Author: pammiechick

Liam

Not going to lie but the mansion was so extra I could hardly stand it. The pool was bigger than any public pool I’d been to–including the Super Swirly Water Slide park. I held tightly onto Brandy. She’d been learning how to swim back home but it still made me nervous.

“Let’s splash, Lee Lee!” Brandy said in her cute little voice.

Mom and Dad were soaking up the West Coast rays. It was way hotter in the fall here than back home.

“You two better watch out,” Zack said, running toward the diving boards. “Cannonball is about to rock your world.”

I wrapped my arm around Brandy. “He can’t get us, can he, Brandy?”

“Nope!” She giggled.

I splashed into the cool water. “Come to me, baby girl.”

“I can do it by myself, Lee Lee.”

“I know you can, but I want to play helicopter.”

Zack tried to splash us with his cannonball, but the pool was so big, it barely made ripples.

I twirled her around and around with the warm wind floating over us.

“Wee!” she cried, kicking her feet with glee.

After I’d whipped her through the water a dozen times, I started to get dizzy and my arms were wearing out. “Okay…that’s enough.”

“Again, Lee Lee!”

Brandy would love it if I’d never stop playing a game. “But my arms are noodles. Let’s do something else.”

Luckily, Zack came to my rescue. “Hey, guys! I’m going to take a picture! Could you pose?”

I pulled Brandy out of the water. She loved to strike a pose. I told mom I thought she’d be a natural model. But Mom was opposed to doing anything like that. She hated what the limelight did to her back in the day. And child stars, actors, and models wasn’t a way to raise a kid.

“Good one, guys!” Zack beamed. He loved taking pictures of everyone and everything. He had a ton of simstagram followers already. I wondered what was going to happen when people found out he was James Sanderson’s son. Were our lives going to really change?

A part of me didn’t want the fame–just like it freaked Mom out–I understood. And even though I had a blast in this mansion full of everything any of us could want, I really missed Mala, our home back in Brindleton Bay, the beach, the cool breezy coastline…I only had two years left of high school. It wouldn’t be that much time away. And I’d come back to my family as much as possible. Dad could afford flying me out at least once a month on the weekends.

And Zack and Brandy had each other to keep company. Zack was a great kid who loved Brandy and he was good at watching over her. He looked so silly wearing her hat and playing around today. And she adored him.

Yeah. It’d be good for Mom and Dad, too, not to rely on me so much. I decided right there that I had to go back.

*****

While Brandy was taking a nap, I spent some time in Zack’s room. We were messing around with Crapchat filters. “There,” I said. “Is that a good enough picture? You look like a goofy frog.”

Zack sighed. “Hey, cut it out. I want a normal one. To remember you by.”

I put my phone away and we both got on our stomachs. “Hey…I won’t be gone that long. You’ll see me every month. And with school, time will fly.”

He shrugged. “I know, but it’s not fair. I don’t want to move here either. Why can’t I stay with Grandpa and Granddad, too?”

I told him he needed to watch over Brandy. She’d be sad if both of us left. He got it when I put it like that. It did kind of suck. I felt like a huge jerk, abandoning my family. Was I being too selfish? I didn’t know. I had so many mixed emotions, I didn’t know what to do.

*****

Ginny

Today was a super fine time with my gal pals. Destiny had a debutante thingamajiggie to go to and we were honor bound to help her pick out something that was fancy but not TOO fancy. I didn’t get that whole upperclass world. I was toted around the globe like a beat up suitcase (not complaining here–I miss traveling and have ITCHY feet real BAD!) In my family, dumpster diving was a delicacy as well as an art form. But Destiny had been raised with a Brindleton Bay silver doodad in her mouth. And although she had money, she was for reals and didn’t really like all the hoopla her mom made her do.

“I think I found IT!” she cried as we entered Vintage Violet’s Boutique. God, I hoped so. We’d been in no less than ten shops, and I was DYING for a chocolatte with soy whip and a comfy seat, preferably with my shoes OFF.

