Sunset Cove. Rookie School

Chapter 2 Being Chosen

Shawna keys in hand knew that when she opened the door she was actually opening the door to her new life. She slid the key into the hole holding her breathe it took one swift turn and the lock was free. Her heart was racing so much as she opened the door to her new home. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Coming through the mansion was totally cool and all. This was truly beautiful. She turned and shut the door behind her. Then she breathed in a heavy smell of the sea mixed with the flowers hanging from the ceiling in all the corners of the room. Big pretty orange and peach blossoms. She had neither seen nor smelled anything like them before. So she just figured they may be prone to this island. As she walked on into the living room the first thing that caught her eye was where the sea smell was coming from.

She was on the 6th floor so she had a breath taking balcony the French doors were cracked open and the curtains were blowing gently in the wind. The living area itself was large with plush lavender carpet. A deeper color of purple in the corner was a sectional with recliners on both ends. A wooden center piece sat in the middle it opened up where you could put books you were reading, a place for your glasses, and when it was down it was a drink holder for two. It even had massage and heating elements made into the recliners. She hadn’t even seen the rest of her home yet but she already felt as if she were dreaming. The end tables were made of oak and glass with the matching coffee table.

There was a big screen Television built into the wall with shelving for movies, keepsakes things like that. It had a nice stereo that could Bluetooth to your cell phone and actually play the videos on your flat screen. Get this it came with a remote so when you weren’t using the unit an oak casing would come together and cover it up. So you wouldn’t even see the Television, radio even the shelves. All you would see is what looked like two oak cabinet doors with roses carved in them. She loved it she couldn’t wait to see the rest of the apartment. Her first apartment.

Moving onto the dining room fully equipped with a chandler. Hard wood floors. A dining ensemble made of beautiful cherry wood. A portable bar stocked with whatever you can think of to drink. I’m thinking tequila sunrises. A breakfast bar ran along the wall next to the window. It had 4 barstools and plenty of space to entertain. The table was perfect just the right size to have a dinner party. And the cherry wood was just the right touch for the room. It also had a hutch to match. Both bars were also made of cherry wood. She still was in shock that this was really all hers.

There was a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. A nice size doorway in-between the two. There was also a fancy triangle cut out so that you could talk while you were cooking. The breakfast bar in the dining room was right along that wall so that you can see each other while you’re talking. Whoever came with this design was a genius in my book. All silver top of the line appliances with dishwasher built into the center island also made from cherry wood to match the dining furnisher and the cabinets. Now you talk about a KITCHEN. Shawna couldn’t wait to see the rest of the house.

Just then the doorbell rang. She looked around and decided it would just halve to wait. A pity really. She sighed and went to the door. To her surprise it was John.

“Hi,” she said softly. She was outgoing but when it came to someone sending butterflies to her stomach she was kind of shy. “Would you like to come in or is that allowed? “

“We’re all adults here. We tend to become a tight nit family. As long as it doesn’t bother you. It’s not going to bother anyone else.” John replied in a sexy voice.

His eyes are so deep blue you could get put into a trance just staring into them. So rare with that jet black hair.

“Would you like a drink?” she asked.

“Sure. I’ll take a beer. As long as you will join me?”

He pulled out a barstool and sat down at the bar. She went behind the bar and pulled out two beers. Popped them open and sat them down on the bar and moved to join him. Then she realized this was the first thing she had drank in her new place. It was definitely a moment she wouldn’t forget. Not because of the beer its self but because she shared it with him.

He hopped to his feet as soon as she popped the first top off he had already pulled her stool out for her by the time she opened the second one.

“Ah, a gentleman don’t find many of them around these days.” She said.

“Always. My lady.” He said bowing towards her.

It made her laugh. Now days that doesn’t happen enough. Right then it hit her this is going to be the best place for her and she would do anything it took to stay. She handed him his beer and took her throne. She felt like a queen sitting across from him. He was her prince charming. What is wrong with you? Shawna she thought. You don’t ever think like this about anybody.

“So what do you think of your new place?” he asked.

“I haven’t made it to the rest of the rooms. So far I love it. The glass doors are a nice touch. I can see out over the ocean and smell the fresh ocean smell. I can’t wait to check out the balcony.” Shawna replied back.

“Well I’ll give you the grand tour as soon as we finish our beers. I came by to make sure you liked your place. I picked out the color scheme from your file. Favorite colors: purple, pink, and black. Did I do a good job?”

