My stomach flipped.
"Uh, what do you wanna know?" I asked.
"Anything you can tell me."
'Better watch what I say then'
I opened my mouth to speak but we had arrived at our destination.
JC got out first and helped me out.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
I walked over to a booth where we could rent boats.
I was about to hand him my card when JC tried to give him his instead.
"No. You are NOT paying for this," I said, trying to push his hand away.
"I insist."
"No, I don't mind."
"You sure?"
"Positive," I assured him.
"Ok..."
I payed for the rent and we headed toward a small blue boat docked on the far side of the bay.
Once on board, I looked off the star board out into the landscape. But it seemed that the lake projected a colder weather than the shore. I rubbed my upper arms to keep from shivering.
JC stepped up behind me and crossed his arms over mine.
My heart seemed to beat a mile a second, surprised at his action.
"Better?" he asked softly.
"Yeah. Much. I owe you one."
"I'll keep that in mind."
'What?'
There was a silence that hung between us. I figured that, like me, he was just taking it all in.
I leaned on his chest and rested my head on his shoulder.
"I've always dreamed of meeting you," I said.
"Really?"
"You're even sweeter than they say."
"Hope so."
I smiled.
We swayed slightly in the wind.
"Jessie?"
"Hmm?" I was surprised he used my nickname.
"You said you'd tell me about yourself."
"Well, I just graduated from a nearby college,"
"What'd you major in?"
"Art and music."
"Creative type?"
"I guess. Everyone always told me how good I was at art, but there was always something wrong."
"Perfectionist I see."
"Only in music and art."
"Why?"
"Well, I guess they were the only things i actually cared for."
I felt a small bump as we reached shore. I was sorry we had to get off.
"C'mon!" JC urged, pulling me along. "There's a whole lotta places I wanna see!"
We only walked a couple feet before I stopped.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing. It's just...I think there's someone following us."
"Following us? No way. C'mon Jessie."
I shook off the feeling and walked after him into the limo.
"Where to next?"
"Mood?"
"Wet fun."
"Ok. Wet would be pool. And fun would be..." I trailed off.
He looked at me expectantly.
"Soak City!"
His eyebrows shot up.
Then my smile suddenly flipped upside down.
"What?"
"I didnt bring my towel or my suit."
"Oh. That's easy. We'll just buy them."
"No! JC, dont spend your money."
"Oh c'mon. You're doing me a favor by showing me around, so I'll do a favor by paying."
I sighed. "Ok, ok. You win."
He smiled "Good."
****************************************
"That was close!" he panted, collapsing into the seats.
"You got that right."
The cashier recognized him so a few little girls were running after him. Luckily, that was AFTER we paid.
Feeling a little beat, I let my hair down and fell asleep.