Page 242 of The Perfect Spiral
I plan to leave once the wedding is over. That’s the only reason I’m here. It’s four days away.
Sam is in charge of the bachelorette party. It’s going to be just the girls, our moms, and some of her WAG friends.
The party is the night before the wedding, but the ceremony doesn’t start until four-thirty in the evening. That gives her and Tyson time to recover from their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties.
I’ve had my night of reckless drinking. It’s out of my system. I don’t need another one. My sister will be the one getting wasted, not me.
This wedding is going to be the death of me. She’s the epitome of a bridezilla. But I understand—she’s a perfectionist and wants her wedding to be perfect.
I really shouldn’t be complaining about my life. I’m healthy. Ihave a roof over my head. Food is readily available.
Meanwhile, people around the world struggle to find food every day. They suffer from life-threatening illnesses. They’re homeless, with no friends or family.
And here I am, sulking in the water over a guy.
I snort at the absurdity of it all and decide it’s time to leave the water. I sit on the wet sand, letting the rain wash over me.
Crossing my legs and leaning back on my hands, I gaze at the horizon, where blue skies stretch out far ahead of me. I’m stuck under a dark grey cloud. Literally.
My hands and feet are wrinkled like prunes. I trace shapes and patterns in the sand with my index finger, the sound of the water lapping against the shore soothing in its quiet stillness.
As I make my way back to the house, I notice a group of muscular men on the deck. Athletes, perhaps?
A whistle sounds as I approach the stairs, and I climb them, holding onto the railing. The men, all towering over six feet, are gathered around my deck, their gazes following me. I can feel my cheeks heating up under their scrutiny.
I’m soaking wet, and they’re all dry.
I probably look like a drowned rat.
Their stares make me want to bolt. There are no towels on the deck, and I have to use the outdoor shower before I can go inside. My mom hates sand in the kitchen.
I turn on the shower and step under the spray. Their eyes are still on me, but then I see a pair of familiar brown ones. Caleb. Gorgeous Caleb.
He’s watching me shower, and he waves. His eyes seem to take in every inch of me. I tilt my head back, letting the water rush over my hair, and manage a tight smile in response.
Once I’m done, I walk under the roof of the deck where they’re all gathered and grab the only available towel.
“Hey, Alex!” Caleb breaks the silence, approaching me.
“Hey, Caleb,” I reply, wringing out my hair and dabbing it dry with the towel.
“Long time no see?” He takes a sip of his beer.
“Yeah, sorry about New Year. I didn’t know they were going to drag you away...” I smile awkwardly, remembering Knox and Wes pulling him away from me after our kiss.
“It’s cool! Wish I got your number though! I was in Cali a few times after New Year. Wanted to meet up with you, but Knox threatened me way too many times. But now that he’s back with Lauren, maybe we can hang out? You could show me around here? I’ve never been to Savannah before.”
He crosses his arms, his toned body even more pronounced. His hair is tousled by the wind, giving him a boy-next-door look. His brown eyes are focused on me, my reflection visible in them.
“Really? Next time you’re in Cali, we can hang out! Ignore him, he’s a dick—”
“I’m not a dick, baby doll,” a voice interrupts, sending a shiver up my spine. I freeze beside Caleb, choosing to ignore the arrogant interruption and continue my conversation with Caleb.
“Anyway, I can definitely show you around here! I didn’t know you guys would be here today. I wouldn’t have gone swimming for hours!” I adjust the straps of my bikini and pat my skin dry with the towel.
“You won’t have time to show him around,” he interjects again, but I continue to ignore him. Caleb’s eyes flicker between me and, I presume, Knox, who is standing behind me.
Once Caleb’s gaze settles back on me, I roll my eyes, causing him to chuckle before he takes another sip of his beer.
