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Chapter 1

Campbell StevensPounding on the hollow bathroom door of our eighty-nine dollar a night hotel room I yell out, “Lexi! Hurry up! You aren’t the only one who needs to get ready!”

I sigh and walk over to the double bed where my suitcase lay wide open. I spill out its contents onto the gaudy multi-hued bedspread.

The first thing I noticed about Mexico was that everything is so jammed with color. Riding in the taxi to our hotel, I was astonished that people actually painted their homes cotton-candy pink, ocean teal, and banana yellow. The streets are aligned with seemingly connected homes, each uniquely and brightly painted, oddly blending into the next as the taxi passes by them.

This country’s use of color fascinates me, and for the most part is pretty cool—with the exception of the colors in this particular hotel room, that is, which are quite hideous.

The comforters covering the two double beds look like a family of parrots flew into a speeding ice cream truck, thus causing the deadly explosion of color, feathers, and Neapolitan ice cream that cover these beds. I’m sure if I felt around the bed coverings, I could find hints of stickiness that didn’t come from any ice cream truck either, but I choose not to inspect that possibility too closely. Ignorance is bliss, they say, and I’m in Acapulco on spring break. No complaints here.

I’m holding up my two choices of outfits for the evening when Lexi finally comes out of the bathroom with a cloud of hot steam trailing behind her.

“The blue dress, definitely,” she says as she wraps a towel around her dripping, long blonde hair. “It’ll make your gorgeous eyes pop. No guy can resist those big doe eyes of yours.”

Squinting toward her, I say, “I’m not really too worried about what the guys here might think, Lex.”

And I’m not. Guys have never been my focus. I’ve worked very hard all through high school to be the best. I’m currently at the top of my class and I had the choice between several colleges, all offering me full-ride scholarships in the fall. I finally accepted the invitation to DePaul University in Chicago only three months ago. The most influential perk about that particular college is the distance from my hometown. I don’t particularly have anything against Jacksonville, Florida—it just seems the people that surround me there are perpetually stuck in an inconsequential life of mediocrity. I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck, either. I want more. When I’m not studying, I’m usually working at Howard’s diner, saving everything I earn to pay for my future college expenses. I decided long ago that I was going to make something more of myself.

Most of all, my one, driving thought is I will not end up like my mother. I love my mom despite her many inadequacies, but her life was and is, the opposite of fulfillment. She works long shifts at another diner in town and sleeps around with random men. She’s never invested in her life, herself—or me, for that matter. She’s constantly tired and ornery. I want something greater in life and because of that, boys are not a priority.

Lexi drops her towel and shimmies on a red, lacey thong.

With a flippant voice, she says, “Campbell Grace Stevens, what better time is there to lose your V-card than on your senior year at spring break?”

Through her eager expression, I can see she is being completely serious. I laugh out loud, the hilarity rolling through me.

Placing my hands on my hips, I respond back in a mocking tone, “Oh my goodness, Alexa Anne Laine! That’s so not going to happen!”

I shake my head, a huge grin spreading across my face despite the ridiculous content of this conversation.

I go on, “I can think of a thousand more meaningful scenarios I’d want to do that than on spring break with some random stranger. That’s just pathetic, and not to mention, plain gross!”

“Gotta pop that cherry sometime! Why not now?” Lexi smirks standing beside her suitcase. She starts rummaging through her lacy b*a collection, picking out something that appears to be held together with dental floss.

I laugh as I throw one of my shirts at her. “Oh my God! What kind of a best friend are you? You’re so crude.” She flashes a smile at me and says nothing. “That and you’re giving horrible advice!”

She grins, shrugging. “Hey, all I’m saying is that I cashed in that card two years ago, and I’m definitely not regretting it.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not you, babe—not even close.” A warm smile lights up my face.

It must be true that opposites attract, because I couldn’t be more different than my best friend. She is somewhat of a ‘wild child’. Sometimes, I think her rowdiness is a result of her being an only child. However, I myself am also an only child, and I am nothing like her. I guess the difference in our upbringings could play a factor. She has always gotten everything she has wanted. I on the other hand, have not. She is all about instant gratification and being the center of attention. She is gorgeous, and she loves to flaunt it. I don’t think I am ugly by any means, but I’ve always been more comfortable hanging in the background than having the spotlight on me. I am a good student, and I’ve always worked hard in all aspects of my life. Lexi is what I would call more of a carefree spirit. She doesn’t invest too much of her energies into school, coupled with the fact she’s never had to work a day in her life.

“Well fine, be that way. I’m just glad you’re here!” Lexi states with excitement, her bright blue eyes shining while putting on her b*a. “I can’t believe your mom let you come!”

I nod back, catching her enthusiasm, “I know! I still can’t believe it! I feel bad for Jules, but I’m so excited to be here, too. It took a lot of convincing, but thank goodness she came around.”

