Page 19 of Mr. July

I threw my towel around my neck. I could get even with him without bloodying his nose. I cleared my throat, throwing an arm around him. “Who’s your new friend, babe?” I winked. He stiffened, trying to get out from under my arm, my bicep squeezed him closer. The blonde sized me up, cheeks turning red. “We’re going out for drinks after. Want to join us?” I asked her in my best high-pitched voice.

“I’m going to kill you,” Hunter hissed, when she politely refused walking away with Hunter’s eyes glued to her spandex ass. “Stop blocking me. I haven’t been laid in months.”

“So? Me neither.”

“Not by choice. What’s wrong with you? I used to be the one telling you to slow down.”

I shrugged. “Not feeling anyone. The last girl I met on the app freaked me out. She contacted me that she was late. I always used protection. It scared the shit out of me. Women know I have a good job and family money as soon as they Google me. For two days I thought I was trapped. I’d never get rid of a baby that’s mine. Even if I only slept with the mother a handful of times. Ever since that close call, I threw myself harder into work. Then the shore house.”

“Damn. I had no idea. You could’ve called.”

“You had your own problems. Do you miss her?” I didn’t mention that I had seen his ex out on a date when I had gone out with a group of coworkers last week.

“I miss being with someone. I feel like a jerk, but I couldn’t get a ring. I loved her just not passionately. If it’s for life. I want that. You know?”

I nodded. “The only thing I’m passionately crazy about is the fixer upper I bought. Speaking of, I just popped my first rental.”

“You worried it’ll be a party house?”

“Nope. It’s to a couple who are expecting. They’ll probably make a fire, enjoy the view, and sleep in. She can’t even drink. I’ll bet she won’t let him either.”

“Nice. Well, save a few weekends for us. Maybe what we each need is to relive a little former glory… Mr. July.”

I cursed under my breath.

“She texted me the photo.” He opened his phone, waving it in my face. “Leverage. We’re going out tonight or I blast this to all our old Frat buddies.”

I lunged for him. “You’re dead this time.” But he held it high, hurdling over a giant yoga ball.

“Face it, Carmichael. You’re my number one wingman again.”

“Fine. But you’re still my little bitch.” I put him in a headlock, using my fist to give him a nuggie on the top of his head.

“The two of you are so cute!” The blonde squeaked, walking out.

“We’re not together! I’m straight!” Hunter yelled, but she was already gone.

Six

My growling stomach woke me up. “Went out to Ted’s.” Gretchen had written on the dry erase board behind our dorm room door. I checked my phone; it was after eleven. Ugh, I hated it when I fell asleep in the early evening, I wake up out of sorts. I heated up some hot water in our small microwave and made myself a cup of instant mac & cheese while debating whether or not to meet Gretchen at Ted’s, the bar and grill on campus but my heart wasn’t in it. My heart wasn’t being here in Brookhaven. It was south, where the sea was. Pacing the small room, I came up with a plan.Follow your heart. But how?When every way seems to be blocked. I thought of what Gran had said. I’m the only one who can change my destiny. I’ll be damned if I lose my dream without a fight. Biting my lip,I sat at my desk, opening my email I hit reply and began composing…

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

SUBJECT: RESEARCH PROGRAM

Dear Dr. Winnfield,

Thank you for looking over my application. The Marine Research program at Nags Head has been my dream since I was sixteen.

I’ve worked tirelessly for years, everything leading up to the moment I applied. This might be very unconventional and could hurt my slim chances of being accepted considering how competitive the positions are, but I am compelled to write to you, nonetheless.

It has come to my attention that Wade Harrington V and Sierra Davis both from my University, have already been accepted even though the deadline to apply hasn’t expired. This was disheartening to hear. Especially since, Wade’s essay was mostly written off of my research. I didn’t mind at the time. I was just sharing. But now looking back, I was too trusting. To be frank, Wade’s grades are mostly due to my intervention. He never cheated per se but was heavily coached. I thought I was helping. I thought he was just as passionate about the program as I was. I was naïve.

He used me as a steppingstone to further his own ambitions.

It has also come to my attention that the heavy political and financial influence of Wade’s family on the University might also have contributed to such an early decision by the board.

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