Under the Stars

Never have I ever had a summer fling.

Okay, maybe that’s a lie…

But see, I was always the good girl, the shy girl. No sex until marriage, no partying, focus on school, sing in the school choir. I was even so good that I’d join competitions. I traveled all across my state, proudly performing for eager and excited onlookers. I took pride in all of my abilities. There was one thing I knew for sure, though; I would absolutely, never, ever, have a “fling”.

Until I did.

A few friends decided to put a summer trip together. We left as soon as the last bell rang on our last day of college. I practically jumped out of my seat, rushing excitedly to my car and hopping in. My friends had gone home to pack up. Being the last of us on campus, I packed before I went to school. No time to waste. 

First, I picked up Cassie, my chipper, bubbly friend. She and I had been friends since elementary school, proudly telling others we were “besties”. She was a free spirit, partying on the weekends, sleeping in too late, flirting and certainly not ready for commitment. But, they say opposites attract, right? She would often tell me about her adventures, and I would just sit back and listen, amused and maybe a bit horrified.

Yeah, okay. I’ll admit it. I was so prude. I hadn’t even had my first kiss.

“Ready?” I asked, my eyes bright in anticipation.

“You know it!” She exclaimed, fastening her seatbelt. “Oh my gosh, girl, Gem hadn’t stopped talking about this for the past week!”

I giggled. “I bet! I’m really excited too. It’s not very often that I make these types of trips.”

“Are you actually going to live on this trip?” She teased.

“Define ‘live’.” I grinned. “I’ll be on the beach, getting a nice tan, sipping on a tropical drink and enjoying the view.”

She eyed me, curious. “The view?” She started to smirk. “Sexy boys or the boring ocean?”

I rolled my eyes. “Stop it.”

She laughed. “No, Lucille, this trip will be a true eye opener for you! I’ll make sure of it.”

Whoa, this was a big deal, eh? She used my full name. Usually, I was just Lucy to my peers and professors.

I glared at her. “What are you going to do, shove me into someone’s arms?”

She grinned. “If I need to!”

I stayed silent. No. I wouldn’t allow that. 

We arrived at Gem’s house. She was already waiting on her front steps. As soon as we pulled up, she jumped up, grabbing her suitcase and her laptop bag. As soon as she was situated in the back seat, we continued on our road trip to the beaches of Miami, chatting, laughing and singing all the way down. 

Once there, we checked into our suite and got ready for bed. I was tired after the long drive, so it didn’t take me long to fall asleep. I’m sure I fell asleep with an excited smile on my face.

When I awoke, the excitement rose again without hesitation. After getting ready for the day, I stopped in the lobby and grabbed breakfast. Our hotel was right on the beach, so I had a clear view of the vast Atlantic as I ate. I smiled. I hadn’t been here in so long. The distinct smell of the sea, the sound of eager seagulls, the rolling waves crashing onto the shore; I loved it all. Maybe I’d move here one day. Making a place like this my home was a dream. Perhaps an unrealistic one, but a dream nonetheless. 

I started to plan my day. Beach, beach, maybe some swimming, beach. Yes. Perfect. I laughed quietly at myself. Nah. I’d sightsee for the day, then maybe follow Cassie and Gem to whatever party they had found. I’d only join as their designated driver, of course. I had no plan to party like them, but I’d still open my mind to having some fun. 

The day passed surprisingly quickly, and before I knew it, we were back in the suite, getting ready for a night out. I chose a sleek black dress with silver accents that shimmered in the light. I let my brown hair down and decorated my face with glittery eyeshadow, black eyeliner and a possibly risque crimson shade of lipstick. I grinned at my reflection.

I really hoped I wouldn’t regret this.

We arrived at the club. We didn’t drive as it was only a few blocks away. We were immediately met with pounding, bass heavy music. It could be heard quite a way down the street. I should have brought earplugs. I’d be deaf by the end of the night.

We walked inside, and I instantly sat down while Cassie and Gem ordered drinks and made their way to the dance floor. They kept motioning for me to come over, but I shook my head, laughing and smiling at their attempts. Cassie gestured wildly, and I gave her a thumbs up and looked away.

As I did, I was met with piercing brown eyes. I jumped and scrambled backwards. “Jeez! You scared me!” I looked back at him. He gazed at me with a tilted head and slight smile. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” He gestured to the spot on the sofa beside me. “Mind if I sit?”

My eyes roamed over him. If there was a definition for tall, dark and handsome, he was definitely it. He had medium length hair, and it was jet black and wispy. His brown eyes were captivating. He wore a casual button down, but loose at the top. A few buttons were undone. He wore black jeans and nice black shoes to match. His lips curled in that little smile drew me in. I couldn’t explain it. He was gorgeous!

“I don’t mind at all,” I smirked flirtatiously. Wait, where did that come from? 

He sat and looked at me. “Fellow introvert being dragged along by friends?”

I laughed. “I wouldn’t say I’m an introvert, but I have been dragged here. And I mean, just so you know, I’m not usually a club person, y’know? I’m just here to enjoy the music. I’m also looking out for my friends, too. You know, because they’re drinking on the floor. We aren’t from here. We are just here on vacation. They tell me to live a little, and here I am, maybe too scared to go out there. Ahaha, I…” I stopped and cleared my throat. “Um, sorry. Rambling.”

He was giving me an amused grin. “It’s quite alright. You seem nervous.”

Ya think? What was your first clue? I cleared my throat again. “I um, no! Well maybe. Just, the club environment, you know?”

