by J. Desails
“Yeah, well I call shotgun on the shower.” I yelled behind him.
I ran into the bathroom first and was trying to hold the door shut with all of my strength as he pushed on the other side.
“You better let me in Iz!!!” I could barely make out his words through his laughter. Finally I held the door in place long enough to get it locked and I quickly jumped in the shower.
I felt the sand gritty in the bottom of the shower, and although I strongly disliked the feeling, it brought back a flood of wonderful memories.
I had my eyes closed picturing all the parties, and bonfires on the beach as a teenager and all the memories Jer and I had already made under the pier. I had no idea what to say to Jer in the morning when we both sobered up, but I was still drunk enough not to care.
As I was about to open my eyes I felt two hands push my hair to the side. I felt every single finger traveling down my spine. I turned over my shoulder and saw him standing there, took in his absolutely perfect body. His face was completely serious, and his blue eyes wouldn’t part from mine. He reached down and grabbed my hand.
“Jer what the hell are you doing in here?” My mouth was moving faster than my mind, thank God.
“Like I’ve never seen you naked before Iz.” He pushed closer to me
“You’ve never seen me naked after making out for an hour on a beach in the dark.”
“You win.” He turned me forward and pressed me against the cool tiles and started kissing me again. With one arm he moved the showerhead so the water was pouring onto me to keep me warm.
His kiss became more intense and he pulled away. “I really love you Iz, you know that right?” I nodded my head, and pulled him back into me.
I felt his skin pressed completely against mine, and as he pressed his hands to my chest I let out a sigh. This is as far as we would go for the rest of the night, but we stayed there for quite awhile.
Chapter Fourteen
I woke up and felt as though I had a full night's rest, but by glancing at the clock it had only been two hours. I rolled over and saw Jer’s bare ass and decided I needed some coffee before we addressed last night.
Tomorrow Jane was coming down and hopefully I would figure out what happened between Jer and I before then. I grabbed a sweater and sat on the porch with my coffee accompanied by the early morning chill. I heard Jer get out of bed and got knots in my stomach.
“Morning lady.” He said as he took a seat next to me. I watched the steam hover over the water and took a deep breath in.
“About last night….” Someone needed to address this issue. Just then I heard my phone ring.
“I’ll grab it for you, just in case it’s Jane.” I knew it wouldn’t be, it was too early for Jane. He jumped up and ran into the room. I heard him lower his voice and couldn’t make out every word so I tip toed outside of the room.
“Well Bo, I’m sorry for your loss but like I said she moved on. He’s a great guy and I totally approve so…. yeah…. ok…well I don’t know if you can compete with him but good luck trying you lying cheating bastard.” He slammed the phone and I ran back to the porch.
“You do realize that you walk like you weigh 300 pounds right?”
“What do you mean?” I heald my arms above my head like a ballerina.
“I heard you eavesdropping lady. Lets just say the rest of your trip will be a little more relaxing with Bo not bothering you.”
“Yeah well I guess my new guy is going to be occupying a lot of my time then.” I nudged his side.
Jer started laughing “Oh sorry I just couldn’t think of anything else to get him off your back, so I guess the field is wide open for Todd now.”
I was confused by what Jer was implying, and what happened between us last night. I know that he wasn’t that far gone that he didn’t remember what happened, but I did know him well enough to know that he wasn’t ready to talk about it.
“Jer you know there is nothing going on between Todd and I right?”
“Well you should give him a shot, you have been waiting your whole life for him.” He winked at me and took another sip of his coffee.
I will give Jer until tonight until I force him to tell me exactly what was going through his head. I guess I would also have to tell him what was going through mine, that I started to picture us as a couple somewhere in between the beach in the shower.
Jer grabbed his phone out of his pocket and answered interrupting my thoughts.
“Hey babe….yeah I’ll meet you over at my parents in a few hours to help set up for the party. Ok….you too.”
“Who was that?” I asked a little too snippy than I would have liked.
“Melissa. She is going to help us set up at my parents, remember they are having the boys dinner tonight to celebrate.”
“Oh right, I can’t believe this week is flying by and they graduate tomorrow.”
“So are you still planning on going back to the city Sunday?”
“I don’t know. Why I would stay here? I mean I love visiting but I have to go back to work right?”
“Are you asking me if I want you to stay?” He said surprised.
“No. I’m leaving Sunday.” What I really wanted to scream was yes, ask me to stay here with you. Tell me you felt it too and it wasn’t just a drunken hookup. But instead, he stood up and refilled his coffee cup. I got up with a clear attitude, my running shoes and stomped outside.
My parent’s house was close enough so I decided to just run, and with any luck I would make it in time for breakfast. On the way I forced myself to think of something other than what happened last night. I had to pretend it didn’t happen because Jer is my rock and I can't afford to lose him right now.
I could see my mother peeking around the curtains as I rounded the last curve in the road before our home. I assumed that Jessie hadn’t made it over yet, and that is whom my mother was looking out for. I noticed her brief smile and then disappear behind the curtains. She then appeared in the door and almost seemed to be running as fast as me. I know that my mother at this point in her life needed me to be here this weekend, and I felt I owed it to her for being such a pain in the ass teenager.
