Page 45 of Wrecked

I’m not gonna lie. I kinda like it. It’s oddly refreshing, just taking a moment to be by yourself. If I’m not working, I’m with my parents, Luke, or Emma. Or I’m with my girlfriends. Sure, this is work. But it’s…different.

Maybe I should take up painting or adult coloring or something like that. Who am I kidding? I’m never going to do that. My life revolves around the party. If I lose that, I’ll lose the essence of me. And my essence is pretty spectacular.

Using a torch today was by far the coolest thing ever. I was more scared than I’d thought I’d be to light it. But when Rick let it ignite, it was like I had this immense power in my hands. Power to create. Power to construct. It was awesome.

Some of the other girls who were volunteering today as part of their sorority philanthropic commitment joined in. We took turns in welding copper piping for the plumbing. It took a few hours, and when it was done, we cheered and high-fived each other. There is nothing more empowering than women who can get shit done.

As Rick and I walked back to the cooler to grab waters, I caught a familiar face staring, almost appreciatively, at the job I had done.

The look Adam was giving me was almost reminiscent of the way he’d stared at me when I was sixteen years old. Back when we’d spent time together by choice. Back when I’d almost thought he was developing feelings for me.

“You ever wonder what it would be like to have cameras following you around?” I asked Adam from the blacktop of his parents’ driveway.

He bounced the ball back to me so I could take another shot from the key.

His right brow rose as he answered with a light laugh, “No. Why?”

“EDtv.” I took a shot, extending my wrists and elbows as he’d taught me.

When the ball went in, I looked at him from over my shoulder. His brow was still perched in question.

“Matthew McConaughey?” My hands and head were outstretched in exasperation.

Adam dribbled the ball in front of him, a closed mouth smile on his face. “You’re really into that guy.”

“What’s not to like? Sexy accent. Killer body. Curly golden hair. And, of course, there are those baby-blue eyes.” I was pretty sure I sighed.

“Can’t argue with the baby blues. I’m a sucker for them as well,” Adam said nonchalantly, taking a shot into the basket.

He swished. He scored. I blushed.

He bounced the ball back to me. “What’s your favorite movie of his?”

“How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.” I dribbled, mentally preparing to take my shot. Feet shoulder-width apart, my shooting foot pointing at the hoop—

“What about Killer Joe? A dirty cop in a cowboy hat and sunglasses? The guy is pure evil. That has to be in your top ten.”

I stopped dribbling and stood up straight. “You said you didn’t watch McConaughey movies.”

He shrugged. “I did a little research.”

“And?”

“He’s all right.” Adam rushed up and stole the ball out of my hands, traveling to the net and slam-dunking it in.

A rush ran through my skin and surged into my head and heart. Blame it on sixteen-year-old hormones, but sometimes when I was with him, my heart would race, and I would have to make it stop even if he wasn’t necessarily doing anything exciting. There was just something about him.

“So, any good plans this weekend?” I asked.

“Camping.”

“You like to sleep on the ground?” I gave a shiver. The thought of sleeping with bugs crawling all over me was enough to taper my beating heart.

With a full white-toothed grin, Adam answered, “Every weekend. Camping, hiking, waterskiing, making a fire, and roasting marshmallows. As soon as the ground thaws, I’m there. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

The look in his eyes was filled with honesty, a passion for life in the outdoors. It was as if his peace was found in the solace of a campground.

“I’ve never been. I don’t think I’m exactly the roughing-it kinda girl.”