California Sunshine (4 page)

              Today was Friday. Tonight we were all going out, and I was feeling a mixture of excitement and dread. I was excited to go out and experience nightlife in California, but I was dreading it because I had a feeling that Ashley was going to try and get me to dance with guys, or talk to them. I spritzed some salt water spray in my slightly wavy hair and scrunched it with my hands. I took one last long look in the mirror and decided that it was the best I was gonna get.

              I put my high heels on and grabbed my clutch. When I stepped into the living room Ashley's face lit up like it was Christmas day. I couldn't help but laugh, but I still felt nervous. I ran my hands down my dress to smooth out the imaginary wrinkles that had somehow become clear in my head.

              "You look gorgeous love," Ashley said, standing and taking my hands in hers. Trying to calm my fears like she had so many times before.

              "Absolutely stunning," Mike said, watching us as he stood.

              I smiled, looking down at the floor. I hated letting my anxiety get the best of me, but it was out of my control. I had practiced many, many techniques to keep the demons at bay, but they all worked for just a short time. I had finally given up and just let it be. If I ever found someone new, they'd have to know how to let me be.

              We arrived at the Greystone Manor and found our table. We ordered our drinks when Ashley looked at me.

              "So we're waitin' on somebody else."

              My heart sank to the pit of my stomach as I swallowed hard. Before I could answer I saw Mike stand and shake someone's hand. I looked up to see Joshua standing there and before I realized it my breath had caught in my throat so I took a sip and slightly smiled at him. He gave Ashley a hug, breaking his eye contact with me. For a moment, my heart stilled until he sat down next to me.

              "Nice to see you again."

              I smiled and nodded, "You too."

              "That dress looks really good on you."

              At that moment, it felt like the world was closing in on me, and it felt like my whole body was shaking. Which on the inside it probably was, considering I hadn't had someone other than Ashley and Mike compliment me.

              "Thank you," I whispered, feeling trapped.

              After supper, we went upstairs to the lounge. Mike led us over to a corner couch with a little table. They slid in together, Josh held out his hand, motioning for me to go ahead of him. I smiled slightly and slid in next to Ashley. We all ordered our drinks, Ashley, and Mike fell into conversation as though Joshua and I weren't even there.

              "I think it's crazy that they're finally engaged," Josh said, propping his elbows on the table and looking at me.

              I nodded. "I know right? It's about time, though."

              "How long have you known them?"

              "Well I've known Ashley since kindergarten, and I've known Mike for the last four years. How long have you known Mike?"

              "I've known him for the last sixteen years. We went to college together."

              I smiled and nodded, taking a sip of my drink. "That's awesome. I bet it gets kinda hard to stay in touch, though."

              Josh shook his head, setting his beer down. "Not at all. We work together."

              "Even better then."

              "Yeah. So what do you do in--?" He trailed off, his brows furrowing together.

              I laughed. "Nashville.I actually scout new talent. Listen to demos, go to bars and see bands. I'm the one who finds 'em and signs em."

              "Nashville. I've always wanted to visit the South. Your work sounds amazing. You like it?"

              "I love it. Kind of missin' it, though. Two weeks and I don't know what to do with myself." I replied.

              "Sounds familiar. I love work, but it's nice to get away and just take some time for yourself too."

              "I do take time for myself. Almost every weekend. I either go hikin', or I just stay home and curl up on the couch with a good book."

              Josh nodded. "So you like the outdoors? You only go hiking, though?"

              "I love the outdoors. No, every once in a while I'll meet up with friends for a bonfire or ridin' four wheelers. If it gets me outside, I'm all in."

              "And what about your boyfriend?"

              I inwardly cringed. "I don't have one."

              "Oh, I'm sorry. That's what I get for assuming a beautiful woman like you would have a boyfriend."

              I laughed. "Well, I had a boyfriend. That's a long complicated story that I'd much rather not talk about right now, though."

              "Well, one night before you go back home I'd love to hear this story."

              I took another sip of my drink and realized that Mike and Ashley had disappeared. "Sounds good. So what about you? Girlfriend?"

              He shook his head, "Not anymore. Not for a couple of years now."

              "I'm sorry. You'll find somebody when the time's right. Hey, did you happen to see where Mike and Ashley disappeared to?"

              Josh smiled, "Dance floor. Well for the time being I'm not really looking, but thanks for the encouraging words."

              I nodded, "That's what I'm good at. Encouragement." I replied smiling and looking out at the dance floor trying to find them.

              "Wanna go dance?" Josh asked.

              I smiled, feeling bold. "Sure."

              He slid out of the booth and I followed as he led me out on the dance floor.

              The night was winding down to a close, Mike and Ashley had gone home while Josh and I stayed and had an amazing night. While we were in the cab we decided to have an impromptu photo session together.

              "We should do this again," He said after we stopped laughing.

              I nodded. "Yeah, we should. I had an awesome time tonight, didn't think Mike and Ashley were gonna disappear, but oh well."

