“That’s okay,” Kate replied. “I’m not from here either. I actually just moved in yesterday. My parents and I are renting this house for the summer, maybe longer. You know, though, the people who live here year-round might not be as nice about you being on their land,” Kate stated in an attempt at friendliness.
“I understand completely, and I thank you for your concern. I think I’ll be okay, though. I can handle an old man yelling at me from his deck,” he said, a mischievous grin crawling across his features.
Kate observed Rico. He was dressed in all black, dark jeans and a faded t-shirt, and Kate thought that he could handle a great deal more than an old man yelling at him. He could probably handle a young man yelling and chasing him across the beach. Anyone could tell that he liked to cause trouble by his appearance, so why did he feel the need to chastise Kate or make fun of what he thought was concern? Kate crossed her arms across her chest, and attempted to gain some form of dignity; she was much too proud to walk away right now. “I just assumed that I would help you out since you aren’t from here,” she snapped, losing her patience.
“I thought you said that you weren’t from here either,” he retorted.
Kate threw her hands in the air, giving up for the second time that morning. Her gesture conveyed her annoyance, and what she hoped was indifference; the last thing she wanted was for Rico to think that she cared.
Rico glanced at her, a quizzical look on his face.
“What?” she demanded.
Rico just smiled and shook his head. When she stared at him, he just shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. There he was, at a loss for words again. Kate’s frustration peaked, igniting a flame of anger within her soul.
“Will you just leave my property?” she asked. She couldn’t understand why Rico made her feel so much anger, but she knew that she couldn’t let it get the best of her. She was at least reasonable enough to see that.
Naturally, Rico didn’t say anything. He turned and left, glancing behind him once more to see her watching him leave. He offered a devilish grin before disappearing over the horizon.
“Who was that boy?” Blaire asked when Kate walked into the house with her glass and ice cream wrapper.
“Some kid named Rico that liked observing the things I accidentally left on the beach,” Kate replied, holding up the objects.
“Your father and I are about to leave, honey,” Blaire interjected without really listening. “Please eat something; I left a few pancakes in the microwave for you. We should be back before dinner, so don’t eat a late lunch. We plan on going out to eat at that seafood restaurant down the street. It’ll be our housewarming dinner.”
Kate nodded, still annoyed with her mother and Rico, and walked to the microwave. She took out the blueberry pancakes, and grabbed some orange juice before sitting in front of the television. Finding a dramatic reality show about crazy teen parties, Kate settled in to eat breakfast. She could feel her mother watching her, and felt guilty about being mean. She turned around to say something, but her mother was gone, and the distant sound of the front door shutting announced her parents’ departure. Kate sat back on the cream couch, content with losing herself in the pointless drama of rich, rebellious adolescents. It would at least drown out the memories of her first morning in Florida.
About the Author
I like to think of myself as a beautiful conundrum. When I am not writing, I can be found surrounded by my amazing family and 4 dogs or volunteering at a local animal rescue. I love who I am and don’t mind at all when I get strange looks from people. I am a tattoo covered, child and animal lover who looks forward to destroying peoples preconceived notions of what “someone like me” would be interested in. You only live life once… you may as well make it interesting.
I love to get lost in a good book and hope that everyone will get lost in mine.
Connect with me at:
http://jmartinezauthor.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/JenniferMartinezAuthor
Other Works
Actor for Hire (The Rules, Short Story)
Currently Writing
Don’t Feed (The Rules, Book 2)
Blossom (Standalone YA)
Don't Kill Dinner (The Rules Trilogy) Page 9