“Are you kidding this place is great. This is my first place of my own. I just graduated high school a few weeks ago. I was so excited to be offered this internship.” She took a

long swallow of her beer and got out a cigarette put it to her lips. All he could think was god she is so sexy. He already had his lighter out to light it for her.

She had never met a man quite like him gorgeous and thoughtful.

“The other reason I stopped by is to let you know you we’re one of the special ones chosen.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are six teams and you were chosen to lead Team A. Bridget and I can only be in so many places at one time. You were picked by your qualifications. It is a substantial amount of money if you choose to take the position.” He waited for her answer.

“Yes, yes, of course. I would be honored.”

“Then a toast to leadership.” He held up his beer and clicked her bottle.

“To leadership.”

Just then there was the doorbell again.

“I’m not expecting anybody. I’ll be right back.”

Shawna came back with Kiara and Juliann.

“Hi girls,” John said throwing away his bottle, “Shawna I’ll take you up on that offer to see the rest of the place later.” He winked at her and then disappeared out the door.

Eyebrows lifted as the girls looked towards her.

“It was nothing. He just came by to see if I liked my apartment. Then he offed me a leadership position.

“Us too. We are the other two.” They shrieked. Jumping up and down hugging her so that she was now bouncing with the both of them.

“This is going to be great. Why don’t we all go celebrate? There is a mall up the street.” Kiarra said.

“Sure just let me grab my purse and I’ll be ready.”

The girls made sure it was okay if they went to the mall by asking Bridget.

“You are grown women. You don’t have to ask me to go anywhere. The only thing you have to do. To be where you are supposed to be and to make sure you are always on time. Alright?”.Bridget replied.

“Alright.”. They said in unison.

So when they arrived at the mall they couldn’t find a parking place near the entrance. It was a nice walk on a wonderful day. They had high hopes for this internship. Especially since they all just became a captain of the teams that they will manage. Each one of them had a team of 6. How crazy is that anyway? Right? These three met each other first before anyone else. They were all chosen before they even agreed to the internship. I guess when they chose the special ones for this assignment for the sixteen weeks. They chose the ones most likely to say yes.” All of them were high school and trying to figure out who they wanted to become. Not to mention they were all from different places and all in the swim teams at their high schools. Shawna was in deep thought when Kiarra’s words rushed through her head.

“Now that we’re here what should we buy?” Kiara asked.

“We have that banquet tonight. Does anyone have anything to wear to that? Shawna asked back looking at the two girls standing in front of her.

“No I didn’t even think of that. Good choice.” said Juliann.

“Okay. Where would be a good place to start?” They’re bridal and evening

Dresses in that shop over there in that corner!” Let’s start there!” Shawna said excitedly.

They walked into a shop where the dresses were extraordinary. The girls began trying them on and coming out of the dressing room. So that the other two could rate how each dress looked on. Chatting the whole entire time. Even if they we’re all in the dressing rooms at the same time they’d still be talking through the walls.

Juliann came out in a bright blue sequin dress. It went all the way to the floor and was split up both sides to the hip. The back was out. In its place was a dark blue see through lace with beautiful roses. The dress was strapless. The lace was oval shaped with the illusion of that being what was holding the dress together. It was beautiful and she was beautiful in it. She admired herself from all angles in the mirror. “This is just going to have to be the one. None of the others could, even a little bit, could compare to this,” she said dancing around. “So what do you think?”. She asked Shawna and Kiara.

“I hope that I can find one that looks that good on me. Kiara replied. How about you Shawna.

“ I feel the exact same way”. Shawna said.

Then out of nowhere on a different rack there was a black evening dress and a fold one that was identical to the one that Juliann picked out. Except the black one had red roses on the back. The gold had the white ones.

“This wouldn’t be two weird would it? Would you mind Juliann”? Shawna asked Juliann. Looking right at her so that she could tell the expression on her face. She didn’t want her to say it was okay if it wasn’t the way she really felt.

“I think it would be wonderful,” she said all smiles. The girl leadership team look somewhat alike. The gold dress glittered in the light. The black dress shimmered. They all we’re made out of different material just the same design. “You guys better go try them on make sure that is truly the ones you want”.

All the dresses fit each girl just right. Everyone brought out the color of their hair and the colors of their eyes.

“What do you think Juliann”? Both of the girl’s eyes on her.

