You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirty Two: Summer

School was finally coming to a close, bringing my freshman year with it. Looking back, it had been the craziest roller coaster of my life. Somewhere between heartbreak, basketball, new friendships, and discovering who I wanted to be, I'd become someone I barely recognized.

Randy's last letter sat folded safely in my dresser drawer. According to him, he'd be released at the end of May instead of July. Only a few more weeks.

The thought should have made me excited.

Instead, it made me nervous.

Justin's warnings still echoed in the back of my mind, refusing to fade. Randy and I had months of unanswered questions between us, and I knew the conversation we'd been avoiding couldn't wait much longer once he came home.

Tonight, though, I wasn't going to think about any of that.

School was out for the summer, and someone had organized a huge party at the old farm. Practically everyone would be there—the whole crew, Chris, and half the county, judging by the rumors.

Almost everyone.

Randy would still be locked away for a few more weeks.

That thought stung more than I cared to admit.

Summer had arrived in Richmond with a vengeance. The air hung thick with heat, promising another sweltering Virginia evening.

I pulled on my favorite short shorts from Baltimore and a red halter top that showed just enough of my stomach to make Mom raise an eyebrow if she ever saw it. Thankfully, both of my dads were back in Baltimore, leaving Mom blissfully unaware of my wardrobe choices.

Months of basketball and workouts had left my skin a deep golden bronze and my muscles lean and defined.

For once, I didn't mind showing them off.

Jim agreed to drive me but refused to stay.

As I climbed out of the truck, he pointed a finger at me.

"Behave."

I smiled innocently.

"I'm always an angel, Bro."

He laughed so hard I thought he might choke before driving away.

The moment I stepped into the pasture, memories rushed over me.

The bonfire.

The music.

The endless field stretching into darkness.

This place held so many memories of Randy that it almost felt strange standing here without him.

My attention shifted toward the familiar crowd gathered around the keg.

Gary and Jake.

Of course.

Both were already holding cups and grinning like idiots.

"Oh no," I muttered. "Please don't tell me you're already drunk."

They looked at one another before bowing dramatically.

"Our Princess!" they declared in unison.

Yep.

Already drunk.

I sighed dramatically.

"Boys," I scolded in my best Princess voice.

They straightened immediately, still clutching their beers like knights presenting swords to royalty.

If you couldn't beat them...

I grabbed an empty cup and reached toward the keg.

The cup disappeared from my hand before I could fill it.