Page 373 of Teacher's Pet

“That sounds like a great idea. Got anywhere in mind?”

“The beach would be fantastic, don’t ya think?”

“Good thinking, Lee. Which one?”

“St. George Island is so chill and gorgeous, and that white sand is really calling out to me at the moment. What do you think? I know it's a bit of a drive, but we'll take my car, and I'll pay for gas.”

“Ahhh, Lee, come on, you gotta at least let me chip in for gas if you're driving.”

“No way. Seriously, Eryn, you know my dad gives me like a full tank of gas every week. I've hardly driven anywhere this month. It's his company's money, anyhow, so look at this way – if we don't go, I'm throwing all that free gas away!”

I chuckled. “All right, all right. I'll be back there in five. Get your bikini and some sunblock ready!”

“Are you kidding me? I’m already changing.”

I cut off the call and smiled. Despite the worry about the temporary loss of work, I was going to enjoy my day off. I didn’t get too many days to just chill out and hang with my friends. I put the car into gear and drove off, thinking about the white sand and gentle blue waves of St. George Island.

*****

A few hours later, we arrived at the main beach on St. George Island. The drive itself had been fun, with lots of laughing and joking and plenty of good music. Granted, we had to agree to an equal split because our tastes in music were pretty different. While I liked the older stuff, especially music from the ‘90s, she was all about the latest, chart-topping hits. We both liked a bit of each other's music, though, so it worked out.

The beach itself was as beautiful and tranquil as I’d remembered. There was a group of people our age playing beach volleyball, and some other people sitting and chilling, with a few swimming in the water.

“Do you think we should go join the people playing volleyball?” Leena asked.

I loved volleyball, but I trained so hard and practiced so much that I needed a break from it.

; “Nah, not right now,” I replied. “Let's just relax for a while. Besides, maybe they don't want any extra players.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, come on, let's pick a spot and set our towels down.”

We found an open area to claim. I stared out at the waves rolling in. It was a calm day, perfect for swimming.

“You know what? I think I'm gonna take a dip,” I announced. “You wanna join me?”

“Not right now,” Leena replied. “I think I'll just soak up some sun for a while.”

“Okay.”

“Watch out for sharks,” she joked as I started toward the water.

I turned back over my shoulder and smiled. “I’ll do my best.”

I was already plotting my swim path down toward the small pier about a half a mile away when I noticed the people in the water — two guys and two girls. As I started getting closer to them, I noticed that the features of the two girls were pretty familiar. Actually, they were really familiar.

When I was close enough to make out who it was, I couldn't help but let out a gasp of surprise. It was Tammy, Kelly, and…Wade?

I was fairly certain they hadn’t seen me, so I simply turned around and walked stiffly back to Leena, a clamor of emotions churning through my head.

What the hell was going on here? Why were Tammy and Kelly with Wade…here…swimming together? I sat down next to Leena, who had already settled down on her towel.

“Gee, that was quick,” she remarked. “And you didn't even get in the water. Why'd you change your mind? You saw a shark, didn’t you?”

“Umm. I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”

She popped her head up and glared at me over the top of her sunglasses. “Lee, I want you to take a very careful look at who is in the water right now,” I said.