Where We Begin

Chapter 20 - You Deserve Someone Like That

July 11th, 2002 - Taylor

I kept sitting up on the beach blanket and looking around. I must have done it too many times, because Kiki was looking mildly annoyed.

"He'll get here when he get's here, Tay. Relax," she said.

"I know, I know. It's just the first time he's going to really hang out with any of my friends. I want everyone to, you know, like each other," I replied, putting my Chloe sunglasses back on and adjusting my nautical striped bikini top.

"Hey, are Jake and I hard to like? I think we are quite the lovable pair." 

"Of course you are. I'm nervous and making excuses. Whenever I know I'm going to see him, I get these butterflies and I can't sit still." 

Kiki smiled. "Aww. That's so sweet. Well, if Busta can make you that happy, I'm sure he'll fit in fine." She glanced at Jake, who was skimboarding on the edge of the water. "Plus, I'm sure he'll will be psyched to have another guy hanging around."

"Poor boy. Always up to his ears in ladies," I giggled and Kiki joined in. "It's too bad everyone else was busy today, but maybe it's good that it'll just be the four of us. That is, if Busta ever gets off work and gets here."

It had been a few days since Busta and I had started dating, and I had spent most of that time with him or thinking about him. Honestly, I wanted him all to myself, but he was new to town and deserved to get to know more than just me. I decided to organize a beach day so he could hang out with my friends. Kiki and Jake were the only ones available though, so it ended up being more of a double date. 

"Hey hey!" I heard Busta's voice over my shoulder. 

"Finally!" I hopped to my feet and ran over to give him a hug and a quick peck. He looked adorable, in red swim trunks and a black Vans tank top. His highlights of the week were a light yellow. I saw a couple kids nearby staring at us. I guess my Ralph Lauren swimsuit, gold belly chain and high ponytail was a bit of a contrast to his skater style, but that was one of my favorite things about us. 

"Sorry I'm late, I was in such a hurry to get home from work, I ran over a rake on my bike. Had to patch the tire." He rolled his eyes. "I really need a car."

"Even in a car, running over rakes isn't a great idea," I smirked.

"Yeah, yeah. It's all your fault anyway. How was I supposed to concentrate when all I could think of was you in a bikini?" 

"Aheeeem!" Kiki called out. "I thought this was a group outing."

We went over to the blankets as Jake was making his way back from the water. 

"Hey man, good to see you again!" he said to Busta. "I heard my advice worked out pretty well for you, huh?"

"Haha, yeah. You could say that." Busta looked bashful.

"So it was you who told him to go to the park!" I realized I never actually confirmed how Busta miraculously ran into me at Crescent Park. "You are sneaky, Mr West."

"I may have blown up your spot, but I think it was worth it. I'm a regular matchmaker," Jake said proudly.

Kiki raised an eyebrow. "Let's not make that a full time gig. Quit while you're ahead, babe."

I sat down on my blanket and Busta followed suit. He gently pulled me between his legs, to lean back against his chest, arms wrapped around my waist. He kissed my neck quickly.

Jake gestured to us. "Um, excuse me Kiki. Would you look at these two? I'm obviously a love expert."

"Whatever you say. I'm sure Taylor and Busta would have never, ever figured out they are crazy about each other if it weren't for you." Kiki winked in my direction. 

"Oh yeah," I played along. "I was thinking about joining a convent right after that run. Good thing Busta showed up when he did." We all laughed. 

"So Busta, are you excited for next year at school?" Kiki asked. 

"Yeah, I guess. School is school. Not really my strong point, but I always manage to get by. It's sweet I'm not showing up in September without knowing anybody though." 

Kiki nodded. "Mm-hmm. I know what you mean. Don't expect to be with Taylor much during the day unless you think you can handle AP classes. I'll save you a seat in basic chemistry." 

I looked over my shoulder and could see Busta's grin. I was so happy that he was getting along.

"Forget school," Jake cut in. "Let's talk sports. Do you play football? Any interest in trying out for the team?" 

"Uhhh no, can't say I've ever been much of a jock. I played lacrosse for a couple years in middle school, that's really it," Busta said.

Jake reached into Kiki's beach bag and pulled out a football. "Let me be the judge. C'mon, let's give the girls some time to talk about us behind our backs."

Busta got up, turning to me briefly with a look of "what did I get myself into?". It didn't take long to see why. He missed the first few easy passes Jake threw to him and wasn't much better at tossing it back.

"Well, good thing I didn't start dating him for athletic ability," I mumbled as Kiki and I observed.

She turned to me. "Taylor, I really like him."

"Really?" I whipped my head over to look her in the eye. "We hardly got to talk before Jake started recruiting him for the team."

"I don't need to talk to him much to know he's a good guy. It's night and day from when you were arguing at your pool. From the second he walked on this beach, the way he looked at you... girl, he's head over heels. After the whole Kit thing, you deserve someone like that. The two of you look so comfortable together."

I felt my heart soar. I wasn't sure if my friends would be willing to give Busta a chance after their first impression of him, and especially after how fast I jumped into this relationship. Kit had been such a big part of our group, especially to Jake. It almost brought tears to my eyes watching him and Busta throwing a ball around and hearing Kiki's words of approval.

Just when I was thinking this afternoon couldn't get any better, I noticed Busta stop, sharply look in my direction, and back at Jake. He slammed the football into the sand and began stomping off. 

"What the hell is going on?" I stood up. Busta ignored me and kept walking.

"What did you say to him?" Kiki shouted at Jake, who was coming back to us.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think it was a big deal," Jake answered, looking nervous and flustered. "We were talking sports, he mentioned he was more of a baseball fan, that his dad used to take him to games but he hadn't been in a long time."

"Oh no." A lump started rising in my throat.

"And I said oh yeah, I'm sorry about what happened with your dad. It just kind of slipped out," Jake finished. "I messed up, didn't I?"

I could feel my face getting hot. "Why did you tell him that, Kiki? I told you not to say anything!"

Kiki's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "I tell him everything, you know that! I didn't think he'd bring it up to Busta. Jake, what were you thinking?" 

"I don't know! I was just trying to like, be his buddy. Taylor, I'm sorry." 

I pulled on my cover up and began gathering my things. This wouldn't have happened if I had kept my mouth shut at lunch last weekend. It made me feel sick to know I did something to hurt Busta. 

"It's fine. It's not your fault. I can't blame you for talking about it when I promised Busta I wouldn't tell anyone about his dad. I fucked up, not you."

Kiki looked upset. "What can we do to fix this?"

I rubbed my forehead. "I'm serious. I'm not mad at you guys, I swear. This wouldn't of happened if I didn't say anything in the first place. I need to go talk to him. I'll call you later."

I ran up the beach to the parking lot. Busta's bike wasn't on the rack, but I was pretty sure I could catch up to him in my convertible. The real problem was what was I going to say when I did?