Stop and Rewind (HOLD)

Chapter 1: Surprise

"Cassie," Vallerie hissed. I looked at her annoyed that my attention was being pulled from my vanilla bean frappe.

Already I knew where this was going; I had spotted him walk in. The guy, probably 19 or so, seemed totally like the surfer-type, with his golden skin, sun-bleached blonde hair and very noticeable build. He looked like male model material. Heck, for all I knew he could be a model. We lived in LA after all.

I looked away from him and back at my sister's friend who was staring at me expectantly. "Vallerie, please stop trying to set me up with random guys. It's not gonna work."

"I feel as if I've been issued a challenge," she replied leaning back in her chair and smirked over at my sister.

"Ariana..." I tried. My sister looked down at her iPhone, typed a quick reply, and then looked back up at me to grin.

"I found out at a young age not to get in Vallerie's way. If she wants to play match maker... Well, sorry lil' sis, but you're screwed." She winked and sipped at her iced coffee. "And hey, maybe you'll find Mr. Right with her help."

"I don't want to find Mr. Right!"

Vallerie cocked an eyebrow. "Are you that intent on dying as a virginal cat hoarder?"

"Well, not yet anyway," I amended. "I'm only eighteen."

"Love has no age limit," Vallerie teased in an airy tone, but not letting me out of this one. Ariana rolled her eyes as she scrolled through her Twitter page.

"Oh, c'mon. We're in Starbucks for God's sake. My soulmate didn't just appear through the door."

"He could have and you'll never know if you don't try!" Vallerie said, clearly enjoying my squirming.

She did this every time I went somewhere with them and there happened to be a cute guy--which was everywhere in lovely Los Angeles. She accidentally set up Ariana and her long-time boyfriend, Anthony. Her infatuation with "The Sommer Girls Set-Up" hasn't ceased for two years.

Sometimes I don't even know why I still tag along with my sister and Vallerie--especially when I'm the youngest of the trio (because everyone knows the youngest of the group gets the most crap). But it's just something about the way the two act when their together. It's fascinating to watch. Ariana becomes a totally different person around her best friend than when she's around me, her boring little sister. It kind of makes me want to be a better sister but I don't think I could ever be like Val.

It's not all bad though, as crappy as it can be. I've tagged along with them a lot, since, just about forever. Instead of only Ari as a sister I got Vallerie, too--a package deal, as Val says. The only thing that really grates on my nerves is when I'm with them is Vallerie's obsession with playing matchmaker. Which is right now.

Vallerie started to get up.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my horror undisguised as I assumed the worst.

"Just need a new straw is all," she said innocently. She sauntered over to the counter before I could even glance at her drink, still on the table, with a perfectly fine straw. Just as the guy was about to walk out after picking up his drink, I saw Vallerie stop him. Crap.

"Umm, Ariana I'm gonna run to the bathroom," I said hurriedly, jumping to my feet.

I turned and sped to the restroom, locking the door behind me and leaning against it. I set to work, telling myself that if I hid long enough the poor guy would be able to find a way to escape. But this was Vallerie; she was probably chaining him to the table now.

I felt my phone vibrate and pulled it out to check it.

New Text Message  

From: Dad