I was outside when a shadow fell over me, blocking the sun.
"We need to talk."
I finally opened my eyes to see Gale glowering down at me.
"Then talk, but please move about a foot to your left."
Gale grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. "We need to go inside."
"My parents are inside."
"They went to the movies."
I followed him inside the house and when the door was shut he spun around on his heels. "Were you going to tell Keith this morning?"
"Maybe." I immediately crossed my arms.
"Damn it Nicole! We can't keep doing this if you can't keep your fucking mouth shut!"
I took a step back from him. He looked furious and his hands were balled into fists.
"Get out." I felt my stomach tighten as soon as the words left my mouth.
"What?"
"Get out."
"If I leave now I will not be coming back for you. Ever."
"Get. Out."
Gale walked past me and I heard the front door slam close. Without missing a beat I walked back outside and continued tanning.
-----
It had been a week since Gale had left the house. I was standing in my room getting ready for a party when my mom came in.
"You look nice."
"Thanks."
"Oh sweetie don't use lipstick wear the lip stain. You don't want any smearing if you're going out with Caleb."
"Mom you're going to be there and so are his parents. I don't plan on smearing my lipstick."
"Oh you never know. I'm so happy you're finally dating a boy worthy of your time."
She was referring to the fact that his parents were the biggest real estate agents in town.
I finished applying the stain and turned to look at her.
"Absolutely flawless as always." She tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.
When we got to the party I was immediately greeted at the front door by Caleb. He truly was the perfect all american boy my parents dreamed of me settling down with. He was a nicely built 6'6 football player, and of course he was rich. He was going to college on a football scholarship and the school was only about a thirty minute drive from Brown.
The night went well until we were being seated for dinner. There were eight seats at the table. My parents, Caleb's parents, Caleb, and myself were already seated when the final people walked over. It was Gale and a beautiful glitzy looking blonde babe.
Gale immediately caught my eye. He looked happy and I hated it. I spent the next hour of my life flirting with Caleb as much as humanly possible. I was leaning in towards him, twirling my hair, and giggling so much I was beginning to annoy myself.
When the meal ended I found myself alone because Caleb was talking to one of his dad's friends.
"It nice to see you can move on so quickly."
I turned around and Gale was standing too close to me.
"I could say the same for you." I took the last sip of my fourth glass of champagne that night. A waiter walked by and I picked up another.
"Don't you think you've had enough?"
"I think I know my body better than you."