Waiting for Us

by Stanton, Dawn

  Erik is already in the hot tub waiting for me. As soon as he catches sight of me his face breaks out into a big grin and I can’t help but do the same. He is so adorable. I place my towel on a lounge chair before joining E in there. It’s so warm and the jets swirling the water all around feel perfect as I sit next to him.

  “Ahh, this feels so amazing. Why haven’t we used this before now?” I ask.

  “I don’t know, but we’re here now and I plan on taking advantage of it.” E answers, before leaning down to kiss my lips softly. He picks me up and pulls me over onto his lap so my legs are draped over either side of his. This puts my knees on the hard seat which isn’t the most comfortable, but I’m willing to deal with it if it means having his lips on mine. He licks along my bottom lip before sliding his tongue in, to tangle with mine. Our kisses start out slow and soon become heated. I can feel how hard he is in his board shorts so I grind down on him causing us both to groan at the friction it creates. He pulls one of the triangles that makes up the top of my suit, to the side and begins to suck on my nipple. I grip his head in my hands and watch how hot his mouth looks wrapped around me. His hands are gripping firmly on my hips, pulling me down on him and I keep sliding my pelvis back and forth.

  “I’m dying to be inside you again. It’s all I’ve been able to think of since I woke up this morning.” He says this as he pulls the other side of my top over and begins to lave the other nipple. I throw my head back and sigh with pleasure.

  “What the fuck is going on here?”

  I open my eyes from the lust filled haze E has me in to see Cory standing to the side of the hot tub with his hands clenched into fists. I shriek and lower myself into the water and adjust my top so it is once again covering my chest. E opens his mouth as if to reply and I jump in before he has a chance.

  “Cory what the fuck is your problem?”

  “My problem is that you were about to get it on with this asshole in the hot tub. Where are your parents?”

  “My parents are here, not that it’s any of your business. Now get lost and leave us alone.” I hiss out at him.

  “You are fucking crazy if you think I'm just going to go on my merry way and let this asshole take advantage of you,” He replies angrily.

  “Did it look like he was taking advantage of me? He’s my boyfriend Cory, not some dude I just met. Oh, but I guess in your world that’s how things are done. Would it be okay if I’d just met him through a friend?” I don’t elaborate more than that, but I know he understands what I'm talking about.

  “No, that wouldn’t be right for you and neither is this,” He says as if to say I’m better than what we were doing. “I’m not going to say anything to your parents or Jake about this if you go inside. If you don’t, then I’m going to go knock on their door and wake them up right now.”

  “Hailey, calm down. Let’s just go inside.” Erik says. He’s always my voice of reason. “Come on sweetie,” he says rubbing my cheek. His touch has a calming effect on me and I nod my head before getting out of the hot tub and wrapping myself in my towel. E does the same, wrapping the towel around his waist before taking my hand.

  “Cory, just so you know, I love Hailey and I would never disrespect her in any way.” E walks towards the house gently pulling me along with him while I shoot Cory a death glare and flash him the bird.

  “Make sure you stay in your own rooms tonight. You never know when someone might check.” Is Cory’s parting shot as we walk back inside the house.

  Chapter Seven

  Summer 2009

  My mother’s car is in the repair shop getting work done on it so she isn't heading to the beach for a few more days. As a result, I'm stuck in the car with Jake and Cory, on our way to our beach house. The last time I saw Cory was in Florida when he interrupted E and me in the hot tub. I still can't believe he went all big brother on me. I should probably feel embarrassed that he may have seen me topless, but I don't really care. I think the anger I initially felt towards him outweighed any other emotion. Now, all these months later I plan on being civil but not too friendly towards him. I'm hoping the terse "hellos" we exchanged are a good indication of the way things will be between us.

  I'm quietly reading in the back seat of Jake's car hoping they've forgotten I'm here.

  "Munchkin, is Erik coming to stay at the beach at all?"

  "Of course he is Jake. He's spending two weeks with me and then the first week of August I'm going to Martha's Vineyard with him and his family like I did last summer."

