Long Distance

Nineteen-Lexi

To save the three of us from the awkward situation, I grab Britt's hand and pull her further into the garage. "Can you please show me the bathroom? I really have to pee."

The house is small inside, but cute and cozy. Britt shows me the restroom, and while I am in there, I fix my makeup.

Landon must still be outside, because I can't find him when I return. I don't see Brittany, either.

However, as I head for the door leading outside, a voice reaches my ears, and I turn around to face a very hot guy about my age.

"Hey, are you Lexi?"

He is tall, and his hair is light brown. He wears a white tank-top and denim shorts, with no tattoos, but he has large muscles...

I need to stop staring. Wow, Lexi.

I tear my eyes away to meet his, and I smile in a friendly manner. "Yeah, that's me! Alex, right?"

He nods. "Nice to meet you."

I follow him outside to where Landon and Brittany are waiting. The guys are introduced to each other, and my phone starts ringing when we are chatting. It's Morgan.

"Hey!" I answer.

"Hey, what's up?"

"I'm actually at the lake with Landon and Brittany, so now isn't the best time to talk...can I call you back later?"

"There's no need, I was just going to tell you that my birthday party is tomorrow night. I know it's random because tomorrow is Sunday, but it's the only day that would work. Can you come? It's at nine."

"Sounds like fun, I'll be there! Thanks, girl!"

•••

The wind blows through my hair, and my face is lightly sprayed with cool water. Bright and yellow overhead, the sun shines down over us. As the boat tears through the water, I can't help but smile to myself. I am content, happy-there is not a single worry in my mind.

I adjust my large sunglasses over my eyes and tug down on my oversized shirt. My head is resting in Landon's lap, my feet propped up on the edge of the seat. Alex drives the boat, while Brittany sits next to him, fiddling with the radio controls.

Landon looks down at me through his dark shades and gingerly touches my hair, which is splayed out all around my head. Everyone here is so relaxed, so peaceful...if I could capture this moment in a jar, I would live in it forever.

I look over at my cousin, whose brown hair is pulled into a sloppy bun.

"Hey, Britt," I say, getting her attention. "How are my parents doing?"

She smiles. "They're great, I love having family live so close. I wish you would've come with them, though."

Suddenly, I jump up as I hear my favorite song come on the radio...apparently, it's Brittany's favorite, too, because she does the exact same thing.

We both scream and run to each other, shouting the lyrics at the top of our lungs. The guys probably think we're idiots, but really, who cares?

This is how the rest of the afternoon is spent: floating, driving, singing, dancing, talking, and basically having a great time.

•••

"That restaurant sucked dick," Landon complains as we pull into the driveway of the lake house after dinner. Brittany snorts, and Alex laughs. I slap Landon's arm.

"Do you always have to be so negative? I thought it was fine."

Once we are in the house, Landon and I decide to stay for a few hours before heading home. Brittany and Alex are going home tomorrow and staying the night tonight...which Brittany's parents would never agree to, but apparently she told them there would be other teenagers staying the night, too.