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  After about the third song, I was out of breath and overheated. It was too loud to talk, so I tilted my head toward the front door. Elena nodded and continued to dance, guys moving into the space I just occupied. That wasn’t a huge surprise to me.

  I drew in a deep breath as I stepped onto the front porch. I loved summer, when everything smelled like cut grass and sunshine. Being outside this time of year gave me a sense of calm and peace, even in the extreme sticky heat Florida was known for.

  My thoughts were interrupted by a tinkling laugh followed by a low growl. I knew that sound well and it belonged to Jameson. My eyes snapped to look in the direction of his voice. What I saw hurt. It was horrible to watch, yet I couldn’t stop myself from looking.

  There, a few feet away, Jameson was making out with Christy Hansen. His hands were wrapped around her waist and he had her pulled tightly to him. She was wearing a gorgeous, yet too revealing red dress. She was real classy, that one.

  She must have a golden va-jay-jay. He couldn’t seem to separate himself from her anymore. It was torture to watch them. My pain grew as Christy looked up and straight at me. She smiled at me in a look that said ha, he’s mine. If I could rip the hair out of her pretty little head I would.

  I wasn’t sure whether or not I still wanted Jameson, but I couldn’t stand to see that bitch practically dry humping him in public. It disgusted me that he would leave me for such a slut. I was actually pretty embarrassed. It made me look like I had the plague or something. I wasn’t good enough, but Christy was. Everyone knew Christy, in a very intimate way.

  Humiliation swept through me and I turned away. I heard Jameson calling after me, but I didn’t want to see him, let alone talk to him. I would never forgive him. I walked down the street until I was far enough away from the party.

  Finally, in the darkness of night, I sat down and cried. Tears of anger mixed with humiliation and a broken heart flowed down my cheeks to drop on the ground. Ugh, I was definitely swearing off men for real. I would not go through this again. My heart was fractured into a million pieces and it felt as if it was never going to get glued back together.

  After what seemed like forever, I wiped the last of my tears away and sat for a while until I could compose myself enough to go back. Fear raced through me as I thought about how awful it was going to be to return to the party. Everyone would know what happened and I wasn’t ready to face that.

  I texted Elena so she knew that I wasn’t going back to the party. To my dismay, she didn’t respond. She was probably too drunk and I would have to go in and drag her ass out of there.

  I remained in my hiding spot away from the party for a while. I looked up at the stars, observing how big the universe was and how we were just a tiny piece of it. My thoughts grew deep and I just enjoyed the time to myself.

  I HAD MY eyes closed and was taking calming breaths when I felt someone sit down next to me. Thank God, Elena got my text and had found me. Now we could go home. I leaned into her and an unfamiliar scent flooded my senses. Whoever this was, it wasn’t Elena. This person smelled like the forest after the rain, clean and wonderful.

  Quickly, I pulled myself away and opened my eyes in alarm. I wasn’t prepared for what I found. A guy about my age was sitting next to me. His brown hair was messy and his green eyes were watching me with curiosity. I could see the planes of his fit body through his thin black shirt. He was beyond gorgeous. It was too bad I wasn’t dating anytime soon. This guy was a god among men.

  My thoughts jumped back to reality and I sat there like a deer in the headlights. Who was this guy and why was he sitting here next to me, practically in the dark?

  “Don’t worry, I won’t bite. My name’s Mason. I was headed toward the party when I saw you sitting here. You looked so sad, I couldn’t just walk past. I have a complex for damsels in distress,” he said, cracking a smile.

  His voice was so soothing, it calmed me instantly. I don’t know why I let him comfort me; I had no desire to get to know him. I didn’t want to be around guys at all. He was not in my plan.

  “Hi, I’m Lexi. Sorry about this, I’m just having a straight-up rotten night. This party blows, but my best friend is having a blast so I’m sort of stuck and I’m oh so lucky as to be the designated driver tonight.”

  Just a second ago, I wanted to run, but looking at him, I couldn’t. He had me captured in those green eyes. I didn’t know why I was confiding in him. Mason was a stranger. I couldn’t explain it; he just put me at ease and made me comfortable, like a kinship of some sort.