  "Is he going away to college or staying local?" Jake can't help but ask this question. One of the questions I've been dreading being asked.

  "Yeah, he's going to the University of Alabama on a full football scholarship," I reply with zero enthusiasm.

  "Wow, that's great. Don't sound so excited Munchkin."

  "Whatever Jake." I roll my eyes. "Of course I'm happy for him I'm just sad that he'll be so far away."

  "You know that once he goes to college that will be the end of your relationship, right?"

  "No Jake, I know, no such thing. We've already talked about this and E wants to stay together."

  "Pfft, wait until he has college girls throwing pussy at him. He'll change his mind about being in a long-distance relationship with you." I feel my stomach clench in discomfort as nausea rolls through it at the thought that there might be some truth to what he is saying.

  "Jake you're such an asshole. With you for a brother, I don't need enemies." I glare at the back of his head from my cramped seat in the rear.

  "Munchkin, what you don't understand but someday you will, is that by us having this conversation, I'm actually looking out for you. Someday soon you'll think back on this talk and realize that I was right and appreciate my honesty. Don't you agree Cory?"

  "Oh no, don't try to suck me into this conversation. I've been sitting here minding my own business."

  "Dude, don't be ball less, you know I'm right. At least answer this...do you agree that the long distance relationship between them won't last with him at college?"

  "I think the odds are against it lasting, but anything's possible." I can see Jake roll his eyes in the rearview mirror.

  "You're sackless," Jake says with mock disgust.

  "I am done with this conversation. Wake me when we're there." I put my headphones on and listen to some Coldplay, while I close my eyes and try not to think about the doubts Jake has stirred up for me.

  ***

  Since my parents aren't coming to the beach house for a few more days, Jake decides to throw a party. Marcus isn't here yet, so for lack of anything better to do, it looks like I'm staying at the house for it.

  Jake took care of all the food and drinks so all I have to do is get myself ready. I take a quick shower, not bothering to wash my hair and put on my favorite cutoffs. They are so broken in they are actually soft to the touch and I love the way the hem has frayed so perfectly. I grab a black tank top and slip it on over my head, before spritzing myself with the vanilla body spray that Erik bought for me. I run a brush through my hair and decide to wear it down because it makes me look older and since this crowd is mostly my brother's age, I'd prefer not to stick out like a sore thumb.

  The party is in full swing with a house full of people and music so loud I can feel the bass pounding in my chest. I've been downing margaritas like they are going out of style, I’m pretty buzzed and feeling no pain at this point. I'm sitting on the back deck of our beach house at the table with some of Jake and Cory’s friends when a really hot guy sits down in the seat next to me. He looks over at me and smiles before saying “Hi Megan.” I look at him with a perplexed expression before replying. “I’m Hailey, not Megan.”

  “I called you Megan because you look like Megan Fox and I didn’t know your name. I’m Scotty,” he says holding out his hand for me to shake. I place my hand in his and he gives me a semi limp handshake. Eww. I am not a fan of weak handshakes, but I decide to be polite and not comment on it.

>   “It’s nice to meet you, Scotty. So how do you know Jake?” I ask before taking a sip of my margarita. God this tastes good. It’s so cold and tart. It almost gives me the chills every time I take a drink of it. The sour taste is just on the verge of making me shiver with each mouthful and I love that feeling. I love the pleasantly numb feeling that has taken over my body at this point and the way these drinks are taking all my worries away. No more thinking about Erik going off to college and forgetting about me or sleeping with other girls. No more thinking about E at all. Giggle, giggle. Well, I’m still thinking about E, but only good things, like how sexy his washboard abs are when he’s thrusting inside me. That boy sure is hot.

  “Hailey.” Scotty says my name with one eyebrow raised. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “Oh no, I’m sorry, I kinda zoned out there for a minute, thinking about sex. Oops, didn’t mean to say that out loud.” I laugh and snort at the same time over my gaffe.

  “If you want to talk about sex, I’m your guy,” He says leaning over towards me.

