Page 26 of Lexi, Property of Rhyder

Rhyder:Then you are alone.

Grrr, why is this guy so frustrating.

Me:To you we are alone but to me, we’re not. Why don’t you go and annoy someone else?”

I smile, waiting for his reply. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Rhyder in the last couple of days is that he’s bossy and overprotective. Even more so then my parents.

Rhyder:But I like annoying you, just like you like annoying me.

I blush, feeling it come up my neck and onto my cheeks.

Me:No, I don’t.

Rhyder:Yeah, well… stay safe, and remember I’m only a phone call away.

Me:Okay, but I won’t need you.

Rhyder:Oh, baby, you will one day.

I flush seeing the word ‘baby.’ I can just imagine him using that word to me in person.

Me:Wait what? What do you mean one day?

Rhyder:Don’t worry your pretty little head, you’ll know what I mean, and soon.

I frown, trying to understand his comment, but then another text appears.

Rhyder:Gotta go. Bye, babe.

Me:Bye.

“Who’s that?” Dropping my phone on my lap, I turn to Paige who’s been watching me all along.

“Nobody.” I turn back to the beach and look out at the crystal water.

“Yeah, right, I saw your cheeks flush. Was that Rhyder?”

I don’t reply as I continue to stare out at the ocean.

Paige turns on her side to face me. “What did he say?”

I shrug. “Nothing much, just checking in.”

“Mmm, yeah, whatever.”

“Here you are, ladies. Two iced teas.”

We accept the drinks and thank Pepe with a tip. I watch him move onto the next couple beside us, but can’t help noticing how he keeps looking back at Paige. “I think Pepe has a crush on you,” I tease.

Paige looks up at him and blushes when she sees Pepe smiling back at her. “Please… he’s just a cabana boy.”

“But he’s kinda cute,” I reply, and she smiles.

“Yeah, he kind of is.”

We giggle, and she sits back in her chair continuing to listen to her music.

We enjoy the water until the late afternoon. Mom and Dad came down to the beach for an hour and ordered some food. We all sat there enjoying the exotic fruits and cheeses and other snacks that went with it. Paige and I continued to relax and talk about school and how I’m off to Harvard soon. We swam for a bit, then dried off and talked some more.

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