“Water?” I ask.
He nods and takes one of the six bottles I’d stuffed into my backpack. “Thanks.”
The music is loud, some upbeat dance song I don’t know. The culture here is a bit different from where I lived in Wisconsin, even different from the base in North Carolina. We preferred rock, sometimes even country, over pop, rap, and dance; but, honestly, this isn’t too bad.
“What made you need a breather?” I ask.
“Not what,who.”
“Oooh. I see. Clingers?”
He nods. “Yeah.”
“And you’ve made sure they know you’re not interested in…” I say with a twirl of my hand.
“Definitely.”
“Pathetic.”
“Excuse me?” he asks, affronted.
“Oh, not you. Them. Pathetic. If a guy isn’t interested, he’s not interested. There’s no way to change that… well, unless he makes some stupid self-imposed rule. You definitely can break your own rules.” I pop another chip into my mouth, thinking about Carlos.
“Have we met?” Hot Guy asks me.
“Nope.”
He laughs. “You gonna tell me your name?”
I give him the side eye. “You know, I don’t think so. Let’s use fake names.”
“Like Jane and John?”
“How about Jack and Jill?” Close enough to my real name that I won’t forget who I’m supposed to be.
“Cool. Let’s just not go tumbling.”
“Deal.”
There’s a long beat of silence that isn’t at all uncomfortable and Jack takes the time to crack his neck.
“Long summer?” I ask.
“Yeah. And so damn hot. I don’t think I’ll ever get rehydrated again.”
“You’re on your third water. You’re well on your way.”
“Shit. These were yours. I’m sorry,” he says sheepishly.
“No problem. Really. One more and I’m good. I’ve got feeling in my lips again.”
He chuckles. “How do you like Shell Beach so far?”
“Oh, I like it a lot—wait. How did you know I was new?”
“I haven’t seen you around before, and, believe me, I’d notice.”
I blush. He’s a smooth talker. “I’m not here for much longer. I’ve been here for the summer.”
