Valley of the Moon

Valley of the Moon by Bronwyn Archer Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Valley of the Moon by Bronwyn Archer Read Free Book Online
Authors: Bronwyn Archer
were at least ten people waiting for the downstairs guest bathroom when I got there. I stepped into line holding a giant package of toilet paper. 24 rolls. Double ply.
    A guy in the line turned and saw me.
    He was cute. Very cute. And you’re holding a supersized box of toilet paper.
    “Planning on being in there a while?” He held a large plastic cup filled to the brim with fizzy amber liquid.
    “This is how I roll.”
    He smirked.
    Someone yelled from the bathroom, “Yo! We need some paper in here stat!”
    My new friend grinned at me. “Hey, you’re up!” He walked to the door and yelled, “Open up! Incoming!” The door swung open a few inches. Someone stuck their hand out. I tore a roll out of the plastic package and dropped it into the hand. The door slammed shut.
    “You’re welcome!” I yelled. Silence.
    “Some people have no manners,” my new friend said. “What time do you get off work?” He pointed at the package in my arms. I dropped it to the floor and kicked it towards the bathroom.
    “I just quit.”
    He grinned. “I’m Caleb. What’s your name?”
    “Lana,” I said. Then he very deliberately checked me out, from head to toe.
    He cleared his throat. “Since you’re unemployed now,” he said, “maybe you’re free to escort me to the bar. I heard a rumor about illegal underage drinking at this party, and I need to investigate that immediately.” He held out his elbow to me and I stared at it, not sure what he wanted me to do. Be charming! Flirt!
    “Shall we?” he asked. He wants you to put your arm through his. So do that, now. I laced my arm through his elbow and we made our way through the crowded living room and out the sliding glass doors to the pool.
    Music blasted out of the large rock-shaped speakers. Clusters of teenagers had erupted in the two poolside cabanas, at the teak patio tables, and all over the benches set up around the big fire pit. White lights were strung in the trees. Piper and Maya were deep in conversation with their brother husbands.
    The night air was chilly, but I felt warm and tingly.
    He handed me a paper cup filled with champagne from the self-serve bar.
    “Oh, no thanks.” I didn’t drink. I studied.
    He looked offended. “Come on, it’s New Year’s. This is how I roll.” He smiled at me. Well, one glass wouldn’t kill me.
    “Okay, fine. I don’t have to drive tonight, since I’m sleeping over.” His hand brushed mine as he clinked my plastic cup with his. I stared at his dark blue eyes. This guy is a total babe.
    “Thanks for the helpful info. That’s a great dress, by the way.”
    “Uh, thanks.” I took a huge gulp of lukewarm champagne.
    “Where do you go to school?” he asked.
    “Briar. We’re seniors. My friend and me. It’s her house.” Babbling. I was babbling. I looked for Piper. Her head was bent close to Wyatt’s. His hand reached up and cupped the back of her head. Wait, were they kissing?
    Caleb choked on his champagne. “Briar? The Briar School for Girls?” I nodded and he laughed. “I should have known. Only Briar girls serve teenagers champagne instead of warm beer. But I never met you before.”
    “Maybe that’s because I don’t go to Briar parties.” Any parties. I don’t go to any parties. I sipped my drink.
    “I used to go to some. My cousins live up here.” He refilled our glasses.
    “Do you come up to Sonoma a lot?”
    “Not anymore. I’m from San Jose. I went to Harker; now I’m a freshman at USC.” I smiled to hide my disappointment. He lives in L.A. He’s in college. Forget it.
    “Good school. Do you like it?”
    He shrugged. “I didn’t get into Stanford, which was my first choice. But no one gets in to Stanford anymore. USC’s water polo program is amazing, and I made the tennis team, so I can’t complain.” Water polo? A vision of Caleb dripping wet in a Speedo popped into my head. Down, girl!
     
    ***
     
    Caleb stretched his legs out in front of him and draped his arm over the back

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