Free Double Threats Forever by Julie Prestsater Page B

“Thanks. If I would’ve known that would get you home, I would’ve run. I’ll take any excuse to see you.”
    He winks at me, flashing his pearly whites. Aww … he makes me melt. I feel all warm and fuzzy all over. “Are you and the girls doing the whole salon thing tomorrow before the dance?”
    “Hell yes,” I tell him. “It’s a big day. I can’t wait to show you my dress.”
    “What does it look like?”
    “I’m not telling. You can wait to see me all dolled up tomorrow.”
    “Ugh. You’re killing me. I never thought I’d be jealous of Josh and Eric but I am. Remind me to warn them about keeping their hands to themselves.”
    I chuckle at the thought. “You’re a dork. After you do that, make sure you give me the numbers to all the girls you talk to so I can threaten them with a life of bikini rash if they even bat their lashes at you much less touch a millimeter of your sexy ass body.”
    He bursts out with big belly laughs. Through giggles, he tries to speak again. “Bikini rash? Do I even want to know?”
    “Probably not,” I say with a grin, chuckling now since his hysterics are contagious.
    “No worries though. It’s just you and me, babe. I’m all yours.”
    “Is that right?” I say, staring deeply into his on-screen eyes. “Well, I’m absolutely safe with my three dates. You have nothing to worry about.” Me, Keesh, Josh, and Eric are going as a group. The boys don’t have dates, and us girls aren’t interested in any, so we decided to go together. No pressure, no strings. Just someone to dance with the whole night.
    “I forgot about Keesh. Maybe I should be worried. You’re not gonna make out with her again, are you?”
    I shake my head at his silliness. “You’re bad.”
    “Hey, I have a surprise for you.” He suddenly gets serious. He’s not chewing the inside of his cheek so that’s a good sign. “Actually, I have two things to share with you.”
    “Cool. Tell me.”
    “Well, first, I gotta go soon. I have some last minute research for tomorrow morning.”
    “For what?”
    “I have an interview. I applied for an internship months ago. I just figured it got filled since I never got a call back. Then, bam! Today I get a call.”
    “That’s great. Just tell me really quick about it. What’s it for?”
    “It’s an internship at a local architecture firm. They do a lot of work with public projects like elementary schools and city offices. I’ll be doing lots of paperwork, but it’s good to know both sides. The contracts and such are just as important as the designs and construction.”
    “Very cool. Once they meet you, I’m sure the position will be yours. They’re gonna love you.”
    He smiles from ear to ear. “Thank you, Megan.” He blows me a kiss and I pucker my lips to him. “Okay, now on to the better surprise.”
    “It gets better ?”
    “Sure does. I finally got a letter from Ben.”
    “Oh my god,” I squeal in excitement. Bouncing up and down, my computer topples off the side on my bed and onto the floor. “Sorry. Alex, you still there?” I flip my sheet off and try reaching for my laptop.
    “Yeah. I’m just staring at your floor.” He chuckles. I finally grasp him and turn him upright. “There you are. Excited much? I haven’t even told you what he said.”
    I brush my hair out of my eyes with a swipe of my hand. “Tell me. Hurry.”
    “He’s graduating from boot camp during Thanksgiving break. He’d like you and me to go to the ceremony.”
    My throat tightens as the tears creep into my eyes. “Oh, I’d love to.”
    “God, I wish I was there to hold you. Don’t cry, Meggie. We’ll all be together again soon.”
    I wish he was here too. What I’d do to feel his touch again. To feel his strong arms around me and his sweet lips on mine.
    Not only will Alex be home, but our best friend too.
    I’ll have so much to be thankful for.
    Together again, soon. Sounds perfect.
     
    We splurge for day of pampering at my mom’s salon. The