“We’re not picky about what time we drink our beer.” Cal handed off another board to Lance, who was noticeably silent. He had yet to look in my direction .
“I wouldn’t know. See you later, guys.” I flashed a smile and walked across the asphalt, relieved when I reached my room .
Ok. This wasn’t terrible—just embarrassing. I peeked out of the corner curtain. Their truck was loaded with lumber; they would be here for a while. I couldn’t call Mary Ellen. She was sound asleep at this hour. I needed to hash this out with another girl. Maybe if Cal was up this early, Sasha would be too. I sent her a text .
You awake ?
I sat on the edge of the bed, waiting to hear from her .
Yep. Good morning .
Any chance you can go shopping ?
When and where ?
I smiled. Now and at Tassels
I’ll pick you up in ten minutes .
Thanks. See you soon. Room 23 .
I walked over to the bathroom. I could at least brush my teeth and put on some makeup before facing the outside duo again. I had time to kill .
* * *
“S o, you and Cole, really?” Sasha’s arms were weighted down with sundresses .
“Yeah, really.” I knew I was blushing. I held up the strapless black dress in the mirror I had eyed on my first trip to the store. It was cute and I was glad Lisa hadn’t sold out of my size .
“Now you girls just holler if you need anything. Anything.” Lisa sat behind the counter with a cup of coffee. Sasha informed me that the surf shop opened early every morning of spring break, eager to catch any break-of-dawn surfer customers .
My new friend pulled a purple sun hat from the wall. “I could tell the other night at the bonfire. You two had that look .”
“What look is that?” I pulled the dress away from my body .
“That we’re-going-to-devour-each-other look.” Sasha laughed .
Shit. It was that obvious ?
“I’ve known Cole since he moved back .”
I turned toward her. I felt a little pit of jealousy starting to form. “Oh. Were you a couple or something?” I was praying her answer was no .
“Cole and me? No. He’s more like an older brother. A hot older brother.” She giggled .
I felt a pit in my stomach. “Ok. So I need to confess something .”
“What is it ?”
“He’s actually my older brother’s best friend.” I cringed .
“What?” Sasha stared at me. “You two know each other ?
I nodded. “Yeah, but he’d kill us .”
“You must really like him.” Sasha had switched from the purple hat to a purple pair of sunglasses .
“I don’t know what it is. But, yes. For the past ten years I’ve thought Cole Thomas was the hottest guy on the planet. I didn’t expect this .”