Page 55 of Shut Up and Drive

“He’s actually way cooler than people think. But that’s all I can say. He likes whatever privacy he can salvage.”

Brad nods thoughtfully, then turns the conversation back to himself. “I’ll bet I could beat you in an arm wrestle,” he challenges Bash.

“I couldnotbe more disinterested in that,” Bash says. “But you kids have fun. I’m going back to be with my beautiful fiancée.”

I shoot him a look that says,Don’t leave me alone with these two,but Bash ignores my eyeball plea and turns down the trail.

I open my phone and shoot him a text as he disappears into the woods.

Thane: What do you think? Should we have the internet go out, or just lose his charging cable?

Bash: Let me mull it over a bit. See you tomorrow, Brother.

Thane: I can’t believe you left me alone with that douche canoe.

Bash: You can handle it. I believe in you.

I shake my head and turn off my phone screen.

Some friend he is…

The laughter from the fire pit pulls me from my thoughts and back to where I don’t want to be. I wander toward everyone with lead feet and slump down in a camp chair.

“So,Brad,” I emphasize the nickname and watch his jaw clench, “where are you staying while you’re here?” I ask.

“Well, since all the places in town are booked for theholiday weekend, I thought I’d stay here in your room with you, Serafina.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she says.

“Sera, be a welcoming hostess,” Mrs. Spencer cuts in.

“Your mom is right, Fina. Then we can all get to know each other better. I’m pretty sure we have an extra bunk bed open, since Bash is staying at Jamie’s.”

Sera’s eyes scream,What are you doing?!But I grin like the Grinch on Christmas Eve in response. “We all stay in the bunk room, and Sera and I have already claimed our bunks. I think there’s one left that’s not broken.”

Brad cringes. “Like,childbunk beds?”

“Yep! And one of them has your name on it, Big Guy. But I recommend a lower bunk for someone of your stature. These beds are twenty years old. In fact,” I say, standing, “let’s go get you settled in now.” I put an arm around Brad, squeeze him until he grunts, and lead him toward his luggage still on the back patio from this morning.

I slap him on the back and head inside. I make it a point to grab his heaviest bag on my way past and take the stairs to the bunk room two at a time. Brad throws his backpack on and rushes to keep up with me, which makes me push harder. When he finally makes it up to the bunk room, he looks around with a cringey face. When he notices I’m watching him, he switches gears.

“Which bed is yours, Serafina?” Brad asks suggestively. “I want to bunk by you.”

I plunk Brad’s bag on the farthest bed from Sera’s. “The bed under Fina’s is mine. But Bash’s is open. How’s this, Brad?”

He clenches his jaw. “It’sBradley.” Then he turns his attention to Sera. “Serafina, do you want to take the bunk above mine?”

I answer for her. “She would, but that one is broken.”

Brad’s shoulders tense, and his fists ball up in frustration. “Fine,” he growls, throwing his things on his bunk.

“All we’ll be doing is sleeping here anyway,” Sera says, trying to calm the contention simmering between us.

Brad forces a smile and wraps his arm around her. “True. We’ll have plenty of time to be alone in paradise.”

Then he does the douchiest thing ever. He pulls her close, grabs her butt, and looks me dead in the eyes to mark his territory. His face says,Mine,but his actions challenge me to a duel.

Challenge accepted,Brad.