Summer Fling

3. happy now?

Garrett

After the first twenty minutes of texting Dylan my fingers started to cramp. Why is texting the proper way to talk to someone nowadays? I'd rather hear her voice over the phone but, I don't think I could sputter a word out to her. I was so nervous asking her to go so out of the blue, but the thought of going to the wedding with a random girl didn't bode well with me.

My parents have the worst taste in girls. They assume I like the all American girl with the stacked trophies in her bedroom and wholesome family that go on road trips. Frankly, I don't care who she is and where she comes from. If we click, we click. That's it.

When I saw Dylan's Snapchat story it was like a sign from the guy above. We're both in North Carolina, what other sign do I need? Although we've only talked to each other about basic things like teachers and all, she's a nice and smart girl. How can my parents disapprove of the President of the English Honor Society?

I've always liked her from afar although she's a firecracker. Well, whenever I get a glance of her in the halls she is. Her and her friends are always talking loudly and screaming at their lockers but in class she doesn't make a sound. She's always listening and whenever she gets called on by a teacher she turns red, just like me.

I didn't know how to ask her to the wedding without being creepy and too forward. It's a really weird question to ask someone, that isn't really a close friend. Eh, it's summer who the hell cares what happens.

This year exhausted me and all school did was bring me down. Once the final bell rang I didn't even bother saying bye to anyone. They'll be there next year, all smiling at each other acting as if they're all best friends. In reality, once graduation is over and we all go on our separate ways the only things connecting us is our following on social media.

I love my friends I do, but man I can't wait for college. I've stayed hidden in high school, not really putting myself out there to make friends but just accepted those who came to me instead. I'll keep in touch with my best friends like, Hunter, Kian and Dustin mostly because we can't let each other go. We've been friends since well, the diaper days and I'm grateful we all lived in the same neighborhood growing up. So with them by my side and everyone else gone, life is gonna be sweet.

During the time I was texting Dylan my family bustled around me going in and out of the living room and chattering loudly. The red rug was flipped over on the corner as I walked to the kitchen, almost tripping. Max barked loudly as I saved myself from falling face first onto the hardwood floor.

If I could take Max as my date to the wedding I would be all for it. He's the best dog any guy could ask for. Every dog owner probably says that but in all honesty, Max has been my pillow since I was six and I can't sleep without him in my room. In eighth grade I had the flu and my temperature was 104°F. He wouldn't leave my side and kept licking my hand which was dangling off the side of my bed. He sat there all day and when my mom called him for food all he did was bark.

After my mom brought the food and water into my room he wouldn't go out to use the bathroom so, my dad had to dig in storage for his bathroom training pads. It was like he was a little puppy all over again and half of my bedroom became his.That day proved to me he was a special dog and that I should cherish him as we both grow older.

Pouring myself some ice tea, Max sits at my feet hoping I would 'accidentally' drop him a slice of ham. My mom is very strict when it comes to snacking in between meals, even for dogs. If I'm feeling peckish I have to smuggle snacks into my room but in the 18 years that I've lived, I've gotten the hang of it all. I created a secret drawer in my room behind my shoe rack in the closet.

Next summer when I'll be off to college, I'll out my hiding spot before I get in the car and skid off.

"Garrett honey," my mom drops a box of fake flowers on the counter, "it's Thursday you know, do you have a date?"

Her green eyes pierced mine as she smoothed the hair at the top of her head with the palm of her hand as to not mess up her perfect updo.

"Yeah, I figured it all out," I chug the rest of my drink down, "no need to stress about contacting one of your friend's daughters and all that."

"Thank you for taking care of your own business, who is it?"

"Dylan, from school."

My mom's eyes widen before opening her mouth, "Is there something you need to tell me? Shall I get your father too?"

"What?" What the hell is she talking about, "You don't need to get dad, he can meet her on Saturday."

"Her? Oh it's a her. I thought... never mind. That's nice honey. How come she's here?"

Oh mom. "She's staying with her grandma a little bit away."

"Wow," she places her arms over the box and cocks her hip, "impeccable timing. Are you sure you didn't plan it all or did God help everything fall into place?"

Cocking an eyebrow at me, she clicked her tongue, "Alright well, go to bed. You need to pick your tux up tomorrow morning."

With that she walked away, her heels clicking on the floor.

I'm surprised my OCD mother didn't eyeball the drop of ice tea I left on the counter. I think I'll let it evaporate on it's own so she can find the sticky spot tomorrow.

As soon as my mother shut the door down the hall I felt a presence sneak up behind me. My father, with sweat glistening on his forehead, was crouched down next to the fridge.

"What are you doing?" I ask hesitantly. I do not want to get mixed up with his mess.

"Hiding from your mother. She's driving me crazy," Standing up he cocks one hip and straightens his back,

"Ron can you get the Allions from the car? Did you pick up the Cassata from Paul's? Why are you wearing shorts?!" he imitates my mom in a high voice.

"You married her." I point out.

"Yeah," he sighs, "Heck yeah I did." Patting my back he takes a seat with a big groan.

"So dad... I got a date for Saturday."

"It's about time son, is she pretty?"

I scratch the back of my neck and duck my head to hide my blush, "Yeah. I hope you like her, she's real nice and smart."

Laughing, he points his finger at me, "Someone's got a crush! It's okay son, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I was waiting for you to be attracted to someone besides Max."

"Dad," I smack his finger away, "Don't embarrass me, I'm nervous enough. I can't help that I got a late start in the social scene."

"You'll be fine, you're a great boy. Funny, athletic, and good looking. Thanks to me of course."

"Shut up," I laugh, "How do I even do any of it?"

"Come on," He stands up, "Let's take this conversation outside and I'll teach you everything you need to know."

✺

Most of the book will be in Dylan's perspective and when it's not, I'll make sure to let you know in the beginning just like in this chapter! 

Thanks for reading!