My Name Is Josh

Chapter 4

"Jen, Sam's here." My mum called tiredly at 5pm. An hour before the party started. The waves had been tidy all day, and I was waiting for the opportunity to go surfing, but it didn't come.

I rushed downstairs in a sunset tank top and short-shorts. Sam looked rather handsome in a buttoned-up white shirt and tight blue jeans.

"We're supposed to dress up?" I raised my eyebrows as I got downstairs.

"No..I thought we were." Sam said, slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry," I laughed, "you'll get all the ladies with that outfit."

"Sure." Sam said sarcastically, his face bright red.

"Want to go to the beach for a bit? We can wait it out." Sam suggested, and I agreed.

"Text you tonight mum." I called.

"Yeah, and be home by 12!" She yelled. But I was already out the door.

Sam and I walked along the beach and found ourselves a dry patch of sand where we sat and watched the tide come in. The sun was setting over the ocean, and it made me remember the many times Sam and I watched it setting before.

"So, what's their parties like?" I asked suddenly.

"Loud. Smoky. Tiring. Long. Crowded. But thoroughly fun." Sam nodded, and I laughed.

"Sounds like a blast." I said, anticipating the event.

"Well, for you it will be, considering you're like in love with Josh." Sam nudged at me, and I nudged him back.

"Hey! That's not true." I laughed, even though there was an edge of doubt in my voice. I didn't love him, but lately he was the only thing on my mind.

"Sure it isn't. Look, if you're gonna get involved with him- just keep in mind that-"

"I'm not going to get involved with him!" I cut in, laughing it off. Sam shook his head.

"But if you do-"

"I'm not." I said once more, groaning.

"Jen-" He said impatiently.

"No."

"Just listen-"

"Nope."

"Please." Sam threw his head back, frustrated. I laughed.

"I need to tell you something about Josh!" He snapped, making sure I was keeping eye contact.

"Tell it another day. We should probably go now." I said, standing up and dusting the sand off me.

Sam sighed and got up, following me back to the main street. It was 5:45. Good enough.

We trudged to Josh's spectacular glowing house and went in. I was surprised to find at least twenty people alone already out on the deck, and it wasn't even 6 o'clock yet.

I didn't know any of the faces there at all, but my eyes found Daniel's, who was flirting with a blonde-haired girl in the lounge, another twenty in there too. He immediately pushed past her and went straight to me, which made me grin.

"Jen!" He shouted as he got to me and hugged me tightly.

"Hey Sammy." He patted Sam's shoulder and Sam smiled in response.

"I didn't expect you to be here. It's gonna be the best with you." He hugged me once more. I was shocked this man could have any of the pretty girls in the room, and yet only wanted to talk to me. It made me feel good inside, but also unsure if these boys would be very loyal.