An All-American Summer

Chapter Three

"Alexander."

I once read somewhere that people are attracted to mimicry. Because I couldn't think of a cutesy reply swiftly, I decided to respond similarly and hope it constituted as flirting. I pet my cat while awaiting his reply.

"What are you doing tonight?"

My innards nearly burst from my chest. Forward.

"Doing homework, probably. You?"

Ugh. I sounded like a complete nerd. But high school wasn't yet over for me—a few more weeks, and I'd be done. I still had a few projects to turn in and finishing strong was the goal.

I nearly choked. Before I could respond, another text lit up my screen.

"I'm going to the beach. I want you to come with me."

Yikes. I'd never snuck out—ever—and my idea of a late night ended at ten. He could probably sense my apprehension, because he sent another message before I had a chance to come up with an excuse.

"My friends will be there. It'll be cool."

I scratched my cat's chin. It was his favorite place to be scratched. What would it be like to be him, constantly laying around waiting for the next chin scratch?

The clock next to me announced the time. Eleven PM on a Thursday night. My parents, early risers, were fast asleep. I thought back to Laurel's advice.

Do it.

But don't make it easy on him.

"What's in it for me?"

I wasn't sure how I expected him to respond. But as I threw my kicks on and drew on quick swipes of eyeliner I knew it would be something good. It just had to be from my very own Alexander the Great.

My hands were shaking so badly I almost smudged my mascara as I applied it. Bad girl Amelia was still a new character for me and I wasn't sure I was ready to jump into sneaking out. I slipped into my daisy dukes and checked my phone.

"My presence not enough for you?"

I bit back a smile. "A lady deserves to be courted."

His cheeky reply came almost immediately. "Milkshakes on me."

I rifled through my drawers, searching for my wallet. My cat meowed, showing disdain for my late blooming rebellious phase. I could definitely go for a milkshake tonight.

Texting Alexander my address, I hopped in the bathroom to give my teeth a quick brush over. I hardly remembered what this guy looked like, and I was sneaking out of the house to meet him on a school night?

It was a good thing I had amazing grades to fall back on should my parents find out.

"Be there in five."

My initial exhilaration was replaced with paralyzing fear after reading his message. Five minutes? That meant that in five minutes, I would be in the passenger seat of Alexander's vehicle, on my way to the beach.

Or at least, I hoped on my way to the beach.

What if this guy killed me? Or he was leading me to some illegal sex slave ring where I would be bought and sold? There's no way a guy that attractive wouldn't have ulterior motives. Right?

I sent my location to Jane, just in case. She'd be up all night anyway, and I was sure wouldn't ask questions until I was ready to answer them.

I glanced at the clock. Two minutes left.

Sneaking out would have to happen now. I couldn't have him honking the horn to get my attention—or worse, knocking on the door without realizing I still lived with my parents. I tiptoed down the stairs, making sure not to step on the one squeaky step that always revealed me during late night snack searches.

I crept out towards the back door—the front had a screen that made a horrid screeching sound every time someone closed or opened it. Listening keenly and barely managing to breathe, I made sure no one heard me as I slipped out.

Phew.

That was the scariest part. At least, that's what I told myself.

My parents were heavy sleepers and rarely if ever checked on me at night, so I wasn't so concerned with getting caught. It was the entrances and exits that posed the highest risk to my getaway.

"Here."

I stared at the message for a long moment. This is going to be the beginning of something special. I could feel it.

Practically skipping towards my backyard fence, I hopped over it with ease. I took in the summery darkness painted with yellow streetlights, squinting until my eyes came across a familiar figure leaning against a ratty old car.

Even in the dark, I could see him.

As gorgeous as ever.

"Amelia!"

One arm languidly draped over the hood of the car. The other hand casually pushing back the dark hair, which had fallen over his eyes. He was wearing a tight black t-shirt and jeans, his legs crossed in the most James Dean sort of way.

"Hey there!" I called cheerily, glancing back at the house as I made my way towards him. No lights were on. I was still in the clear.

He pulled the passenger door open and gestured a gallant motion. "Only the best of carriages for the best of cashiers."

I blushed, mentally thanking the night for giving me cover. "Why thank you, sir."
Closing my door and jogging to the other side of the car, it was apparent that he was smiling. Was it me who made him do that, or was this all an elaborate hoax?

He sat down beside me and smiled.

"Okay. So where do you wanna go for milkshakes?"

I couldn't help but notice the sexy scruff decorating his jawline. The car was a mess, but it seemed like he was too happy-go-lucky to notice and clean up. I noticed rosary beads hanging from the mirror. A blurry polaroid of him and what appeared to be a small child was stuck to his dashboard.

Interesting.

"I'm down for anything, honestly," I said, breathless.

He smiled, and a few dimples appeared. They were delightful and I was determined to see more of them.

"Alright. But first, we have to go get Zander."

I rolled down the window, eager to feel the night air. "A friend of yours?"

"My dog," he laughed, shifting into gear. "He gets sad when I don't take him places. So I try to take him with me everywhere I go."

I laughed, my heart lifting as we left my driveway and began to head down the road.

"Are you sure you're ready for me to meet him?" I grinned. It seemed like this man considered his dog to be family, and I was already meeting him on the first date.

Alexander met my eyes in the mirror and winked.

"I'm sure."