  “Hailey, can I talk to you for a minute? I need you in the kitchen, please.” Cory interrupts us.

  “Uh, sure. I’ll be right back Scotty. Save my seat for me.” I say with a wink before getting up and unsteadily following Cory inside the house. Once we are through the set of french doors, he grabs my hand and pulls me up the stairs and into my room. He closes us in before turning towards me and shaking his head.

  “Hailey, what are you doing? You are drunk and Scotty is the last guy I’d trust you with, in your condition.”

  “What are you talking about? I walk over to him and stop right in front of him. “I’m fine,” I say poking him in the chest. “You don’t need to worry about me. I already have a brother and a boyfriend.” I semi slur out.

  “I don’t know where Jake is and Erik’s not here, so I’m all that you’ve got right now babe and I won’t let some asshole take advantage of you,” He says this while cupping both sides of my face with his palms. I grab on to both of his wrists and wrap my fingers around them. I can feel the thickness of his manly bone structure and I’m not sure if I’m trying to keep his hands there or if I’m tempted to pull them away. Even as buzzed as I am I know what the right choice would be.

  “I want you to go change into some p.j.’s and brush your teeth and then I will tuck you in,” He says huskily as he releases my face. I let my hands fall from his with a sense of loss and longing. There’s just something about him that I find so attractive. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s that indefinable quality that some guys just have. It can’t be taught or learned, it’s just there... automatically. Maybe it’s charisma or sex appeal, I’m not sure, but whatever it is, Cory has it in freaking spades.

  His hand on my back ushers me over to my bureau to grab some boxers to sleep in. I head into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and washing my face. Even drunk I know good skin care is important. Since I’m already wearing a tank top, I just take my bra off and leave the shirt on. When I come out of the bathroom, Cory already has my covers turned down and he pats the bed like I’m a dog that he wants to jump up on it. I laugh out loud at this thought and he just smiles at me.

  “Get your drunk ass in bed,” he says as he laughs and playfully smacks me.

  I shriek at the contact and dive into my bed, turning on my back and looking up at him.

  “Will you stay with me till I fall asleep?” I whisper, already feeling drowsy.

  “Yeah, I will,” He says as he gently strokes my hair.

  Chapter Eight

  Thanksgiving - 2009

  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year but today I'm a little sad because Erik wasn't able to make it home from college. He has an aunt and uncle that recently moved to Alabama for work so he is going to visit with them for the long weekend. The round trip tickets for flights from Alabama to Massachusetts are astronomical in price and since he's coming home in a few weeks for winter break, he's gotta remain in Alabama until then.

  I'm in the kitchen helping my mom prepare all the side dishes and pies when Jake and Cory arrive. They both try to hug me at separate times, but I wave them off because I'm covered in flour from making the crusts. Cory kisses me on the top of my head before following Jake to the living room to watch football with my dad and drink beer, while my mom and I set the dining room table with our good china. After all the prep work is done my mom shoos me out of the kitchen and I run upstairs to my room and change into a soft lilac t-shirt and tight black skinny jeans. I hope wearing these snug fitting pants, while eating a large meal, isn’t a mistake. I tip my head over and brush my hair to make sure all the traces of flour are gone from it. White flour and black hair don’t mix too well. When I flip my head back, right side up my hair is all over the place, so I give it one more pass through with my boar bristle brush.

  ***

  Dinner with my family is never dull. We always seem to talk about the most inappropriate topics. You name it and it’s probably been discussed at our table, at some point in time. Tonight the strange topic of choice is body piercings. Apparently, Jake’s last girlfriend had her clit hood pierced. Ouch. She also had her nipples pierced. I’m not sure what would possess someone to go through all that pain. I can barely stand my bra rubbing my nipples the week before my period, never mind shoving a metal object through them. As far as the clit hood goes, it’s painful if E even rubs that area too hard. How can anyone tolerate a metal object being stuck in it twenty-four/seven?

  “Is that the kind of girl guys are attracted to? Are piercings in your private areas really necessary? If that’s important, then I’m screwed because I’m never having my hoo-ha pierced.” Jake looks all kinds of uncomfortable at my question and I’m not sure why. He’s the one that started this conversation in the first place.

