Page 106 of Still Here Without You

“I’ve been so horrible to Joel and you’re being so nice. Why?”

Dylan chuckles. “Because we care about you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“That’s okay.” I sniff. “I’ll think about tomorrow, okay?”

“That’s all I ask. Take care, Del.”

“Thank you. For everything. And best of luck.”

When he hangs up, I can’t seem to move as I contemplate his request. I’ve failed being friends with Joel many times already, but I’m not really prepared to give up the idea completely. And it seems to be working this time round. Joel’s really trying, and I owe us both to try too. Plus, saying goodbye to Dylan is the right thing to do, considering how great he’s been to me in the past. Decision made, I get a few things ready and then I tuck myself into bed with my book, hopeful it will take my mind off tomorrow.

I must drift off because the next thing I know, it’s morning and I’m almost late. I don’t have enough time to rethink my decision before I’m out the door and on my way to Joel’s. When I pull up out front, Dylan and a girl I don’t know are loading up his truck. She seems oddly familiar as she pulls her long golden-brown hair up into a bun, but I can’t quite place her.

I’m about to get out to say hi when Joel appears. My eyes track his every move as he heads toward Dylan’s truck and throws a bag into the back. He hip checks the girl on his way past and she laughs before pulling him into a side hug and walking with him back into the house. I expect jealousy to hit me but it doesn’t. Instead I feel an overwhelming sense of resolve. Dylan’s words from yesterday flash into my mind. Joel just wants me in his life, even if it’s only friendship. I feel the same. It’s about time I stopped overcomplicating the situation and just let it play out.

Making my way to Dylan, I give him a wave and hold up my beach bag. “Got room for one more?”

His eyes light up and his beaming smile instantly puts me at ease. “Sure do. Come on.”

The next hour is a mad rush of packing the car and introductions. I meet Lucy, who I saw out front, and recognize her from the photo on Joel’s mantel, then get re-introduced to Cory, after only meeting her once a while back. Joel and I say hi, but that’s all we get time for before he’s jumping on his bike and I’m sliding into the truck. It’s not until we're well into the drive that I stop and breathe. I need to stay out of my head today, and listening to the banter between this group definitely helps to clear my mind.

The morning is pretty relaxing, with the girls lazing around chatting and the guys playing catch. I’ve loved every second of my time with these girls and wish I’d known them my entire life. In fact, I feel so comfortable around them that it’s almost like I have.

“So, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re more beautiful now than when I last saw you,” Lucy says, causing a blush to coat my skin.

My brows furrow. “I’m not really sure how to take that to be honest. Didn’t we just meet?”

Summer and Lucy laugh but it’s not at my expense. Cory looks as confused as I am.

“I’m pretty sure I was there the day Joel figured out he liked you. At Dylan’s football game. He couldn’t stop staring at this stunning redhead cheerleader, and I called him out on it. I think that’s the night you first kissed.”

My blush deepens as I realize how much these people know about me, but I try not to shy away. They’re just being nice. But something in my features has Lucy’s eyes widening in panic.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up. I was just trying to compliment you. I’m actually fairly new to having girlfriends. I grew up surrounded by guys.”

“It’s okay,” I say, letting her off the hook even though I am a little uncomfortable. I appreciate her honesty. “Thank you…for the compliment. I haven’t really felt myself lately so it’s nice to hear.”

Summer’s lips pull into a sympathetic smile as Lucy reaches over and grabs my hand. “I love Joel but he’s a fucking idiot. I’m not even going to pretend to know the full story. But I know enough to say that. Because losing you was his biggest mistake. It’s nice to see you as friends now. Don’t worry, I’m not going to try and convince you to be more than that, like I did with Summer and Dylan. I just wanted you to know that it’s nice to see his genuine smile back now that you're in his life again, even though it’s in a different capacity.”

“I agree,” Summer says. “I mean, I never knew him back then. But I’ve definitely seen a change in the last couple of weeks.”

I don’t know what to say to that, but I’m saved from answering when a ball crashes down on the sand between us, narrowly missing Cory’s head.

“What the hell, boys? Which one of you jackasses threw that?” Lucy yells, standing to her feet and glaring in their direction. I like her. She seems badass. The guys all point to one another, sharing the blame, and I bark out a laugh.

“We’ve decided it’s time for you to join us anyway,” Nate says, walking over to Cory and lifting her to her feet. “What about a game ofballs up? Boys versus girls.”

Balls up? That doesn’t sound very appealing. I’m about to ask what it means when Lucy says, “You’re on” and calls us into a huddle. I catch Joel’s eye before I stand up to join the girls and he winks, eliciting a smile from me. We’ve been sharing smiles all morning but haven’t really spoken. It’s actually nice to be around him but not have him consuming my every thought. Actually that’s a lie—he’s always consuming my thoughts, but this feels different.

Lucy explains her game plan—I’m going to assume she’s played this game a lot—and then we stand in our positions. I have one job. To get the ball and run as far away as I can, giving the girls time to get to the guys. From what I can tell by the brief explanation, the game is a cross between tag and catch.Sort of.The team that has the ball is it, and if they tag everyone from the other team beforethatteam gets the ball they win. If the ball changes hands, the game starts over. There are a bunch of other rules too, but the main point is, first team to win gets a free dinner. Seems fair. As long as we win. We have an extra player so we’re at an advantage.

Summer starts with the ball and immediately throws it to Cory. I take a few subtle steps backward so I’ve distanced myself from the group, ready to play my part. But before I get the chance, Dylan intercepts the ball and the chase is on. Nate’s already standing by Cory, so he tags her easily. Dylan chases after Lucy, who's the farthest away, as Joel goes for Summer. No one’s on me, so when I notice Lucy running my way, I realize what she’s doing. I stand still as they both run past, and in the last second, I knock the ball from Dylan’s hand when his attention is on reaching for Lucy’s back. Ball locked tight under my arm, I freeze until Lucy yells, “Gotcha,” to Dylan and then screams for me to run.

I take off toward some rocks, hoping to find a place to hide, but only have a second of freedom before I hear someone running close behind me. My pulse spikes and the adrenaline hits, prompting me to run faster.

“You’re awesome, Del. Run,” Summer yells with a giggle, and I can’t stop my own laugh from escaping.

“You better run; I’m coming for you,” Joel says from behind me, making my legs work even harder as I laugh.

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