Page 26 of Memories By the Shore
“Do you remember Jasper?” my aunt asks, handing me a cup of green liquid. I grimace, weary of what’s in it.
“Yeah,” I casually answer, sipping my drink. Of course, I remember Jasper—the sexy, dark-haired surfer who knocked me out with a volleyball and whom I also had a long walk on the beach at sunset with the other night.I definitely fucking remember him.
She leans against the counter. “Well, his dad and I are …” An uncertain looks sweeps across her face. “Friends.”
I roll my eyes, chuckling. “You mean you two are hooking up?”
Helen blushes. “Um, yes.”
“You don’t have to be embarrassed. I get it.” I wink. “You’rea single lady. You should be able to play with whatever men you want.”
“Oh my god, Avery!” She laughs and tosses a napkin at me. “Stop it!”
I laugh, catching it and throwing it aside. “Anyway, so what about him?”
“They’re coming over for dinner tonight.” Her grin is wide. “I hope that’s okay.”
Flutters fill my stomach at the thought of seeing Jasper again. My hand hasn’t been the same since being tucked safely into his, only a few nights ago. “Of course, I don’t mind.”
“Are you sure? I want to give you as much space as you need,” she says thoughtfully, reaching her hand over to rest on top of mine.
“It’s fine. Thanks for asking.”
Helen gives me her back, turning on the sink to rinse out the juicer. “We’ll be eating outside, so please don’t feel pressured to join us if you’re not up to it.” Her kindness is refreshing.
“No, I don’t mind. Thank you for being understanding, though.”
“Of course.” She smiles, then walks over to the fridge. Helen’s eyes dart around the shelves for a few minutes. “I was thinking we could barbecue, make a salad and some fruit.”
I shrug. “That sounds great, but aren’t you a vegetarian?”
“Oh, honey, we’ll have black bean burgers,” she assures me, then closes the door and pulls out her phone, seemingly to make a list of items we’ll need. “Duke makes the best grilled watermelon too.”
“Grilled watermelon?”
Her eyebrows bounce with excitement. “It’s good. You should try it.”
“I don’t know, maybe.” I catch sight of the clock on the wall. Realizing what time it is, my posture straightens.It’s almost dinnertime.“Wait, what time are they coming over?”
She continues puttering around in the kitchen, going back and forth between cleaning the juicer and the fridge. “They’ll be here any minute.”
Oh no!I look sweaty and tired from work. The last time Jasper saw me after work, I was embarrassed about my appearance. Thank god the sun was setting when we spent time on the beach.
“I’m going to freshen up really quick,” I stutter before bolting back down the hallway to my bedroom. I fluff my hair a few times, touch up my makeup, and then head into the adjoining bathroom to brush my teeth. My nervous appearance apparent in the mirror.What am I doing?I’m only here for the summer. I can’t get myself hung up on my guy—that may ormay notbe into me.
Suddenly, I hear the light vibrations of voices outside my door.They’re here.I let out a heavy breath and then leave the room.
“Hey, Avery.” Jasper’s voice zips up my spine as I round the corner into the living room. He’s sitting on the couch with one arm propped behind him. Heat scorches my cheeks. Does he own any other clothes besides board shorts and T-shirts?
Fuck, he’s hot.
“Hi.” My voice shakes.
Helen and his dad, Duke, walk out of the kitchen. “This is my niece, Avery,” she says, introducing me to Jasper’s dad.
He gives me a warm smile and extends his arm. “It’s so good finally meeting you. I’ve heard wonderful things from Helen and my son.”
Jasper talks about me?My eyes fly over to Jasper, now with his leg bent and his ankle resting on the opposite knee. He’s unbothered and simply smiles at me.
