Right Next To Me

Chapter 44 Endless Summer

Chapter 44 ~ Endless Summer

I just received some bad news. Dylan cannot come over to visit me this week because he has a presentation at the university. He profusely asked for my forgiveness and he said he will visit next weekend instead. But this weekend is my birthday! I cannot be with Cranky for my birthday. Super sucks!

I flopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Maybe I should just go home to Los Angeles. At least Grams and Ian will be there. I can invite Elle and Kendall, too. I thank my lucky stars that Elle is not a roommate from hell. She is actually just like me. Or maybe half Kendall and half me. Whatever the ratio, it made her a very lovable person. I adore her like a sister just like Kendall.

It was funny how her eyes grew wide when she saw Dylan’s photo on my study table. She went to the exclusive school for girls which share the same compound as Dylan’s school. She said all her classmates during freshman year were crushing on Dylan who was a senior then. She swore she did not date Dylan although she finds him so hot and handsome. She was gaping at him when I introduced them during one of Dylan’s visits. I am used to women salivating over my Cranky. As long as they don’t pounce on him, I am cool.

Kendall came barging into my room. “Dylan said I should lock the door at all times.” I commented dryly as she jumped on my bed making me slightly dizzy from the bounce. “Ken, Cranky cannot come over next week. You want to have a road trip to L.A. and spend my birthday with me?” I chewed on my lip and hoped that my best friend can at least be with me on that day. She has always been busy going out on dates and attending parties. Sometimes, I join her and sometimes I just stay at the dorms.

“Why yes, my lady, I will be deeply honored to spend your special day with you.” She said in her best English accent with her hand to her chest. She is taking up an art appreciation class and has been bombarding me with lines from Shakespeare and other plays. She is seriously driving me nuts. “What is boyfriend’s excuse for not coming over?” She suddenly switched to her New York twang.

“He has a presentation with some big shot company for his final project. I don’t know.” I waved my hand in frustration.

My birthday last year was awesome and so was Dylan’s birthday celebration during our spring break. We celebrated our first year together in the Amalfi Coast with our family and friends. We have great celebrations. My birthday this year will not be fun without him.

“Don’t worry. I am sure he will make up for it next week. How about we drive to Napa and go to your sister-in-law’s resort and get pampered?” She said sister-in-law with air quotes referring to Alicia, Ian’s girlfriend. “Then we drive to L.A. and hit the bar scene.” She waggled her eyebrow and looked so proud of herself.

“Wow. That is a lot of driving, Ken. We only have the weekend.” Her plan sounds good but we are pressed for time.

“Come on. It will be fun. We leave Thursday. We don’t have classes this coming Friday. Duh.” She rolled her eyes at me. Oh yeah, I forgot about the convention on Friday. “So, we leave Thursday and stay in Napa until Friday. We drive to Los Angeles on Saturday morning and party.” She clapped her hands excitedly as her plan takes shape. “Right, Elle?” She asked Elle who just came in and readily agreed with her without asking what it is she is agreeing to. I think Elle is running on the Kendall ratio now. My ratio will not say yes to anything until I know what is going on.

Kendall repeated everything while Elle wrote the plan down. They are both excited to celebrate my birthday. I cannot say the same for myself. It will not be the same without Cranky by my side.

 ~*~

“Seatbelts on?” Caleb asked, peering at us on the rearview mirror and looking at Elle who sits beside him on the front passenger seat.