SUMMER'S END

wed out, stinging the air. Stacy gagged, covering her nose and mouth, a dry cough esc

rubbing Stacy's back. Stacy nodded,

completely in the middle of nowhere. Stacy pulled out her

eception's terr

"I'm sorry," her best puppy-dog eyes on full display. She then walked over to Li

, close to breaking. "I just wanted us to have a fun

fine, okay? I'm sure someone will

an to flag down passing vehicles. Car after car

ction suddenly slowed and pulled over. Lisa an

as just driving by, and it loo

hem, a friendly smile spreading across his face. He wore short braids that somehow made him even more

to shake his outstretched hand. "Yes! Our car just stop

looked away, stepping aside to let him pass. She pulled out her phone, scrolling through it, feigning disinterest in the conversation S

her voice oozing charm. "I'd rather call you Mic

ly rolled

*********************

las announced, pulling away from the engine

rough his inspection, but she hadn't budged. Nicholas rolled down his sleeves, his

hen turned back to Nicholas, taking Stacy's hand. "Than

ere's no reception, Lisa. How a

you're headed," Nicholas offered

gently to Stacy, "He's a stra

to offer us a ride back to our hotel. Isn't that right, Nicholas?" Stacy placed her hands on her wa

ting out a low groan. This day was de

*********************

the ride passed in silen

catch yo

introduced them in her high-pitched, bubbly voice. "I'm Stacy, and

d, seemingly completely uninterested. Stacy noticed his lingering gaze on Lisa in the back.

. She's really kind-hearted

the side, urging her to at least say hello to Nicholas. Lisa shot Stacy

at Lisa, his eyes quickly dar

*********************

ting for Lisa to join her. She immediately lin

et as she spoke. Nicholas's persistent stares during the ri

y, and their eyes locked again for a bri

ward Lisa. Stacy giggled, nudging Lisa to

arm from Stacy's. "Goodnight, Nicholas," she said, h

took Nicholas's phone and quickly punched in some numbers. "That's h

ring the hotel lobby. Nicholas slipped his hands in