Charmed

I.

I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't love to spend a summer at the beach except for myself. Gulf Shores, Alabama - a tourist trap with muggy weather. Before my now ex-boyfriend and I called it quits, we were living in Washington state together. I think I missed living up there more than I did the three-year relationship.

I'd moved back to my hometown at the end of last summer. I had forgotten how cold Alabama could be, but I didn't mind the winter seasons. The spring was very short-lived and the hot summer sun was inescapable by the beginning of May. If there's one thing I learned from living in Gulf Shores it's to enjoy the beaches before everyone decides to vacation down here.

I was fortune that my best friend from high school, Cierra, needed a roommate around the time I was moving back. Our house was only a couple blocks from the beach and we had spent every day going and enjoying the beach before it got trashed by tourists.

"Lia," Cierra said nudging me with her elbow. I turned to see her sitting up with a smile on her face. "2 o'clock."

I sat up and followed her gaze to see a group of three boys walking along the water's edge. They were all tall and muscular. "Too young."

"No way," Cierra replied.

"Look at them. They look like college frat boys." I turned to see Cierra lifting her sunglasses up to get a better look. After some time she nodded, finally agreeing with my observation. Over Cierra's shoulder I could see a two boys walking the same line the three boys were from the opposite direction. "10 o'clock," I said nodding my head towards the two.

"Oooh," Cierra sang with delight. Again, they were both tall and muscular, but in a more mature, filled-out way. Their hair was wet as if they had just got done swimming in the water. They laughed amongst each other as they made their way towards us.

"Now those are men," I said with a smile. I pushed my sunglasses on top of my head and continue to watch.

"Do we approach?"

"Hell no," I answered. "Just smile and wave."

"Laughing method?"

"I don't see why not."

Cierra started to giggle and I joined in with soft laughs. It was as if we had gone back in time to our days in high school. Whenever attractive guys would come around we had many tactics of trying to get their attention. Not all of them were successful, in fact it was about a 30% success rate, but at least we tried.

The boys kept talking to themselves as they were only a few yards away.

"I'm over it," Cierra muttered. She put her glasses on her face and laid back down to take in the sun's rays.

"You're no fun," I joked.

When I turned my attention back to the guys, my eyes locked with the one standing closest to the water. Even from afar I could see the green in his eyes. He had a well defined jaw line and plump lips the color of moscato that curved into a smile. I could feel a blush making its way onto my face as I returned the gesture. His smile widened as his attention turned back to his friend and as he turned I could see a defined dimple in his cheek.

"Lia, stop being a creep."

I snapped out of my trance and laid back down, rolling over onto my stomach. "We need to go out tonight."

"What?" Cierra asked with shock prominent in her tone.

"I haven't gone out and let loose since before Chaz," I said. "Please, can we go out!?"

"I don't know," Cierra muttered.

"I'll buy you shots."

Cierra turned to me and I could see the smile she tried to hold back. "Well, in that case let's get home so we can start getting ready!"