I had no clue what she was swooning over though. Everything in there looked as if it was from the renaissance period.

“I think I’m in love,” Destiny said in a sultry voice. “Wait on me, kittens. I’m going to try it on.”

I laughed. Destiny was the only person I knew who could get all worked up over finding the right sandals or trying on a pair of swanky sunglasses.

After she came out of the dressing room, she asked, “What do you think? Does it make me look fat, guys?”

“Oh my God. Do you want me to bitch slap you, Des?” I asked. “You look like royalty. Buy it and let’s go.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

Destiny was a notoriously slow shopper. If I didn’t snap my fingers, tap my toes, and huff, she’d make us stay in that place all night.

“Des…you’re kidding me, right?” Maybe my death glare would send a message.

“I think it looks great,” Justine said. “Right guys?” Her approach was a little more subtle.

“Are you sure sure?” Destiny asked again.

Was it illegal if I put a noose around her neck and pulled her out of the store?

Rosalin swooped in like Wonder Woman. “Honestly, Des, it’s the most beautiful, stunning piece of art I’ve ever seen on you. The emerald color brings out your eyes and hair. Seriously. I wouldn’t lie.”

Destiny laughed. “I know, right? That’s what I was saying all along!”

After she paid a criminal price for that outfit, we beelined it to the coffee shop. But then I saw something that made my jaw drop, stomach plunge, and head swoon all at the same time. “I cannot believe my eyes.” I pulled my hair just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

There in broad daylight was that ho-slash-skank making swoony eyes at none other than Oliver Treadstone.

“What is it?” Destiny asked, coming up behind me.

“Just a little karma,” I said. “And it’s got bitch written all over it.”

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Liam

When I got to math class, Ginny Malcolm was sitting in Mala’s seat for some reason.

And top that off with some weird telepathic exchange those two gave each other, Mala left me there with her. Wtf?

Girls. Who could figure them out?

I decided to ignore whatever was going on with them. I’d just do my work and ask Mala about it later.

After I’d finished, Ginny said with a strange look on her face, “Hey, Liam. I was thinking about starting an archeology club. Want to join?”

Whoa. That totally came out of nowhere. But I was curious. “What’s an archeology club?”

She went on to explain that her parents were archeologists (I remembered her mentioning that before). They do excavations and find cool stuff–artifacts that no one else had discovered. Archeologists study ancient civilizations. Honestly, I’d never really knew what an archeologist was other than what I saw in movies. I actually thought they studied dinosaurs but that’s a paleontologist (Ginny was quick to point out).

“Okay…that sounds really cool. Let me know when the meetings are and I’ll come.” This archaeology thing was so interesting. I actually wanted to meet her parents one day. They were like real live Simdiana Jones’ types.

*****

I didn’t get a chance to talk to Mala though. It seemed like she was avoiding me all day. When I texted her about it, she said she had a headache and went home early. I guessed she was still sick?

I was going to chalk today up to one of those shitty days where nothing majorly exciting happened but when I entered my driveway, my family was waiting there for me.

My sister, Brandy, grinned like she was holding a first class ribbon from her preschool. “Lee Lee, we got you something.”

“What’s up with everyone?” I asked. “Why are you all staring at me weirdly?”

My brother pointed. “You, bro, are the proud owner of this incredibly super cool, 180 horse power, turbo charged Jeep.”

My brain caught up with my eyes. “You’re shitting me.” I gulped.

• 

What was going on? I was supposed to buy an old jeep with the money I saved up but they were so expensive, I knew I’d never be able to afford one.

“It’s yours, Liam,” Mom said. “You deserve it.”

Dad added, “And besides, we’re tired of toting your ass around everywhere.”

I picked up Brandy, wanting to leap around.

“You like it, Lee Lee?” she asked.

