the Devil and the Sea

16| First storms

Alcohol is running through my veins, and I realize I am reaching the state I wanted. I get up from the bench, and suddenly feel a stupid desire to go to Vincent's house to see him, but I realize that it's already too late and he's probably already asleep. And, on top of that, it would be inappropriate. The only way to somehow cross paths with him is to use Marina: she communicates with him and meets him at football. Because, oddly enough, he still happens to go there.

But you need to understand that my hands are tied because I have a boyfriend, and I cannot act openly.

I still don't understand how it happened that this bespectacled guy interested me? In some strange way, he is the only person who has not left my thoughts since I heard about him ... he is too charming.

I want to call Phil, but I stop halfway: if I call Phil, then for sure, one hundred percent, Vincent will come with him. And he can start making fun of me in front of everyone, or even worse, flirt with Marina. Or talk about what happened then on the beach.

Luis makes a good joke and everyone laughs and he looks at me and I barely smile at him.

I'm drunk.

I chuckle as I remember how Vincent came to the football field in slippers and socks instead of running shoes; I pointed it out trying to make fun of him, called him an anime guy, but he didn't get embarrassed, he just said that he was a samurai.

A stupid smile plays on my face: I like to savor the rare memories associated with Vincent. How is he...

I hear the sound of a sportbike engine and my heart jumps in my chest.

Can't be.

I hear Phil chuckle as the sound of the engine fades. Joan jumps up and goes to meet the guests.

Fuck, I hear Vincent's voice.

That's what the phrase "be careful what you wish for" means.

My back straightens abruptly as Phil collapses onto the terrace with his arms draped over Vincent and Joan's shoulders. I wince in disgust when I notice Joan looking at Phil like he's an idol.

The next moment, Vincent's eyes fall on me, and I immediately want to disappear.

"Hi to all!" Phil shouts enthusiastically and puts the bottles of beer on the table.

Everyone greets them, and I slip closer to my brother.

"Did you invite them?" I whisper in Joan's ear.

"What you do care?" He looks at me apologetically.

I purse my lips at Vincent's broad back in front of me as he shakes Lewis's hand.

"Everything is fine." I stand up on my toes and ruffle Joan's hair, and he grunts away from my hand.

I'm about to flee home, but at the last moment, someone's hand wraps around my neck and pulls me back.

"So now you don't even greet your guests, mean girl?" I hear Phil's voice above my head.

"I don't remember inviting you." I turn to Phil, and he pretends to grab his heart.

"Ouch!"

I give Phil the middle finger. Vincent doesn't respond to me at all. I would even say that he ignores me, although he is standing next to Phil.

I hate the tension that Vincent is causing in my body, making me feel like I really am a bad girl. He discovered it on the beach, and he is just waiting for the perfect moment to make it public.

Phil shoves Vincent in the side, laughing, and Vincent adjusts his glasses on the bridge of his nose, baring his teeth.

Ricky comes up to me and puts his hands on my waist trying to hug me. I am annoyed by his attention surprisingly more than usual, and I break out of his arms. The memory of Vincent's hands on my skin invades my mind.