The Summer Experience

One: The day it all started [part 1]

Flashback to the wedding reception

"It's nice to meet you, Mattieboy. As my aunt here said, my name is Myles Summer. I've heard some pretty amazing things about you." He held out his hand, running the other through his thick blonde hair. He assumed a defensive position at the time, probably expecting some hysterics on my end.

I don't know if it was the liquor in the punch talking or me actually making a stand, but I pushed my hand into his, shaking it as heartily as I could, "It's nice to meet you, Myles. I guess I am the infamous Mattie."

After a few seconds of holding his hands,  quickly stuffed them back into my pockets. Looking around the room, every seemed pretty preoccupied with everything and they weren't staring at him or his awkwardness.

"I'll uh ... leave you two boys to talk." Turning in my direction and giving me a quick wink, Mrs. Winters walked away to see Jenny, who had about five liters of punch and was now laughing hysterically with Julian.

I awkwardly stood there, looking at the patterns on the floor. I didn't really want to be left alone with someone right now, I don't think I was ready for this kind of interation. I looked up to see Myles smiling at me with a new cup of punch.

"So, you're the guy who swooped Morgan off his feet, are you? I've heard some great things about you. I'm sorry Morgan had to leave you so soon. He really was an angel in disguise. He really helped me with a lot of personal issues in my life."

This small talk was even worst then I expected, why did he have to bring that up now? I didn't want to think about Morgan when we were at a wedding - what was supposed to be my wedding. I sighed heavily, obvious tension starting to reach into the air, chocking my slightly.

"Yea, thanks or something. You were his cousin? Why did I never meet you before?"

Myles chuckled and I would be lying if I wasn't slightly attracted to the sound that came out of his mouth, "Yea, we're adoptive. My mom and his mom were really good friends in high school. They had children about the same time, so they just clicked over a bunch of different stuff. We never really saw each other, but my mom moved here for a new job offering and to help Marion out." He shifted uncomfortably, obvious at the fault he had just made.

I took pity on him, "Well it's very nice to meet you, that's for sure. I'm sure we can bond over something, even if the one person who we both knew is gone." I was trying to make light of the situation, I decided to make the move he needed me too. I grabbed his hand and pulled him in close, putting my hands on his neck.

"I guess we should dance, I mean ... that's why you came over here in the first place, right?" A boy smile danced on my lips as I swayed with the music. I wasn't looking around the room, I was pretty sure everyone was staring at us. I didn't really want to hear anything negative these people had to say about me. It had been five years, I think I deserved to at least dance with a cute boy.

His hands rested on my hips, moving with the music coming from the speakers, we were both standing there in silence. It was comfortable, even if I was slightly uncomfortable. What could one dance hurt? It was just one single dance.

As the music droned on, I couldn't help but look up at the boy I was dancing with. I needed to get a better look at him, he seemed like the type of boy I would have never seen myself with. His green eyes danced with the lights around the dancefloor, his hair was put into a little fauxhawk and his teeth where a slight sahde of yellow. I could smell the smoke bouncing off his jacket, I guess that's a conversation starter.

"So I smell smoke, I take it you do?" I didn't want to sound accusing, I actually slightly liked the smell of ciragette smoke. It was almost like the smell of gasoline.

"Yea, is that a problem. I have been trying to quit, but I don't think you know the struggle." He gave me a sly smile, making my heart do some weird movement.

I just put my head in his chest, reveling in the fact I was finally dancing with someone either than my (almost) mother-in-law. The music stopped and we broke apart, he looked down at me, "Well, I guess I'll see you around sometime soon."

He walked away and I watched, curious about the new guy in my life. He reminded me a lot of Morgan actually, the confidence radiated off him like a fire. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get what he wanted. Would I be able to resist his charms? Would I just be another conquest in his long list? Wait, I'm judging. Who says he's even had sex.

Grabbing another cup of punch, I watched the line of people slowly moving to the dessert table. I was slightly hungry, but I didn't know if I really wanted some more cake. Mulling over my options, I finally decided to go get some carrot cake. Standing in the line-up, I grabbed a plate and went to grab the tongs. I grabbed someone else's hand, looking up I noticed Myles staring at me, a smile on his face.

"Sorry" I mumbled and let go. He put a few slices on my plate.

"It's no problem, Mattieboy."

Seven cups of punch and four pieces of cake later, Myles and I ended up back at my hotel room where within minutes, our clothes were thrown to the side.