AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You know when you and Beth arrived, I was sure you would both move into a hotel or B&B. I didn’t think you had it in you to stay there, but you did. You are more than people give you credit for, and I’m sorry to say I was in that crowd.”
“You’ve been a big man, so you’re forgiven,” Jessica said in a small voice. “So, I guess this means we’re friends again?”
Brian smiled. “I’m going to walk you home.”
Jessica nodded and Brian walked her to the Shell. They did the walk-in silence, and it was comforting and non-stressful. When they got to the front door, Jessica turned and smiled up at Brian.
“I want to thank you. It’s good to have a friend.”
Brian bent down and Jessica’s heart started to beat double time. She was frozen to the spot as his head came down lower. When his lips were a hair’s breadth away from hers, he spoke.
“We are not friends, Jessica. Goodnight and sweet dreams.”
Brian turned and walked away. Jessica didn’t know how long she stood outside of the Shell.
“Not friends? Then what are we Brian Cholan?”
Chapter Eleven
We are going to win!
That was the battle cry from Beth after Jessica explained the events of last night to her.
“Win? I’m not sure how you think that is going to happen?” Jessica asked skeptically.
“Well, it seems easy. You just need to prove to Pilar that you are a better all-around person than Brian.”
Jessica looked at Beth for a moment in disbelief.
“Oh, well why didn’t you say that? I’ll get to that after I finish up the last equations on cold fusion,” Jessica said sarcastically.
“Don’t be a wet noodle. I have an idea,” Beth said with a smile. Jessica was scared. All through their time growing up, Beth always had ideas. They were daring, they were innovative and most of the time borderline impossible to do.
“I’m listening cautiously,” Jessica said.
“We should do a project while she’s here so she can see you are the better pick,” Beth said with a large smile on her face.
“You can get that model look off of your face. I’m not like the rest of them to fall for that smile that says we can do anything,” Jessica warned.
“Oh, come on, we can think of something to do to make you stand out,” Beth prompted.
Jessica looked at her sitting on the bench and just closed her eyes to see what would come.
“Oh, by the way, Clay is stopping by with some papers. He says he had to print them at his place and then see if he could get some signature before bringing them to you. He dropped them off while you were out with your reading friend.”
Just then it came to her. Jessica stood up and looked around the Shell and smiled.
“Do you have something?” Beth asked.
“I think I do, and this will take both of us,” Jessica said.
Beth held up her hands. “Whoa! Did you say both of us? I’m here as the rah-rah squad.”
Jessica got up and put her arms around Beth. “Now bestie, don’t be like that. I know you wouldn’t want to abandon me in my time of need, would you?”
“No, but—”
“Good, this is my idea. We will renovate the Shell and make it so there is an office and a functional shop. It will have what it has now, drinks, soda and water, so sort of like beach speakeasy. What do you think?”
