He glances at me as he says my name. Heat instantly warms my cheeks as his chocolate-brown eyes connect with mine for the first time in two years. Griff is the same height as Carson, so I have to lift my chin slightly to look at him. My stomach dips as the butterflies take flight.
“Oh, yes, I’m sure you’re lacking in fans—what with all the puck bunnies you have wearing your number on their shirts, cheeks, and probably underwear,” Katie says as she rolls her eyes. “But alright, Ipromise I’ll always be your number-one fan whenever I’m at one of your games,” she adds.
My parents interrupt the debate by making us pose for what feels like a thousand photos. Katie and I put Carse in the middle, kissing his cheeks while holding up our diplomas.
Next, my parents group the four “lakeshore kids” together. My mom requests we recreate a pose we’ve been doing since we were younger—Carson gives me a piggyback ride, and Griff picks up Katie the same way.
Then Katie, Carse, and I say goodbye to our families and head to the cafeteria to grab our stuff.
As we’re walking out of the gymnasium, I look over my shoulder to catch one last glimpse of the boy who was my first crush. Only he’s no longer a cute boy I’m crushing on, but a gorgeous man I’m lusting after.
I quickly look forward and tell myself to get it together. Griffin Turner has a girlfriend and is my best friend’s older brother. Nothing good can come from my infatuation with him.
I open the double doors leading to my balcony that overlooks our lakefront property. It’s the perfect size for a patio bench and side table and the sunset view is the ideal backdrop while I read or study.
Guests will be arriving soon for our graduation party. Carson and I convinced Mom and Dad to let us have a joint grad party with Katie.
Katie and I have been best friends since she moved in next door when we were five. We’ve gone through everything together—she’s the sister I never had. From the first day of school, first slumber party, first crushes, first heartbreaks, and first periods—we’ve experienced it all, side-by-side.
As close as I am with Carson, there’s just so much a girl can’t confide in her brother. That’s where Katie comes in. Thankfully, she’s literally just a few steps away.
Speaking of—footsteps pad down the hallway and I turn as Katie opens my bedroom door. She waltzes in like she owns the place because, let’s face it, she spends half her time here, and we spend the other half in her room.
Her light brown hair is curled into loose waves that fall just above her shoulders. She’s opted to wear her contacts instead of her wire-framed glasses, which I love. Her creamy skin looks dewy, her makeup flawless.
“Hey girl, are you ready for the world’s most epic grad party to start?” she asks as she looks up from her phone.
“Yes, I just need to finish getting dressed.”
“Have you finally decided what you’re going to wear?”
“I’ve narrowed it down to the two on my bed.”
She walks over to my bed and declares, “The red set is obviously my choice. You know I’ve always been a fan of you in red. It does amazing things for your skin tone. The white dress is cute, but that’s not what we’re going for.”
“Oh, and what is it we’re going for? This is a family function, Katie!”
“I know, I know. But all of our friends will be here, too. And all the boys, including Drew.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me,” I whine.
“Looking hot is the best form of revenge.”
“I don’t need revenge, Katie. It’s been months, and he didn’t even wait until I broke up with him before he had another girl beneath him. Can we skip to August so I can avoid him for the rest of the summer?”
“Forget him, Mack. Tonight is the kickoff to the best summer yet. It’s our first real chance at having a hot girl summer. We’ve finally filledout, and these curves need the attention of a real man.” Katie squeezes her boobs for emphasis.
“Deargod, Katie.” I snort.
“What? We’re already dedicating almost our entire summer to our workout regimen. Can you blame me if I don’t want this summer to be all work and no play? Iwillbe playing with more than just volleyballs.” She cups her palms in front of her and acts like fondling balls.
Christ.
I roll my eyes and reply, “Alright, I’m with you there. I don’t want this last summer before the craziness of college to fly by without making the best memories.”
“Plus, it’s not like you’ll be hooking up with anyone this summer now that my brother is back and single,” she adds casually while looking at her nails.
“Wait, what? He and Emily broke up?” I nearly screech out the question. Griffin, goes to college on the East Coast. He received a full ride to Emery University in Boston and is the first-line center on their hockey team.
