In Too Deep

Chapter 35

My break is over faster than I imagined. Sunburnt filled days at the pool with Piper, dinner every evening with my mom and dad, and bonfires at night where I successfully navigate Wes’ advances, and actually find, he no longer has any pull over me. His boyish immaturity doesn’t hold a candle to Colt’s sexy masculinity.

I missed Wilbrook. I missed MJ’s insanity and the balance Logan brought us. I missed training with Colt and the adrenaline of the assignments McAllister gave me. And despite my dad’s home cooking, I missed the food in the café.

Before I know it, it’s time to go back. All my clothes are folded, freshly laundered, and stacked in a laundry basket in the trunk of my dad’s car, along with my olive green duvet and body pillow.

My parents and I make the journey back to Connecticut, more quiet this time on the drive than before.

When we arrive, there’s a barbeque underway, out on the front lawn. Parents are welcome to stay for lunch. My parents stay for a late lunch, but have to get back on the road for their drive back. The entire time we eat and make small talk with Vera and MJ’s parents, my eyes search for Colt. But he’s nowhere to be found. I wonder if he was serious about our date. I try to convince myself he was kidding. After all, we talked on the phone every night and emailed throughout my break, but neither of us ever mentioned that date again.

Once I see my parents off, MJ and I make our way upstairs. She helps me make my bed with my duvet cover from home.

“How was your break? Anything interesting happen?” she asks.

“Funny you should ask.” I know talking to her about Colt is a stupid idea. I pray she won’t flip out and judge me too harshly. “I kind of need to talk to you about something.”

Her eyebrows dart up.

I pat the freshly made bed. “Sit.”

She does, her eyes still on me.

“So…” Rip it off like a Band-Aid, Taylor. “Colt asked me out.”

She cocks her head, shock and horror visible on her face. “Asked you out?” She shakes her head. “He doesn’t ask people out. He takes them back to his room like a caveman. End of story.”

I laugh nervously. “I know. I thought so too.”

“What exactly did he say? And when was this?”

“Over break. We talked and emailed every day. And the first night I was away, he told me he’d make up for his recent behavior by taking me out.”

“And you said?” She waits, her eyes conveying her concern.

I look down, plucking at the blanket. “Um, I sorta said yes.”

“You slut!”

I giggle. “MJ!”

She laughs. “It’s your death, baby.” She pats my leg. “But I’ll be there to catch you when you fall.”

My stomach twists nervously and I remember her friend Jewel. “Thanks,” I mumble.