My little sister was so freaking sweet. “Yeah, baby girl. It’s amazing.”

I felt like I was living in a dream state.

Turned out, my folks were buttering me up for the bomb they were about to drop on me.

We were moving to Del Sol Valley. Dad actually took the Robotron part and Mom was totally on board with the whole thing. But she assured me I didn’t have to move with them. It was my choice. She hated the fact that she was torn away from her high school, and she wasn’t about to do that to me. She’d already talked with Grandpa and Granddad–since Granddad retired from the FBI, they said they’d stay with me until I finished high school.

I was so conflicted. I didn’t want to move away from Brindleton Bay. But then I didn’t want to be away from my family either. It was going to be tough on me to figure out what to do.

The following weekend, we took a trip to Del Sol Valley. Dad’s production company, Plumbob Pictures, owned this ridiculous mansion in the hills, away from paparazzi. It was gated with manned security. Already the media was buzzing about my dad being the next big screen superstar.

When the company’s limo dropped us off, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Holy shit!” I cried. I couldn’t help it. “We’re going to stay there?”

“More than just stay here, Liam,” Dad said. “Plumbob Pictures said we could live here until we built our own house.”

Mom sighed. “Don’t you think it’s a little…extreme?”

Extreme? It freaking rocked. It was like we were royalty or something.

The place even came with its own staff, including a butler.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sanderson,” the butler said, shaking Dad’s hand. “Welcome to Pinnacles Palace. I am Marcus Weatherby. I’ll be at your service during your stay.”

“Hi, Marcus. You can call me James. Glad to be here.”

The butler’s face drew up like Dad spoke heresy. “Oh, no, Mr. Sanderson. I would never dare to call you by your first name. Come…let me show you around.”

Mom made a groaning sound as we entered. I had to admit. The place was a little on the hoity toidy side for us. I grew up in a normal house in a small town. Was everything going to change now that Dad was set to be a big movie star?

“This is the bar area where you may entertain guests,” Marcus said.

He drew open the drapes. “The view here is second to none. And that is a state of the art olympic sized pool where you can relax or get some exercise swimming laps.”

I spied a ginormous pool that looked as if it was surrounded by pure gold.

“What do you think, babydoll?” Dad’s voice was crazy excited.

Mom winced. “I don’t see how the kids will feel comfortable here. It’s made of marble and gold and the decorations look like they’d break if we even looked at them.”

The butler bowed. “Oh, your children should be most comfortable. The boys’ rooms are set upstairs and your daughter’s room is next to this one. Please, madame, allow me to show you to your daughter’s quarters at once.”

“See, babydoll, they have rooms set up for the kids. I told you they’d think of everything.”

One of the paintings over the fireplace I’d recognized from one of my history books. “Damn. I think I could get used to living like this, Mom.”

“Can I order an ice cream fudge sundae, Marcus?” Zack asked, sitting at the bar.

“I can arrange for that.” He lifted his hand. “Your daughter’s room is…this way.”

Mom gave Dad a look, but he just smiled and said, “Brandy’s room is this way.”

As I entered, it looked bigger than my room at home. And it was filled with tons of toys–things Brandy would like.

The butler walked in. “If you are wanting anything else for Miss Brandy, please tell me and we’ll get it as soon as possible.”

Mom looked around the room. I couldn’t tell if she liked it or not. I mean, what would be the problem except maybe her room door was a bit too big and made of gold and the walls glittered with expensive tapestry. Kind of over the top like the rest of the place.

“I do hope this meets with your approval, Mrs. Sanderson.”

Dad rubbed Mom’s arm. “What do you think, babydoll? Can we stay?”

Mom stared into Dad’s eyes and nodded.

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Lexie

I loved seeing James home and playing with the kids. It was a daily event now.

“Time for breakfast! Zack, I have your sack lunch ready to take to school.”

“Aw, Mom!” my husband whined. “Zack’s playing with us. Right, Brandy?”

