In the water was the happy couple, Christina and Nick. They were having fun trying to dunk each other and basically making out between each successful dunk. Beth had trouble keeping her eyes away from them, but she managed to get through a few pages of her book. Still, every giggle and shriek, which occurred pretty often, made her look up and distract herself. Why did he still make her feel that way?
She sighed and read a few more pages, trying desperately to block out the noise. It wasn’t working. She finally gave up, gathered up her stuff, and went back inside to read in the living room. As she sat on the sofa, she heard the door open and looked up to see Nick walk in. “Hey, Lizzy. Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I still haven’t quite adjusted to the heat here. I’ve been in New York for so long.”
“Oh. You should really come join us in the water. We’re having tons of fun.”
“No, thanks. I’m okay.”
He shrugged and started to walk out of the room. “Suit yourself. I’m going back outside. See you later.”
After he left, she got back to her book and made it to the last chapter before Christina came in and interrupted her. She poked her head into the living room and smiled cruelly. “Cut the crap, Beth. You know I know why you really came inside.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Christina. It’s hot outside. I’m not used to the heat.”
“Oh, whatever.” She mindlessly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “It hurts to know he’s mine, doesn’t it? Yes, I’m sure it does. You know, maybe you should just go back home. It doesn’t make a difference. Nick’s not paying any attention to you, anyway. I bet he doesn’t even realize you’re here half the time.”
“Yeah, right. I’m not gonna let you win that easily. I came down here to have a good time, and I’m not gonna let you get in my way,” Beth said determinedly.
Christina narrowed her eyes. “You better remember what I told you. Stay away from him.”
“You know, if you’re so damned sure of yourself, why do you even think he would cheat on you?”
Christina opened her mouth to reply, but couldn’t come up with anything. She spun on her heel and walked out of the room, making Beth smile. Maybe she was finally getting it through Christina’s skull that she wasn’t intimidated by her…or not her threats, anyway.
She looked out the window to see Nick and his fiancée making out on the sand, and her victorious attitude faded away.