A Shore Thing Read online

He smiled and said, "We've got to run, Cappuccino. But remember to stay away from those big waves. We need you at the coffee shop. We don't want you to get washed away."

  Too late, I already am, I thought to myself. My heart sank, as I watched them run down the shore together.

  Surprise Visitors

  When I got back to the house, Gran was gone to the store. I grabbed the turkey sandwich she had left for me and sat on the back porch, watching the ocean. I decided not to go to the party that night. Ethan already had a girlfriend who looked like a Barbie doll. There's no way he'd ever consider me girlfriend material. I should have known better than thinking I stood a chance. He didn't even call me by name, just a dumb coffee drink. Definitely not a term of endearment.

  I sighed and told myself to get over it. I was determined to make the most of my stay here, and I wasn't going to let some guy bring me down. I stretched out on the hammock and felt the warm evening breeze. This place was beautiful. I didn't need a dumb party to make me feel better. I picked up my book and started reading. It was getting dark when I heard some voices on the beach, heading up the walkway. I wondered if maybe someone was lost. Then I recognized Mouse's squeaky voice.

  "Are you sure this is the right house?" she asked, giggling.

  "Yep, I just delivered bagels to her grandmother last week."

  I gulped. That was Ethan's voice. I quickly pulled my crazy beach hair back into a ponytail and sat up, almost falling out of the hammock, just as they were making their way up to the porch.

  Ethan grinned. "Careful, Cappuccino. You need a seatbelt, so you don't fall out of that thing. I've already saved you once today. I just can't keep saving you."

  Mouse punched him in the shoulder. "Shut up, Ethan. And leave the poor girl alone. She had a rough day today." She looked at me. "Aren't you coming to the party? We were waiting for you."

  "I uhhh...I was just going to hang out here tonight. I'm kind of worn out from getting beat up by those ocean waves." I glanced at Ethan and saw him smile.

  "Aw, come on," said Mouse. "There's a bonfire and everything."

  Ethan laughed. "What's the matter, you afraid you'll turn into a pumpkin if you're out too late? We came all the way across the beach in the dark looking for you. You can't turn us down now."

  I looked at him and felt my heart melt. "Well... maybe I'll come for a little bit. Let me just grab a sweatshirt."

  Mouse laughed. "You'd better hurry. Lexie will send out a search party if Ethan's gone for more than 10 minutes."

  Ethan shook his head and looked down. "Yeah...whatever."

  My heart sank again.

  Lexie was at the party.

  Of course, she was there. Why wouldn't she be there? She was Ethan's girlfriend.

  "You know it's true, Ethan." Mouse looked at me and whispered, "She'd put a tracking device on him if she could."

  I forced a laugh. "Okay, just give me a minute." I ran inside and brushed my hair, pulling it back in ponytail. I put on some lipstick and thought about taking off my glasses, but reconsidered because I might end up walking into the ocean without them.

  I had tried contacts when I was younger, but my eyes got too irritated and everyone kept asking if I had pink eye. Not a pretty site. I sighed and pushed my glasses up, not that it mattered.

  I left a note for Gran, explaining that I was at the beach with some kids from work. Then we headed down toward the bonfire, with Mouse singing Under the Boardwalk at the top of her lungs. Ethan and I were cracking up because she was so off key. Then I almost tripped on a dip in the sand, but Ethan caught my elbow.

  "Careful, Cappuccino. I’m going to have to charge you if I have to keep saving you."

  I looked at him and smiled. "Thanks."

  He slung one arm around Mouse's shoulder and his other arm around me. "I've got to keep you ladies safe. Otherwise I'll be flying solo at the coffee shop tomorrow.

  Mouse elbowed him. "Yeah, you're such a hero."

  I could feel my cheeks burning and I hoped he couldn't see it in the darkness. I couldn't help it. His arm just felt so right around me.

  Beach Party

  We approached the large bonfire. It was about 2 blocks down on the beach. We could hear kids talking and laughing, as the dark forms moving around the fire took shape.

  I took a deep breath. There must have been about 30 kids there, and I only knew two of them. I hated being new. It was bad enough walking into a big party where I knew everyone, but this was going to be awful.

