The Upside of Heartbreak

The Boys of Summer

Only two weeks between chapters this time... Oh well. Not gonna lie, this one took some time to get the emotions just right. Hope you guys like it. I love hearing your thoughts on each chapter, or just seeing that you were here and are liking what you've read. A huge thanks to those that have commented or voted so far. It really means the world to me :D

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Though she could tell that it was a decent way in, the drive to the lake still seemed to go by quickly enough. Though it was immediately clear that Hayden was taking it slower than he needed to. Likely because Toothless was in the back and Hayden didn't want to jostle or hurt his best friend on the bumpy road. The farther in they went, the clearer it became that Hayden had not been joking when he said they couldn't get a motorhome in here.

The road was single lane at best and rutted out from decades of spring run-off and neglect. Grass growing up between the tire grooves and overgrown trees pressing in on them and blocking her view. Glancing out the back window to make sure they hadn't lost the others, Astrid was pleased to see Frank's Bronco right behind them. Dagur's green truck just behind that.

Confused, Astrid narrowed her eyes at Dagur's truck, before snorting a laugh. "Oh my god," she giggled. "Is it just me, or is Rachel hanging out the sunroof of Dagur's truck?"

Astrid watched as Hayden's eyes flicked up to the mirror for a moment and a smile twisted his lips. Seeing the blonde woman's head and shoulders poking out above the roof of the truck. One hand held up in the air as the other clutched her beer and a huge grin plastered on her face. "She certainly is," he answered with a shake of his head. "That girl is insane. Good thing she can wash the dust off at the lake."

Then he cast his eyes over to Astrid as he added, "my apologies mi'lady. Unfortunately the combination of roll cage and reinforced steel panels doesn't really allow this truck to have a sunroof."

"That's quite alright," Astrid replied with a laugh. "I'm good with just hanging my hand out the open window instead of my head." Then she shrugged daintily at him. "Maybe after a few more beers I'll change my mind though, and then I'll ask to go ride with Dagur and Eret too."

"Fair enough. You just let me know," Hayden chuckled. The two of them laughing before settling into easy conversation again. Astrid honestly couldn't get over how comfortable this felt. She had been worried that she wouldn't be able to talk to Hayden at all after last weekend without the buffer of school between them. I mean, how do you just put something like that out of your mind?! As they laughed about Hayden's run in with Scott, and Scott's completely oblivious nature though, it just felt so easy.

Before she knew it, Astrid could see the ghostly white shapes of decaying buildings ahead of them. Only realizing just how big the place actually was when they crested the final hill before the clearing. If it had ever opened, this resort would have been incredible. Nestled in between two rugged mountain peaks and surrounded by fields of wildflowers, it was both sprawling and elegant. Positioned on the far shore of a sparkling blue lake that was just small enough to hold the summer heat while still allowing some motorized water sports. A sturdy looking wooden dock stretching partway out into the water.

"It's beautiful," Astrid found herself muttering. Leaning forward in her seat as she gazed out the front window.

"It's alright I guess," Hayden drawled. "Personally I think the view in here is much better."

Astrid turned to gape at him. Feeling her cheeks flush pink when she realized he was looking at her. The two of them stared at each other for a second longer, before Astrid choked out a laugh. "Aww, thank you for that," she pretended to gush. "Are you always so charming," she couldn't resist asking now.