A Summer to Remember

by Jessica Gunhammer

  “Jason, you make sure you remember this moment, right here, right now. I promise you this will be the last conversation we ever have. When you see me in the hallways at school or out in public, don’t bother coming up and saying hi again, because I won’t have anything to say to you. Just remember you’re the one who fucked this up. Not me. Goodbye, Jason.” I met Adrian as he was about to reach our table.

  “Are you okay? What did he say to you? If I need to kick his ass, I will, just tell me when.” He was ready for a battle.

  “Adrian.” I put my hand on his chest to calm him. “Everything is fine. Great, actually. I handled it myself.” He looked down at me and I smiled. He calmed down when he realized I was actually happy.

  “Are you sure?” He looked in Jason’s direction again. I pulled his face down to look at me again.

  “I’m positive.” I kissed him gently on the lips and felt him lighten up a little bit. “Now will you please get me out of here?”

  “Of course.” He grabbed my hand and led me out of the tent.

  Chapter 26

  The next night we made plans to meet with Lily and Steven to attend one of the concerts at the fairgrounds. We agreed to meet at one of my favorite restaurants for dinner and drinks beforehand. It was nice to have something to do other than go to the same places and parties.

  I wasn’t feeling as chipper as usual because I only had one more weekend left with Adrian before he was off to Florida. I was trying to enjoy myself and have a good time, but I wasn’t fooling anyone. When Adrian left the table to go to the bathroom, Lily used it as her time of attack.

  “What’s your deal? Are you upset about what happened with Jason last night?” she asked as she took a bite of her French fry.

  “Ha! Uh, no!” I looked at Steven. “No offense.”

  “None taken. I know as well as anyone how big of an asshole my brother can be.” He smiled and took a drink of his beer.

  “Then what’s the problem?” Lily asked.

  “I only have one more weekend with Adrian before he goes to Florida.” I looked down at my plate and used my fork to push around the food that was left.

  “Well then, go with him! I’ve told you this a hundred times! You know he really wants you to. You’re making this a lot harder on yourself than it needs to be. I mean, come on, it’s Florida! How bad could it be? I would love to move there!” She looked over at Steven to see if he caught her hint.

  “And I’ve told you a hundred times I can’t do that, Lil.”

  “Why? What’s stopping you?” She took a drink of her soda.

  “Same thing I always tell you—school and my family. I’m just not ready for something like that.” I saw Adrian across the room coming back toward our table. “Now drop it. Please.”

  “You guys about ready to head out?” Adrian asked. “We should leave soon so we can find parking.”

  “Yep. I think we’re good to go.” I stood up, grabbed my purse and jacket off the back of my chair, and we all walked out to the parking lot.

  The ride to the fairgrounds only took about a half an hour. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk but we tried to hold a few conversations about things other than the fact he was going to be leaving next weekend. I was glad we left earlier because Adrian was right; by the time we had parked and headed toward the gates, the parking lot was crazy.

  We met Lily and Steven at the front gate and walked into the concert together. The place was filling up quickly so we found our seats while the guys went and got us some drinks. I wasn’t usually a fan of crowds, but after the incident last night, I was actually happy there were so many people because we had less of a chance of running into someone we knew.

  The concert was amazing! It was dark when the concert was over and the smell of funnel cakes and popcorn filled the air. I loved the fair at night. It reminded me of a time before things were so complicated. I wasn’t ready to go home yet, so Adrian and I decided to get some tickets to ride the Ferris wheel.

  Lucky for us, there weren’t a lot of people in line because it was late and the roller coasters were more popular. We had a whole bucket to ourselves. I’d never been a huge fan of Ferris wheels because I’m afraid of heights. I think I’d only actually ridden on it one other time before. As we started to rise into the air, I thought I was going to become uncomfortable, but with Adrian by my side, I didn’t. I felt safe.

  “It’s a beautiful night.” Adrian broke the silence as he looked up into the sky.

  “Yes, it is.” I followed his gaze.

  “Look, you can see Jupiter.” He pointed to the brightest star in the sky.

  When we finally reached the top of the ride, it came to a stop. The view was beautiful with all of the city lights in the distance. It reminded me of the night we had together at the Rooftop Terrace. It seemed like a lifetime ago. I laid my head down against his shoulder. His arm was wrapped around me.

  “I really wish you didn’t have to go.” I could feel the sadness washing over me.

  “Me too.” He kissed me on the forehead.

  “I don’t get it. Why did we have to meet when we did? Why couldn’t we have met like a year ago? Then we would’ve had more time together, and who knows, maybe I would be going to Florida with you.”

  “Well, because everything in life is about timing. Think about it, if we had met a year ago, you probably wouldn’t have even given me a second glance because you were with Jason. There’s a reason why we met when we did.” The Ferris wheel started to move again.

  “That’s true, I guess. But this still seems like bad timing.”

  “Maybe. Or maybe it’s just one of the many lessons of life.”

  “What kind of lesson could this possibly be teaching us? That moving sucks?” He turned and looked me in the eyes.

