Suicide Notes

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

Anna-

"Hit it, Anna!" Holly squealed loudly as I plowed through the sand to reach the volleyball, smacking it hard. It went sailing back over the net, only to land out of bounds.

"Dang it!" I shouted, but with a smile. I was having a blast. "I guess the truth is plain for all of you to see now. I suck at sports."

"At least you look good doing it." A tall, buff, blond guy everyone called Tyler, was eyeing me with appreciation from the other side of the net. He had been clearly checking me out ever since we'd been introduced this morning.

"I'd have to agree." His equally tan wingman, Shawn, ran a hand through his dark hair.

"Hey, now," Holly said with fake scowl. "I'm still here."

"No one could forget that," Shawn added with a wink back at Holly. "You told us to make her feel at home. We're simply doing what you asked."

Laughing, I turned to Holly. "Is this a pity date or something?"

"No," she said, grinning. "Just trying to help cheer you up. You've seemed sad and I promised I would make things fun."

"I'm having a great time," I answered truthfully. "I'm just sad I suck at beach volleyball so badly." Continuing to smile, I glanced in between them. "What else is there to do? Sunbathing, maybe? I could totally rock that!" Casting a longing glance to where we had left our beach towels pitched under an umbrella, I wanted to run over there and take a nap in the warm sunshine. All this sports stuff was wearing me out.

"Wanna try your luck at surfing?" Tyler asked. "I'd be happy to try and teach you."

I had no doubt he would be; and if I weren't totally broken and longing for Caleb at the moment, I'd jump on the chance to take him up on it. Tyler seemed like a great guy from the few hours we'd spent together.

"As fun as that sounds, I think I'll pass and save the surfing lessons for another day. I'd like to work on my tan for a bit and read some of my book for a while; but the three of you are welcome to go ahead and do whatever you want. Don't let me stop you."

"We can take a break," Holly said, glancing toward the sky. "It's lunchtime anyway. Would you like something from one of the vendors? We can go over and get it."

"Sure, that sounds awesome."

"What would you like? My treat." Tyler smiled sweetly at me and I felt a twinge of regret. I really liked this guy and I didn't want to lead him on; but there was no way I was even remotely close to tossing my hat back into the relationship ring.

"I can pay for it. That's sweet of you to offer though." Digging through the pocket of my super short cut-offs, I handed him a few dollars. "Surprise me. Get me something you think I'd like."

"Got it." He grinned.

"You guys go ahead," Holly said. "I'll be right there." She waited until Shawn and Tyler were out of earshot. "You know what they say. The best way to get over falling off a horse is to get on and ride again. Tyler is really into you. He's really nice too, not to mention gorgeous."

Sighing, I folded my arms beneath my pink bikini top. "I can see that, but I don't think I'm ready to explore that option yet." I hadn't told her anything about what happened with Caleb and me, only that we had broken up. "I'm not sure I'll ever be."

"Hmm. That guy of yours really worked a number over on you, didn't he? Did he cheat on you?"

"Something like that," I replied vaguely, turning away so she wouldn't see the tears welling up in my eyes. "I don't mind doing things with these guys, as friends. I really like them, but I still need time."