I knew that my mother could very easily read my emotions, and it was crucial that I not allow her any insight on what just happened between Jer and I.
“Hun, I didn’t think you were coming until later….I’m assuming you’ll be taking a shower here before we go to brunch?”
“I will Ma, and just in case that was a question not a statement I was already planning on showering.”
“Oh, I am just so happy you’re here. You’ll love little Jessie, such a southern belle.”
I sighed in a deep breath; so not ready to deal with all of the fake smiles I would be putting on today. I then remembered that Jane was coming in shortly, and I actually didn’t have to force a smile after all.
After my shower I glanced at my phone to see three messages from Jer, I realized that in a matter of two weeks I’ve managed to ignore two of the men in my life. Unfortunately, I don’t have many left.
I heard a light knocking on the door, before I could mumble a response the door was pushed in and my little, or should I say big brother came in and wrapped his arms around me. I looked up at him jokingly “Hello big brother.”
“Hey Sis, how’s it hanging?”
“Good. I’m actually pretty excited to dine with this little gal of yours this morning.” I said with my best memory of my old accent.
“yeah yeah yeah….you can take the girl out of the country. Anyway you’ll be at Jason’s tonight for the dinner thing for us right?”
“Of course, that is why I drove all the way down here right?”
“Yeah, too bad you can’t stay longer. Now I’ll have to wait another 5 years to see you.”
“Oh shut up, and stop making me feel guilty. I’ll make it up to you and pay for your ticket to come see me in New York next month when things settle down.”
“Alright B. Catc
h you later tonight. Be nice to my lady.”
As he left I could hear him greet his girlfriend so I knew I had to throw myself together quickly. In five minutes after I looked halfway presentable I put my fake smile on and walked out into the living room.
My Mother had her arm around Jessie, as if they had been friends for years. I felt a small surge of jealousy that my Mom felt motherly to anyone but me, especially in my presence.
After brief introductions, and some corny jokes from my mother we were on our way out the door. I was shutting my door when I heard it. Two long slow honks followed by…
“B I MADE IT!!!!!!”
I turned to see my very best friend, and the relief I had momentarily experienced was drained when I saw him sitting in the passenger seat.
I knew Jane could see the rage on my face as I caught my first glimpse of Bo.
“Before you get all pissy, let me explain.” She was halfway to my mom's car when I shut the door and rolled the window down.
“ I have to go to brunch with my Mom. You better have five good reasons why I shouldn’t kill you when I get back. Start brainstorming.”
“Got it.” She winked at me and smiled.
Maybe she knows something I don’t. Bo hadn’t said a word to me, or attempted to make eye contact. He reminded me of a puppy that knew he was in trouble and wanted to punish himself. Well, at least spending the next hour and a half with Jessie will allow me to focus on something other than my ex just arriving, and my best friend acting like nothing had happened between us.
After all the small talk and stuffing my face, Jessie excused herself which gave my mother the perfect opening to ask me about Bo. She was so excited I had arranged to bring him home, and I wasn’t quite ready to ruin it for her. She was already raving about how gorgeous he was in person, and I had to agree with her. Although I could tell that our time apart hadn’t treated him well. He could pull any look off I am pretty confidant, and though this one was new I enjoyed it just as much as the others.
I learned almost everything there is to know about Jessie, including how she always had a crush on my little brother. She was also excited that I was a celebrity, and I didn’t want to let her down either so I let that one slide.
As my anxiety reached a new high we pulled back up to the house. I wondered at what point I would have my mental breakdown, and I figured I was probably close.
I saw Bo sitting in dark denim jeans, and a plain white t-shirt on my porch. I felt the tugging at my heart. In this moment he was completely irresistible to me.
I got out of the car and ran to him. He picked me up and I knew he could hear me start to cry. I felt him place his hand on the back of my head.
“It’s ok baby, I’m here now.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Bells, I’ve missed you so much.”
“I don’t forgive you Bo.” I whispered into his ear.
“I know, I’ll explain later.”
“I don’t want you to.” I whispered again.
I wasn’t ready to hear explanations, or excuses. I just grasped on to the fact that he was here in front of me, totally out of his element. He was chasing after me, and it felt so good.
Mom came up behind me. I could hear the excitement in her voice “Bo, hun we are so excited to have you down finally.” I quickly wiped the tears away from my eyes.
He reached out and grabbed her hand to place a kiss on it. She glanced over at me and winked, I could see that Bo was planning on sticking around for the whole weekend.
“Well you guys should go get settled in, show them around tell Izabella, take them to Jer’s place.” I could feel mom’s urge to get us out of the house. She had a ton of cooking for the party tonight, so I didn’t blame her, and she knew I was not a chef by any means.
“Do you forgive me yet? I mean how hot is he in those jeans?” Jane wrapped her arms around my neck.
“ I forgive you. But for all the wrong reasons.” I hugged her back and we headed into the house.