“I think we’re going to WOW them at the party tonight. The guys won’t be able to keep their eyes off the three most beautiful girls in the room.

Now for the shoes! They ran like little kids in a candy store. No woman I don’t care who she is can resist a good pair of high heels. After buying everything that they wanted to match their dress. Like each one bought a clip with flowers on it the exact same colors in the dresses they bought to wear in their hair. The girls grabbed their bags and headed quickly out the door.

“We have one more thing to take care of before we leave the mall”. Shawna said shyly.

“What could that possibly be? I think we pretty much thought of everything. What else could we possibly need for tonight”? Kiara asked.

All Shawna could think about was I hope these girls can rollerblade. As they made their way to the athletics store. As Shawna reached for the door handle.

She could hear Juliann behind her. What could we possibly need from in here! She exclaimed.

Kiara just shrugged her shoulders.

“Rollerblades they both said in unison”. Pushing Shawna in the store in front of them.

They picked up everything they needed for rollerblading. Helmets, elbow, and knee pads. All the security measures taken and skates on. Now they were ready. On with the helmets and all the pads. Then out the door they went. Thank god they didn’t have to go in these things down the aisles of the mall. They had found the only sporting goods store and it was near the exit sign.

It smelled like summer, she could just smell it in the air. Shawna had a distinct smell she could smell with every season. She just couldn’t explain it. But she wasn’t so sure that was

Was the only thing in the air.

Gorgeous guys were everywhere. Muscled and built with the perfect body of a lifeguard. The girls couldn’t help but think of what this different life was going to bring them.

What they would either stay with or what they would take with them when they go?

“Salon of Hair” was printed on a sign above the building. They just happen to see it while they were canvassing the block. The girls all looked at each other and then back at the whop.

They just all said at the same time, “ Oh, What the hell.”

So everyone’s up for hair, nails, and make-up? I assume we will need some of these things before we go to a black tie event.” Shawna asked excitedly.

Then we can hang out and find something to do until it’s time.

“ Oh s**t that reminds me,” Shawna said thinking out loud. “I still haven’t seen the rest of my apartment.”

“Really?” Kiara sounded shocked.

“Remember when you two goofballs showed up out of nowhere. John was there and he said he would take a raincheck on showing me the rest of the apartment he wasn’t kidding or just saying that. The next step after the beer he was going to give me the tour himself. Then ya’ll whisked me away. So nope I haven’t seen it yet”. Shawna replied.

Well we’ll do the walk through and talk. Can’t we all get dressed at your place? We can go show you our when we get back and you get to see the rest of yours.

“Then we’ll be ready to go tonight with all the glitz and glamour that goes with it”. Kiara chimed in.

So the girls were now on their way to making the final touches for the night.

There was a knock on Connr’s door. It was Devin.

“Hey. What’s up man?” asked Conner waving him in.

Ac/D blared from the speakers. He walked over and turned the stereo down. “I just came by to talk to you about going to rent a tux. You know I’m not from around here. So I really would have no idea where to go. Unless you’ve already gotten one?” Devin asked.

Sure I was just on my way out the door. I was going to stop by and see if Shawn might want to go.

“Sound good to me”. Devin replied.

“Maybe on the way back we can stop off at “Sharkey’s” on our way back for a couple of beers and some burgers.”

“Okay.” Conner replied. Closing the door. “Let’s go track him down and drag him along with us. Did they tell you about the captain of the teams?”

“ Yeah.” Johnathon came by this morning to let me know. “It’s great but absolutely wild. I never thought I could even come close to qualifying for something like that.”

“John came by earlier too. Seems like it’s you, me, and Shawn”. Conner replied.

When the guys arrived at Shawn’s he was reading the rule book. “Sunset Cove’s” book on lifeguards. They went over their plans and Shawn was all in.

As the guys walked out into the bright sunny daylight the warm wind blew across their face.

“God. It’s good to be here.” Shawn said, “To be completely truthful I hadn’t a clue what I was going to do after graduation.”

“I know I feel the same way.” Devin replied. “I’m not sure how I was one of the one’s chosen, but up here I’m living my dream.”

“Me too. The ocean waves beating against my body, the beautiful girls everywhere, and the moonlit nights. Can you think of a better way to spend the day? We’re even getting paid to do exactly what we love to do. Swim and save people’s lives. Just take the time to really look around you at rookie school and you will find we all love it. There is like this fire in the eyes and everyone there is burning up”.

