The Summer I Changed | The Summer I Turned Pretty Fanfic

My Bed

By the time my head hit the pillow, exhaustion claimed me. Sleep came quickly, undisturbed by alarms or the usual urban symphony. I was jolted awake by a weight shifting on the mattress. The room was pitch black, the only sound the rhythmic rise and fall of another's breath. A cold dread crept over me as I realized I wasn't alone.

A sharp intake of breath escaped my lips as recognition dawned. "Belly?" My voice was a hoarse whisper in the quiet room.

A startled gasp, then silence. A body shot upright in the bed, casting a long, ominous shadow on the wall. "What the hell!" Her voice was a panicked whisper.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor a stark contrast to the soft sheets. "I just came to sleep in my room," I explained, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

She stood there, disoriented, her hand flying to her mouth. "Right, I drank too much," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

I nodded, trying to keep the situation from escalating. "It happens."

With that, she turned and fled the room, leaving me alone with the lingering scent of her perfume and the unsettling reality of what could have been.

___________________________________________________________________________

The morning sun was casting long shadows when I finally pulled myself out of bed. A quick shower and I was ready to hit the road. Taylor was the lone figure on the porch steps, a mug of coffee clutched in her hands.

"Leaving so soon?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment.

I joined her on the steps, the cool morning air a refreshing contrast to the stuffy house. "Got some work to catch up on," I explained.

She nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Fancy Jeremiah, off to conquer the world."

"Something like that," I replied, a grin spreading across my face. I gestured towards the house. "What's the scoop with the dream team?"

Taylor's playful expression faded, replaced by a thoughtful silence. "Nothing much," she said finally, avoiding my gaze.

I persisted, my curiosity piqued. "Come on, spill it."

She sighed dramatically. "Life's complicated, Jeremy. Everyone's got their own stuff going on."

I nodded, understanding the unspoken words. "I know," I replied, my voice softer.

"You should come back," she said abruptly, her eyes meeting mine. "We'd love to have you."

I hesitated, the memory of the night's events flashing through my mind. "Maybe this weekend," I offered, unsure of my own plans.

As I pulled away from the house, a sense of unease settled over me. The perfect facade of the Fisher family was starting to crack, revealing a deeper, more complex reality. Belly's distress, Conrad's guarded demeanor, and even Taylor's cryptic comments hinted at something more than just the usual summer drama.

My office was a sanctuary of order, a stark contrast to the chaos of the beach house. Kaylie, my efficient and ever-present assistant, greeted me with a warm smile. "Your coffee's ready, and I've got the Jefferson paperwork on your desk," she announced, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

I nodded, my mind still half in Cousins. "Thanks, Kaylie," I managed.

She studied me for a moment, her eyebrows raised. "You look...different." Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

I glanced down at myself, realizing I was still in the same clothes from the day before. A wave of embarrassment washed over me. "Long story," I mumbled, trying to deflect her attention.

Kaylie's eyes widened in mock surprise. "A party, you said?"

I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Toddler's birthday."

Kaylie's laughter was light and infectious. "For a toddler?" she teased.

I nodded, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "A wild one."

Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. "I can imagine." She paused, her expression softening. "You okay, boss man? You seem a little off."

I forced a laugh. "Just tired, long day." It was a half-truth, but it was all I could manage at the moment.

Kaylie nodded, accepting my answer without question. We fell into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic ticking of the clock the only sound in the room. As I focused on the paperwork, my mind drifted back to Cousins. The events of the previous night replayed in my head, each detail magnified by the quiet of my office.