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We stare at each other for a few seconds, and then Brian leans in too, brushing his lips against mine. At that, I pull away, the movement causing him to burst out laughing. He’s on to me.
Fair enough. I don’t mind. In fact, it lifts weight I didn’t know I had off of my shoulders. But that doesn’t mean the game is over.
“CAROL!” A familiar voice yells my name and we both turn around to see who’s bothering us.
Mike, one of my dear cousins, is standing at the end of the path. “I was looking for you everywhere. We’re going to the beach.” He lifts the ball he’s holding in the air. “Are you two coming?”
One quick look at Brian and I agree.
“Beach volleyball? Really?” He protests. That game doesn’t sound as entertaining as our own.
“Hey, I warned you about this. You were the one who kept insisting on enjoying this precious family time.”
I jump to my feet, practically dragging him with me.
The resort staff have already set up the net and my father is tracing a line in the sand to mark off the court. So far most of our extended family is here, and I can easily count thirty people on the beach alone.
“Feeling the family vibes yet?” I tease.
Brian answers my question with a huge smile, one that makes his eyes glisten. Despite his previous objections, he genuinely seems happy to be here.
“How should we do it?” asks Emily. “Couples or boys versus girls?”
“Couples,” Brian chimes in and Emily nods, listing all the couples.
Brian listens carefully until our names are heard then turns to me surprised. “Does everyone in your family have a partner?” The only singles are from Jeremy’s side of the family, apparently.
“Even if they aren’t no one’s crazy enough to come here alone. Trust me, it’s only going to get worse tomorrow when the other guests arrive.”
Dad takes the list from Emily and calls the first players. It’s Emily and her fiancé against me and Brian. No surprise there. Dad’s always fair unless his daughters are involved.
“I don’t see how couples would work,” I say and turn to Brian. “Why are you taking your shirt off?”
He shrugs, the corners of his mouth turned up. “I’m sweating already, Carol. Can you imagine what I’ll look like after five minutes of action?”
I do, damn it. My eyes travel down from his broad chest, admiring his toned abs down to the V-shape forming right above his shorts. He folds his shirt and leaves it on one of the chairs before heading to the makeshift court, passing the lines in the sand. I drag myself to the court behind him.
Jeremy looks at Brian’s bare chest and quickly removes his own shirt, causing my sister to tease him mercilessly. He’s fit too, but there’s no comparison, really.
I position myself next to Brian and Emily begins the game, throwing the ball directly to me. I use both hands to hit it, serving it to Brian. He’s quick to pitch it over the net, and Jeremy is barely able to return it, the ball just grazing the net. I duck and return it but my sister responds quickly, sending it back to our side of the court. Brian jumps and swiftly returns it to the other side where it hits the sand, marking our first victory.
One glance and we both agree: we play to win. And the game does end with us as winners, but Emily and Jeremy don’t seem to care at all. She leaps into his arms, and they kiss as if the whole world is their own.
I guess it is.
Brian nudges my shoulder, his shirt still sitting on that chair. Sweat is dripping on his chest and his back, making his skin glisten under the scorching sun.
“Here.” He offers me an icy cold beer. I clink my glass with his and take a sip, but Brian almost chugs his down.
“Hey there.” I grab his hand and pull it down.
“I’m too hot, and no offense but this tastes like water.”
I can’t argue with either of those points. “I specifically chose drinks that were on the softer side for today because Emily didn’t want our family time to turn into a drinking binge.”
“Are you in for another round?” he asks, not satisfied with the explanation.
I shake my head. “I’m pretty sure that it’s over with the couples. Besides, I’m too tired.”