Conner said laughing and putting his arms around Devin and Shawn’s shoulders. “We’re going to be good friends I can feel it.”

“We almost have to be. We’re team leaders and every now and again we’ll need each other’s help for something. Am I right?” Shawn replied.

After they were fitted and they picked up their tuxes and headed on over to Sharkey’s. The hostess seated them and took their drink orders. They ordered a pitcher and three glasses. No one was hardly ever carded down here. They were a way of life. Every summer a group of intern lifeguards come through. Their jobs are hard enough without them being carded for what they want to drink. Most every owner felt the same way if you are old enough to fight the waves and risk your life to save theirs your old enough to-do pretty much whatever you the hell you want.

Sharkey’s wasn’t 5star. It kind of reminds you of the burger places you have back home. Not the chains but like the ma and pop types. Except is was shaped like a big hut. I guess in our world they would call it a cabana. It had straw on top of the roof and on the floor. It had that whole ocean feel to it. One wall was an aquarium full of special tropical fish.

The guys opened a menu to see what they wanted to order. The place was packed with wall to wall people and the Beach Boys were coming out of the jukebox loud as it could be singing Kokomo. By the time the waitress arrived to take their order they needed her to bring them another pitcher of beer. This time they drank a little slower so that they would still have some to drink with their food. After they ate it was around, 4:00p.m. Time to get back take showers and get ready for the ball that night.

On the way back they chattered like girls would. “You guys got your sights set on anyone to share the summer days and nights with”? Devin asked.

“Well I kind of has my eyes set on Bridget.”. Shawn replied sheepishly.

Conner and Devin’s mouths kind of dropped open. “The boss,” they both said at the same time.

“Yeah. Why not? That is why I was reading the rule book earlier to make sure before tonight that there are no regulations I’m breaking or she’s breaking if I decide to go through with all this!”

“Boy, Conner said, “You must like her if you’ve thought it out this far then you are serious. Well don’t keep us dangling on the edge of our seats, now. What did you find out?”

“No rules to break since we’re both leadership. We can do as we chose and see fit. So I think I might just go for it. Ask her for a slow dance the champagne should wet the mood. It’ll be perfect.”

“You’re a brave man Shawn. I wish I had a set as big as yours. No, no, no. You don’t know me well yet but I’m just giving you a hard time. It’s the way people who do know me know whether or not I like them. If I don’t give you a hard time then you’re not even on the

List of want to bees.”

“Who are the want to be’s?” Devin asked.

“The ones I want to make my friends”. Conner replied back.

“Anyone else got their sights on anyone”? Shawn asked.

“I do”, Conner said, “but, I don’t want to jinx it”.

Devin kept thinking don’t let it be who I like. Please don’t let it be her. She’s so beautiful and he wanted her so badly. He could almost taste her mouth covering his. He wanted to talk to her, kiss her, and to feel her body against his. His goal was to start immediately. The only problem he had was he didn’t know how. He was a small town hick from nowhere. How do you get such a glamorous, pretty, and educated to notice someone like me. If he could figure out how to do this he’d be home free.

“Earth to Devin. Earth to Devin. Anyone in there?” Shawn asked. “You look as if you are in deep thought. So what’s up with you?”

“Just thinking about rookie school. It starts Monday. Is anyone as nervous as I am? It’s going to be hard work. They’re going to expect more out of us. With us being part of the leadership team”. Devin replied nervously.

“ Hey, there is no reason to worry. We were picked because of our records. If they didn’t think we were 100% capable they wouldn’t have chosen us. Right? I’m right! So we’re going to have fun. You just go out there and do what you do best. The rest of it will work itself out along the way. We all knew this would be hard work when they offered it to us, but we jumped on a plane and heee we are if you ask me the plane was the hardest thing to board. Once I done that I decided at that moment this is what I have to do. If for no one else but myself.” Conner replied back.

“Yeah, we’re going to be just fine. If we all stick together. We’ll have fun in the sun, we will work hard, enjoy a summer fling and at the end we will all have jobs if we want them. That’s my plan anyway stay on as a “Sunset Cove” lifeguard. Is this ya’lls goal?”

“Yes,” they said in unison. Then here’s to a lasting partnership. They clinked their beer glasses together one last time. Finished up and decided it was about time to get back. They had just enough time to shower, shave, and get into their tuxes.

They were all three excited about tonight.