The Summer I Changed | The Summer I Turned Pretty Fanfic

My FRIEND

"I am going to be honest," I plead. "I think this is a bad idea."

"No way," Belly almost shouts. "This will be fun!"

Somehow, we ended up on the boardwalk on the Sunday we were heading home. All of us, including the kids were running around enjoying the games and activities. Untilwe weren't.

"I don't think you're going to enjoy this," I look at Amanda with hope she'll cancel out.

She grins at me, "Jere, come on it's just a game."

I know a lot about Amanda and Belly, so when they decided to compete at Shoot Your Shot, I also knew this wouldn't end good for either of them. Belly is super competitive and athletic; Amanda is competitive, but not athletic. I once watched her lose to a toddler playing mini-golf.

"Are you worried I'll school your girlfriend," Belly said too enthusiastically. I just scrunched my face at her like she was crazy, shook my head and didn't say a word. I was worried. 

Conrad slapped me on the back, "Never thought we'd be here again."

Yeah, the last time we were is the same year I made Belly my girlfriend, but I really tried to push those memories to the side. "You know whoever wins this will end badly for us, right?"

"Yup." Conrad nods.

"You got this Manda!" Steven shouts, Taylor slaps his arm, and I can't help but laugh. "What, she's new!"

Belly gives Steven a look that could kill. "I mean I'll go easy on you." She says to Amanda.

"No need," Amanda smiles. She pulls her hair into a ponytail, and it reminds me of another brunette I know. "So, what do we win?"

"A bag of candy," I say with a chuckle. The oldest running tradition at the beach house.

"I'm not really into candy," Amanda says with a shrug. Belly looks like she's about to give a whole speech when I hurry and say, "Well we're all old enough to drink now. Maybe that prize it outdated."

"It was outdated when I played," groaned Taylor. "and that was less than a decade ago."

"So, loser buys wine?" Amanda offers.

"Fine," Belly says annoyed. "That's fine."

"I like merlot, by the way." Amanda says with a wink. I think I saw Belly's soul leave her body in that moment. 

And ... they're off.

This has to be the most intense and anticlimactic game of Shoot Your Shot ever. Belly and Amanda are both sweating, their hair sticking to their faces and they're only five shotsin. The only score on the board is the one basket Amanda made by complete accident, I think. I'm almost shocked that Belly is sucking at this.

Amanda got another one in, and I clapped and cheered, so did Steven which made Taylor laugh. "That's my girl!" I said loudly.

 Belly missed her next shot, giving Conrad a death glare. He just laughed, "You got this Bells."

The score was four to two and if Amanda sunk another one it would be game over. "Belly, I think you've lost your touch," I say with a cocky grin.

"Shut up Jeremiah!" She shouts behind her before making a perfect basket. "Stupid."

Madison is cheering for Belly, clapping her hands at every missed basket. Belly looks at her occasionally smiling so big, so happy to have her cheerleader there. "You got this mom!"

Though neither of them was about to be the next Kobe, I was relieved that Amanda made the winning shot and also terrified. When it was over Amanda stuck her hand out, "Thatwas fun."

I was waiting for Belly to attack her, but to my surprise she didn't. "It was actually a lot of fun." They shook hands and me and Conrad thanked the heavens it didn't end in blood."So do you want a box of wine, or like are we thinking fancy restaurant?" Belly asks as we make our way back to the car.

"Box wine sounds like a good time," Amanda says with a laugh. They link arms and walk off. Did they just become best friends? Conrad must have read my mind because he nudges me. "Looks like they hit it off."

"Weird, I thought losing would be the nail in the coffin."

"Nah," He smirked. "She's gotten so much better at being a sport."

"Only took ten years," Steven interjects. He's carrying a sleeping Luna, while Taylor pushes their son in the stroller.

"Weren't you guys leaving tonight?" Taylor asks looking at the new best friends' head of us.

"Yeah, why?"

"Because we're probably all about to be wine drunk off Boones farm."

She was right, hours later we were all sitting in the living room on the floor sharing stories while our cups reeked of cheap wine. The kids all fast sleep upstairs, adults all cozied up in pajamas and slippers downstairs. "This is giving sleep over vibes, and I like it." Amanda said this with z little dance. Shit, she was feeling good.