I was a last-minute addition to this trip. Lexi was originally scheduled to room with our good friend Jules but unfortunately for her, her mom came home to find her stoned sky-high and having s*x with their twenty-four-year-old neighbor in the pool. That quickly ended her spring break trip. Fortunately for me, Jules had already paid for the hotel room, so I just had to come up with the cost for my flight. So I dipped into my college savings I’d accumulated from working over the past two years.

It will be worth it. After all, I’ll only have one senior year spring break.

There is no reason my mom should have said no. I am paying for the trip and I’m responsible enough to handle myself. Yet sometimes she just likes to play the authoritative parental role. If she’s in a foul mood, she tends to turn down all of my requests, regardless of what they are. So I’ve learned to gauge her mood before asking to do anything. It’s either that, or I ask her when she’s asleep. In the foggy haze she experiences when she’s trying to wake up, she always says yes.

The shower has to be quick, or I’ll never be ready on time. My hair takes at least thirty minutes to dry as it is. I’ve been told my long, thick brunette locks are a blessing. I admit that I have pretty hair, but it takes some effort if I want to do anything with it other than put it in a ponytail.

Lexi walks into the bathroom as I’m finishing my lip-gloss application.

“You are H.O.T. Hot. I love that dress,” she says approvingly.

I study myself in the mirror. The dress is cute, but very revealing, not something I would normally wear. It clings to my body like a glove, accentuating my hips and chest. It is low cut, displaying more of my breasts than I feel comfortable with. I bought it especially for this trip, and I am trying to steel up the nerve to actually leave the hotel room in it. I’m not one to flaunt my body—ever.

I turn to Lexi and realize that her barely-there dress makes me feel suitable for church.

“Thanks,” I say, feeling a bit better about myself.

“All right, babe. You ready to get our party on?”

Lexi’s exuberance paired with my excited energy send a torrent of pleasant jitters through my body.

With a wide smile across my face I say, “Yes. Let’s go.”

I grab my black wristlet off the bed, double-checking to make sure my I.D. and money are in there as I follow Lexi out of the room.

Walking into the club, my senses are assaulted with the unfamiliar, bold surroundings. A shiver of excitement runs up my spine as I take it all in. The air is thick with a warm charge resulting from the mass of bodies dancing around on every visible surface. I’m taken aback by the wide array of people and the way everyone is moving their bodies to their own cadence. It feels almost tribal.

I follow Lexi, distracted by my people-watching when I run into her back.

“I’m so sorry!” I yell over the pounding bass.

The cause for Lexi’s abrupt stop is evident as she grabs me excitedly and points out a brunette wearing a skintight red dress in our path. The girl is bending over, touching her toes, and raising her butt in the air in what I assume is an attempt at a dance move. My eyes go wide and Lexi giggles as we make a detour around her. I lean to the side, trying to avoid the gyration of her barely covered behind against my thigh.

The multicolored strobe lights flash in a rhythmic fashion, creating an environment that is both energetic and surreal. As I pass through the dancing bodies, I catch varying smells lingering in the air—different perfumes and colognes, mixed with the sweet scent of fruity cocktails and the sour smell of beer.

This really is so cool.

A huge square area in the center of the club is packed with people moving to the beat as the lights bounce off their bodies. Staircases erect from the four corners of the main dance floor, leading to smaller but still impressive open platforms that mirror the one below seeming to hang in suspended animation. They too, are exploding with the energy of writhing bodies and multicolored lights. Each level is outfitted with black leather booths and teal-and-black tables that are positioned along the edges of the dance area. The whole front of the club wall is lined with a giant bar countertop adorned with neon lighting. It’s fascinating.

“Let’s get a drink!” exclaims Lexi.

As an eighteen-year-old, I have to admit the thought of just walking up to a bar and ordering a drink with no questions asked is liberating.

I ask the bartender for something fruity and sweet, and I’m handed a bowl-like glass topped with a garnish of pineapple and cherry, speared with an umbrella.

Awesome.

“Oh my God!” Lexi screams.

I literally jump out of my bar stool, sloshing some of the fruity concoction on my hand. “Geez, Lex. What?”

“Oh my God, Cam! Look over there to the left of that neon pole. It’s Gage! Remember I told you about that totally hot guy I made out with under the bleachers at the football game last fall? Can you believe he’s here?”

Yes, I do remember that story, and I’m not too surprised he’s here, either. Half of the seniors from our surrounding area had plans to go to Acapulco.

While waiting in line at the concession stand during that game, Lexi had run into Gage, who attended our rival high school. However, I remember her telling me they did a lot more than simply make-out under the bleachers. Keeping it classy, Lex.

Before I can answer, she is making her way across the club toward Gage.

“Wait, Lex!” I yell.

But she can’t hear me over the music. I start to follow her, but it takes me a little bit longer to weave my way through all the dancing bodies with my giant fishbowl in hand. I’m not as aggressive as Lexi when it comes to getting through a crowd of people, but I’m also not as outgoing as Lexi—ever.