“Right, Daddy.”

I chuckled and marched them all to the kitchen.

*****

While the kids were at school and Brandy was in daycare, I noticed James would hole up with his music, writing songs. He was such a creative person. So talented. But the music industry didn’t want what he produced anymore.

Even though what I heard brought tears to my eyes.

It was like I was seeing my husband die right in front of me.

And it crushed me. I felt trapped, not knowing what to do.

The weight of it seemed too much as a heavy feeling threatened to devour me. My head ached. God. Life wasn’t supposed to be like this, was it?

“Baby doll, why are you up?” James asked.

Shit. I thought he was asleep.

His warm body covered me as he came up behind. “Come back to sleep, sweetheart.”

But I couldn’t pretend. My feelings were so messed up. What the fuck was I going to do?

Warm kisses peppered my neck. God, he knew exactly how to make me feel better. “James…I’m not in the mood.”

Caressing me, he said, “Really? That’s not what your body is saying.”

And then I gave in like I always did.

It didn’t matter how many years we were married, he always knew how to make me swoon.

In the morning, I decided what I needed to do to fix things. I had been so ridiculously selfish. Of course, I had been. I was a selfish creature at heart. Would it really kill me to move? And we’d survive the paparazzi. Shit. I was the queen of dodging them in my early years. And so what if I had to use bodyguards? We weren’t strangers to fame. I could handle it. And so could our kids. I was so over making James’ dreams die. It was time for a change.

As the sun peeked through the dark clouds out our bedroom window, I stroked James’ soft beard.

“Good morning, baby doll,” James said, sleepily, rubbing my shoulders. “Last night was amazing.”

I giggled then stared at my wonderful husband. “I’ve been thinking, baby. What if we moved to Del Sol Valley and you took that acting job? Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to be married to Robotron. Last I checked, he was my favorite superhero.”

Eyes popping, he said, “Really? Are you kidding me right now, Lexie?”

Cradling his face in my palm, I said, “I haven’t been more sure of anything in my life. I’m so proud of you. I think you’d make the best Robotron in the history of Sarvel comics. I’m damned serious. Sorry I didn’t come to that conclusion sooner.” Threading my fingers through his hair, I asked, “It’s not too late, is it?”

Swallowing, he shook his head. “No…God, no…my agent actually called me yesterday, trying to convince me to change my mind.” He grabbed my arm. “Are you sure, babydoll? I’m fine with not taking it.”

I stroked his face. “I’m sure. I’ve been thinking a lot about it. I can’t handle knowing someone else will be on that big screen instead of you for my alltime favorite superhero.”

“Oh, God, Lexie! I can’t believe it! I love you so much!” The relief in his voice sent tingles through me.

“I love you, too, James.”

We lost ourselves in each other as storm clouds erupted over the surf. How I adored making love to a symphony of lightning and thunder.

******

Ginny

I couldn’t believe I was staring at my math class’ door, wondering what to do.

That THOT was at it again and poor Liam didn’t have a clue. I’d heard from my bff Destiny who’d heard it from her friend, Sandra, who’d heard it from her brother, Chad, who was Oliver Treadstone’s best bud, that Mala wasn’t sick while I was having a super fun time with her boyfriend this past weekend. No. She was doing it all morning like the ho she was and Oliver told all his buddies about his thrilling time. Super classy. Am I right?

When I entered the room, everyone was already working on the assignment that was on the board. But neither Liam nor Mala had come in yet. The tardy bell was about to ring, so I acted fast.

I grabbed Mala’s seat. She wasn’t ever going to sit next to him again. I didn’t care what kind of scene she pulled. She was guilty and I’d make her know what I knew. Mark my words.

Taking out my assignment book, I steeled myself for an all out war. Of course, Liam wouldn’t be happy, but I had to save him from that lying, cheating bitch. How I was going to go about it, I had no clue, but this was stage one in Liam Sanderson-Day Salvation Siege. I just hoped I’d survive the fallout.