  Ethan must have sensed my hesitation. He whispered in my ear, "Come on. I'll introduce you to everyone. They don't bite."

  Lexie was standing near the fire. When she saw Ethan talking with Mouse and me, she scowled and stormed over.

  "Where were you, Ethan? I looking all over for you."

  "Mouse wanted to show Colby where the party was, so I walked with her. What's the big deal?"

  Lexie shrugged and looked at me with disdain. "It's not that hard to find the party. You could have just followed the bonfire."

  "Lay off, Lexie. We're here to have fun," said Ethan.

  Mouse called me over to a group of kids on the other side of the fire. "Hey guys, let me introduce to our newest member at Cuppa Jo." She smiled. "This is Colby. She's from Pennsylvania. She's spending the summer here with her Grandmother."

  "Hi, Colby."

  "What' s Up?"

  "Pennsylvania?" someone asked. "Are you like a farmer or something?" A few kids broke into laughter. And I wished I could disappear.

  I was beginning to really regret my decision about coming to the party, but then I heard someone saying they needed a partner for a volleyball game. That was something I felt comfortable with. I had played volleyball in junior high and I was pretty good, until Becca convinced me to quit because it wasn't cool being on the team.

  A big guy with a crew cut and muscle shirt said, "Come on, I need a partner. Who's in?"

  "I'll play," I said, surprising myself.

  He stared at me. "You any good?" he asked.

  I nodded. "I'm decent."

  "Well, let's go then. I'm Buzz," he said, smiling at me. "Don't let me down, kid."

  "I'll try not to," I said.

  We headed towards the net and I saw Ethan and Lexie standing on the other side. "Oooh... Cappuccino is jumping into the ring," he said smiling. "Try not to hurt yourself."

  "Oh, I'll try not to," I said.

  "Don't worry we'll go easy on you," Ethan said.

  I smiled, and spiked the ball over the net. "No need to go easy."

  "Woah, looks like the kid has some skills," said Buzz, patting me on the back.

  We played hard for about 10 minutes and the score was tied when Lexie hit the ball to the far corner, but I made a dive and hit the ball back to win the game.

  "Yeah!" Buzz yelled, picking me up in a bear hug. "The new girl has some serious game."

  "Thanks," I said, starting to feel better about the party. I pushed my bangs out of my eyes and tried to catch my breath.

  I heard Lexie mumbling to Ethan. "She's like...a little too into volleyball. Don't you think?"

  "Relax, Lexie," he said. "It's just a friendly game." Lexie stormed off to talk to another group, while Ethan came over and patted me on the back. "Good game," he said.

  "Thanks," I said, smiling.

  Just then Buzz came back holding a plastic cup in front of me. "How about a drink to celebrate our victory?" he said.

  I took the cup and sniffed it uncertainly. I took a sip. Woah, there was some strong stuff in there. I wasn't sure if it was vodka or rum or what, but there was definitely a lot of alcohol in it.

  I thought about all the trouble that I had gotten in at my last party. I really didn't want more trouble.

  I shook my head and gave the cup back to him. "Uhh...no thanks."

  Buzz smirked. "What's the matter? Don't you drink? It's not a party without a little buzz. How do you think I got my name?" he said, smiling proudly.

  "No thanks, I'm ju
st not thirsty," I mumbled.

  "Not thirsty?" He laughed. "What does that have to do with anything? What's the matter? Are you scared or something?" His words were slurred and could tell he was more than a little buzzed.

  "No, I'm not scared...I just don't want any," I said a little louder, my cheeks burning.

  "What are you a baby or something? Mouse, what's with your friend? Why'd you bring her? She doesn't party," he said, looking at me in disgust.

  I felt like I was going to cry, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

  "Leave her alone, Buzz. Don't be a jerk," said Mouse. She turned to me and whispered, "Don't mind him, he's just a little intense." She grabbed my arm and guided me away from Buzz toward some other kids. She introduced me. They were pretty friendly, but I felt overwhelmed. So many unfamiliar faces and names and voices.

  "You sure you don't want a drink?" Mouse asked after introducing me to her friends.

