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We all like her, that much is more than clear. If we got a real shot with her, I don’t even know what we’d do about it. And for a second, the weirdest thought makes its way into my mind. If we really could pursue Greer without losing everything, I wouldn’t even care if she wanted to see Matt and Drew as long as she’d give me a chance. Somehow the fact that she seems to be attracted to all three of us makes me like her even more. But we’re too different, regardless of the fact that we work for her father. Greer has every door open to her and every chance to do something with her life.
We’ve always known that our families and friends who were born here in Coral Cove are destined to work for people like the Mannings to scrape by and make ends meet. We hoped to escape that destiny, full of bright ideas when we came back here after college. We thought that we could build something for ourselves here on the island we grew up on and show everyone that you don’t have to leave to make it.
But thanks to my mistake, leaving may be our only option.
We leave the cottage, ready to go give our boss and his guests a memorable night. Whether that’s teaching them how to surf or dancing like a dipshit in a ridiculous straw skirt, this is our destiny.
Our pact to leave Greer alone doesn’t seem so hard to stick to all of a sudden. What woman would want a guy like me for more than an act of rebellion or just for a good time?
Greer
Iput on the pink bathing suit Matt chose for me earlier and a sheer white cover-up that’s as light as a cloud. The white and pink rhinestones that encrust the neckline almost make it look like a princess dress. It’s perfect for tonight’s luau.
I’m actually excited to dress up for once, and I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I want Matt, Brady, and Drew to notice me.
I take extra care with my hair and even spend time choosing the right lip gloss that matches the pink of my swimsuit.
The luau area is dotted with tiki torches that are lit to give the beach a warm, romantic light. Tables are decorated with palm leaves, seashells, and centerpieces made of carved pineapples, announcing the theme of the night.
I’m greeted by one of the waitresses who offers me a lei, and if I didn’t think that this is a little ridiculous because we’re off the coast of California, miles away from Hawaii, I’d be really impressed by the great job Dad’s staff did.
I immediately spot Drew behind a long table laden with all kinds of hors d’oeuvres as he carves the pig he roasted in the pit I helped dig the other day.
I make a beeline for him, but I’m stopped by Mom and Chelsea. “That isn’t what I chose for you,” Mom immediately observes, skimming her eyes over me with her usual, critical, appraising look. “But I have to say it looks good, Greer. You look presentable.”
I smile because this is the most complimentary thing Mom has said to me since I arrived a couple of days ago.
“Yeah, at least tonight you can kind of tell that she isn’t one of the cleaners but an actual guest.”
I’m still looking for some kind of bitchy remark to match my sister’s when Dad approaches us, followed by Tristan and his parents.
I greet them politely, and I don’t miss Chelsea’s warning look as she practically wraps herself around Tristan, dangling from his arm like a needy version of Bitchy Beach Barbie. I stifle an eye roll. If the message wasn’t clear the other day in my room, she can have Tristan.
The evening goes downhill from that moment. I get stuck between my mother and Mrs. Aldridge, and the only silver lining to the extremely boring conversation about the latest “it bag” is that I don’t have to really listen, and I can just pretend to look interested. A few well-placed nods satisfy the two women enough as my contribution to what is a very important topic in their world.
After dinner, the staff puts on a show with a hula dance. I’m not sure how authentic all of that really is, but the sight of Brady and Matt is definitely something I’ll remember for a long time. Both men are in straw skirts and shirtless, with their hard, defined muscles gleaming under the soft light of the tiki torches.
I’m pretty sure that there’ll be some kind of staff party later on after our evening is over, and I’m determined to walk over there and see how the other half of the resort really has fun.
With that plan firmly in place, going through the motions for the rest of the night is boring but not impossible.
I even smile at… Brock? Victor? Let’s go with Victor, but fuck if I can’t remember this guy’s name for the life of me. His conversation is dull as fuck as we dance on the makeshift wooden platform that’s been erected by one side of the dining tables.
At least he isn’t trying to shove his tongue down my throat or grope me like Tristan, so Bryce has that going for him. Or was it Edward? No, I’m almost sure it’s Victor. I could almost bet on it.
“I was going to go sailing in Greece, but Tristan convinced me to be on his team for this surfing competition, so I’m staying here until the end of the summer. Your father has actually decided to sponsor our team, so there’s definitely our pride at stake because there’ll be the strongest teams on the pro circuit coming here from all over the world. It isn’t an official race in the world championship, but they are trying to get certified into the official circuit, so it’s going to be big, and the prize money for the winners is ridiculous. Not that I care about the money, it’s pocket change for me, but…”
I start paying more attention when he talks about this surfing thing. I think I heard Brady and Tristan talk about it the other day on the beach.
I immediately decide that I hope that Brady will win, because I can only imagine how insufferable Tristan would be if he won. The guy’s ego doesn’t need any more stroking, it’s already as big as humanly possible.
When I finally see my and Tristan’s parents leave the beach to continue their night at the resort’s bar, and I spot Chelsea following Tristan along the opposite side of the beach, I excuse myself from… Vincent? Whatever, I know his name starts most definitely with a V, I’m almost sure.
Anyway, I claim I’m tired and leave him to hang out with the rest of his douchey friends.
I start walking in the opposite direction of my sister and Tristan, toward the staff cottages. I know I was right about them having a party when I hear the music coming from the cottage directly behind Drew’s.
