Neighbors

Chapter 15

"Andy, I left my phone on the beach chair. Will you please go grab it for me? I would do it myself but this pasta requires my undivided attention." My moms voice sounded from the kitchen to my place on the couch. I struggled to refrain from rolling my eyes. That woman cannot cook to save her life.

Just as I was about to leave my blanket nest and SpongeBob marathon my eyes found my bowl of caramel corn once again and I was rendered defenseless against physical activity.

"Andy. Now." I groaned with a mouthful of popcorn and rolled off the couch dramatically onto the floor, creating a loud thud. I untangled myself from my blankets and made my way to the back patio door.

Before I could stop myself I glanced over at Luke's house. Bad Andy. My cheeks automatically started to brighten at the memory of what I did the day before. I put my hand on the sliding glass door handle and looked over at the Hemmings House again, only this time I spot a blonde headed figure sitting on the porch eating toast and watching the water.

My eyes dart back and forth between where my moms phone is, and Luke's line of sight. If I venture out into enemy territory I'll be vulnerable. Right  in plain sight.

I slowly began to think of a game plan on how to avoid what could very well be one of the most awkward situations of my life.

"Damn it, Andrea! I'm trying to not screw up this dish! Get my phone now!" I squealed and threw open the door at my mothers savage tone.

I speed waddle as fast as I can through the sand, my eyes on the objective.  Only 20 feet away now. I hear footsteps on wood coming from what I'm almost certainly positive is Luke.

I risk a peek behind me and see Giraffe Boy heading in my direction. I, being the smooth and graceful lady I am, faceplant directly into the sand, sending thousands of grains down my spandex shorts.

I accept that there is no longer enough time to escape and take the time to fix my beach infested wedgie.

Luke's footsteps become closer and closer before he plops down into the sand in front of me.

"What's up, psychopath?" I don't dare meet his gaze. Not with my pride at stake.

"Not much Raisin Balls."

"Why are you avoiding eye contact?"

"I can't stand the sight of your ugly face in this close of proximity. Maybe if I brought a paper bag along..."

"Ohhhh is that how it is?" I could hear the cockiness seeping through his voice, but I didn't look up to see his expression.

"Damn right. Your birth must have boosted income in the mirror repair industry." I awkwardly started tracing shapes in the sand to keep my mind off of him. Gahhhhh. How does he have this effect on me? I don't even like him for Christs sake!

"Well given your attitude towards my face yesterday Id beg to differ in that statement." That smug little shit! I clenched my fists. He was deliberately trying to piss me off.

"Luke..." I got that edgy tone in my voice that reminded him I could throw tear gas canisters into his bedroom at any time.

"I must be pretty damn good looking if all it takes to get you hot and bothered is a little beach heart-to-heart." I couldn't help it. My narrowed eyes looked up at him and he predictably had a smug look across his features.

I angrily stood up and looked down at him. Surprise flashed across his features at the murderous gleam in my grey eyes.

"You're unbelievable. Please, follow me out onto my own beach again just to humiliate me and boost your ego. Fuck you, prick." I turn back towards my house, completely disregarding my moms phone.

"Andy, wait..."

"Save your breath, Luke. I'm obviously just a joke to you." I don't mean to get so defensive and overreact but if there's one weakness that you can use to seriously wound me, it's my pride.

"I was just messing around. I honestly didn't mean to make you feel bad." I felt his hand on my shoulder. The bastard followed me again. I turned around to give him a piece of my mind, and was overcome with shock when he gently grabbed my jaw and pressed his lips against mine.