  I nodded.

  After a few minutes, I wandered off from the group a bit and found a spot in the sand. I sat down and watched the ocean for a while. I felt a lot calmer just watching the waves roll on. Before long, someone was walking over towards me.

  Just A Kiss

  "Hey, Cappuccino."

  My heart leapt. It was Ethan.

  "What are you doing over here all by yourself? Here, I brought you a drink," he said, holding out a cup.

  I sighed. Him too?

  "Uhh... no thanks. I'm not a big drinker."

  "Yeah, I know," he said. "That's why I brought you some soda."

  I smiled. "Thanks."

  "Yeah...well what can I say? I'm just a nice guy." He laughed. "But seriously, how come you're over here by yourself?"

  "I dunno... I guess I just needed a break."

  He nodded. "Well... how bout I keep you company?"

  I nodded, "Yeah, sure," I hesitated a moment, "but won't Lexie get mad?"

  He shook his head. "I don't really care. We used to date, but she's having a hard time getting over it. I mean... we're still friends and all, but I think she'd like it to be more."

  Just friends. I felt a spark of hope, but I pushed it back, knowing that I still didn't stand a chance with him. He was just being nice.

  "So, you're not really into the whole party scene, huh?" he asked.

  I shook my head. "No, not really."

  "Well...what are you into?" he asked.

  "I'm not really sure. I guess I've been trying to figure that out lately. I mean, back home I have this friend Becca and she is kind of the center of attention. I'm just there in her shadow. She's really into parties and stuff... and she's trying to convert me."

  He laughed.

  "In fact, that's why I'm here. We got caught throwing a big party at my house... and then my parents just shipped me off for the summer."

  "Oh, that's harsh," said Ethan.

  I nodded. "It's like they expect me to be perfect all the time, ya know? And that's a little hard to keep up."

  "Yeah, I know what you mean.” He sat down beside me, resting his arms in the sand behind him. “I'm just going into senior year, but my parents already have my whole career planned out for me. From where I'm going to college, to what I'm supposed to be."

  I looked at him, "Oh yeah? What's that?"

  "Well they want me to go be a lawyer, like my dad and older brother. I'm supposed to go to law school and then join the family business."

  "And what do you want to do," I asked.

  He shook his head. "You're going to laugh at me."

  "No, I won't. I promise."

  "Well...I never told anyone this before, but I think I’d like to be a teacher and work with little kids...maybe kindergarten or first grade. Last year I worked at a summer camp and the kids were awesome. I had so much fun working with them." He shook his head. "But that won't fly with my parents."

  "Well...have you tried telling them?"

  "No, they'd just freak out and tell me that I don't know what's good for me." He bit his lip. "But maybe I will."

  "You should," I said.

  He nodded and we sat there for a few minutes watching the waves.

  Then I realized how late it was getting. I stood up and brushed the sand off my shorts. "Well... I better get going. I don't want to scare Gran by staying out too late."

  "Ok, Cappuccino. Well... I guess I'll see you at the shop tomorrow."

  "Thanks for keep me company," I said, smiling.

  He pushed his hair to the side and grinned. "No problem."

  God he was so cute, but I reminded myself that he was just a friend.

  I started walking back to the house when I heard someone behind me. "Hey Colby, wait up. You forgot your sweatshirt," Ethan said.

  "Thanks," I smiled.

  He gave me the shirt and started walking beside me. "I figure I better come with you, ya know...in case you fall in the sand again." He smiled. "You know...you’re very accident prone."

  I smiled. "Gee... thanks."

  I still can't believe that you guys beat us in volleyball...that was some luck," he said.

  "No, you mean that was skill," I laughed.

  "Oh yeah... well I demand a rematch."

  "You got it," I said.

  "He grabbed my hand as we were walking and I felt my heart pounding, but tried to stay calm.

  Then he stopped walking and pulled me closer toward him. "How about mini golf? There's a place right down the street and I happen to hold the current record," he said, looking into my eyes.

  I gulped, but tried to play it cool. "You got it."

  "How about tomorrow after work?" he said.

  "Yeah, you're on," I whispered.