“So what are we doing today?” Jane wanted to get drunk; I’ve seen that look too many times to not recognize it.
“ I guess we can go to Jer’s bar, but I’ll have to fill you in on something later.”
“Can't wait….I’ll be ready soon.” She disappeared into the guest room.
“Bells, we should probably talk.” I felt Bo behind me. I turned to face him.
“Bo, I’m not ready to hear it, whatever excuse there is won’t be good enough. But here you are, out in the middle of nowhere, wanting to be with me, and for now that’s enough.”
He leaned in to kiss me, and grabbed the back of my head. It was one of the most passionate kisses I had ever experienced, and while I was kissing him Jer was completely absent from my mind.
I couldn’t tell if the passion was coming from the connection I felt with him in that moment, or if I was playing on his emotions.
Bo didn’t like to lose, I questioned if this was his competitive tendency kicking in, or if he really wanted to be here for me. I tried to do the math, and figure out if Jer’s conversation had been before or after he was on his way here. My hangover fog made it impossible, and it doesn’t even matter.
He followed me into my childhood room and sat on my bed as I rummaged through the closet.
“I can’t believe how different I pictured your room. Do you know how sexy you look on a bed covered in stuffed animals?”
He had thirst in his eyes, and there was hunger in my heart a bad combination for my emotional state.
I felt his hand unbutton my jeans, and I turned to face him.
“Bo, please don’t break my heart. Don’t give me a reason to hate you.”
“I promise you, you’ll break mine first.”
I rolled onto him, and kissed him exactly like a few of my high school boyfriends. The feeling was nostalgic and simultaneously innovative.
Chapter Sixteen
We all piled into the car and headed to the bar. I assured mom that we would meet her at the dinner, and also promised to not be hammered. I had good intentions to keep both promises.
Jane and I both looked like we belonged back in the city with our wardrobes; I had to change three times to keep up with her style game. Bo decided to stay in his jeans and t-shirt, and it fitted him more that I thought possible. He seemed to belong here more than we did.
After last night, the last person I wanted to see was Jer I thought for certain that he would be at his Mom’s prepping for the party, but as we pulled in I saw his truck.
“Listen, I don’t think your friend Jer is to keen on me right now, do you think that we should just head to the party.” Bo tugged my arm, almost begging.
“Well Bo, we are shit out of luck because he is going to be there too. Might as well bite the bullet now.”
“Grow some balls!” Jane yelled as she strolled into the bar as if she owned it.
We all laughed, and Bo manned up. He slid his hand around my waist and we walked in.
Jane walked in first and every face turned to see her. She loved the attention and immediately started playing pool with some of the locals. Bo and I walked over to the bar, I could see the disgust in Jer’s face, and for a second I wanted to take up Bo’s offer.
“Hey Bud, can we get two of the ladies favorite.” Bo tried to pretend that the call between them never happened.
“Yes, and I am not your bud.”
“As for you Iz, we will talk later.” He went to turn.
“ I’m not your child Jer.” I snapped back. He looked over his shoulder and shook his head. I couldn’t help but take a quick look at his perfect ass, which I had never noticed until last night.
I just couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that he was upset with me for getting back with Bo after what happened between us last night. He was being such a hypocrite, and as much as I wanted to scream that at him, I decided to take Bo to the dance floor instead.
I felt like I was seventeen again, except instead of be
ing just Iz, I felt like the belle of the ball, or maybe belle of the bar is more fitting. I put a line dancing song on the jukebox, and Jane immediately found me and started screaming. Two years ago on a drunken night at my apartment I taught her how to line dance, and she never thought she would use that skill again.
“Shut up!!!! I remember.” She picked me off the floor laughing hysterically. I realized that half of my promise to show up to the dinner sober was already broken.
We stayed at the bar for about four hours. I spent most of the time again on the dance floor, between line dancing and grinding up on Bo, I am sure if Jer saw, he was furious.
Jane made new friends, and hardly paid any attention to me after the line dance, which was fine because I was not into mood to divulge in my recent scandal. She was exchanging numbers as I was dragging her into the car.
“Jane, we have to go.” Bo was already in the driver's seat ready to go.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.” I didn’t see Jer leave, and I wasn’t sure if he was in the back or already at the party. I tried not to look as if I was searching for him, but I also knew it was kind of obvious.
Finally Jane was settled into her seat, and was much more sober than I would have given her credit for. Bo placed his hand on my leg and I glanced up at him. Surely he could do no wrong to me, not now. After finally making the commitment, it just wouldn’t make sense. I knew there was a bigger story.
As we pulled up to the party I saw my mother run for the car. Jane was already halfway out of the car before we were even in park. I shot her a look and she replied
“What? I’m like a celebrity down here. The fans are waiting for me.” She was truly a gem.
“Honey, oh I’m just so glad you are here. Everyone is dying to meet him.” She glanced over bashfully at Bo.
I rolled my eyes; I could only imagine what she has been telling everyone about him. I’m sure she started with tall dark and handsome, which was all 100% correct.