5/27/17

"SLOW DOWN!" I exclaim as one hand grips the passenger door and one hand slaps against dash at Hayley's horrid driving.

"What?" she questions before rolling her eyes at me. "Stop acting so scared Max. That guy was going so slow," she says dragging out her words for dramatic effect.

My eyes flash over to the dashboard and widen as I see the speedometer. "You're going one hundred in a seventy," I point out as my eyebrows fly into my hairline. "Are you trying to kill us before we get to Easton?" I exclaim.

"Obviously not," she tells me before flicking her wavy hair dark hair over her shoulder and slowing down just a touch for me. "It's suppose to be a fun summer kaibigan," she reminds me throwing in her mother's native tongue for flare.

"What does that mean?" I question loving the way she now shares this side of her. I didn't even know she was half Filipino until she came back from winter break this past year. But ever since she rekindled her relationship with her mother she's begun to let this side of her shine.

"Friend," she tells me with a bright smile.

"At least it's not what you called me yesterday," I mumble with pursed lips remembering the string of words she called me that I didn't understand until I began to Google translate them.

A boisterous laugh falls from her lips. "You have to learn the dirty words first," she tells me as if it's common law.

"Is that what your mother taught you?" I tease as I cross my arms over my chest.

Hayley shakes her head at my words. "My father actually," she says sentimentally. A sad smile pulls at my lips at her words knowing how much she misses her father every single day.

"How is your mother by the way?" I ask truthfully wanting to know. Her mother and her had a strained relationship for most of her life after her father was murdered. She blamed her mother for a long time before realizing that her mother wanting to move on and find new love didn't mean she stopped loving her father.

"She's good," she tells me. "It'll be weird not seeing her, which is even more weird to say," she chuckles ironically considering she hadn't talked to her mom in years and now she will miss their long talks and lunch dates.

"It's good to see you this happy," I acknowledge openly.

"Thanks Max," she replies with a soft smile.

"So...." I start slowly. "Are you ready to see him?" I question with a touch of hesitation.

Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she thinks over my question with pause. "I love him," she confesses with ease. "I'll always be ready," she tells me with confidence.

I instantly wrap my hand over hers that rests on the gear to give her strength and show her my support. "No matter what this will be a summer to remember," I remind her of why she wanted to originally come here.

"No matter what," she agrees.

* * * * *

Hayley pulls down a street filled with large beach houses in every color. Houses covered in wide, tall windows and right up against the sand. They are gorgeous and whimsical and I lower the window and lose myself staring at them as wind dances around my face and music plays from the radio in the background. My best friend begins to slow down until she comes to a stop in front of a single house and I recognize Grayson's car parked out front.

Anticipation winds through me at the realization that we are here. My best friends and I are going to spend the summer together without all the pressure that's been sitting on our shoulders. We get to be free and we get to spend this time together when we aren't promised the future as we already know Grayson will be living down here.

Who knows where Hayley and I will end up. But we have now. For the next couple months, we have this and I hold onto this feeling the floods my veins and let it warm my heart.

Hayley parks in the driveway and we leave our things in the car for now as we make our way inside. Hayley has visited Grayson's beach house before a couple years ago and knows exactly where to lead us as soon as we step up to the front door and let ourselves inside.

"Honey we're home!" Hayley shouts playfully as the door shuts behind us and we stand in the entryway.

I hear footsteps against the wood floors until blonde hair slides into view. "Grayson!" Both Hayley and I shout at the same time in pure excitement to see our friend, our roommate, for the first time since she moved out after graduation.

Grayson's eyes are just as wide as the smile taking up her face. "I wasn't expecting you guys for a couple more hours," she tells us a bit confused as we got here so quickly, though if she knows Hayley she shouldn't be surprised.

"Well Hayley drove like a mad man so here we are," I explain quickly and a knowing look crosses Grayson's face as if she knows exactly what I mean.

Hayley steps forward then. "Mad woman," she corrects with a smirk.

A laugh falls from Grayson's lips as she runs over to the rest of the way to us and wraps her arms around our shoulders. She draws us in and the smell of the ocean and lemons wash over me. A content sigh slips from my lips and I curl my arms around both of my perfect and wild friends.

"God," Grayson breathes. "I've missed you both," she admits sounding almost choked up. For the past two years we have been at each other's sides through thick and thin. Through failed exams, broken hearts, dance parties, and all the smiles and tears in-between. 

And as we are finally back together I know this is exactly where I need to be right now. 

"Missed you," I respond.

"Missed you more," Hayley one-ups me before lifting her head from Grayson's shoulder to stick her tongue out at me playfully.

Grayson pulls back letting her ocean blue eyes land on us. "Hayley you will be in my parent's room over there," she points out across the living room to the double doors on the other side of the house. "Max you'll be upstairs in my sister's room," she informs me.

"Where's Bailey?" I ask realizing I haven't heard about her sister in a while, and I know she usually comes to their family's beach house every summer. Grayson and Bailey's relationship wasn't always as good as it is now, and I know Grayson cherishes their moments together more than anything.