  “Well, Lexi, I hate it when I have a bad day. There’s only one remedy for that. Come on, trust me. You’ll feel much better after a walk and some fresh air.”

  I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with me, but I felt safe with him. I was somehow sure he wasn’t going to hurt me. I nodded and grabbed the hand he held out for me. Once I was vertical again, I had to look up to see Mason. He was so tall, probably six foot two if I had to guess.

  His smile was warm as he laced his fingers with mine and led me down the street, the opposite way of the party. My palms still stung from my earlier fall, but I didn’t care. Mason just seemed so laid back, relaxed. It was infectious. I found myself calming down and coming back to reality.

  Mason looked at me in confusion. “So, Lexi, why are you at this party? I don’t think we’ve met before. I definitely would’ve remembered you.”

  “I went to North with Henry. I would have remembered you too. I’m sure we’ve never met before. Why are you at this party?” I countered.

  “I went to Central, but I’ve known Henry for most of my life. Our moms are good friends.”

  We turned the corner, walking past another mansion; this one was sparsely lit. I returned my focus back to him. I could feel the buzzing between us as our hands were bound. I tried my best to ignore it and focus on him.

  “You went to Central. When did you graduate?”

  “I graduated in the spring actually, what about you?”

  I smiled at him as we walked. “I did too. I’m so glad to get out of high school.”

  “Why are you the designated driver tonight? You look like you could have used the fun time out, no offense.”

  “I tend to get emotional when I’m drunk and I just had a bad breakup. In my best interest, Elena gets to drink tonight and I’m here for moral support.”

  He frowned slightly at that comment. Gah, even frowning looked sexy on the guy. “Where’s Elena now? Shouldn’t she be here with you?”

  “She was dancing, and I got tired. I stepped outside for some fresh air and, well, that wasn’t my best idea. I just sort of took off and she hasn’t responded to my texts yet,” I said, holding up my phone.

  “Well I’m sorry for whatever happened. Maybe you should find Elena and take her home. It’s not fair for her to make you suffer tonight if you’re not having a good time. That’s friendship one-o-one.”

  “Thank you, I needed that. I think I will get her home. Thanks so much for walking with me and taking my mind off things. I’m glad I met you, Mason.”

  A corner of his lips turned up into a sexy half smile and he nodded. “Well then, let’s get you back to the party to find your friend.”

  We chatted about nothing in particular for the next few minutes as we made our way back to Henry’s house. I was surprised when we reached it and I hadn’t even grown nervous. Saying a silent thank you, I was grateful for Mason’s presence.

  “I’m going to go find her now,” I said before turning away, reluctantly separating our hands and slipping into the house.

  I scanned the dance floor, gliding through the mass of sloppy drunks, and tried not to get beer spilled on me. I didn’t see Elena anywhere. Once in the backyard, I looked toward the keg, but no Elena. Dreading coming across Jameson again, I cautiously looked around the massive yard until I finally spotted her.

  As I got closer, I realized she was absolutely smashed. A guy I didn’t know was pawing her and she only moved in
closer, kissing him. I had to get her out of here. She was too drunk for this.

  Without a word, I pulled Elena away and let her lean on me for balance. The guy grumbled at me. I steeled my eyes at him until he finally turned and left. She pouted for a minute, but by the time we were halfway across the yard, she had already forgotten about it.

  Every step we made, she struggled a bit more to keep upright. By the time we made it to the back door, I had to set her down to stop and breathe. My muscles were cramped from her weight and I wasn’t sure how I was going to get her through the house, the front yard, and all the way down the street to the car.

  Preparing to make the trek through the house into the masses, I pulled Elena up and promptly fell over. All I could do was brace myself for the fall, but then strong hands caught me and set me back up. Relief spilled through me and I turned to see who had saved me and Elena.

  It was Mason and he was grinning at us. His teeth were white and perfect, as I could only expect from someone so gorgeous. He was even better looking in the light. It really was too bad I was anti-men right now.

