The Summer Guest

CHAPTER 4

Mom and Gerald had to be at the airport at 6am so we had their bags packed and ready to go by 4. I brushed my teeth while they finished their coffees. 4:15. We had a 30-minute drive in front of us so we really needed to leave now.

“Come on guys! You’re going to be late.” I yelled from the front door, closing it behind me and jumping into the driver’s seat of my mom’s SUV. Layla and Gerald piled into the back letting my mom take the passenger seat. The drive didn’t take as long as I thought it would and we arrived shortly after 4:30. We said our goodbyes and they left to check in and get boarded.

“Do you want to stop by the coffee shop on the way back? I can make us some breakfast.” It was around 5 at this point and I was starving.

“That sounds lovely actually. I’m so hungry I think my stomach is about to jump out of my body to go look for food itself.” She joked. I was starting to feel good about her being here. She definitely wasn’t who I thought she was going to be and there was something about her that made me feel excited, safe, and scared all at the same time. It’s an odd feeling that I have never had before and I wanted to figure out why it was her that made me feel this way.

“My stomach is screaming for a muffin. What is yours in the mood for?” I stole a glance in her direction and saw her whole body turned sideways in the seat looking at me with those big eyes.

“I think it likes the idea of a muffin! Lemon blueberry if you can.” She licked her bottom lip and I had to turn away so I didn’t get distracted anymore.

“Then we’ll have two lemon blueberry streusel muffins with some coffee and juice.” I couldn’t get my mind off of her lips and how they would feel on mine. They looked so soft and it was hard to keep myself from reaching up and grabbing them. I snapped out of my mind realizing what I was just thinking. What in the hell was this girl doing to me?

We pulled around the back of The Grind and I led her through the kitchen, pulling a chair up for her to sit in while I prepped everything. Luckily the kitchen staff had just finished making up the muffins so they were nice and warm. I whipped us up a few poached eggs and ran a few fresh oranges through the juicer. After I was finished all that was left was the coffee. I took Layla to my favorite table in the corner. It was far enough away from the other tables and the main door so that we could eat in peace. She took a bite of the muffin first and her eyes lit up.

“Oh man. I totally forgot how good these were.” She groaned and I choked down my eggs, sipping on my juice to get it out of my throat. I needed to focus and stop getting distracted by this girl. This was supposed to be Emma’s and my summer to go wild. I pulled out my phone shooting a quick text to Emma.

A: SOS!!! I need your butt at my house as soon as you wake up!

I resumed eating, being more cautious this time, and opened my phone in surprise when I got a text back. I didn’t think Emma would be up this early.

E: I’ll be there in 30...gonna stop at the shop and grab breakfast.

A: That’s perfect. Back corner table. HURRY!

E: Be there soon

I glanced back up to see Layla staring at me.

“That was delicious. Thank you for bringing me here. I didn’t know you got your mom's cooking skills. Pretty impressive.” She licked her muffin and I shuttered. I wasn’t sure if this was in my head or if it was her personality or if she’s flirting. She’s making it hard for me to think about anything else.

“Uh yeah thanks. I’ve basically grown up here in the shop since they opened it,  so I picked up a few tricks. I’m glad you like it.” I was surprised I could even form coherent sentences at this point. I focused back down on my food and heard a ding as the shop door opened.

“Finally!” I muttered quietly to myself. “Back here Em. What do you want to eat and I’ll make it.” I stood up and pulled a chair to our table for Emma and gave her pleading eyes.

“I’ll just take whatever you all are having.” She turned and stuck out her hand. “You must be the infamous Layla. I’m Emma, Ash’s best friend.” Layla took her hand and shot her a perfect smile.

“Wow. Ashley didn’t mention you were drop dead gorgeous. Now I get a whole month with two smoking hot ladies!”

I felt my face heat up and heard Emma giggling in the background as I left them alone to go make another plate. I guess I got my answer and Layla is just a flirt. Probably for the best though. I had too much on my mind to be involved with anyone right now. I pushed on the kitchen door with Em’s food and got shoved backwards, juice and food spilling down the front of my clothes.

“Ashley! I’m so sorry. I was just coming to help you carry everything. I got it all over your shorts. Let  me grab a towel and dry them off.” Layla walked over to the shelf, grabbed a fresh towel and walked back over to me patting the front of my shorts. My face once was once again heating up and giving me away.

“I never noticed how beautifully tanned your legs were before. Benefits of living on a lake I guess.” She was inches away from my red face staring at me with her emerald eyes.

“I guess so. Thanks. You know, I think my shorts are dry enough by now.”

“I feel like such an i***t. I’m sorry for running you over with the door.” She didn’t let up her position, still close enough that I could smell her faint vanilla-like scent. I backed up hesitantly and brushed myself off.

“Don’t worry about it. These things happen all the time. Part of the restaurant business.” I quickly remade Emma’s plate and drink and stepped back to the door. Layla held her arm out, stopping me and leaning into my ear.

“I don’t if it’s just me or what, but I find you irresistible. I’d love to see what’s under those wet shorts later on if you’re up for it.” She leaned back gave me a quick wink and walked away, taking all the air in my body with her. I took a moment to catch my breath before carefully walking back to the table. Emma took a big bite out of her muffin and stared at the two of us.

“So, I was thinking, we’ll finish up here and head back to your house. Maybe swim or go out on the boat. I hid some wine at your place so we can have a fun get to know Layla better girl’s day.” Layla and I both agreed to that plan and I was glad that I didn’t have to face Layla alone all day. Plus I didn’t want to have to address what she told me earlier until I know what is going on.