POPPY
“SO WAIT, HE WAS LISTENING to you?” Camila draws back in the passenger seat, seeming appalled by the information I just shared.
“I mean, I don’t know for sure. But he had to have been able to hear us, right? I mean, it’s not like we were quiet or anything. And then less than a minute after my mom walked inside, I heard what sounded like someone falling into the pool followed by muttered curses and the sound of their back door sliding open and closed. Seems a little suspect, doesn’t it?”
“Why would he do that? Why would he stand there and eavesdrop like that?”
“Because he’s Callum Hanson,” April chimes in from the backseat. “That man does whatever he wants with no regard for anyone else.”
“Yeah, but he sure is fine,” Camila tacks on. “Man, the things I would do to that man.”
“Camila!” April reaches through the seat and smacks her bicep.
“What? I’m just saying. That man is yummy.”
“He’s also a complete asshole,” I interject.
“You just think that because of how he treated you freshman year. He’s always been super friendly to me,” Camila admits.
“Probably because he’s trying to fuck you,” I mutter.
“And I’d let him.” Camila smiles widely. “Though I will say, eavesdropping on you is not cool. I’m surprised you didn’t march over there and tell him off.”
“And what if it wasn’t him? Then I’d end up making a bigger ass of myself.”
“Since when has that ever bothered you?” she fires back.
“Shut up.”
“I’m just saying.” She shrugs.
“Whatever.” I blow out a breath. “I don’t even care anymore. It’s not like he hasn’t heard me and my mom go at it before.”
I purposely leave out the part where I admitted to being a virgin. I’m hoping that maybe he missed that part. Not that it’s some big secret or anything, but I don’t really like the idea of him knowing such intimate details about my life.
“Did you see her this morning before you left?” April asks, pulling the conversation back to my mom.
“No, she was out all night... Again.”
“I’m sorry, P. That stinks.”
“It is what it is.” I shrug. “I just want to forget all about my mom and have fun with you girls this week.”
“Just don’t get pregnant and ruin your life,” Camila mocks in her best Stella Harris impression.
“What a joke.” I snort.
“Forget her. This week is all about us.” Camila knocks her arm against mine.
“Damn right it is,” April agrees.
“I just want it to be known that I fully intend to hook up with a hot guy this week. I need some major sugar.” Camila wiggles her hips in her seat.
“Oh god,” April groans.
“Don’t worry. I’ll put a sock on the door or something.” She laughs.
I shake my head. These girls...
“HEY P, I’M GONNA HEAD down to the beach. You coming?” Camila steps out of the tiny bathroom dressed in one of the bikinis she purchased earlier this week. It’s stark white and looks incredible against her brown skin. My self-esteem plummets slightly. She looks like a million bucks with a bright pink towel draped over her forearm.
“Yeah, in a bit. I’m pretty tired from the drive,” I tell her, not moving from where I’m stretched out on the bottom bunk.
The cabin is what you would expect to see at a summer camp retreat. A tiny room with two sets of bunk beds lined on either side. The smallest kitchen you’ll ever see, which is really only a countertop with a sink, microwave, and mini fridge along the back wall. And then, of course, the bathroom, which is barely big enough for one person. It’s cramped but cozy and will work just fine for me and my two friends for the week.
“April?” She turns her attention upward where April is lounging on the bunk above me, already dressed in a light blue polka dot one piece that makes her look like a sexy school girl.
“Yep. I’m in.” The bed creaks above me seconds before her bare feet come into view as she climbs down the rickety ladder.
“I’ll meet you guys down there in a few.”
“Okay. Don’t wait too long or we’ll have called dibs on the hottest guys and you’ll have to settle for a dud.”
“Pretty sure I’d get a dud regardless,” I mutter under my breath. “Okay,” I add loud enough that they can hear me. “I won’t be long.”
The two exit the cabin moments later, leaving me alone in the small space.
“DUDE, ARE YOU SERIOUSLY sleeping?” My eyes shoot open at the sound of Camila’s voice.
“Huh?” I shoot up, nearly taking my head off on the bottom of the top bunk. “What time is it?” I ask, looking around the room, my eyes still heavy from sleep.
“Like six-thirty. There’s a big group hanging out by the fire. We’re getting ready to roast some hot dogs. Maybe you should think about getting up.”
“Six-thirty? I feel like I only closed my eyes for five minutes.”
“Well obviously it was longer.” She gives me a pointed look.
“I’m up.” I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and push to a stand, stretching my arms over my head. “I don’t even remember falling asleep. I must have been more tired than I thought.”
“Well we both know you don’t sleep well after a fight with your mom. But hopefully you’ve got sleeping out of your system because Tripp and Brock are getting ready to tap into the keg.”
“They brought a keg?” I cock a brow.
“It’s our senior trip. Duh. What did you think, we were all going to stand around looking at each other cross eyed all week? And there’s more where that one came from. I guess Tripp’s dad hooked him up. He had to drive the truck here to transport all the kegs.” She gives me a once over. “Now get dressed and meet me outside.”
“Where’s April?” I ask.
“She may or may not be hanging out with Brock.”
“Brock Saunders? As in Callum’s friend, Brock?” I question, not knowing any other Brock.
“That would be the one.” Camila winks.
“Funny. I didn’t see that one coming. I thought she didn’t like Brock.”
“Well, I guess she changed her mind. Now come on.” She spins toward the door and exits the cabin seconds later.
I take my time moving around the room. Snagging a pair of cutoff jean shorts and tank out of my suitcase, I make my way into the bathroom to change and freshen up. While Camila, and I’m sure most everyone else, are still in their bathing suits, I have no plans to hit the water until tomorrow, so I don’t see the point in putting one on.
Once I’ve dressed, brushed my hair and teeth, and thrown on a light layer of mascara, I make my way outside.
The heat hits me like a tidal wave, and I can already feel sweat starting to form at my nape as I make my way down the front steps. God, Texas heat is stifling some days.
I spot Camila standing with a few girls from our class, laughing at some of the boys who are attempting to start a fire. I’m half tempted to walk over and show them how it’s done, having been taught by my father on a camping trip at a very young age, but not wanting to seem like a know it all, I leave them to tackle it and head down the dirt path to Camila.