But planning a thing and doing a thing were two different things. When Liam arrived, he shot me a puzzled look and I flinched.

“You think it might rain today?” I asked nervously. Distraction tactics usually worked in movies. Right?

“Hey, Ginny,” Liam said, as he sat down. “Mala is about to come in. Don’t you think you should sit in your own seat?”

Aw…what a nice boyfriend. Too bad he didn’t know her like I did.

Then in walked the guilty party.

It was like I’d sent telepathic messages to her and she’d heard me loud and clear.

“Ginny. You’re in my seat.” She didn’t say it very convincingly.

I stared her down. “Yeah? So?”

Liam swooped in like the knight in shining armor he was. “Like I said, Ginny, that’s Mala’s seat. I’m sorry…but maybe you could sit here another time?”

Walking away, Mala said, “Don’t worry about it, Lee Lee, I like sitting in the back.”

I hated the hurt look he gave as she went to my old desk.

The awkwardness was soooo thick, I was about to be crushed. What the hell was I doing? At this rate, not only would Liam not know the horrific things Mala had done, but he’d hate me to boot. God, I had to think of something and fast.

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Liam

We all took a ton of simstagram pictures (although none of them did the place justice.) I wished Mala could have been here to see this. I knew she’d really like it. Her favorite color was magenta.

Todd wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. “Hey guys. It’s been fun but we’ve got to go.”

Melina just giggled, so I figured they wanted a little alone time in the cool cave.

Watching them, I was pining away for Mala. It was such a romantic spot. Maybe I’d take her later on. Surprise her with a picnic.

Ginny’s voice brought me back to the present. “It’s early. Want to go somewhere else that’s fun?”

Not thinking, I said, “Yeah. Sure.” I had nowhere else to go at the moment.

Ginny took me to an old water tower in the middle of nowhere. Oasis Springs was just full of rocks, sand, and tumbleweeds. Maybe there was another cave lurking underground I didn’t know about?

“Where’s the trail?” I asked.

“No trail. We’re climbing. Remember?”

There was a huge rock but no hand holds that I could see. Then it hit me.

I groaned. “You don’t mean…”

“The water tower? Yeah. We’ll be able to see the whole town from up there! You’ll love it.”

I really didn’t want to explain my fear of ladders. Rock climbing was one thing. What we did at the cave was easy. But ladders gave me the feeling I could fall off of them at any second. And the wind was crazy when you went up a few stories.

My stomach knotted.

“Don’t tell me with your muscles, you’re worried about being able to climb it.”

I laughed. That wasn’t exactly it. I had to conquer a fear. But that was hard to confess.

And this freaky water tower had the most evil, scary looking ladder I’d ever seen.

But I couldn’t wimp out on her. If she wanted to climb it, I’d force myself to not look down or worry or do any of those weird things I normally did when faced with ladders. “No, I’m fine. Let’s do this.”

I was wondering if Ginny was a magician because before I knew it, she was on the ladder looking at me wondering what was taking me so long.

“Come on, Liam. It’s easy!” The gap in her tooth seemed to wink at me. She was really freaking cute. And crazy brave.

I tried to swallow down the willies I was getting by playing it off. “Who are you calling afraid? I’m just waiting for you to climb a little higher is all.”

When I didn’t move, she reached out and said, “Come on, Mr. Brave, I’ll give you a little help.”

I said about a million prayers as we ascended the ladder. It shook with the wind and squeaked all the way up, terrifying me. I was shaking so badly, I didn’t even care if Ginny knew.

“Isn’t this amazing, Liam? It’s like we’re on top of the world!”

I swallowed, trying to calm down. “Yeah. Cool. H-How did you find this place?”

Shrugging, she said, “My parents used to take me when I was twelve, but now they’re too busy with work and stuff. They’re archeologists, doing an excavation at the moment and really don’t have time to go on picnics like we used to do. So, I take my friends. Glad you came along.”

