Meet Me in the Water

Chapter Four

The smell of pancakes, toast, and bacon filled the house, waking me up from my slumber. I wasn't expecting that bed to be so comfy. It was probably the best sleep I ever had and I didn't want to get up. I mean, I lived on a fucking futon. Sleeping on the floor would probably be cozier than that stupid futon. Looking over at Nicholas, he was passed out. He looked cute when he slept. When his mouth was shut.

  Sitting up in bed, I remembered the conversation I had with him the night before. How'd he know I was gay? He said I sent off a vibe. Could everyone sense that vibe? He didn't make a big deal about it, which I was grateful for. But the last thing I expected to do that summer was come out to Nicholas. At least he wasn't one of those assholes that would think I would dick them down in their sleep.

  I sat in bed for a while, watching him sleep. The light snores that left his mouth and the way he cuddled with his pillow. I never saw anyone who looked that cute while sleeping. I wanted to touch that mouth. I wanted to reach a hand out and run a thumb down his dry lips. 

  When the door opened, I immediately pretended to be asleep. I didn't need whoever it was to catch me staring at Nicholas with goo-goo eyes. Fuck though, did anyone knock in that house?

  "Boys, it's time to get up," Jen said, clapping her hands. "You can't sleep all summer."

  Nicholas groaned into his pillow. "What time is it?"

  "Almost nine," Jen told him.

  He shot up and threw his blanket off of him. "Shit, I have an interview," he exclaimed, running to his dresser, digging through for some clothes. 

  "For what?" Jen asked. "You didn't tell me of any interview."

  "There's a lifeguard position available at the Yacht Club. I applied for a summer job." He grabbed a button-up shirt and khakis. "I'll be down in a second, Mom."

  "Okay," Jen said and walked out. "I'll prepare you a breakfast plate." She closed the door, leaving just me and Nicholas again.

  "I can leave if you need to get ready," I told him, sitting up in bed. 

  "You're fine." He took off his tank top and shorts. "Shit, I don't think I have enough time to shower."

  "You took a shower last night. You're fine." My eyes stayed on him. He definitely worked out. "Why are you getting a job anyway?"

  He was balancing on one foot as he tried to put his jeans on. I had to try not to laugh when he fell on the floor. "I need the money." He got back to his feet and buttoned his jeans.

  He needed money? His dad was filthy rich. Anything he wanted, he got. "You already have money."

  He looked over at me as he put on his button-up. "That's my parents money. I don't want to live off their income."

  "So, you're just going to get a job?"

  "Yeah. That's what I said I was doing." He buttoned his shirt, leaving a few buttons open at the collar. 

  "Maybe I should get a job this summer," I said, finally getting off the bed. "I really need to start saving up for my tuition."

  He sat down on his own bed, picking his shoes up from the floor, and put them on his feet. "I can talk to the manager while I'm there. Maybe I can set something up."

  I leaned back on my dresser and crossed my arms. He was going to help me get a job. All on his own. "Wait, are you for real?"

  Looking over at me, he nodded. "Yeah, why not?"

  "Because you don't like me."

  "True," he said, smirking. "But my offer expires in the next five seconds, so you better decide now."