The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 2

Thanks for reading my story! Please leave comments if you have any suggestions and to tell me what you think of the story so far!

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I arrived back before nine, going in through the back entrance, trying not to disturb our guests. I went up the back staircase. I made sure I avoided the stair that squeaked. When I got to the top of the stairs, I walked to the room farthest down the hall. I opened my door and instantly smiled. I smiled because my room had the best view in the bed and breakfast. The window in my room overlooked the sea and I loved that the ocean was the first thing I saw in the morning when I woke up.

I quickly changed my clothes, deciding to wear a white skirt and a blue tanktop. I quickly evaulated my appearance in my life size mirror. When I was satisfied, I headed downstairs. My parents were in the kitchen. They were both very busy. My mom was quickly washing out dishes while my dad was serving our guests out in the dining room. I greeted my mom " Good morning!" She glanced quickly my way before replying "Good morning to you too, Violet. Please help me with the dishes." She sounded stressed and had a worried expression on her face. I started helping her with the dishes; she washed while I dried.

We were silent for the moment, the only sound the clinking of dishes. After a moment I could no longer take the silence. "Mom," I said, putting down the dish I had just cleaned, " Are you okay?" I was kind of worried about her. I had never seen her so nervous about a guest before. " Oh, yes." She replied distractedly. I wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?" She sighed before looking up from the dish she was washing. "Oh Violet! I'm just so nervous! Mr. Westerfeld is a celebrity! He's a billionare businessman! And if he doesn't like it here, he could tell it to everyone and no one would ever want to come here again!" Her eyes were filled with panic and she threw her hands in the air exasperatedly. "Mom" I replied gently, " He's gonna love it here! And you know why? Because you're the the best hostess and dad's the best host and the Seaside Retreat is the best seaside bed and breakfast in the USA!" My mom smiled, some of her usual happiness back. "You're right. I shouldn't worry so much about it."

After we finished washing the dishes, we went out to the dining room to help dad with the guests, who were still eating their breakfasts. I got guests napkins, filled up drinks, and cleaned off tables. One family with two small children even gave me a $10 tip when I helped them clean up a mess one of their children made. I didn't particularily enjoy cleaning up milk and juice off the floor, but the parents gave me such a grateful look when I helped them that cleaning the mess was worth it.

After most of the guests had finished eating breakfast and headed back to their rooms, I cleaned up the tables. I looked at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room 11:45. Less than half an hour before the Westerfelds would arrive. Surprisingly, I found myself feeling nervous. I quickly shook the feeling off, however. There's no need to be nervous, think of them like you'd think of any other guest, I kept telling myself.

When the tables were cleaned, I went to the sitting area, which looked out at the ocean. I sat in an antique chair I particularily enjoyed and chose a book from the bookcase. After only a few short minutes, I heard my mom rushing down the stairs. " Violet! Put your book down! I can see the Westerfelds coming down the road!" She hurridely straightened up some books. I put down my book and helped her. My dad came down when the doorbell rang. "This is it" My mom said, taking a deep, steadying  breath.

She opened the door. My mom put on her most friendly, warm smile. "Hello, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld." My mom said, shaking the man and woman's hand. They then shook my dad's hand and then mine. Everything seemed so formal. Mr. Westerfeld was well-built and stocky. He gave off an air of confidence. His wife was well-dressed, with dyed blonde hair. She looked to be the same age as Mr. Westerfeld, probably in her fifties. After the introductions were done, my mom and dad ushered Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld into the sitting room. We all took our seats our seats on the antique, vintgage couches and chairs. I became confused-didn't the Westerfelds have a son? Where was he? When there was a silence in the conversation I asked Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld "I'm sorry if I'm being rude, but didn't you say you were going to bring your son with you?" When I was finished, there was complete silence. I looked at parents shocked faces. What? Was that a rude question to ask or something? But the silence was ended when Mr. Westerfeld laughed. " Oh, yes. He just decided to visit the beach before coming." Mrs. Westerfeld looked at the clock, chiming " he's been gone a while. He should probably come in." Before thinking I blurted out, "I could go get him-if that's okay. I could help him to bring in the luggage too." I added. Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld looked at each other before Mrs. Westerfeld replied, " That would be wonderful. Thank you."

I excused myself, walking to the back entrance of the house. I walked out onto the back deck, absorbing the sudden heat of the sun on my skin. I put on my flip flops, which I'd left outside, on and started heading out toward the beach. I arrived at the beach in about fifteen minutes. I was a little short of breath-I'd been going at a brisk jog. After I caught my breath, I started looking around for Seth? I still didn't know his name.

I walked a short distance along the shore before spotting a silhoutte by the water. I started jogging toward the figure, quickly closing the distance between us. When I was a couple feet away from him I spoke. "Hey! You! Yeah you! You're Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld's son right?" He stopped, turning around. I was about to tell them that they wanted him to get to the Seaside Resort, but when I saw his face, I lost my train of thought. He had moved closer to me, and we were now only about two feet away from each other, He had the deepest, warmest chocolate eyes I had ever seen. They studied me, and I found myself locked in this gaze. He had blonde hair that was carefully mussed. Even through his shirt, I could see the muscles of his abs. My heart started to beat faster, and I was afraid he would hear it. He had an amused expression on his face. I hoped I wouldn't do anything embarassing in front of him. "Yeah." He replied. "That's me. But call me Seth." He put out his hand and we shook hands. Wow, what was with this Westerfeld family? Were they always so formal? When I didn't say anything, he urged, "and you are?...."  "Oh sorry," I said, breaking free from my trance. "I'm Violet. Your parents want you to come to the Seaside Retreat now. I came to get you."

I felt like I should say something else to fill the awkward silence, but couldn't think of anything to say. He smirked. What did I say? Why was he smirking? He spoke up, " okay, let's go then." " I know a path we can take" I said. "It'll be quicker." "Ok, lead the way" He gestured, allowing me to lead the way.

I led him down the path I took every morning to get the beach. After each passing moment, I became increasingly aware of his presence behind me. My heart started beating; I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I felt so confused. I'd never reacted to a guy this way before. What was wrong with me? A small voice in the back of my head said... maybe you like him. I dismissed the thought immediately. Crazy. I'd just met the guy for goodness sakes. But when I looked back at him again, my heart started to beat faster again and I felt myself blush. Was this what love felt like? DID I like Seth? I didn't know.I guess only time would tell.