My Sunshine

Chapter 12

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face, something that I had experienced more of in the last few weeks than I had in years. For a long time I had felt like the world was working against me and that I would never be able to get anything right, but then Zach came along and changed that all for me. He had filled the void in my heart that I didn't even know was there until I met him. Even though it seemed crazy, I could already feel myself falling for him.

"Good morning, Sunshine," Zach greeted over the phone. 

"Good morning," I replied, unable to wipe the smile from my face.

"How'd you sleep last night? I imagine it was filled with dreams of me." 

I laughed. "You wish." 

"You're right, I really do. You know what else I'm wishing for?" Zach paused. "You next to me right now. I'm outside your hotel." 

"Is that so?" 

"Yeah, and you know what else? Once you get in the car we're going to have breakfast together and we're going to spend the whole day together. See, now you don't just have to dream about me, Sunshine, you can have me even when you're awake too." 

"I'm a lucky girl. But, you're not so lucky. I have plans today." 

"What?" I had to bite my lip to keep from giggling at the shock and disappointment in his voice.  "With who?"

"You."

"Haha," he said in a bland voice. "Very funny."

"I try."

"Mmhmm, now hurry up and get dressed. The valet is giving me the death stare."

I laughed, hanging up the phone and pushing back the covers to get out of bed. 

When we'd gotten to the hotel, I had unpacked all my clothes and placed them in the closet because I knew we'd be here for the whole summer. Before we left, I hadn't really bothered packing too many clothes because I thought I would just buy new ones or do laundry. Now that I was in need of actual cute clothes, I was cursing my past self. Picking through my sad collection of T-shirts and too worn jean shorts, I finally found a decent outfit. I pulled out a pair of medium wash ripped jean shorts, a black crop top, and a red flannel to tie around my waist. Quickly, throwing on some light makeup and brushing my hair and teeth, I'm about ready to go when I see my phone light up with a text from Zach telling me to hurry up or he's going to leave without me. Shoving my black converse on my feet and grabbing my room key, I hurry out the door. 

"Took you long enough," Zach remarked as soon as I stepped in the car. "You know, I knew it took girls a long time to get ready, seeing that I live with Serena, but I think you've set a whole new record, Sunshine."

"Yeah yeah yeah, it's your fault for coming so early in the morning," I replied.

"It's noon. Is that even considered to still be morning?"

"Shut up!" I slap his arm, even though I'm laughing myself. "So where to?"

"Well, so far since you've been here we've been to the beach, Pacific Park, and my house. I don't know about you, but I think that's a very short list, and while your here, you should get to see all of Santa Monica. So, today," he glanced at me, "I'll be your tour guide."

"If I had known I was going to be a tourist today, I would have worn my Hawaiian shirt and brought my camera."

"Why, so you can take pictures of me? No need to be so obvious about it, Sunshine," he smirked as he switched on his turn signal. "But, I guess I already knew you were obsessed with me."