“I agree,” he said with a nod. “Why don’t we go outside where it’s quieter?”

I practically jumped out of my seat. “Yes! Let’s!”

We went outside to a patio area. We were alone there as all of the other patrons danced and drank inside. 

I leaned against the railing, and he did the same beside me.

“Thirsty?” He asked. 

I shook my head. “Nah. If I get thirsty, I’ll just order some water.”

He shrugged. “Just let me know when. I don’t mind buying you a drink. Even if it’s a virgin drink.”

A virgin- what the hell? “Huh?”

He laughed softly. “You’re already pretty adorable, huh? Innocent.”

“Only child,” I mumbled, my eyes narrowing. “I’m clueless when it comes to things like that.”

He placed his hand on mine, making my heart flutter. “A virgin drink is one without alcohol.”

I nodded slowly, taking in this information, while also feeling like a fool. “Ahhh, I see.” That wouldn’t have been too hard to figure out on your own, Lucy. I slightly shook my head, hoping he didn’t notice my mental facepalm.

“So um, what’s your name?” He smiled warmly.

I smiled back. “I’m Lucille, but everyone calls me Lucy.”

He shook my hand, then planted a small kiss on it. “Nice to meet you, Lucy. I’m Jasper.”

Once again, my heart fluttered and I smiled warmly at him. “Likewise, Jasper.”

Time went by so quickly with him. In only an hour or so, we had gotten to know each other quite well. I was comfortable with him. He was perfect. So, so perfect.

Stop it, Lucy. No one is perfect. I quickly shoved those thoughts out of my mind. I was enjoying this. I was enjoying him. I didn’t really need a mental struggle.

He moved closer to me, holding the water he had ordered when he ordered mine. I was impressed when he came out with one too, just to make me more comfortable.

“So, you say you’re here on vacation, huh?”

I nodded, feeling the flutters of nervous butterflies filling my stomach. “Yeah. And you?”

“Nah, I’m local.” He waved his hand. “Maybe, if you don’t mind, we could exchange numbers? It would be a shame to waste this little connection after your time here.”

I bit my lip and nodded again. “Sure…”

We exchanged numbers as planned, and then silence fell between us. He stood up completely and lingered in front of me, taking note of my expressions to see if I was uncomfortable at all. My brain screamed ‘kiss me.’ My heart raced. This wasn’t like me. What was going on? I actually wanted him to kiss me? 

Closer. My thoughts swirled with scenarios, nervousness and a sudden rush of adrenaline.

He leaned in closer, stroking my cheek with his fingertips. When his lips were mere inches from mine, he stopped. He narrowed his eyes flirtatiously. “I hope you don’t mind?” His words came out in a near whisper.

“No.” I whispered in return.

He leaned in and kissed me, unsure at first, but we quickly became more confident. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer to me. What had gotten into me? This was insane! 

Our kisses grew deeper and more fierce. I felt a feeling I had never felt before. I couldn’t think straight. I couldn’t think of anything. Only him. Only this moment.

I became more daring, biting his bottom lip. He responded by laughing softly and pressing his body against mine. This prompted these unknown feelings to grow stronger.

This is lust. Desire. I want him. My mind screamed even louder, a mixture of my fight or flight and my desires clashing with each other.

These lustful feelings were further intensified when he kissed my neck. However, I started to snap back to reality rather quickly.

“This really isn’t a good place for this,” I observed.

He nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I guess I got carried away.”

I gazed at him. “We could go to my suite?” 

He smirked. “I’d like that.”

We walked quickly, eager to get into the room. As soon as we did, I shut and locked the door. I grinned flirtatiously at him, everything I stood for disappearing in that moment. I didn’t care. 

Of course, this all led to the inevitable, my innocence completely fading as he laid me down on my bed. It’s just for one night, right?

Oh no. No, no. It was definitely not just one night. We saw each other nearly every day during my vacation. It was a feeling I couldn’t describe. Every night felt even better than the last. Our connection grew each time, both intimately and socially. I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t want to leave him. But alas, I didn’t really have a choice.

On our last day, we said our goodbyes. Making sure my friends weren’t spying, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him.

“I’m so glad I met you,” I said quietly. “I don’t want to leave.

He smiled, caressing my cheek. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be goodbye.”

I smiled, taking his hand and kissing it softly. “Promise?”

“I promise.” He kissed me again.

And with that, sadly, Cassie, Gem and I left.

The ride home was awkward, to say the least. My friends knew something was different about me, but I didn’t talk about it. They tried to pry, but I never let on.

“Maybe she ain’t prude anymore!” Gem joked.

My face became hot. I could only imagine I looked like a lobster. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel and clenched my teeth.

Cassie smirked. “Oh? Well then, how was it? You have to spill it all!”

I didn’t speak. I started to feel guilty. What had I done? This wasn’t like me at all. I was a good girl. I did everything right. Why did he change that in me? How did he change it?

I broke my promise. I didn’t call him. I ignored his texts. I couldn’t believe I had been so stupid and gone against everything I stood for!

I shook my head. What’s done is done. I couldn’t change it. I just had to move on from it. I picked up my phone, scrolling through our old texts. Did I really want to move on, though? I held my finger over the keyboard. I so badly wanted to text him. But, time and time again, I held back.

This went on for only a few days before I gave in. I texted him, apologizing for my behavior, and telling him I wanted to see him again. Thankfully, he was understanding and agreed to set some plans in motion to meet again.

Our story absolutely couldn’t end here….