"She's home in Virginia planning her wedding, but she's hoping to stop by this summer," Grayson explains why her sister hasn't tagged along to what already feels like might be the best summer of our lives.

"When is the wedding going to be?" Hayley questions.

"September," Grayson tells us with a smile filled with what can only be described as pure happiness for her sister. That her sister finally found the person she is supposed to be with in this life.

"Wow, that's close," I comment realizing that puts the wedding less than four months away. "Didn't they just get engaged?" I question shocked the wedding will be so soon. But also knowing the small bit I know about Bailey I doubt she wants to wait, especially after her last engagement.

Grayson lets out a dry chuckle. "That's why she's head deep in planning," she tells us with a shake of her head letting me know it probably is already mayhem for the maid of honor.

"Your parents are willing to pay for a second wedding?" Hayley asks as she attempts to suppress her laughter. She always thinks she's extremely funny at the worst times.

I shove at her shoulder with a frown. "Hayley," I hiss in chastisement.

Grayson simply shakes her head with a grin pulling at her lips. "They are," she states. "But it is a lot different this time around. She's more herself and going for a very simplistic theme," she adds.

"I'm glad she's happy," I tell Grayson honestly.

"Same," she agrees with a small nod of her head, and then something in the air changes as she begins to shift her weight back and forth from foot to foot.

Her eyes lock on Hayley and I can sense the tension that wasn't there before now is falling off her in waves. Her eyes grow nervous, sad even as if she doesn't want to say what she has to say next. As if she doesn't want to ruin the small bubble we just created for ourselves, for our friendship.

"What?" Hayley questions slowly evidently sensing the change in Grayson like I have. Hayley's faint green eyes flicker over to mine before landing back on Grayson. A moment pauses between us all as we stare at each other and wonder what has caused the awkwardness to rise beneath us.

"Um...." Grayson trails uncomfortably. "Cale wants to stop by," she tells us, but we also know that isn't all she has to say. She's holding back.

"And?" Hayley pushes sensing this is about her more than anything else. Her always cheerful and sassy demeanor falls away and leaves her face stricken with a seriousness I have very rarely seen from her.

Grayson lifts her shoulders before dropping her gaze to the ground. "He was going to bring his brother," she almost whispers.

My eyes flash over to see Hayley's eyes flutter shut for a second, so I step in. "Which one?" I ask trying to keep my words innocent.

"Maybe both," she says cautiously.

Hayley scoffs at Grayson's words. "So maybe ass-hat Colt but most likely Clayton is what you're saying," she says finally opening her eyes and letting them land on her best friend.

Grayson wets her lips nervously. "I wouldn't put in those words exactly," she states. "But yes," she discloses with a wince. "Is that okay?" she questions softly.

"Can I say no?" Hayley asks instantly with a locked jaw.

Grayson steps forward and almost reaches out for Hayley but with a pause she drops her arm instead. "Of course you can!" she tells her strongly. "This summer isn't about them, it's about us," she tells us before she does step forward fully and wrap a hand around not only Hayley's hand but my own. "I will ban Cale from even coming over here if that's what we need," she adds completely serious.

A smile breaks on Hayley's face at Grayson's last words. "Thanks Gray," she breathes. "But no. I know they will be around this summer and I'm not going to stop that," she says easily as if it truly is that simple to be around the man she loves without actually being with him.

"Are you sure?" I push wanting to make sure she is comfortable with him being around this summer. We knew it was a possibility, but Grayson suggesting Cale and his brothers come over the first night makes it just all that more real.

Her gaze meets mine as she nods slightly. "Clayton and I will be together at some point in the future, I am sure of that," she tells me with a soft smile. "So this time being there for him as a friend," she pauses, "yeah it sucks but it will mean nothing when all is said and done."

Immediately we draw one another into a group hug. Hayley's tear lined eyes clear, and Grayson's nerves fade into thin air, and I hold them close and let them know I will always be there for them. I may be the quiet one, the one who isn't wild like Hayley or outspoken like Grayson, but I am the glue I've realized. I hold us together in moments that threaten to tear us apart. I'm the silent arm that supports them and wants them to succeed no matter what. I will always have their backs as I know they have mine.

"Okay enough of this," Hayley tells us shaking her head as she breaks away from the hug and pushes the lose strands of hair in her face away.

"Margs?" Grayson suggests with a knowing smile.

"Yes," Hayley practically begs. 

"Please," I agree needing the drink after the car ride and short tense minute we shared.

We follow Grayson into the kitchen and she quickly gathers the necessities for frozen margaritas. Hayley instantly hooks up her phone and starts playing music. I line up shot glasses for our required shot of tequila anytime we make this festive drink.

And I've never felt more at home in a house I've never been to and in a town I've never visited before. And I know that's because of the people I have by my side. No matter where we go in this world, with them by my side I will be home. 

Hayley starts the famous toast and we toss down our shots, we dance around the kitchen island to cheesy pop music, and laugh until our stomachs hurt at the stories we share with each other.

"Hello," a deep voice calls out from the entryway over the obnoxiously loud music.

