“Gotcha.” I point at the beer. “What kind did you get?” I ask, truly curious. “I love a good IPA or sour.”
He laughs. “Good to know.” He stirs the drink and closes the cap, placing a little straw in the holder. He lifts up the beer. “This one is from a local brewery in Maine. It’s a hazy IPA.”
I nod. “I like that one, but it’s around 7% alcohol,” I mention.
He nods. “Yeah, we only take two four-packs on the boat when we cruise around. We can drink more when we get back if you want.”
“Sure, but I still have to drive home, too.” I remind him.
He extends his hand for me to take. “Come on, let’s go.”
Hours go by, and we’re still out on the pontoon boat, soaking up the sunrays, and breathing in the fresh lake air. My laugh comes easily as I enjoy the company of Parker, Jasmine, and Hadley. I’ve only had one beer, so I decide to take a swim. I peel off my swimsuit cover and toss my sunglasses beside it, then climb up onto the seat. I stand and spring off the side of the boat and into the lake. Even though the temperature outside is in the high eighties today, the lake water is cool against my warm skin. I’m bobbing in the water, pushing the hair strands away from my face that spring loose from my ponytail. As I tread water, I spit a little water out, tilting my head back and basking in this perfect moment. Parker is next to join me. I see one leg extend out as he goes under in a half-dive. I hear the splash first and then see him swimming in my direction. He pops up right before me, smiling, and I can’t help but smile back. I’ve had the best day.
“I’m super bummed that you’re leaving soon,” I tell him. He comes closer to me and puts his arms around my waist, pulling me to him in a hug.
“Why is that, Nadia?” he asks, his smirk on full display. “Are you going to miss me?”
I throw an arm around him. “I’m definitely going to miss you, Parker,” I tell him truthfully. The look I have for him is one of love,like if I had a brother, it would be him. I’d wish it was him.
“You know,” he says, rolling his eyes. “There is this thing called a phone. You can call me anytime. I’m hoping we can stay in touch. We both go to school in the same state, you know.”
I look into his eyes and see the sincerity there. “I’d really like that, Parker.”
He nods, his demeanor turning serious. “Me, too.” We are interrupted by his brother, Hadley.
“Hey, you two. We should probably head back soon. Are we still going out, Parker?” he asks.
Parker looks toward me. “You feel like going out, Nadia?”
I swim toward the boat, and he follows. I lift myself and climb up the stairs. Hadley is there to give me a hand climbing up, and Parker follows me. I grab my towel, which was left on the seat, and dry off. Parker approaches me, toweling off his hair and drying his chest. He looks at me expectantly, still waiting for my answer.
I shrug. “Sure, why not?”
He clasps his hands. “She’s in!” he shouts to Jasmine and Hadley as he drives us back to the dock. I hear a hoot and a holler follow.
Jasmine brings her cup up in salute. “Yes, girl,” she says. “It’s gonna be hella fun.”
Parker and I sit side by side as he throws his arm around me, making me laugh about the plans for tonight. For once, I feel like I catch a glimpse of the girl I was before my life changed after my twenty-first birthday, and I’ve missed her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Iopen my eyes in search of my phone. I can hear it, but I can’t see it. My eyelids feel like they're stuck together. I sit up and roll over, flipping the covers around until I see it peeking out under a pillow. “There you are, you little fucker.” I grab it and groan at the red battery line.
I see that Boss Daddy has sent me a message. I giggle.
Boss Daddy: I wanted to know if you could stop by today so I can show you around the house and officially meet Catalina before tomorrow.
He sent that two hours ago, but I replyas if he just sent it.
Me: Sorry. I was busy earlier and just got your message. Sure, what time?
I don’t need to tell him I was asleep because I stayed out late. I remember reliving the events from last night after we left Parker’s lake house rental. While I didn’t feel the sparks fly when he kissed me goodnight, I had a good time with him, and I think we could be friends. His family is lovely, and I really enjoyed talking to Jasmine. She’s incredibly smart and is genuinely a good person all around. They all are. I’m interrupted by my thoughts when Manuel replies to my text.
Boss Daddy: I’m sorry for reaching out at the last minute. I should have thought of it the day before. Is 3 p.m. okay?
I look at my bedside clock, and it gives me two hours to get ready and be there.
Me: Sure. I’ll be there. See you soon.
