Page 13 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

Mark doesn’t look convinced, but I don’t expect any of them to get it.Slowly, the room clears, and after several more private questions from my brothers, I’m left alone to pick up my stuff.

FOUR

Mae

“You know, no one askedmeif I wanted to quit lifeguarding.”Abi crosses her arms and pouts a bit as we sit in the conference room.I’ve never understood why they call it that, as it doesn’t look a bit like a conference room.Couches are pushed against all the walls except one where the kitchen cupboards, a sink, and a fridge sit.In the middle of the room stand several office tables that hold a few old computers and a lot of plugs for charging.The chairs are all mismatched office chairs.I guess it could be a conference room, but it feels too homey with scratched-up wood floors and local artwork hanging on the walls.

I wasn’t invited to Seth’s meeting with his family and other business owners, but now I’ll be in the middle of it all.

Personally, I’m thrilled we’re both working with Seth and that he’s using the Whisper Springs name.

Plus, the more time with him, the better.Though, he’s been a little standoffish.I’m not sure if that’s because he knows I’m interested in him or if he’s nervous about something happening between us because he feels the same way.He crosses his arms, and I admire the way his muscles move under his baby-blue button-up.His shirts were definitely custom-made to fit him perfectly.

“Your degree was in videography.”Seth is not being very patient with Abi, but I kinda agree with him.This is what she loves doing, and she’s being whiny about an amazing opportunity.

Abi sits up tall.“Media Arts Studies.That is way more complicated than videography.”

Seth closes his eyes for a moment.Abi’s reluctance is less about the job and more about the guy she’s been trying to land.She can’t see him if she’s not lifeguarding.I’ve been her wing woman all week, which meant putting up with the guy’s best friend, who is a grade-A asshole.He made me realize how good I had it with Rick, and now I wonder what I did to screw that up so royally.If only I’d been smarter, I could’ve figured it out, and I’d have a ring on my finger instead of trying to flirt with college frat boys.

“The point is that you can shoot good film and photos for our secret hideaway.I thought you’d be happy to be working on something with your degree.Mom was complaining because you still haven’t worked out what you want to do in the fall.”

Abi purses her lips, and I interject.“Isn’t this what we dreamed of when we went to school?You create content and I manage the social media side.We get to work together now, which is something we didn’t think would be possible for several years.”It’s actually why I majored in social media management.I couldn’t do what I wanted, so I decided to make Abi’s dream a reality instead.

“You’re leaving for D.C.in the fall.”Abi says it as a statement, not a question.I know she’s not happy about it, but I don’t have any other choice.There just are no other job options around here.Unless…

“Not if I can help it.If this goes well, I can stay working here with you.I’d rather be here anyway.”

Now my dad will see that it’s possible for me to have a future in Whisper Springs.I’ve avoided the SETI Lab so far since I’ve been home because I didn’t want to get even more attached, but now with the possibility of this being a full-time gig, maybe I should visit.

Abi’s quiet for a minute.“You’re right.I’m not thinking.But can I start Monday?”She blinks her eyes at Seth.

He shakes his head.“We don’t have much time.The very first thing we need up and running is all the socials.I want all of them full of content by Monday.”

Abi drops her head on the table and groans.

“Nothing says you can’t start down by the river.And you can still wear your bikini top and cut-offs.”I give her a nudge in the side.“All you need is your phone.You don’t have to be in the office.Then I can grab a laptop and upload all the videos and pictures—you’re getting us laptops to work on, right?”I’m guessing those computers across the room are over ten years old.

“Why would you wear a bikini and cut-offs when working?”Seth eyes her warily.“And yes, I brought several brand-new laptops with me because I knew they’d be needed.”

Abi’s face brightens, and her energy returns.“You’re right.Okay.Let’s do this.What do you need from me?”

We spend an hour or so talking about aesthetics and the types of photos and videos we really want.Seth knows quite a bit about social media marketing, and the vision he has is incredible.The hideaway will be amazing.I’m so glad we’re involving some of the actual Whisper Springs as well.I want to see life breathed back into the property.

We all stand.I want to stay here with Seth, but Abi won’t be happy if I don’t go with her.“We’ll spend the morning finding those good shots, and then I’ll upload and post them here.Will my laptop be ready?”

Seth nods.“We’ll meet up after lunch.”

I want to catch his eye and give him a smile or something, but he’s already lost in his phone.

My own phone buzzes just outside the door.

Seth: If you’re wearing only a bikini top and cut-offs when you come back, you better bring Abi with you, or nefarious things will happen.

Mae: Then I’ll definitely come alone.

Abi nudges me.“What are you grinning about?”

I shove my phone into my pocket.“Nothing.”

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