She poked my shoulder and smirked. “Why do I get the feeling you’re about to throw up? Just lean over the side. Might be fun to watch puke fall.”

That made me laugh. “You’re something else, Ginny. Don’t worry. I’m not going to puke.”

And when I got a hold of my nerves, I was blown away by the beauty of the desert. She was right. It was like we were on top of the whole world.

******

Ginny and I had a lot of fun but I couldn’t wait to see Mala. I’d felt so bad for her being stuck in her bed sick. I knocked on her door and she said for me to come in. She was laid out with her hands over her stomach.

I tried to smile to hide my worried feelings. Did her stomach hurt her? “Hey, Mala. I brought you something.”

When she didn’t budge, I sat next to her. “Hey,” I whispered. “If you don’t feel good, I’ll come back later.”

Looking at the flowers, instead of smiling, she just stared. “Oh, Lee Lee, you shouldn’t have gotten me these.”

I could see the circles under her eyes. “But you love roses. I was hoping they’d brighten your day.” It was weird. She wasn’t acting herself. “What’s wrong? I mean, is there something else bothering you?”

*****

Mala

Why did Liam have to be so sweet? I’d wanted to break up months ago, but every time I tried, he’d do something incredibly charming and I just…couldn’t. He was way too good for me. I couldn’t think of one thing he’d ever done wrong. Seriously. Who was so perfect like that? He’d always think about me above everyone else (except for his family). And that, too, was so infuriatingly nice.

When I’d gotten mad at him for helping out his mom, he should have broken up with me. I was being such a bitch!

But he didn’t. He’d never want to hurt me. So I had to hurt him.

And when I came to his house for that party, I was determined to stay cold. To not feel badly for breaking up with him. But…I saw him in the pool and jealous feelings welled up at the sight of him laughing with that ugly Ginny Malcom. I couldn’t help myself. I knew I still loved him. I’d always love him.

But I wasn’t good enough for him. He’d deserved better.

I bit my lip, forcing myself to be strong.

Oliver and I just couldn’t get enough of each other. I was going to go on that hike with Liam. Honest. I’d had every intention. But that morning, Oliver showed up with my favorite latte and breakfast croissant and I just…

Oliver knew how to make me zing inside. I’d never felt like that before. EVER! And Oliver was just playing around. I knew that. He was nothing like Liam. In fact, his reputation had bad boy written all over him, but…I just caved.

When I didn’t say anything, Liam got the hint. He wasn’t stupid. Watching him leave broke my heart. I couldn’t take it. What was I doing? He was the best guy I’d ever met. My first true love. Why was I going to throw him away for some random guy?

“No, wait, Liam!” I shouted. He stopped, sighing into his hand.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything…I was just so surprised and a little sleepy. I do love these very much! Thank you!”

The hopeful look in his eyes made me determined to do better.

“You do?” he whispered.

“Yes, of course I do. Now come here so I can thank you properly.”

He bolted to me, scooping me up. “I love you, Mala.”

He cradled me, stroking my face, telling me to relax, that he’d stay until I fell asleep. He promised to bring me chicken soup for supper and that I didn’t have to worry about anything. He’d already coordinated with Mom about it over the phone since Mom and Dad were at a convention this weekend. Omg…he was just amazing.

In the end, we both fell asleep. I decided I’d break things off with Oliver once and for all.

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Liam

I was miserable. It was like someone kept punching me in the gut and there wasn’t any way to stop them. I kept seeing Mala kissing that asshole over and over in my mind and then my eyes would water and…shit. I couldn’t take this. I needed to get some time to myself. Usually on Sundays, I’d spend it with my siblings, playing with them, watching a movie or going to the dog park with our little puppy, Dolly. But I didn’t feel like doing anything. So I slept in until noon, ate a little, played on my keyboard and now, I got on my trunks, wanting to lounge at our pool in the backyard. By myself.