  “Thanks, I was almost a goner. You’ve saved me twice tonight.”

  “It’s no problem, Lexi. Is this your friend?”

  “Yeah, she’s pretty much past drunk and almost comatose. I’m not sure how I’m going to get her to the car. I barely got her across the backyard.”

  “Hey, no problem, I can help with that. That is, if you’ll let me?”

  “I would owe you big time. I can’t do it alone and everyone is pretty self-involved right now.”

  Mason nodded, his green eyes piercing mine. He picked Elena up and stepped inside. I followed closely behind, surprised at how little effort it took for him to carry her. It didn’t take long to get through the crowded house and soon we were in the front yard.

  I dreaded seeing Jameson again. Without thinking, I grasped Mason’s arm with my hand and looked straight ahead as we made it to the street. Then he stopped, looking at me with that sexy smile.

  I stepped back and blushed, embarrassed at how forward I just was. I didn’t want to send him mixed signals when I was definitely emotionally unavailable.

  “Which way is your car, Lexi?”

  “Um, it’s to the right, about a block up. You can’t miss it. It’s an old Mustang.”

  “I love classic cars. What year is it?”

  As we inched closer to the car, I answered his question. “It’s totally retro. I named her Polly and she’s a 1986 GT.”

  He chuckled and I smiled. His energy was infectious.

  “You named her Polly? I’m not sure what to think of such a sexy car being named Polly.”

  “It’s a long story, but she’s right up there.”

  Elena had actually helped me name her. We had gone to the used car dealership to pick her out with my meager savings last year. On our way home we stopped at a little diner across town and our waitress was named Polly.

  The name just cracked us up; it was contagious. All I could think about was little Polly Pocket from when I was a kid. Then and there, we dubbed my car Polly and it stuck.

  Mason looked down at Elena. “I think your friend is passed out.”

  “Ugh, I should’ve known this night wasn’t going to end well.”

  “You met me, didn’t you? I’m not so bad.”

  “It sucked with the exception of your company,” I amended.

  “Alright, if you get the door, I’ll get her in and buckled up.”

  “Sure.”

  I unlocked the door and swung it wide open. He carefully sat her in the seat and placed the seatbelt over her. She didn’t even stir when he shut the door.

  Suddenly, we were standing there face to face. My breath hitched and I just stood there, caught in some sort of trance.

  “So, can I see you again?”

  “Um, well, I’m not really looking for anyone right now. I’m sort of emotionally unavailable or whatnot.”

  At the moment I looked in his eyes, I suddenly wished it weren’t the truth. His green eyes held nothing but sincerity.

  “I completely understand. Could I maybe see you again as a friend? I just want to get to know you. I promise, Lexi, I’ll behave myself.”

  I wavered for a minute, but truth was, I wanted to see him again. Having a friend other than Elena would be nice. Most of mine ditched me when Jameson and I broke up.

  “Yeah, sure, hand me your phone and I’ll program my number in.”

  He handed over his iPhone and I quickly punched my number in his contacts. When I handed it back, he smiled. I couldn’t help but smile back. He did the same to my phone. I hoped this could be the beginning of a great friendship.

  “Thanks, I’ll call you. Do you need any help getting home?”

  “I think I’ve got it from here, but I appreciate the offer. Bye, Mason.”

  I turned and got into my car. I backed up and watched as his figure retreated. The whole way home, Elena stayed passed out. The night had turned out so strange, but I was glad I met Mason. He really helped me out tonight.

  We got to my house and I was grateful Mom wasn’t home yet. She must have worked a double today. I got out of the car and went to the other side to drag Elena out. By the time we made it to the porch, I had to set her down again.

  After unlocking the door, I held it open with my butt and then bent down to drag her inside. It was touch and go for a moment but I finally managed to take her shoes off and toss her into bed. She just curled up on her side as if sleeping peacefully.

  I went back and locked the door before slipping off my own shoes. My feet hurt. I probably had blisters, but I was too tired to care and the bed was calling my name.

