Cruel Summer

and my alarm went off by five thirty, my eyes were droopy and bloodshot - devoid of sleep. We didn't need to get to the airport to check in till ten, but Sasha was paranoid about missi

isk missing the flight, fun and mode

ing about in the kitchen, already dressed and looking good in a light pink flimsy dres

eted, sliding a steaming

uch needed steam before taking a cau

ou'd feel without caffein

greement, sip

our last bit of cleaning and morning pack

ere a few tourists beating the rush, hungover teenagers returnin

e her for a long moment. Her blonde curls were wispy and whipped around her neck with the wind. She'd always complained about it, preferring to put it up in a tight bun until she

time to get through security. While we were waiting in line, we busied ourselves by wat

Sasha's ear. "The guy who looks like an Italian and the b

that they weren't in their bedroom but in an airport, as the guy looped a hand on the girl's heinie, bringing her thigh up t

a girl who looked our age, or a little younger. One of the guys who appeared to be the leader had a buzzcut and a beanie over i

out them being in a band. Damn, Beanie guy

in a deep, breathy laugh that added to the intrigue gleaming in Sasha's eyes. I couldn't deny why - Beanie guy was hot and had dimples on either side of his face whenever he smiled. He also had an athletic physique a

not to be a protective scumbag. Sasha was my best friend, not my girl

different nationalities and cultures and I loved watching the passengers milling about. When we were done eating, we took a little tour arou

worriedly. "We'll be boarding in about half

still make it in fifteen minutes from now.

e sighed, leaning further back onto the leat

the flight's gonna be smooth. We can talk a w

riend's wedding, I'd had to give her sleeping pills to get her to chill while the plane was miles up in

ticed Sasha's legs trembling and she didn't seem to be aware of th

ogether. "I just get unnerved wi

r. "Why don't we read together, then afterward

tle Women by Louisiana Alcott. By the time they called

our hand luggage stowed, I whipped o

s." She smil

hs in encouragement as the engine roared and we picked up speed. At that point she leaned back in her seat, gripped the hand rests so hard her knuck

ind it funny a thin

experience it." She leaned across to peer o

warmth of her skin beneath. "Not a miracle. Just science. Now

eing in the air's not as bad as experiencing a takeoff. Landing isn

irits rising with he

re both going to have a great time together." She looked genui

o doubt abo