I don’t think I took that much longer than she did to get to Gage but apparently, they reacquainted quickly. When I reach them, they are seriously—and somewhat repulsively—sucking face. Lexi has always been one to cut to the chase.

Lexi breaks off their kiss, “Gage, this is my BFF, Cam. Cam, this is Gage. Okay, let’s dance!” With that, she is off to the dance floor, Gage in tow.

Once again, I am winding my way through the multitude of people in pursuit of Lexi as she and Gage make to the center of the large, main dance floor.

I feel awkward as I stand among the crowd. A foot away from me, Lexi and Gage are groping each other, not caring if anyone sees them as I sway my hips to the music and sip on my drink. At least I can people-watch. There are some interesting characters and interactions going on around me.

Lexi shouts over the pounding bass, “Hey, Cam, did you hear me? I’m heading back to Gage’s room. Catch ya later!”

My focus finds Lexi. She is facing me, no longer dancing.

“What?” I yell in bewilderment, my voice a panicked shrill. “You can’t leave me here alone! We just got here!”

“You’re not alone! Look at all these people here,” she yells loudly in a sweet as sugar voice while she gestures toward the entire club with her hand.

“I don’t know anyone here! It’s our first night! You can’t just leave me! Please stay for a bit. I don’t want to go back yet.”

Although I’m used to it, Lexi’s selfishness still knocks me on my butt occasionally.

She pulls me into a quick hug, “I love you, Cam! I’m sorry.”

Releasing me, she gasps as Gage leans in to kiss her neck. Her eyes bulge out as if to say, Can you believe I’m so lucky? It’s meant to be!

Lexi is not one to pass down a chance at instant gratification, and from the sight of Gage mauling her skin with his tongue, it’s going to be pretty instant.

She waves her hand in my direction in a feeble attempt at a good-bye. “I gotta go.” She giggles as Gage continues to suck on her neck. “Stay here and make friends, or go back to the room. It’s up to you. We’ll go out again tomorrow, I promise!”

With that, she quickly turns and drags Gage behind her toward the exit.

I stand there in shock with my mouth open, staring at her long blonde hair swishing behind her as she leaves. I can’t believe she’s already abandoned me and on our first night! Sometimes, I wonder if I should rethink my choice in a best friend.

I take a sip of the sweet mixture in my hand. Sighing, I start walking back to the bar. I hoist myself up on one of the black swivel stools and stare at the dancing crowd, sipping. I sigh, taking note of a group of girls laughing while they dance in a circle. One of the girls who has a short, blond bob haircut takes the hand of her friend and twirls her as they both giggle, then fall into in a hug.

I’m sure Blondie wouldn’t abandon her friend for a quickie with a random guy who she only knows on a first-name basis. I think despondently. I decide that I’ll at least finish my drink before heading back to the hotel room for a lonely night by myself, watching cheesy Mexican telenovelas.

“Hey, gorgeous. Why the long face?”

Startled, I peer up to see a pair of dark chocolate–brown eyes sparkling down on me. They are actually twinkling.

Seriously gorgeous eyes and that smile…wow.

My heartbeat quickens. “Um…I was just getting ready to leave actually.” My voice is clipped and unsure. I’m completely out of my element.

I can just imagine Lexi laughing at my reaction to this guy’s attempt at conversation. I feel my heart racing in my chest, and the lump of nerves sitting in my throat has me swallowing hard, forcing them down. If Lex were here, I would hear about my naïveté later. I’m not naïve though, just inexperienced. I haven’t really had too many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone. With a best friend like Lexi as a buffer in every situation, it’s hard to stand out. It’s not in my nature to assert myself to get attention, so I don’t. I don’t want or need it that bad—not like she does. She craves the spotlight. I avoid it.

“Please don’t leave. My night is just starting to get interesting,” he says, flashing his panty-dropping smile. I’ve never dropped my panties for anyone before, but I’m pretty sure his smile could be classified as just that.

I stammer out quickly as I hop off the stool, “Well, my friend just left, so I’m just going to head back to my hotel. It was nice meeting you.”

He gently places his hand on my belly, halting me. I inhale quickly at the contact and peer up, wide-eyed at his face as he looks at me with an intense, warm stare.

“You haven’t met me yet, sweetheart. I haven’t even introduced myself. Please, let me buy you a drink.” His liquid eyes hold me.

It is hard to concentrate on what I want to say when his gaze is on me. “Uh…um…no, that’s okay. I really should go.”

“Please? What’s one drink going to hurt? If you want to leave after that, I won’t try to stop you.”

His wide grin is seriously disarming. I can feel his natural charm coming off in almost palatable waves. Something about him is so intriguing, and despite my better judgment, I decide to grant him that one drink.

What can it hurt? It’s just one drink. Maybe stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people, and having fun is what this trip is all about. It’s my spring break, after all. Live a little, Campbell!