“Hello, stranger,” Mom said, noticing I’d been hiding out in my room all day.

My siblings were playing quietly, but I got a pang like I should be helping. Dad still wasn’t home. Next flight, my ass.

“Going swimming?” she said in a weird, perky way. Mom sometimes over did things to compensate for what was going on wrong around her. If she felt like crap, she’d throw on an over the top, happy smile which did the opposite in making anyone feel better because we knew it was an act.

“I was thinking about hanging out back but if you need help, I can stick around. Does Brandy want to eat? I’ll whip something up for supper.” Mom hated to cook. Even mac and cheese.

She threw me a plastic, Barbie smile. “No, bud, I got this. I’m the mom. Remember? You go have fun. Stop worrying about me.”

But catching a few rays didn’t help the awful, heavy feeling in my chest. I tried to distract myself on simstagram, but then I scrolled to Mala’s to check up on her.

She didn’t post anything since I stood her up yesterday. That was something. And she didn’t wipe me from her pictures. I whipped through the whole two years of who we were as a couple. My eyes blurred. What the hell? Did she not see how perfect we were together? I’d do anything for her. Did anything for her. Would that douchebag, Oliver, run back to school to get the books she’d forgotten to bring home? No way. But I did. So many times, I was picking up the purses she’d left or her cell phone she’d abandoned on counters at a store, a restaurant, the mall. I’d make sure she got to her piano practice on time–even if we were hot and heavy in her room. I did it all. Just for her. And she didn’t care.

She hated my guts.

And now, she was probably at the lake with that sorry piece of shit…God! Why did I care so much?

I hated myself for not ditching my mom and taking Mala to the beach like I’d promised. If I had, everything would be normal. She’d probably be here right now nuzzling my neck while I held her smooth, awesome body in this pool.

God, I’m such a jerk.

“Aww…looky at our mascot,” I heard one of my friends, Drew Hoff, say above me. “So serious. This is not allowed. Not on a gorgeous clear day.”

I squinted and saw him, Kaden Vargas, and Kai Kaluah, looking at me. And they were dressed in their swim suits. How’d they get the message I was brooding in my backyard?

“You know, your face will stay that way if you’re not careful,” Kaden said, his sunglasses glinting at me.

“I think he needs a dip in the pool,” Kai challenged. “That float is mine.”

This perked me up. Nothing like my best friends to clear my head. “Come on, dude. What are you waiting for? I bet your ass is in the water before mine.”

“Seriously?” Kai laughed. “You’re on shaky ground, my friend.”

He kicked my float, shoving me backwards. “Oh noooo!” I yelled.

I splashed into the water. My friends jumped in with me.

“Take that, losers!” I hollered, splashing them as hard as I could. Drew got the brunt of my onslaught.

“Dude! Chill! I’m not the one who launched your ass in the water.” Drew held up his hand, but I kept pummeling him with sheets of water.

“Boys. They’re sooooo predictable,” a girl’s voice rang out above me.

I stopped splashing immediately and looked up to see six gorgeous girls all dressed in slinky swim suits. Had I died and gone to heaven?

Three of them were my friends’ girlfriends–the ones standing. Carlee Langosta was Kaden’s. Justine Hawk was with Drew, and Ally Michaels and Kai had just made it official last week. The other three (who were stooped by the edge of the pool) were their friends: Rosalin Owen, Ginny Malcom, and Destiny Hoff (Drew’s sister).

“Why didn’t my boyfriend tell me he was having fun at a party?” Drew’s girl, Justine complained. “I had to hear it from Ally. Her boyfriend was kind enough for the invite.”

Ally put her hand on her cheek in a coy way. “I’ve got the best one of the bunch, girls. I’m sure you’re sooooo jelly.”

