From Gods by Mary Ting Read Free Book Online Page B

saying Doug and monsters.”
    “I did?”
    “You don’t like to go in that deep. What made you do it?”
    “I don’t know. I saw a light. I guess I lost track of how deep I went in.” Skylar was confused. She thought she’d seen something like a sea monster, and she was almost sure Doug…or Mason…had saved her. She brushed it off, thinking she was delusional since she had been unconscious and sea monsters didn’t exist. “Don’t worry. I won’t ever do that again.”
    “You better not,” Kayla scolded. “You scared the life out of me. If something were to happen to you….” Kayla’s eyes became teary.
    “Hey,” Skylar said, noting Kayla’s sadness. “I’m okay.” She pulled her in for a hug and changed the subject. “So…what happened after?”
    Kayla blushed. Her eyes sparkled, telling Skylar about them making out on her bed. She also told her about the restaurant-club they were invited to.
    Skylar rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. We don’t even know them.”
    “He didn’t ask us to go to his house. We’ll be out in public.”
    Kayla was right. Other people would be there. She guessed it would be fine. Not wanting to burst her cousin’s bubble, she agreed. Watching Kayla’s eyes sparkle the way they did when she talked about Nick, she knew Kayla was in trouble.
    To Skylar, Nick and his brothers seemed out of their league. Not only were they mega rich, they seemed more experienced, and they were the type that didn’t mind breaking young girls’ hearts. They fell under the category her mom would use—bad boys. 
    “Sure, I’ll go with you. Someone’s gotta watch over you,” Skylar teased.
    “Well…you won’t be near the ocean, so at least I’ll know you’re safe.”
    Skylar smiled. “Let’s get some breakfast. I need to take something to get rid of this awful headache. Does your mom know what happened last night? You didn’t call my mom, did you?”
    “You think I’m crazy? No way. You would’ve been out of here by now. Your mom would personally come and snatch your butt.”
    Skylar’s tense body relaxed. “Just checking. Speaking of which, I’d better give her a call.”
    After Skylar showered, got dressed, and called her mom, she went downstairs to greet her aunt and eat breakfast, then they were on their way to the diner.
    As usual, it was empty when they walked in. The breakfast rush was over.
    “Hey, Jack. Hey, Mona,” the girls greeted.
    “Hey, girls. Back again, huh?” Mona cheered. “To eat or to work?”
    “To work,” Kayla replied.
    “How are my two Barbie dolls?” Jack asked from the kitchen.
    The girls giggled. “Just peachy,” Kayla answered. “Get it, Jack? Peach pie is our special today, right?”
    Jack chuckled. “It’s Monday.” Jack’s tone was cheerful like it was every day. He was always carefree and full of life.
    “So how was the beach last night?” Mona asked.
    The girls flashed their eyes to each other and busted out laughing.
    “That good, huh?” Jack said.
    “Sorry, it’s just that…,” Skylar started to say and lost her words. She didn’t know what to say without providing too much information.
    “Yup…we had the best time ever.” Kayla turned to Skylar and winked.
    ***
    Without warning, Kayla jumped like she had just sat on tacks, then pulled out her cell phone from the back pocket of her shorts. “My cell phone. It vibrated.” Kayla laughed out loud, playfully sticking out her tongue, mostly embarrassed by the way she’d leapt off the floor. Looking at her text, she beamed a huge smile.
    Hey good girl.
    Hey bad boy.
    What cha doing?
    I’m working.
    Shall I come over and be a bad boy?
    No!
    How’s your cousin?
    Skylar is fine thx for asking.
    See you Friday at 9.
    Will Mason be there?
    Don’t know. Wear something hot.
    Haha…in your dreams. I’ll wear my PJs if I want to.
    Frown.
    Or nothing…giggle.
    Oh…I like. I’m already picturing you….
    Gotta go.