  “I don’t care if a girl has piercings or not. I’ve never dated anyone with them, but it wouldn’t stop me from going out with her if she was attractive to me.” Cory speaks up. “I think tattoos are hot, though,” He adds.

  “Thanks, Cory, I appreciate your honesty.” Note to self, get a tattoo.

  ***

  I’m sitting on my bed crying after getting off the phone with Erik. I miss him so much and sometimes it’s all I can do to hold it together while I’m talking to him. I want to break down into tears or throw a tantrum because we haven’t seen each other in so long. This long distance dating isn’t easy and it’s probably worse for him because he’s going to college parties where he’s surrounded by temptation all the time. He doesn’t have to worry about me because I’m still in high school and he knows I’m not the type to whoop it up. He tells me about the frat parties he attends and how wild they can be. Sometimes, I wonder how honest he’s actually being with me? Is he fooling around with college girls and he doesn’t know how to tell me or he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings? God, I hope that’s not the case. I’d rather he be honest and upfront with me. Okay, I’m freaking myself out now.

  After I have myself a good cry, I sit on the couch next to Cory, in our living room, and watch Home for the Holidays. I love this movie and how it’s so funny and quirky.

  “Where’s Jake?” I ask Cory.

  “He’s gone to Cindy’s house,” He answers me.

  “Is Cindy the latest flavor of the month?” I ask with a smirk on my face.

  “Yeah, you could say that. She’s sort of clingy so I don’t think she’ll last too long, though.”

  I shake my head before saying, “nice.” Cory looks at me and he must notice that I’ve been crying. It’s hard to miss the signs. My face is red and blotchy and my eyes are all puffy and swollen.

  “What’s going on Hailey?” He asks with concern.

  “I just got off the phone with E and this long distance thing sucks,” I say with a quick shrug of my shoulders.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No thanks, I’d rather just watch the movie and take my mind off of it.”

 
I must have dozed off because I wake up with my head in Cory’s lap. He is watching CNN and stroking his fingers lazily through my hair. It feels so perfect, I don’t ever want him to stop. He must feel the change in my breathing and he notices I’m awake.

  “Hi, you were out like a light,” He says. He doesn’t stop stroking my head and I’m not going to ask him to.

  “Hi,” I whisper my voice husky with sleep. He is staring down at me so intently it’s freaking me out a bit.

  “What?” I ask him, biting my bottom lip from nerves. He traces the angular line of my jaw with the tops of his fingers.

  “You’re so fucking perfect. Sometimes I’m taken aback by how truly beautiful you are.” He confesses. I sit up and turn to face him and meet his golden hued gaze, trying to discern the emotions I’m seeing on his handsome face. He grips my arms, swiftly pulling me onto his lap and I can feel his hard-on beneath me. He leans forward gently rubbing the tip of his nose on mine, before running it slowly down one side of my neck, and kissing me gently behind my ear. His lips are warm and soft and his exhale of breath that barely caresses my ear is enough to make my body break out in goose bumps. I clench my thighs together to ease the sweet ache that has started.

  “Hailey you need to go to your room now before I do something neither one of us is ready for.”

  Chapter Nine

  Christmas Day 2009

  Christmas is my favorite day of the year. Who doesn’t love getting presents? I’m especially excited today because Erik is coming over for dinner. He’s been home for a couple of weeks already, but we haven’t had much time to spend together. He’s been busy with family commitments and I was still in school until a couple days ago. We’ve gone out a few times, but there hasn’t been any opportunity for us to make love. It’s winter here in Massachusetts and that means no car sex and other than riding with him in his truck, we haven’t been alone at all. I’m hoping to find a way to remedy that tonight. I feel as though he has been somewhat distant since he’s been home and I really hope I’m just imagining it. Maybe it’s because we haven’t been around one another for four months and we need to get comfortable again. Whatever the reason, I plan on kicking its ass today and getting things back to normal with my guy.