Truth, Lies, and the Space Inbetween

Chapter Eight

The warm summer air blows in through the car window as we drive. I glance over and smile at Xavier as he concentrates intently on the road. Pulling my hair out of the way, it moves in the breeze.

We're heading towards the beach for another Saturday date.

The week had been only slightly eventful - Hunter continued to be a nuisance, getting in the way and always asking for pens and help with things. Thankfully, in maths and gym there were girls drooling over him so he couldn't stay so close. Art was a different story; constantly asking me questions and getting annoying close. He finally realised he should be doing work by the third day, and became a silent companion. Albeit one that I was stuck with, apparently.

The female population had yet to get over him too - especially Amber, who constantly tried to hook her claws into him. He barely looked at her, which seemed to just make her more determined.

The weekend was honestly a welcomed escape. I'm sure Xavier was sick of the dreamy talk of his brother too.

The car slowed as we pulled into a car park beside the ocean, half full by others making use of the few good days left of summer.

Killing the engine and rushing out of the car in the time it took for me to undo my belt, Xavier opened my door for me with a flourish.

Grinning goofily, I take his proffered hand and fluidly get out of the car. Without letting my hand go, he takes a bag out from the boot of the car, locks it and leads us off towards the beach.

Stopping on the grassy verge before the dunes, we set down a blanket and sit, watching the waves crash.

We're silent for a good few minutes, just looking out at the bright sand and cool-looking water. Xavier takes my hand and I smile across at him.

Absentmindedly brushing his thumb across mine, he watches a couple splash each other in the shallows. He doesn't seem envious, just that he's observing. It makes me wonder, so in typical Peyton fashion, my mouth runs ahead of my thoughts.

"How many girlfriends have you had?"

I feel like slapping my hand over my mouth, or forehead, and just groaning at my own brash idiocy. Amazingly, Xavier actually treats it as a legitimate question, pondering thoughtfully as he turns to look directly at me.

I've decided that's one of the things I really like about him - he gives me his full attention when we're talking. I've dated my fair share of guys who only half listen, and discount any opinion or question I have.

"Twelve", Xavier says softly, studying my face.

Honestly I'm not shocked. He's attractive and kind, and well off, which was bound to attract a few unsavoury types. It's not too few or too many, really.

"None of them were as good as you", he says, almost shyly in the silence. "You're almost too good to be true".