“Thank you.” I said, taking his hand. He pulled me up and I dusted the sand off my shorts.
“No, problem.” He said. I noted that he had perfect blonde and hazel eyes. Also, he was shirtless. “So, you here alone?” he asked me.
“No. I came with my friends, but I lost them in the crowd.” I said. I stood up on my toes to look over the sea of people, but Jamie and the rest of them were nowhere in sight.
“Oh, well, you want me to help you find them? You can’t be walking out here by yourself. You’ll get even more lost.” He said.
“Thanks, but my mom once told me not to talk to strangers.” I giggled. “I’m Hayley.” I said, extending my arm. He took it and smiled.
“I’m Riker.” He said. I smiled. “I guess we’re not strangers anymore.” He goofed. I laughed
“So are you from around here?” I asked, as we started to walk and look for Jamie.
“Yeah. I moved here a few years back. I’m originally from Colorado.” Riker said.
“Ah, that’s cool.” I said, pushing my sunglasses up so I can see better.
“What about you? Are you a California native?” He asked.
“Yeah. I’m a hundred percent cali girl.” I said. Riker laughed.
“That’s cute.” He said. I glanced at him. He was just so……. Perfect.
“Hayley! Hayley! Over here!”
I looked around and saw Jamie waving her hands in the air. They were already settled, right next to this large family. Some of them had blonde hair like Riker’s.
“Hayley! We we’re looking for you. What happened? Did you get-“ Jamie broke off. “Who’s this?” She asked, gesturing towards Riker.
“Oh, this is Riker. Riker this is my friend Jamie.” I said. Riker and Jamie shook hands.
“Best friend.” Jamie said, looking at me.
“So, Riker. Who are you with?” I asked.
“I’m with my family.” He said. “In fact, they’re right there” He pointed to the blonde family next to us. The mom waved and another blonde kid came towards us. He looked just like Riker, except he was a little shorter.
“This is my brother Ross.” Riker said to me.
“Hi.” I said shyly. He waved, but his attention was focused on Kelsey, who was already lying on her towel, soaking up the sun in her yellow bikini.
“Well, thanks Riker. I should go” I said, backing away.
“If you need anything, I’m literally right there.” He said, before walking away. My stomach fluttered as I settled down on my towel next to Jamie and Kelsey.
“What was that about?” Jamie said, rubbing tanning oil on her stomach.
“I don’t know.” I said, taking off my shirt, revealing my purple bikini top. I must’ve been smiling like an idiot, because Jamie was staring at me.
“You like him!” She exclaimed. I quickly covered her mouth with my hand.
“Shhhh! Not so loud.” I whispered. I looked around. Caleb and Dylan were staring at us. Luckily, Riker was no where in sight. I removed my hand from her face. “So what if I do. He’s nice and he’s good looking.” Jamie squeezed me into a hug.
“This is perfect! You two can have a summer fling and next thing you know, you’re getting married to each other and having kids.” Jamie said. I rolled my eyes.
“I don’t even know if he likes me. Plus, I just met him.” I said. Jamie’s eyes went to the ocean. She smiled and looked back at me.
“There’s your chance to find out. He’s over there by the water. By himself.”
“I can’t.” I protested. I was actually really shy.
“Too bad.” She said. Jamie got up, pulling me with her. Then she started pushing me towards Riker’s direction.
“No!” I whispered. “I can’t!” It was too late.
“Riker!” She shouted. He turned around and waved at me. I waved back. He motioned for me to join him.
“I hate you.” I whispered to Jamie.
“You’ll thank me later, babe.” She smiled. With all my courage, I made my way to Riker.
