Chasing Astrid Malone

8. BIRTHDAY AT THE BEACH

I woke up to an empty house, as expected. Happy eighteenth birthday me. I had texted Brenda last night that I wouldn't need a ride today, I'm taking a personal day for my birthday.

My mom was easily convinced that I wasn't feeling well last night. She suggested I should stay home today, relax, and rest up for prom. It couldn't have worked out easier for me if I tried. She even left behind a sweet note, with money for me to get something delivered if I was hungry.

Cameron was coming to pick me up at nine, and I still need to get ready. I braided my hair to the side. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard to impress him but I couldn't stop myself from adding dangly silver earrings. I pulled out my old bathing suit, from last year and tried to put it on. It was a shorts and tank top combo, that clearly didn't fit anymore. SHIT!

I wish I'd thought to buy a new one yesterday. With no time to get a new one, I need to improvise. looking through Mom's top drawer, she had five different bikinis. Mom is about my size, maybe slightly less busty in the chest but I have to try.

I picked out the two bikini tops that had the most coverage and tried them on. The black one fits better but made me look paler in comparison, so I chose the white knit top. I slipped on the matching bottoms. The bikini bottoms were white with ties on the sides, so I was able to adjust them.

Back in my room, I walked passed my mirror in just a bikini and felt naked. This is more revealing than most of my underwear. How am I going to wear this in public, let alone in front of Cameron? Maybe we won't actually swim and I can keep my shorts and t-shirt on.

I grabbed a pair of white jean shorts and put them on, they were short but high waisted. The only t-shirt I had that wouldn't be too long, was a light pink one that said MALONE HARDWARE. Dad had this shirt made for me when I was turning sixteen and was old enough to work part-time. It was big on me then, but he knew that's what I preferred.

DING!

cameron's name popped up on my phone, making my heart beat faster. He was just letting me know he was here. Slipping on my sandals, I grabbed sunglasses off my dresser and put them on my head. Looking myself over one more time before I had to go out to meet him.

I wondered where other girls got the confidence to comfortably wear clothes like this. I grabbed the bag I packed and walked down the stairs. After yelling at Cameron yesterday about how he should have kissed me, I was embarrassed to face him. I'm not mad anymore, but if he tries to kiss me today, I'll feel like its just because I told him he should have yesterday.

Cameron was waiting for me at the passenger side door, wearing tan cargo shorts and a black T-shirt.

"Happy birthday beautiful. I've got everything we need back there. You ready?"

Smiling, I nodded and climbed up into the truck. The beach was an hour away and I couldn't find anything to talk about. Still embarrassed about yesterday, I guess I should apologize. Maybe that will clear the air and start some conversation.

"I'm sorry about yesterday, I don't know why I acted like that."

"Don't apologize. If I'd realized you would have let me kiss you I would have. Does this mean I have permission to kiss you now?"

"Nope, my lips are off-limits today."

"Your lips are off-limits huh? I can work with that." I was skeptical of the way he emphasized the word lips, but I'll take it.

"Good!"

Cameron looked over at me with his sly smile. I wonder if this will ever get easier, will the butterflies ever cease? will the nervous energy ever settle? I can't see myself being cool and calm in his presence. I had previously been confident in my determination to keep things friendly and simple today, but now I'm visualizing us snuggled up on a blanket in the sand.