Faking It For Real ✔

Ch 20

What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud

He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out

He's chokin' how everybody's jokin' now

The clock's run out, time's up, over, blaow

Snap back to reality, ope, there goes gravity

Everyone sung together, no one missing a beat as our car revved through the empty streets. Laughter filled the air as we belted out the lyrics to "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.

It was early in the morning. Hunter had picked us all up in his jeep. His friend, Gavin was right behind us. His car full of people as well. And then there was this guy, Nick or something, he was driving the white GMC with some basketball lads, including Derek and all our bags and stuff.

(You better lose) yourself in the music

The moment, you own it, you better never let it go (go)

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo

Wind blew through our hairs as the car zoomed away. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the world around us.

I was laughing, singing and grinning. This was the most fun I'd had in my life.

I turned to look at Ethan beside me and he was already staring at me. 

My grin turned into a softer smile as we stared at each other.

There was something in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat. It was as if, in that moment, I was sure enough that if something happened between us, it would break me.

Without a word, Ethan reached over and intertwined his fingers with mine, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand.

Not being able to help myself, I pulled at his neck with my other hand, joining our lips into a soft kiss.

There was suddenly hooting around us. And I felt him smile against my lips.

"About time!" Hunter shouted from the driver's seat.

I broke away from Ethan, feeling my face heat up as I realized that everyone was watching us. "Shut up," I mumbled, leaning my head on his shoulder.

Ethan just laughed, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer. "Ignore them," he whispered in my ear.

The rest of the car ride passed in a blur of laughter, music, and stolen kisses. And as we finally pulled up to the beach house, I was buzzing with giddiness and excitement.

It was a damn huge place, to be honest. 

Gavin slapped Luke on the back, "How many room you got here man?"

He stood with his arms crossed across his chest as he answered in a dry, uninterested tone, "About 13, I think."

"We can make it work, right?" Hunter said.

He gave a single shrug and we all started to fill in.

I looked around in awe as we stepped into the luxurious beach house. The expansive living room had floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a panoramic view of the ocean. 

A large, modern kitchen flowed seamlessly from the living space, complete with a massive island that could easily seat all of us.

"Wow," Karen breathed, echoing my thoughts as she took in the beautiful surroundings. "This place is incredible.