  As soon as I had my jeans and shirt off, I immediately tossed on my plaid shorts and a tank top. Quietly, I crossed the hallway and got ready for bed. Finally ready, I pulled the covers back and crawled in next to Elena. She didn’t even move as I got comfortable. Mason was the last thing I thought of as I drifted off into sleep.

  I WOKE UP to the sound of groaning. Hmm, Elena must be up. I opened one eye and then the other, letting them adjust to the light spilling into the room. When my vision came into focus, I saw Elena sitting up in bed, holding her head and grumbling.

  I chuckled. “Rough night, huh?”

  “As if you have to ask, I don’t even remember how the hell I got here! I completely blacked out at some point and then I woke up here with this awful headache. The light’s obnoxiously bright and I feel nauseous. The last thing I remember was looking for you. You disappeared and I couldn’t find you. Then Gary gave me another beer and I got caught up talking to some guy that graduated from Central.”

  I hesitated before digging into the craziness that ended up becoming my night.

  “Well, my night was kind of rough too. I walked outside only to find Jameson and Christy Hansen mauling each other in the front yard.”

  “Are you alright?”

  “I wasn’t. I ran from the party and cried when I was far enough away. Then, I met this guy named Mason. He was really nice. He walked me back to the party and carried you to the car actually.”

  By this point, I was smiling. It was hard not to remember Mason. It was even more difficult to remind myself why I couldn’t have him.

  Elena was much more alert now. “What? You met a guy? Was he hot? Where’s he from?”

  “Chill, I swore off guys, remember? He was sexy, though. He graduated from Central and he’s like best friends with Henry.”

  “Are you going to see him again?”

  “Um-hmm ... He’s going to call me, but just as friends. I told him I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend and he asked if we could just be friends.”

  “Nah-uh … are you serious? Why would you pass up an opportunity like that, Lexi May?”

  “Relax; we’re still going to be friends. Besides, you and I start college in a month anyways. I don’t want to be tied down my first year of college. We’re supposed to join a sorority and have some fun. I
can’t do that with a boyfriend.”

  A wicked grin crossed Elena’s face. “Who says you have to be his girlfriend? Maybe just hook up.”

  “Yeah right, Elena, you know that’s not me. I just got out of a three-year relationship where I didn’t give it up. I’m not going to just hand it over for a fling this summer.”

  “Just hearing you talk about him tells me you like him. You’ll never find that one true love unless you put yourself out there, Lexi May. Ugh, you’re so stubborn sometimes!”

  I just rolled my eyes at Elena’s lecturing. She wasn’t going to change my mind. I crossed my arms and frowned at her. “I’m not ready. Just let it go. We’re going to be friends and that’s it. Now, time to change the subject. Do you want some aspirin with your coffee?”

  “Hell yes I do! Oh, ouch, just moving hurts.”

  Elena slowly crawled out of bed and stretched. I was ready for some caffeine straight to my bloodstream. It was a necessary evil this morning.

  “Come on, let’s go make some coffee. You can join me in the kitchen for moral support while I make it.”

  She pouted. “Fine, but afterwards, I want to shower and get out of these nasty clothes. They smell like a brewery.”

  I laughed and pulled her out of bed. She followed me into the kitchen and I noticed my mom’s door shut as we walked by. We’d have to be quiet; she probably just got home a few hours ago. I didn’t want to wake mama bear, she was angry when roused.

  I put my finger to my mouth so Elena would know to be quiet and she nodded in understanding. Our kitchen wasn’t big, but it was cozy. We had a small oak kitchen table that matched the cabinets and light blue paint on the walls. Our appliances were not very new, but they didn’t look too old either.

  Elena had a seat in one of the chairs and rested her head in her hands on the table. I busied myself making the coffee.

  “I’m never drinking again! This hangover totally blows.”

  I was so busy thinking that I must have folded the filter. When I pulled out our cups and began pouring the coffee, chunks of grounds plopped in.

  She raised a brow and gave a little snicker. I ignored her and went about remaking it, the correct way this time. “That’s what you say every time. I’ll believe it when I see it. Besides, you’re going to be partying with me in the fall a lot. You’ll just have to learn how to hold your liquor.”