Chicks, Man

Shit, what’s wrong with me?

It doesn’t help that I can’t pull my eyes away from her pouty lips, reminding me of when my mouth was on hers, savoring the smoothness, the sweet taste. It’s a shame any time I get lost in the memory, the anger of how she got to me resurfaces, putting me back in my foul mood. What the fuck was she even thinking? The trouble she could have gotten me in. The lifelong friendship she could have ruined. It takes a lot for me to get mad, and Hannah Matthews went straight for the jugular. That breaks the hold she has on me and I rip my eyes away from her to get a quick glimpse of Kip. He’s still going on about a time when we came up to Ketterville with kegs and almost got busted, having to roll three full barrels down the side of the dunes so we didn’t get arrested for underage drinking.

“But shit, remember that? Took all seven of us to roll those kegs back up the hill.”

“We’re here!” Stacey chirps from the backseat as we all spot the Welcome to Ketterville sign. Everyone, minus a few garbles from Rebecca, admires the scenery as we drive through the quaint, historical town. The place has made a few changes, but it still has that small-town feel. We pass the bait shop, the bakery, the diner, and the small antique store, before hanging a left onto the dirt road leading to the campground.

We pull up to the familiar spot that’s been the Matthews’ stomping ground since day one, a patch of land surrounded by a thick forest aged beyond our lifetime. Hidden behind the greenery lies the most peaceful natural lake, which backs up to the wide rivers, perfect for kayaking. Kip pulls to the right to park, and everyone begins to shuffle out. Kip helps Stacey, and when Rebecca gets out, I watch her shut the door before allowing Hannah to exit. I shake my head, then open the door, lifting the seat up to give Hannah space to get out. I grab her hand, making sure she doesn’t slip, but it doesn’t stop her feet from tripping when they hit the ground. She falls into me, her body carved perfectly to fit against me. The beating of her heart and jagged breaths has me transfixed on her full lips.

Rebecca clears her throat, and I snap out of my haze. I quickly release her, not needing any more contact than necessary.

“Thanks.” Her voice is soft as she adjusts her hair and tugs at her oversized hoodie. If I wasn’t still fighting to hold onto my anger, I’d confess she doesn’t need to hide herself, because under those thick clothes, she’s beautiful.

“Yeah, whatever,” I reply like a dick, then walk away from her, unable to miss the wave of sudden hurt settling in her eyes. If I stick around, she will see the confusion flooding in mine. Possibly a little bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, because what the fuck is wrong with me? One minute, I’m trying to earn her trust and friendship, and the next, I’m giving her the cold treatment. Figure your shit out, man. What I need to do is keep my distance. Let this little infatuation brewing die out. Because there’s no way I’m actually interested in Hannah Matthews.

I head toward the rear of the car as Kip throws the back open.

“All right. Everyone grab your shit.” Kip starts lifting coolers and placing them outside the Tahoe. I grab for my bag and walk right past Hannah, not bothering to acknowledge her. When I pass by Rebecca, she sways into me, purposely causing our bodies to graze against one another.

“Levi Dent, be careful now,” she teases, tossing her hair back and sashaying to the back to get her ridiculous amount of luggage.

I start setting up my tent when I hear Hannah’s voice rise amongst the group.

“But I did bring it. I had it at the gas station.”

“Are you sure?” Kip asks his sister. I head back to see Kip and Hannah still standing by his SUV.

“Kipley, I’m not dumb. I brought it.” Hannah blinks rapidly, on the verge of tears, while Kip gives her the once-over, confused. Stacey walks up to Hannah and rubs her back, telling her it’s going to be okay, while I take a peek at Rebecca, who looks guilty as fuck.

“What’s going on?” I ask. What the fuck is Rebecca up to now?

“We can’t find Hannah’s tent.”

“What do you mean you can’t find it?” I ask again. There’s no doubt Hannah brought her tent. I saw it myself.

“It’s not in here. But I brought it,” she snaps, bringing her eyes straight to Rebecca.

Kip bends forward into the back of his Tahoe in one last attempt to find it and climbs back out. “I’m sorry, Han. It’s not here.”