Settle For Less (A Before You Exit Fan Fiction)

You Should Know

“I feel like Ariel from little mermaid,” I said. Connor was standing behind me, his hands on my hips, and my back on his chest. He stood a head taller than I am, and his chin rested on the crown of my head. He wore black jeans and a clean white v-neck. Connor and I have been dating for two weeks already. We’ve never really gone public but I knew people knew I was dating, just not who. I would like to keep it that way for a while. I didn’t want people snooping around my relationships.

            We were gazing toward the Daytona Beach. It was almost summer season which made the air hotter than usual. You can hear the sweet sound of the waves crashing to the shore. I’ve always loved the beach. Daddy always brought us here when we were younger.

            “And I’m Prince Charming,” he said. “Since you’re my princess and I am hell charming.”

            I looked up to meet his eyes and said, “Aren’t you adorable? But hey, don’t get ahead of yourself.”

            “You’re right. I’m with the most beautiful girl in the world!”

            “That’s more like it!” I said. “Hey, I’ll just go to the bathroom.”

            “Okay,” he said as he let me go.

            “I’ll be right back,” I said. I kissed him goodbye and walked toward the direction of the bathrooms at the east side of the beach. I hunted down the end of a long line that wrapped around the bathroom stalls. Judging by the size of the line, I estimated a thirty-minute wait just to get inside the girls bathroom. At the back of it was them men’s with only two guys in line. Girls and their bladder, I thought. One bathroom for the entire beach, it felt un-American.

            After a few minutes of restless waiting, my bladder was starting to burst. I couldn’t take it anymore. A crazy thought came into my mind. There wasn’t a single line in the men’s bathroom. It also looked like there was no one inside. I took my chances and sneaked inside. I was right, there wasn’t anyone inside. Thank gods.

            To my shock, the boys’ bathroom was clean. It has a complete hygiene kit like soap, toilet paper—though I don’t know why they would need toilet papers, paper towels and hand dryer. It even has hot water. It was identical to the women’s bathroom except for the guys’ toilet.

            I was washing my hands when someone came in and I immediately tensed. The guy was dark haired and blue eyed—familiar blue eyes. He was topless and his beach shorts hung low on his waist. One quick look and I could tell he clocked several hours a week running and lifting weights. I felt a little self-conscious since his eyes lingered toward my body. I was only wearing a bikini top and denim short shorts, the typical beach clothing. But I’m not really sure it was a good idea to be seen in the men’s bathroom wearing those.

            “Am I in the wrong bathroom?” he said with a smirk on his face. “Cause I could’ve sworn I thought I was in the men’s bathroom. Although, I’m not sure if I ever seen a guy as hot as you.”

            “I—ugh,” I was completely speechless. “This is the men’s bathroom.”

            “So I am in the right bathroom,” he said his smile grew wider and wider. “As much as I’d love to see you in here, what are you doing here?”

            “The line was so long on the other side—”

            Before I could finish the sentence Trevor Collins came in. He glanced at me with confusion written all over his face. “Luke? Were you—was I interrupting something?”