“You’re right, Justine, Drew is an awful boyfriend,” Drew’s sister, Destiny, moaned, making a face. “Why don’t you dump him?”

Ignoring the sibling rivalry comment, I asked, “Party? What’s going on?”

Drew snorted. “Surprise! It was your mom’s idea.”

“Now stop wallowing, Liam, and start having fun. Okay?” Ginny shot me a look. It was like I saw her for the first time. Big blue eyes or were they green? Long, shiny auburn hair. Cute as hell freckles. Rocking body. Had she always been this pretty or had I been in a cave this whole time and didn’t notice?

I arched an eyebrow at her. “Oh…you haven’t seen wallowing yet. I’m the owner of the wootube channel, Heartbroken Anonymous. You should check it out.”

She giggled, showing that trademark gap in her front teeth. I’d seen her smile in math class like a gazillion times, but why did it look so cute right now?

“Listen,” Kai waved his hand up at Drew’s girl, Justine. “I don’t want to be the reason for another break up. Drew was going to tell you.”

“Honest, babe,” Drew said. “Come here and let me make it up to you.”

“There’s only one way you can do that,” Justine said. “Come here and rub my feet.”

“After you play a round of chicken,” Drew countered.

I laughed. They’d been a couple for over a year and it showed. Although Justine liked to think she was in charge, Drew always got his way.

So, I found myself with Ginny Malcom’s legs surrounding me as I flung her at Justine.

“That’s it, Liam!” Kai cheered. “Way to make the most of Ginny’s arms!”

“Time to give up, Hoff. Ginny’s a fighter.” I didn’t know it, but she actually was!

She clasped onto Justine’s hands like a boa constrictor. “Help me out a little here, Liam!”

“On it!” I swatted at Drew’s head as I charged forward.

“Not fair, dude!” Drew yelled, struggling with the weight of Justine on his shoulders. Dude was way stouter than I was but I had a tiger on my team. “Just stay back!”

“Might as well give up, Justine. You’re about to go down!” Ginny pushed Drew’s girl hard.

“Oh my GOOOOD!” Justine howled. I watched gleefully as they plunged backward into the water.

“Way to go partner!” I slapped Ginny’s hand.

“Woop! All right, Team Giam!” Kai hollered.

“Ooooh, sounds like a ship name to me,” Ally cried. “I’ll board.”

My stomach plunged at the thought. I was still smarting from Mala. No way in hell was I going to get into another relationship no matter how hot Ginny was.

Just then I realized Ginny’s arms were wrapped around me. “Good job pushing Justine,” I said as my cheeks burned. “Didn’t know you were such a bruiser. Remind me never to make you mad.”

“You weren’t so bad yourself. Hitting Drew on the head was a stellar move.” Her lips were so close, it made me uncomfortable. I pulled her arm away.

“Hey! What was that for?” she cried, splashing me with water.

“I don’t bite!”

“That’s what happens when you cheat!” Drew called out to us.

“They didn’t cheat, babe. Liam’s just stronger than you.”

She looked up at me with a sexy gaze. Holy shit. What was she doing to me right now? I totally didn’t need to get tangled up with another girl. My heart was already mincemeat. A bleeding, bloody mess.

But damn. I didn’t know if it was the sparkle in her gorgeous green eyes or the pink in her lips but I couldn’t stop looking at her. And there was a moment like the world had stopped and it was just me and Ginny.

Ginny Malcom.

A girl I’d never even glanced at in math. She was always the gangly, studious teacher’s pet I knew growing up. Not this sex goddess making my head feel like it was stuffed with pillows.

And then my world shattered with the voice of an asshole.

“Uh…YO! Liam?”

I turned around to see the Murdick boys staring at me.

Dusty crossed his arms. “The party has just arrived. Where’s the food?”

Shit.

Mala came, too. And she was wearing the bathing suit I’d picked out with her at the mall only two weeks ago.

“Can we talk, Lee Lee?”

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