. He’s slightly balding and his eyes crinkle when he smiles.
“Hi, Emilia. How are you? He asks.
“Hi, Coach. I’m good.” I say as I wipe my sweaty brow.
“It’s so hot that I don’t want to push you too much. How about I just time you in the four hundred and the eight hundred? Then we can work on more tomorrow. It’s hot as hell today.” He says.
Then he turns to the group of boys. “Don’t think I’m not watching you just because I’m over here with Emilia. Stop goofing around and get to work!” He shouts.
He turns his attention back to me. “Whatever you think, Coach. I’m fine. I can do the sixteen hundred too if you want.” I say.
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