  He leaned in close and I was sure he was going to kiss me, but then I freaked out and turned away. I don't know why I did that. I guess I was scared. I'd only kissed one other guy before, during spin the bottle, and he was definitely not as cute as Ethan.

  We walked back to Gran's in silence. Our fingers laced together felt so right. When I turned to him to say good night, he leaned in and kissed me, before I even saw it coming. I felt such a jolt of electricity.

  Then he whispered, "See you tomorrow, Cappuccino."

  I nodded, in a daze. "See you tomorrow."

  After that, I don't remember walking in the house, or talking to Gran, or going to bed.

  I just remember that kiss...and it feeling so right.

  Jitters

  The next day at work, I was so nervous about my golf date with Ethan that I dropped a tray of doughnuts on the floor and almost spilled a hot latte on an old man reading the newspaper. Thankfully, I caught the cup before it spilled all over him and I managed to only burn my hand a little.

  I was running it under cold water, when Mouse giggled and said, "What's with you today? Have you been bitten by the love bug?" She smiled and raised her eyebrows.

  I shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

  Mouse giggled. "Oh, you know what I'm talking about. I saw you and Ethan leave the party early yesterday. So, tell me ...did you take a romantic stroll on the beach? Did he kiss you in the moonlight? I'm dying here. Give me the details."

  I was too embarrassed to spill my guts about Ethan. And besides, I didn't know where I stood with him. Maybe he was just being nice to me. Maybe it was just a friendly kiss. Maybe it didn't mean as much to him as it did to me.

  I shrugged. "It was no big deal. He just walked me home because it was dark. And then he challenged me to a round of mini-golf."

  Mouse grinned. "A round of mini-golf? I think that's also known as a DATE!" Mouse squeaked. "Oooh…I knew it. I had a feeling about you two."

  I rolled my eyes. "It's no big deal really. More like a friendly competition," I said, hoping that wasn't true.

  "Well, you better give me all the details of this date, Colby. No holding back." She paused, then asked, "When are you going?"

  I smiled. "Tonight."

  Mouse grabbed my hands and jumped up and down. "Oohh, there's nothing
better than a summer romance. Have fun and remember ...I want details!"

  When Ethan came in at noon for his shift, I thought I was going to die. I was so nervous and excited, but I was trying not to show it. And Mouse kept looking back and forth at us, smirking. She was being so obvious.

  He looked at me and smiled, "Hey Cappuccino, don't forget about our rematch tonight. I smell victory in the air."

  "We'll see about that," I replied.

  "Oh yeah, well the loser buys ice cream after."

  "Deal," I said, holding out my hand to shake.

  He shook my hand, and then held it a moment longer and whispered, "See you tonight."

  "Sounds like a plan," I said trying to sound calm, but dying inside.

  I hurried home as soon as my shift was over. I must have tried on at least ten outfits before I decided on a red tank top and denim mini skirt. I wanted to look nice, but not too dressy. And I didn’t have a lot of experience getting ready for dates, if that’s what you would call this.

  When Gran saw me, she smiled. "Oh, you look nice, Colby. Do you have plans for tonight?"

  I bit my lip. "Uh ...yeah. You know that guy Ethan from work? Well...we're just going mini-golfing."

  Gran smiled. "I always liked that boy. He reminds me a little of your grandad when he was a young man."

  Just then we heard a knock at the door. It was Ethan. He was a little more dressed up than usual. He had on a green polo shirt, khaki shorts, and his hair was slicked back.

  God, he looked cute.

  "Hi, Mrs. Lovett," he said, smiling at Gran.

  "Hi there, Ethan. Thanks for taking my granddaughter out to see the Island. You two have fun."

  Everything was easier with Gran. There was no inquisition about our date and no warning about being late. She just trusted me.

  "Thanks, Gran," I said, giving her a quick hug, before heading out with Ethan into the warm summer night.

  A Hole in One

  We walked down the gravel road toward Island Golf. "You know there must be about 20 mini-golf places on Long Beach Island, but this one is the best," he said, pointing down the street.

  "Oh, yeah? Why's that?" I asked.

  "Because this is the only golf course with a pirate ship right in the middle."