Free One Chance by T. Renee Fike Page A

chest, “He’s had a crush on you since he first saw you,” she continues saying.
    “Umm…”
    “Is he hot?” Kenzie asks.
    “Yes he’s hot,” Meg says happily.
    “He’s alright,” I say honestly.
    “Okay, so what is your type?  I can totally find a guy for you,” Meg says a little too excitedly.
    “Thanks , but I can find my own guy,” I say hoping we could switch topics.
    “ Haley you need the help, Meg definitely help her out,” Kenzie says to Meg, completely ignoring me or my wishes.  That’s Kenzie for you though.
    “Absolutely,” she says walking towards me, “I’m leaving , so I wanted to say bye before heading out,” she says before giving me a quick hug.
    “Have a safe flight,” I tell her kindly.
    Everyone says farewell to Meg and her and Liam leave.
    “Did you seriously have to do that?” I ask Kenzie bitterly.
    “What?  You do need help.”
    “I’m quite capable of finding my own man.”
    “Then why are you still single?” she asks calling me out.
    “Because I want to enjoy college without having to worry about a stupid relationship.  Is that too much to ask?”
    “But just imagine how much more exciting it could be,” she says sounding hopeful.
    “Kenzie let it go.  When she’s ready to date she’ll find a guy and date,” Brody says giving his two cents.
    “Thank you,” I say glad he said that.

Chapter Six
    “Hey Hails, do you want to come to the party with us at the beach tonight?” Kenzie asks.
    “Already planning on it,” I say before heading for a quick shower.
    “Oh, well you can ride with us if you want to.”
    “Sure,” I say before closing the door.  I get shower ed and changed into jeans, flip-flops, a tee-shirt and grab a hoodie because it’s only March, it’s cold and the breeze at the beach is going to make it even colder.
    “That’s what you’re wearing?” Kenzie asks with disgust written all over her face.  She ’s standing in my room in a short denim skirt, a pink sweater, and a pair of flip-flops.
    “Yes, you do realize its March right?”
    “Yeah, but we are going to be around a fire.”
    “If you think that will keep you warm, then by all means go the way you are.  I’m dressing warm.”
    “Suit yourself,” she says before heading back to her room.
    Brody, Kenzie, and I hop into Brody’s car and he drives us to the bonfire.  It’s only about twenty minutes away.  By the time we grab a spot and hop out , it’s already getting dark.
    “Damn it’s cold,” Brody says as we start the walk towards the crowd of people.
    “Told you,” I say to Kenzie.
    “I’m fine.”
    “Babe you have to be cold,” Brody says walking over towards her.
    “Nope, I’m good,” she says with an annoyed tone to her voice.
    The party has people from our graduating class and older.  The place is packed and people are laughing, singing, having a grand ol’ time.
    “Do you ladies want a drink?” Brody asks.
    “Yes please,” I tell him.  He walks over and grabs three beers out of the cooler before coming back towards us.  It doesn’t take long for me to throw my hoodie on due to the breeze from the ocean.
    Three hours later , I’m slightly intoxicated, though I’ve been nursing my drinks.  “Hey, how are you doing?”  Billy, a guy from high school asks.
    “I’m good, how about yourself?”
    “Can’t complain.  Your hair looks nice.”
    “Thanks.”  We continue to make small talk until Kenzie interrupts.
    “Hey Hails, we’re leaving, you ready to go?”
    “Oh umm, yeah I guess,” I say looking at her.
    “I can take you home,” Billy suggests.
    “Are you sure?” I ask not really wanting to go home just yet.
    “Yeah.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Are you sure?” Kenzie asks looking between Billy and me.
    “Yeah, it’s cool.  Drive carefully.”
    “Okay, see you tomorrow,” she says before heading back towards Brody.  I wave to him and then turn my attention back to Billy.
    “How’s college going?” he