Grayson runs over to the speaker to lower the music. "In the kitchen babe," she calls out to a voice that obviously belongs to her boyfriend Cale.

He walks into our line of vision and I can see Hayley is making a clear point to keep her back to him. Almost as if she's nervous to see if he's alone or is he brought a certain brother along.

"Hey," another voice calls out and in comes Clayton.

My eyes lock on Hayley to see her shoulders almost visibly relax as if she was nervous to see him but at the same time needed him near.

"Hi," I wave at them both. The Hasting brothers are attractive ones. I've never met Colt, but I've heard enough to know he isn't a black sheep because of his looks. They all are tall and tan from the Florida sun. They have this sandy brown hair and beautiful hazel eyes. They are heart stoppers, and they know it. But they also snagged the hearts of some amazing women, and I know they are more than aware of that as well.

Hayley finally turns to see them both and smiles tentatively. Clayton takes a step towards her as if an invisible string is pulling them together. Silence hangs in the air as they stare at each other for a beat of time.

"Can I hug you?" Hayley asks breaking the moment with a small tremor in her voice showing a vulnerability I haven't ever seen in her.

Clayton's honey eyes soften as his gaze continues to hold her. "Always," he responds and she promptly round the corner from the kitchen and flies into his arms and it almost brings tears to my eyes.

"Thank you," she murmurs before pulling back. Grayson and Cale stand next to me with arms wrapped around each other and sad smiles pulling across their faces as they take in the picture of Hayley and Clayton.

"Okay," Hayley says pulling fully out of Clayton's arms and taking a step away from him. She then claps her hands once. "Let's go to the deck," she suggests quickly obviously not wanting to focus on what just transpired in front of everyone.

I notice how she leaves her drink behind and grabs a cup of water instead. How she keeps her respectful distance but at the same time doesn't leave his side.

Grayson grabs a pitcher of lemonade for everyone as we begin to head to the back door when the front door opens and shuts.

We all stop at the sound confused as to who would just walk into Grayson's house without warning.

Suddenly a man who is all too familiar walks into my friend's beach house. Ice-cold water fills my veins at the sight and my heart completely stops in fear as I stare wide eyed at a man I never thought I would see again.

Cale breaks through the group and steps forward. "What are you doing here?" he questions clearly taken back to see this man here.

I am as well and stand completely shell shocked as to how he knows Cale or anyone at all here.

"You invited me," the mystery man says and his deep voice strikes something deep within me reminding me of the night I continue to try and push away.

"Didn't think you would come," Cale states honestly with a shrug.

My mind is running a million miles a minute as I'm hit with an onslaught of memories.

His lips, soft yet punishing.

His hands, rough yet magical.

His words, naughty and shocking.

His body, tanned and muscular.

"Who is that?" I whisper shakily to Grayson.

She rolls her eyes. "Their oldest brother," she tells me as if she isn't the biggest fan of him. "Colt."

At the mention of his name a pair of dark eyes land on me and as they narrow in I see he recognizes me right away.

I see the rush of thoughts running through his head and I think he's going to out me. I think he's going to let everyone know that I'm some trashy stripper with loose morals and tell everyone my dirty little secret. I've heard stories of the infamous eldest Hasting, and he's no saint.

But instead a wicked smirk pulls at his handsome face as he cocks his head.

"And you are?" he questions letting his dark eyes flare to life. He doesn't have the kind and warm hazel eyes like his brothers, no his eyes are dark and cold and intimidating.

Grayson speaks up at my side, as I don't make an effort to answer his question. "This is Maxine," she says introducing him to me as if he doesn't know how my body feels pressed up against his. "You've heard us talk about her," she reminds him.

He runs his tongue against his white teeth as his dark eyes continue to hold me, watch me, see me in a way that makes me nervous and exposed all at the same time. "Yes, I have," he finally replies. "You look familiar. Have we met before?" he questions taking a step forward and I fight the urge to take one backwards.

My body tenses and my stomach plummets to the floor. "No," I say tersely and on edge waiting for the ball to drop. Waiting for him to out me in front of my best friends.

"Hmm...." he trails as if he's trying to find the right words to say next and I can hear my heart beating loudly in my chest. He suddenly snaps his fingers loudly. "Got it. You remind me of this hot stripper I saw a few months ago," he tells me letting the grin on his stupid face grow in amusement at the way my face flushes with anger and embarrassment all at the same time.

"Colt," Cale calls him out with a sigh.

"Gross," Grayson says with disgust.

"Don't be rude," Hayley tells him with annoyance.

He shrugs off their words and walks right by me to grab the blender filled with half melted tequila and margarita mix. Everyone brushes him off and goes back to talking as they make their way to the deck, but I stay frozen to the same spot my eyes unmoving from the man in front of me.

Colt pours himself a glass and takes a sip before walking past me once again, but not before whispering, "Nice to meet you Maxine." The way my name flies off his tongue sends a shiver down my spine in fear, because it's filled with mischief and mayhem. He then follows everyone else out the back door.

There goes my simple summer.

Fuck.