Nobody Like You

Chapter Sixteen

The ride back from Universal Studios is kind of awkward. 

I don't know how to tell Zack and Katie that Luca plans on taking me out on a date tonight. I don't have much time to spill the beans either. I have to take a shower and get ready as soon as we get back to the beach house. Surprisingly, we didn't stay at Universal Studios too late, so the night is still young.

Once we get back to the house, Katie's parents head to their room. Katie and Zack stick around and lounge in the kitchen. I honestly try to tiptoe my way to my bedroom, but Katie stops me in my tracks.

"Wanna go for a night swim with us at the beach?" She asks me with a smile.

I can either lie and tell her I'm not feeling up to it, or I can tell them both the truth that I have a date to get ready for. I opt for the latter, considering I don't want to lie to the person who made this trip possible for me. It just wouldn't be right.

"I have to tell you guys something." I sit down on one of the bar stools. 

"Um, okay." She narrows her eyes at me. Zack just looks at me with wide eyes. 

"Luca asked me out on a date tonight." I say quickly. "I'm gonna go so I need you guys to cover for me."

The room is so silent that we can hear a pin drop. Zack finally breaks the silence and clears his throat. He looks at me like I have grown two heads.

"I'm sorry, what?" He raises his eyebrows. "A date with Luca Novak? The guy you've hated since forever. Am I hearing this right?"

"Exactly! That doesn't even sound right. When and how did this happen?" Katie frowns.

Katie is my best friend and I know her like a book. In this moment, she feels upset and betrayed. I can tell by the way she is attempting to hide the sadness in her eyes with confusion plastered all over her face. Honestly, it just happened out of nowhere. I am just as confused as they are. I'm always a tad bit curious to see how it goes, considering I've seen a side of Luca that I've never seen before. I would like to know what else lies beneath the surface.

Plus, it gets lonely when everyone has someone to talk to every outing. Luca and I are always the ones left out. It's like we have no choice but to talk to each other. Casey is always texting on her phone, Zack and Katie has each other, and Katie's parents have each other.

I know I told Katie and Zack that I don't mind being the third wheel because it is their last summer together. I don't mind. I wasn't lying when I told them that. I just wish they wouldn't look at me crazy for finding a way to utilize my time out here.

"Guys, it honestly just happened out of nowhere." I shrug my shoulders. "Hate to say it, but he doesn't seem too bad. I mean, I guess we'll see."

"I'll cover for you, under one condition." Katie crosses her arms over her chest.

"Okay." I nod my head. "What?"

"You tell me every single detail about what even brought this date about and you tell me about the date." She smirks.

"Okay, that sounds like a deal." I smirk back.

"Where are you guys gonna go?" Zack asks.

"He said he wants it to be a surprise, so I don't know." I say.

"Katie baby, we have to pray for her. He might try to murder her tonight." Zack gasps, placing a hand over his chest.

"Oh my gosh, Zack!" I laugh.

"You gotta admit," Katie chuckles and puts her hand over her mouth, "that was funny."

"Yeah, it was." I laugh. "But I'm gonna go get ready, I'll see you guys later. Stay up so y'all can let me back in."