Wheat Golden Love

Chapter 5

Right before sunset, Tanner and Pete got a small fire going. It had began to get chilly from the cool beach breeze. We sit around sipping on the last bit of beer we have, talking, laughing, and listening to the waves crash against each other.

"It's getting late guys. I think Tanner and I are gonna head back." Sam says as she begins gathering her things. I'd already told her I was riding back with Pete.

"Bye guys!" Nina and Ashlyn said in unison, giving everyone hugs. Lincoln wasn't too thrilled I decided to stay, but I knew he'd ask me to come over if I went back with them.

Honestly, I just need space after our last conversation. I hadn't realized it until tonight, but over the last few weeks I'd put some distance between us. I'm not sure why. I think it just happened naturally. I think he's caught onto it, too. He's been clingy lately and reaching for something that just isn't there.

He got up without a word and walked off without saying bye or even looking my way.

Once they all left it was quiet, but leave it to Silas to break the silence. "How come we just let all the girls leave? We didn't even put up a fight. Ash could've at least stayed; she's got a nice ass." I roll my eyes.

Clearing her throat to bring attention, Katy says, "excuse me? There's still three of us girls here."

"Y'all don't count! None of you are single." He complains.

"I'm single?" I say to Silas. Katy's boyfriend Matt is in the military. He was currently serving over seas.

"You are not single, Pearl. Lincoln's so far up your ass you can't even see it."

"That's not true. You know our history. I've made myself clear."
I was silent for a moment. Then quietly added, "and after tonight I'm pretty sure that ship has sunk."

Popping the top on another beer, Silas took a long drawl when Pete pipped up, "who wants to play some sand volleyball?"

I was pretty wore out after a long day in the sun and my mind was too busy. "You guys go ahead. I think I'm gonna take a walk and clear my head."

Pete slaps his hands on his knees before standing up. "Alright. Just know you're gonna be missing out on the most epic game ever because Lauren and I are gonna kick their ass!"

I look up at him with a half hearted smile before they jog off to the net. I grab my cover up and then take off down by the beach.

I didn't get too far down the beach before he came running up beside me. Looking over at him, "you not up for volleyball either?"

"Nah. There's no chance of a win when Lauren plays. She's a beast."

I laugh. "Yeah. She's the team captain at school. She could've went anywhere to play, but wanted to stay close to home to help take care of her mom."

Lauren's mom had been in remission from uterine cancer her senior year of high school, but right before her freshman year of college started the doctors said it was back. Last minute, she switched from University of Nebraska to Southern Alabama, oddly enough. She'd always dreamed of playing for the Huskers. They'd been number one a few years running.

"That's what Pete told me. He said that's just the kind of person she is."

"Yeah. He's right." Putting my hair behind my ear, "you said you had three brothers?"