Page 4 of The Trouble with Players

“Is everything okay? Are you okay?” she asked, always concerned about me.

“Aside from finding out my mom’s in Alabama and my room’s been given away, I’ve never been better,” I lied.

She winced. “If it’s any consolation, I’m happy you’re here.”

“That bad without me?” I asked.

“You have no idea,” she said.

I stared out at the waves, realizing how much I missed the ocean while I was overseas.

“So, tell me why you’re back,” Gina pressed.

I sifted sand through my fingers. “Well, I expected gorgeous scenery, amazing food, and an epic love story sweeping countries.”

“And?” she prompted.

“And, what I got was dirty hostels, too much food, and no love story.”

“That sucks.”

“Not for Mel. She met an Italian guy and took off with him once we reached Amsterdam.”

Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”

I nodded.

“I’m sorry. I know you never wanted to be back under the same roof as—”

“Had I known my mother was with my grandmother, I would’ve flown to Alabama instead. I still might.”

“But I just got you back,” Gina argued.

“I know, it’s just…”

“I understand,” Gina said, knowing what I’d been through last summer and why I wouldn’t want to return—especially without my mother here. “So, you’ve met Crew?”

My eyes skipped to hers. “Have you?”

“Just in passing. But I can’t say I wouldn’t like to get to know him better,” she laughed.

“He’s a pig,” I snapped.

“How do you know?” she asked.

“I walked in on him and some girl.”

She wrinkled her nose. “No way.”

“It was not the welcome home I expected.”

“Are you really gonna leave?” she asked.

I shrugged. “I can’t coexist with him.”

She didn’t ask which one. I guess it was clear I meant both of them. “I’m sorry,” she said, and I couldn’t miss the sadness in her tone.

I knew Gina relied on me for her fun over the summer, and up until now, I’d abandoned her. I guess I was no better than Mel. I watched the waves crashing in front of us for a long time. Could I stay for the rest of the summer? Could I avoid my father and Crew? Could I allow myself to be happy in a house that brought back bad memories—at least since last summer? “Let’s go out.”

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