              "Buzzkill's."

              I laughed, "I know right?!" My brain was swimming, and I knew I was drunker than I had ever intended on being.

              "Hey. Can I get your phone number? That way we don't have to go through Mike or Ashley if and when we hang out together."

              I bit the corner of my lip. "Uh, you're gonna laugh, but I don't know my number. I kinda threw my phone in their pool and Mike got me a cheapy."

              Josh laughed, "Uh oh, why'd you throw it in the pool?"

              "'Cause my stupid cheatin' ex called me." As soon as it left my mouth I regretted it. I quickly covered my mouth, my eyes growing wide.

              He took my hands and lowered them. "Don't worry about it. My ex cheated too. Why I've been single for so long."

              I looked at him a little confused. "Really? Why do people cheat? I don't get it."

              "I don't either, but maybe it all happened for a reason."

              "Maybe," I replied, our eyes locking on each other again.

              The next morning I woke up bright and early. I decided it was a good day for a run, remembering slightly what had happened the night before. Which embarrassed me, I couldn't help it, though. I had never meant to blurt out what had happened to end my relationship. And then that got me to thinking about how great mine and Lance's relationship had been until I caught him cheating. He never admitted to it, even though I saw it with my own eyes. And I still didn't know how long it had been going on, sometimes I didn't care, other times I cared way too much.

              I bypassed the kitchen when I heard Mike and Ashley talking, instead, I cut quickly through the living room and slipped out the front door. After I stretched I began to jog slowly, gradually building up my speed. The entire time I had thoughts and memories running through my head. Everything from Lance and me to Josh and our cab ride last night. It was stupid to even be thinking about that short time spent with Josh, but every time I tried to think of something else, I couldn't. Not because I thought I might be in "love", but because I had the most fun with him I'd had in a long time.

              By the time I realized where I was, I was about four miles away from Ashley and Mikes house, so I turned to head back. As I did my phone began to ring and without thinking about it, I answered.

              "Hello?"

              "Where are you?" I heard Ashley ask.

              I smiled. "Running. Sorry, I had to clear my head."

              "Don't apologize. How'd it go last night after we left?"

              I could hear the underlying tone in her voice. The one that was actually asking if I'd gotten laid. "It was fine. We took a cab together and that was it."

              "You're kiddin' me!" she exclaimed.

              I had to laugh, I knew it was coming. "No, I ain't kiddin' you. Ash, I love you, but stay out of my personal life. If I wanna get laid, I'll get laid. But I don't, so leave it alone. He seems like a cool guy. Now I'm hangin' up and I'll be back in a little while."

I quickly hung up, looked at the GPS map on my phone and set it for their house. I damn sure didn't want to get lost her in California, I'd heard bad things.

              I got back and spotted Josh's truck in the driveway. I couldn't help but silently groan, I imagine Ashley called him after our little discussion. I loved her, she was my best friend, but I hated her for being such a meddling bitch. That girl would do whatever it took to get two people together, and I wish she would just leave it alone.

              I walked inside and spotted everyone out back sitting around the patio table. Instead of letting them know I was back I went and took a shower. I drug it out as long as possible, hoping that by the time I went outside Josh would be gone. I wasn't sure why I didn't want him there, maybe I was afraid of what Ashley would try and do, or maybe I was afraid that he'd want to ask me out.

              I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body. I looked in the mirror and mentally gave myself a pep talk. "Is it so bad if he likes you? What could be the worst to happen?" I sighed heavily, I knew the answer to that question: he could cheat, just like Lance. "But not all guys are the same ya know? You gotta give one of em a chance." I shook my head and quickly dried off. I wasn't making any decisions, I was going to just go with the flow.

              After I towel dried my hair, I threw it up in a messy bun. I stepped outside in shorts and a belly-baring tank top. It wasn't to get attention, more so because it was hot and the pool was calling my name. I took a seat next to Ashley who handed me a beer from the cooler. I tipped it in thanks and took a long sip.

              "There's my cab partner. Hangover?" Josh asked.

              I laughed, "Nope. I ain't ever had a hangover. What about you?"

              "Oh I've had my share of hangovers, but today I got lucky."

              "Well, that's good ta hear. Hey Ash, wanna jump in the pool with me?" I asked, looking at her.

              Her smile widened, "Sure. You got your bathin' suit on?"

              "Of course. It's already hot, I wasn't plannin' on not gettin' in the water."

              "How about we go out to the beach?" Mike asked, looking at us.

              I could see Josh's face light up, "You know I'm always down."

              I bit my bottom lip and shrugged, finishing off my beer. "Sounds like a plan."

              "We all wanna ride together?" Mike asked and my heart sank as I saw Ashley smile.

              "How 'bout you two ride together, and we'll meet y'all there?"

              I glared at her, "Sounds good to me." I heard Josh reply and my heart began to beat faster as I looked at him.

              "You sure?" I asked.

              He chuckled, "I'm positive."