Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 17- The Best Eighteenth Birthday In All Of Birthday History

Carlos leaves at 9:30 am after breakfast, saying his mother needs him at home and he'll see me tomorrow at school. Brandon didn't stay the night; his stepfather was home and wanted to see him.

It's now 12:30 pm, and I finish baking cookies just as I hear a vehicle pull into the driveway. The engine shuts off, and a door slams—must be Trina.

I take off my apron and head to the front door, where I find Trina unloading her luggage. She's wearing a tight mid-thigh dress, heels, and has her hair in a bun with dangling earrings.

She sees me and says, "Hi Anne, come help me, would you?"

I sigh and walk down to the driveway. Trina hands me her suitcase and a large purse, and I drag the suitcase inside, placing it by the stairs for her to take up later.

Trina exclaims, "Wow, three weeks together—this is going to be fun." I reply sarcastically, "Yay, I'm thrilled."

She sniffs the air and says, "I smell cookies, Anne." I shoot back, "No shit, Sherlock."

Trina snaps, "Stop with the sarcasm. I bet you still don't have friends."

I respond, "I actually have seven, all boys."

She laughs, "Never! You can't have more guy friends than me."

I smirk, "Oh yeah? You have one, and you'll either sleep with him or flirt, then move on." She opens her mouth to retort but closes it instead.

Walking into the kitchen, I step outside by the pool. Trina comes out and asks, "I'm going to the beach to catch up with friends. Want to come?"

I decline, "No thanks, see you later." She says, "I'll be back by 9:00 at the latest."

As soon as she leaves, I text the boys to come over, and they agree.

Fifteen minutes later, I hear familiar voices at the front. I open the door to find Jordan.

He asks, "Where's your cousin?"

"At the beach, so no disturbances for at least eight hours," I reply.

Luke has a mini music box, while Kyle brings drinks in a cooler.

Justin says, "Let's kick off our mini friend pool party!" We all head inside, and I rush upstairs to grab my camera and change into a bikini before joining the guys outside.

"Group picture!" I announce, and everyone squeezes together for the shot. The boys are shirtless, and I'm in my bikini, making for a great photo.

Jacob asks, "Send that to me."

I nod, "Don't worry, you'll get it soon."

Justin inquires, "What do you want for your birthday?"

I respond, "A full day exploring the city and a credit card for unlimited shopping when I start college."

Jacob assures me, "You'll have the best eighteenth birthday ever."

I smile, and he adds, "Let's get some music, DJ Luke!" I laugh at Luke's nickname.

Luke plays some music, and everyone starts dancing while I film them, laughing. I set the camera down and order pizza, and we play a childish game of spy, knowing this is our last year together.

The pizza delivery guy arrives—it's Brandon. He smirks, "Having a friend party, I see. Too bad I wasn't invited."

I feel bad, but he says, "That's okay, Justin and I don't get along anymore."

"I understand, you don't need to explain. I just want my pizza," I reply.

He hands me the pizza and adds, "Our next date is Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Be ready and wear something long."

I nod, pay him, and close the door. Kyle asks, "What took so long?" I shrug, "Pizza guy."

Justin chimes in, "That was Brandon. You could tell by the way you're blushing."

I hit Justin's shoulder in embarrassment, and the guys laugh. Then my phone rings.

"Hi Dad."

"What are you doing?"

"Just hanging out with the guys by the pool."

"Guys? What guys?"

I roll my eyes as the boys all watch me.

"My friends, the ones you already met."

"Oh, those six guys? Okay, as long as Luke is there, I'm good."

"Why?" I ask.

"I talked to him already; he seems nice."

I glance at Luke and say, "He is."

Dad continues, "I'll call you tomorrow. Bye, love you."

"Bye, Dad. And when you come back, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

"If it's your boyfriend, use protection."

I blush, "He's not my boyfriend, Dad. Well, at least not yet."

All the boys' attention is now on me.

"Whatever you say, sweetheart," he replies before hanging up. I sigh, and Jordan coos, "Aw, daddy's little princess is all grown up."

I roll my eyes and open the pizza box, grabbing a slice. Kyle and Jordan jump into the pool, creating a big splash.

Luke complains, "Hey, you got my phone wet!" Jordan rolls his eyes.

Kyle retorts, "It's waterproof, you idiot." I laugh.

Justin takes a slice and asks, "So how is your cousin?"

I respond, "You would have known her; she was Stephanie's BFF last year. She was a senior."

Justin frowns, "You mean that slut who always wore short skirts, with blonde hair, and had Stephanie following her around?"

I nod, "Yep, the one and only."

He adds, "She's worse than Stephanie. I think Daniel slept with her, or so the rumors go. I don't know if it's true."

I remember hearing that rumor last year when I overheard two girls talking in the library.