  “That our relationship is strong, and if we can get through this move, then we can get through anything.” I suddenly didn’t feel so sad about it. I mean, it still sucked, but he was right. This move was going to be the ultimate test, and if we lasted through this, we’d last through anything.

  “How do you always know the right things to say?” I asked him.

  “It’s just the way I think, I guess.”

  When we reached the bottom of the Ferris wheel, I had a new perspective on our situation. I was wasting time being sad about him leaving instead of enjoying the time we had left together. I couldn’t let my feelings get the best of me. I had to think of the positive and take in every minute I could with him.

  Chapter 27

  Our last weekend was here before we knew it. Saying goodbye made me sick to my stomach but I was trying not to think about it. I helped Adrian pull most of his clothes out of his dresser drawers and placed them in his duffle bags.

  “Have you thought anymore about staying here instead of going back to your parents?” he asked as he folded up the last of his shirts and tossed them in his bag.

  “No, not really. It’d be kind of lonely here without you.” I laid down on the bed.

  “I’m going to miss you.” He laid down next to me.

  “I’m going to miss you, too. But you’ll be back in December, and just think how fast the summer went by. You’ll be back before we know it.” I was good at sounding optimistic but I wasn’t too good at believing myself when I said things like that.

  “You’re right.” He glanced around the room. “Do we have everything ready to go up to the cabin tomorrow morning?” In my head I ran through the list of things I packed.

  “I think so.”

  “I really wish I could just back out of this and spend the weekend with just you, but Brian’s really been wanting to throw me this party since I got the job.” He sounded apologetic.

  “Don’t worry about it.” I ran my fingers through his hair. “I like the cabin, and as long as we’re together, I’ll be happy.” Just as he leaned down to kiss me, I felt my phone buzzing in my back pocket. I pulled it out and saw Lily’s name on the screen.

  “That’s weird. Sh
e usually doesn’t call me on the weekends when she knows you’re home.” I sat up and slid off the bed.

  “Maybe she just wants to know the plan for tomorrow.”

  “Maybe.” I slid my thumb across the bottom of the screen to answer. “Hello?”

  “Steven and I are done!” she yelled on the other side of the line.

  “What? Why?” Lily and Steven had always had their arguments, but they weren’t the type to break up and get back together. Actually, I don’t think they’d ever broken up. Not even for a day.

  “I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t even stand the thought of having to live with him for the next few months without you being there. He just annoys the hell out of me sometimes and I just can’t do it anymore.”

  “Wait.” I walked out of the bedroom. “You broke up with him?”

  “Yes. Don’t sound so surprised. You act like I’ve never broken up with anyone before,” she said, sounding offended.

  “No, it’s just, I don’t know. I guess I’m just kind of shocked by the whole thing. I never expected you guys to break up.”

  “The truth is, the last few weeks we haven’t been able to stand being around each other. But I’m actually not too bummed. New school, new life, new guy, sounds good to me.”

  “Well if you’re happy, I’m happy. Are you still planning on coming with us to the cabin tomorrow?”

  “Hell, yeah! You better tell Adrian to invite all his hottest single guy friends because I am ready for a good time!”

  I laughed. “All right, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.” I walked back into the bedroom where Adrian was still lying on the bed.

  “That took awhile.” I grabbed my PJs off the dresser and pulled them on.

  “Yeah. Sorry. Lily and Steven broke up.” I flipped my head forward and pulled my hair into a ponytail.

  “Seriously?” He sat up. “How’s she doing?”

  “Great, actually.” I laughed, remembering how excited she was.

  “Well…that’s good.”

  “Yes.” I crawled onto the bed beside him and snuggled up under the blanket. “Now are you ready to enjoy the rest of our night together?”

  “You know I am.” He pulled back the blanket joined me.

  Chapter 28

  We were woken up the next morning by a loud knock on the door. I turned over and looked at the clock. Lily was right on time, as usual. I crawled out of bed and pulled on my PJs that were on the floor. When I got to the door, I was greeted by Lily’s smiling face. She was prepared, coffee in hand. She hadn’t been kidding. She really was happy about the break up.

  “Good morning, Sunshine! You ready to hit the road? You look like you’ve been up all night.” She came in the door. “Oh wait, you probably were.” She laughed.

  “Shut up!” I laughed and grabbed one of the cups of coffee she brought. “I’m going to wake up Adrian and change and then we should be ready to go. The remote to the TV is on the coffee table.” I pointed her in the direction.

  “Okay, but hurry. I’m ready to meet some new guys!” She plopped down on the couch.

  “Believe me, I doubt any of them are even up at this hour.” I walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind me.

  It didn’t take long for us to hit the road. The drive seemed like it took longer than usual, but it wasn’t too bad since I had Adrian and Lily to keep me company. I was never really a big fan of the ride up there. I would rather be the driver than the rider. When we finally reached the road to the cabin, I was hungry and ready for a nap.

  “Okay, Adrian.” Lily leaned forward between us. “Give me the low down on some of the guys that are going to be here. Who has girlfriends and who doesn’t? And are their girlfriends going to be here? I don’t want to end up in some kind of drama because someone didn’t bother to tell me he has a girlfriend.”

