The Girl Next Door

Beck steps closer and my gaze snaps to his. “Sure I can’t persuade you to go for a swim?”

“Nope.” I shake my head.

“That’s too bad. This would have gone a long way to prove you’re not the good girl I always pegged you to be.”

Before I can summon up a pithy retort, he runs and dives headfirst into the water. I catch a glimpse of plaid as he disappears beneath the surface.

A mixture of relief and disappointment bubble up inside me until I’m nearly choking on them. It’s the latter emotion I’m having a hard time accepting.

With a huffed-out breath, I stalk to one of the many loungers that surround the pool and settle on top of a plush cushion. I glance around for Alyssa, hoping she’s given up on Colton so we can head home. It’s not too late for the evening to be salvaged with pizza and a movie. Instead, I find her in the pool.

Topless.

Sucking face with Colton.

Great.

As much as I want to take off, I can’t leave her here alone. God only knows what will happen if I do.

With a groan, I squeeze my eyes tight and prepare myself for a long night.

Chapter Two

Mia

Landon Mathews, the guy I was attempting to lure Alyssa with, settles on the lounger next to me. We had calculus together last semester and often compared notes. Even though Landon is a football player, I don’t hold it against him. He’s proven himself to be a good guy. And, in my experience, those are far and few in between.

“Hey, Mia.” He hands me a brand new Solo cup overflowing with beer. “You look like you could use a little pick me up.”

I could use a lot more than that, but this will do.

“Thanks.” Our fingers brush as I take the cup from him. Unlike when I touch Beck, no spark of attraction ignites in my blood. It’s yet another reminder that you can’t help who you’re drawn to. Not wanting to dwell on that disturbing thought, I lift the glass to my lips and take a swig.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” he comments.

Does everyone think I’m a killjoy?

It would seem my image needs a little rebranding.

I jerk my head toward the house next door. “We’re neighbors.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right.” He nods. “I forgot. Still…this doesn’t seem like your type of scene.”

I snort and glance at the pool. “Orgies generally aren’t, but Alyssa wanted to see a certain someone.”

He chuckles, following the direction of my stare to the water and the half-naked bodies filling it. He flicks a humor-filled gaze at me. “Looks like she found him. My guess is that you’re going to be here for the long haul.”

That’s exactly what I was thinking. There is no damn way I’ll be able to pry Alyssa out of Colton’s arms. And my orgy-o-meter has reached its limit. I need Alyssa to wrap up this little make out sess so we can get the hell out of here before I’m anymore mentally scarred.

“Ugh, let’s hope not.” With that, I bring the cup to my lips and frown when I find it empty. I tip it further back and pat the plastic bottom, but not a drop remains.

Landon chuckles and holds out his hand. “Pass it over and I’ll get you a refill.”

See what I mean? Total sweetheart.

Five minutes later, he’s back with two cups of golden deliciousness. Tonight the alcohol is going down surprisingly easy. The more I drink, the more relaxed I become.

Ever since my older sister Brianna died when I was fourteen in a drunk driving accident, I’ve walked the straight and narrow. I’ve done my best to shine in school and on the tennis court, hoping it would be enough to help my parents forget their heartache for even a minute. Unlike Beck, I don’t go looking for trouble. I avoid it at all costs.

So it feels good to loosen up for a change and drop the pretense. Since my parents are away for the weekend with Beck’s, I don’t have to worry about them finding out that I’ve been drinking.

For one night, it’s kind of nice.

Freeing.

Landon drops onto the lounger next to me and we talk about our plans for the fall. I’ll be attending Wesley University, which is an hour away. A lot of people from high school end up there. Landon decided not to play football and is attending Penn State.

I considered going further away, but decided against it. Part of me is afraid of what will happen if I did. Sometimes it feels like I’m the only thing holding this family together. The guy who hit Brianna didn’t just steal her from us, he also stole our happiness. He sent us spinning through the universe on a different course. None of us have ever been the same. I don’t think we ever will be again. Instead of coming together, the three of us splintered apart. They say time heals all wounds.