~August’s point of view~
“So she was telling the truth? He asked her?” Carmen asked, incredulously.
“What?” Nick asked.
“That’s what Cassie had said the other day.”
“He didn’t ask her… well,” Nick looked over to them in the water, “at least if he did, it was today since she came by and asked him if he wanted to go for a walk with her.”
“Ah hah! I knew she was lying!” Carmen smiled.
I sighed. Was he mad at me for yelling at him? I was going to apologize.
I was going to make sure that everything would work out. But now it didn’t look like it would.
“Well, even if she had lied before, that’s what the outcome turned out to be… I think I’ve changed my mind,” I told Carmen. “It’s just some stupid party for the tourists…”
“You are a tourist,” she pointed out.
“Yeah, but not some eight year old with a Goofy hat.”
“Should we be offended?” Nick was still close by enough to hear our conversation, but until now had been looking at Brian and Cassie, deep in thought.
“No,” Carmen said. “I know what you mean, you just wanted to go with Brian. At least try it out… please? For me?”
So there I was. Music was blasting. The party was a mix of age groups that kept to themselves. In one corner, there were families with small children that were about to fall asleep. Across from them were adults, ranging from forty to ninety, that were without the hassle of offspring. Some were celebrating anniversaries, others their honeymoon.
I was in the area of the teenagers, the preteens that were pretending to be teens, and a few people in their early twenties, also pretending to be in their teens because their own age group was scarce in this setting.
The party was set right beside the buildings, but still close enough to the ocean to see the sun setting and feel the cool breeze. Strings of lights hung from the palm trees. I was sitting at a table sipping a virgin strawberry Daquiri, inhaling the scent of a candle set on the table to provide a bit of light.
I had a perfect view of Cassie and Brian dancing. ‘She probably planned that,’ I thought bitterly. His arms wrapped around her. I was filled with jealousy.
“Hey, gorgeous,” a familiar voice came up behind me.
“AJ? I didn’t know you were working tonight,” I was surprised. He was carrying a tray he’d just used to serve some drinks.
“I wasn’t supposed to be,” he rolled his eyes. “I’ve had to work this the last three rotations of people on the cruise. I was supposed to get to enjoy at least one this summer. But the other guy was sick, so here I am.”
“Oh, man, that sucks… I’m sorry,” I smiled apologetically.
“Do I dare ask why your sitting by yourself when I know you’d like to be in the position of another girl right now?”
“No. It’s a long story,” I sighed.
“I thought as much… come on, lets dance. I could use a break. Then she’ll be the one jealous of you,” AJ cracked a grin as a slow song started playing.
I started to hesitate. Then I thought, ‘why not? Why should Brian have all the fun?’ So instead I said, “that’d be great,” I took his hand and we walked out onto the dance floor.
I saw Brian glance in my direction but turned away. I didn’t want to meet any angry looks, so I turned away.
“So, if you really want to get their attention, how about a kiss?” AJ smirked.
“Just had to push your luck didn’t you?” I shook my head and we laughed.
~Brian’s point of view~
What was he doing? Holding her in his arms? What did she like about him anyway? AJ wasn’t her type.
Sure, he was, what a girl might consider, “cute” in a rebel sort of way. And he was full charismatic smiles and charm. And knew how to talk to girls better than I did.
What girl would want that kind of guy?
August. And she was the only girl who mattered.
“Let’s go get a drink,” Cassie said as I snapped back into reality.
“Okay,” I said. ‘I need a change of scenery anyway.’
Michelle and Kevin were sitting at a table and we joined them.
“Hi,” Michelle grinned widely.
“Having fun?” Cassie asked. I already knew the answer.
“Yeah, this is really fun,” Michelle answered.
Kevin nodded. “I couldn’t last one more shift at the stupid pool, telling kids not to run or dive in the shallow end… sheesh.”
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to the bathroom,” Michelle said.
“I’ll come with you,” Cassie offered.
“Why do they go in groups?” Kevin said a minute later.
I laughed. “I’ve often wondered that myself. Where’s Nick?” I hadn’t seen him much all day.
“He’s with… whats her name? Carmen? He’s a lucky guy,” Kevin smiled approvingly, and scanned the area. “I haven’t seen him in awhile.”
“Me neither… I’m sure I’ll run into him eventually.”
“What are you doing here with Cassie? Wasn’t she seeing Howie? He’s a nice guy. He worked as a lifeguard a few times last month.”
I shrugged. “She said she didn’t want to come with him. She didn’t go into why. So we came together.”
“Ahh… which brings me to the question of why you aren’t with August. Michelle’s been telling me about her. And you two have been spending a lot of time together.”
I rolled my eyes. “I asked her. She said no. And then she came with AJ.”
“I thought AJ was working tonight?” Kevin said.
I shook my head. “I saw them dancing just a minute ago.”
“Well, hang in there, man…”
I shrugged again. “I don’t care. Whatever could’ve happened with August and I didn’t. End of story. It’s no big deal. Besides, there’s other people who do want to spend time with me as friends. And maybe more…” That’s what it seemed Cassie had been hinting at. Maybe it was time for us to give it a chance.
My Favorite Web sites
Chapter Ten
Chapter Twelve
Drowning
Frick's Fairytales