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Shit.I blink. “I’m not smiling.”
“Yes, you totally were.” She points her index finger at the screen. “I know that smile. Charlene Rose Johnson, what does this new roommate of yours look like?”
My cheeks flame, and I let out a groan as I bounce down onto my mattress.
“He’s hot, isn’t he?”
“It’s hard to tell what he looks like under all the hair. He has that biker-slash-lumberjack look, where you’d expect him to chop wood in a flannel shirt all day, and then hop on his Harley at night.” My skin prickles at the memory of the muscles in his arm flexing as he rubbed the back of his neck earlier. “He has an incredible body, but he was kind of ... rude.”
“You just described every cast member on Sons of Anarchy. I should pack my bags and come stay with you. You know, for your protection.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Because you’re so big and strong?”
She flexes her bicep. “It’s from all the years of waiting tables.”
“Well, those arms are string beans compared to Bryce’s biceps.” I squeeze my eyes shut, and push the image of his body out of my head. “But it doesn’t matter. I’m here to focus on myself. Figure out what I’m doing with my life after the summer is over.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t have a summer fling while you’re figuring it out.”
I shake my head, and pull myself up from the bed. “That’ll just make things even more awkward than they already are. Besides, I don’t think he’s interested.”
“Why, is he gay?”
“No.” My shoulders shake with my laughter. “I know this because I asked.”
She grins. “I love your nervous word vomit.”
I smile, but it fades a moment later. “I don’t know how to explain it. Bryce just seems … different.”
Jenny’s eyebrows hit her hairline. “Different how?”
“Almost skittish.”
“Maybe he’s got issues.”
The corners of my mouth tug downward as I try to imagine what could’ve happened to him to make him like this.
“Come to think of it, a grown man living at his grandmother’s inn sounds odd. Maybe he doesn’t have all his faculties.”
“Jenny,” I hiss. “That’s terrible to say.”
She pops a nonchalant shoulder. “Could be true.”
I roll my eyes. “All right. I have to go. Don’t want to be late.”
Jenny pouts. “Can you keep me on FaceTime so I can see what your new living partner looks like?”
“Not a chance. Love you.”
“Love you more. I expect hourly updates!”
I end the call, and shake my head. Jenny and I have been friends since junior high. She’s a bit more outspoken than I am, and she’s always been able to make me laugh, even when I didn’t think I could. We’ve been there for each other through everything, from first kisses to college. She held my hand during all of Mom’s chemo appointments, celebrated with us when she was in remission, and she held me when I cried after Mom was gone. She’s the only form of family I have left, and it kills me to be away from her. But I need to do this.
The pool is still empty as I pass and cast a longing glance at the still water. I’d have already taken a dip if I didn’t have to unpack and get ready for dinner. There’s something so serene about shutting out the rest of the world, and gliding under the quiet of the water. I’ll have to go for a swim tomorrow.
When I arrive in the lobby, Beatrice welcomes me with an air kiss on each side of my face. “Right on time, my dear. You look stunning in that dress.”
“Thank you.” I gesture to my plain white sandals. “I’m looking forward to our shopping spree so I can find a pair of heels to go with it.”