  I listened to their conversation, happy I wasn’t the one trying to remember the names and background information of the guys Adrian was talking about. I’d never been good with names. It could take me up to a month to remember everyone’s names in my classes, if I was lucky.

  When we got to the cabin, Adrian took Lily and I around and introduced us to a few of the people around the house we hadn’t met before. After all the introductions, and when Lily was done flirting, we grabbed our things and headed upstairs to claim a room. I automatically headed for the room I had stayed in before.

  “Where you going?” Adrian asked.

  “Oh. I guess I was heading to the room I stayed in last time. I liked that room.”

  “Well, you might want to check out the room I stay in before you make any decisions. If you don’t like it, we can stay in that room, but I’m pretty sure you will.” He motioned for me to follow him. We walked into a door at the end of the hall and I was happy he insisted I see it first. I walked straight over to the huge picture windows and pulled back the curtains. The view was amazing! I noticed a sliding glass door that led out onto a deck. I pulled it open and walked outside to admire the view that overlooked the lake.

  “Why didn’t you show this to me the last time we were here?” I was a little jealous he had this view the whole time we were here last time and he didn’t even want to share it with me.

  “I thought about it. But I thought that might be a little awkward for you—someone you’ve just met inviting you into his room. I didn’t want you to think of me as one of those guys.”

  “That makes sense.” He stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me. “This is gorgeous. So relaxing. I’m surprised Brian didn’t want this room.”

  “He’s more into wanting space than wanting a view, so he took the master at the other end of the hallway.”

  “Hey, you two love birds!” Brian came up behind us and smacked Adrian on the shoulder. “You ready to hit the lake or what?”

  “Yeah, I think so. You ready, babe?”

  “Actually I’m feeling a little tired. I think I’m going to stay back and take a nap. I know how long those campfires can last so I’d rather just stay here and rest up for that.”

  “All right, we’ll stay here, then.”

  “Let me know if you change your mind. I’m gonna go pack up the coolers.” Brian walked out the bedroom door.

  “No, you go. Have fun! I’ll be fine here by myself. Besides, it’d be nice for Lily to have someone she knows to go with.” I walked back into the bedroom.

  “Are you sure?” He followed me and closed to sliding door behind him.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I promise. Now go have fun with your friends.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him.

  “All right.” He kissed me softly on the lips. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” He walked out the bedroom door. I took my sandals off and flopped down on the bed.

  “Oh, babe.” He popped his head in the doorway. “Don’t forget to check out the bathroom.” He nodded toward a door that I had thought was a closet. “You’ll love it.” Before I could say anything, he disappeared and closed the door.

  I glanced around the room. Everything was total log cabin style. All the furniture was made out of logs. There was a bed, two nightstands, and a dresser with a mirror. He was right, the room wasn’t big, but that view made up for it for sure.

  I opened the door to the bathroom. He was right, I loved it! To the right was a huge Jacuzzi tub in front of a large window with the same view as the deck. There was also a beautifully tiled shower with glass doors; you could probably fit five people in it. This was my dream bathroom, except for the shower, it could be smaller. I never understood why you would need to have such a big shower. As much as I wanted to test out the Jacuzzi tub, I was too tired and hungry, and I knew I probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I could until after I was fed and rested.

  I went downstairs to fix myself a sandwich and took it upstairs to enjoy it on the deck. What I wouldn’t give to have a house like this someday. After I ate my lunch, I went inside and laid down on the giant king size b
ed. I was so tired, it didn’t take long before I was sound asleep.

  Chapter 29

  I woke up to the sound of voices coming from downstairs. From the light outside, I could tell it was probably close to dinnertime. I decided to lie in bed for a few more minutes before heading down to join the group. I couldn’t believe he was leaving tomorrow. The reality of it was finally starting to sink in. I heard the door squeak open behind me. I turned over and Adrian was closing the door behind him.

  “Good, you’re up.” He smiled at me. His hair was wet and his chest, arms and cheeks were slightly red from the sun.

  “Yeah.” He crawled into bed and laid his arm over my side. “How was the lake?” I asked him.

  “It was fun. It would’ve been a lot better if you were with us.” He brushed a strand of hair away from my face.

  “Well, I wanted you to have a bit of guy time with your friends before you have to leave. I’ve spent the whole summer with you, I didn’t want them to think I was hogging you or something.” He laughed.

  “Hogging me? What are we? In high school?”

  “Well, I don’t know.” I guess that did sound a little silly.

  “Are you ready for some dinner? They’re grilling. It should be done.”

  “Sure.” We crawled out of the bed. “How was Lily?”

  “I’ll just say she didn’t have a hard time making friends.” He opened the bedroom door and we walked out into the hallway. “Zack and Corey are already fighting over which one of them is going to win her over.”

  “Sounds like Lily.” I laughed. “She has a way of doing that to guys.”

  When we got to the kitchen, I could tell right away who Zack and Corey were. There was a short guy with shaggy dark blond hair and blue eyes standing on one side of Lily. A taller, tanned guy with short black hair and yellow board shorts was on the other side of her.