Chapter 58 Not Much Sleep
“You look stunning.” She gives me a twirl in her summer dress. It looks perfect on her. Her hair is pulled back into a clip that completes the whole look.
“Thank you, I’m looking forward to where he takes me.”
Alec already told me they’re going to a italian restaurant in town. But I’ve been sworn to keep it a secret from her. Which I would anyway. I don’t want to ruin the surprise. My smile is broad, her joy is so contagious, and I feel like I’m the one going on a first date.
“Promise me you’ll kick him in the nuts if he tries to make a move. It’s only the first date!” I warn her.
She nods, agreeing. “Yes, only a slight kiss is allowed, nothing more.”
I know as long as she agrees, I know he won’t be able to push her into doing anything. Not that I fear he’d be extremely pushy, I still know of his past, and I don’t want to chance him being an asshole and making her feel pressured. But I also know he knows, like I do, that one word to Alec and he’ll be in a lot of trouble.
“Thank you for helping me.”
“It’s the least I can do, you’ve helped me with everything this summer. Make sure to tell me everything when you get back.”
“Of course, you’re the first one I’m telling.” She leaves to meet him at Alec’s house, which has become the main spot since we all know how to get there now. It’s weird to be here with her gone on a date instead of me this time. I’m so used to it always being me going off on dates and hanging out with Alec.
I head off to eat my own dinner with the triplets.
“Where did she go? Normally, it’s you who leaves.” Erica asks me.
“It’s her turn this time, is all I can say.” I don’t want to completely rat on her. I know she’s never completely ratted on me, even though I trust them.
“Is it another guy?”
I shrug my shoulders, not really answering.
“Well, at least answer this. Are there any guys our age?”
“Sorry, but no. Have you guys not been able to find anyone here?” I inadvertently answer but changed the submit back to the camp.
“She’s had luck, but the rest of us haven’t.” She points to her left at Peyton.
“That’s exciting, someone I know?” I ask, taking another bite of the mediocre food. At times like this, I miss Alec’s cooking even more.
She shakes her head, a blush on her cheeks. She’s always been on the shyer side, even since the beginning. “No, he’s a part of my activity group.”
“Well, as long as he treats you wonderfully, that’s all that matters. Same with you three, never let any boy treat you like crap.”
I don’t know how this turned into an informative advice talk with them, but the triplets and even Peyton sometimes act like my word means so much more than it should. I don’t fully understand it, but I guess they see Beth and me as some older mentors. Which only makes me feel geriatric, but whatever.
“Obviously. A boy is replaceable. I would never let one treat me badly or them. If I found out he treated them badly, I’d hunt him down.” Erica, being the firecracker she always has been, doesn’t worry me for a second. I know she’ll protect herself and her friends.
We’re all in the cabin, left waiting for sleep to grace us. Well, at least I am. It’s kind of boring here without Beth, honestly. I wonder if this is how she felt every time I left? No, I doubt it. I’m sure Beth had many other friends she hung out with. I wonder how her date is going. I wish we had phones so I could message her, but I’m stuck just staring at the wall, waiting to hear her come into the cabin.
At some point, I must have fallen asleep because I’m awakened by Beth nudging my shoulder. I jolt awake scared at first, thinking something is messing with me, but then I see it’s just Beth.
“Are you okay?” I ask my voice to whisper, trying not to wake up the rest of the cabin.
“Of course I am. I just had the best date of my life.” She squats down to be at eye level with me laying in the bed. It’s then that I notice the bright smile still on her face.
“Really? That’s actually really great to hear.”
“I know, right? I might have found my summer boyfriend.” She cheers a bit loud making me shush her.
Even though I still have reservations about him, I will gladly support her in this relationship. “Did he ask you to be his girlfriend?”
“No, not yet, but you best bet he’ll be asking me by the end of the week to be my boyfriend.”
Always confident, Beth.
“Next time you go see Alec, you have to make sure Kyson is there too, and I’ll come with you.” She plans already.
I can’t even say anything because I was pretty much the same way when I met Alec. “Okay, let’s do it. I’ll make sure he’s there next time.”
She practically bounces with excited energy.
“How are you going to sleep tonight? You look like you’ve drunk too many energy drinks.” I tease her.
“I don’t know honnestly I wish I could just talk to him for another hour or longer. Oh, I forgot to tell you, we went into town and ate at this cute little mom-and-pop Italian restaurant. It was so good, and we literally just talked the whole time. And the best part is that you can rest easy. He didn’t make a move on me once.”
I am shocked to hear that. I genuinely expected at least a kiss to have taken place. But I’m happy to hear it.
“Good, that’s how it should be. Now go to bed, I’m tired.” I yawn.
She gets up going to change into her PJs. I know she’s gonna be buzzing all night. I doubt much sleep will be happening.