Chapter one hundred and one:

Becky was sitting on the towel she had laid out on the sand, watching Zac and Luke play a crude version of volleyball using a beach ball and no net.

She laughed as Zac managed to trip himself and do a face plant in the water. When Luke came out of the lake to go and check on Jen, Zac followed and plopped down on the sand for a brief moment to catch his breath. “Hey, Beck. How come you’re not swimming anymore?”
She shrugged. “I thought I’d work on my tan a little bit while I’m here.” She smiled.

“Oh… I like you’re bathing suit... Is it new?”

Becky laughed.

“What? It’s just a compliment!” He blushed slightly, and looked away.

“Do you really like the suit or are you just saying that because you like what’s underneath it?”

“Umm… would you kill me if I said both?”
Becky smiled. ‘I’m kind of flattered…”

“That I think you’re pretty?”

“Yeah, I mean, its entirely not true, though.”

“What?” He asked in disbelief. “You are pretty. You’re beautiful.”

“Thanks Zac. But you really don’t have to say that…”

“I know I don’t have to say it, but I’m not lying. I think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world.” He turned to face her.

Becky blushed. “Please, Zac… Have you seen some of your fans? They’re gorgeous…”

“And you’re far prettier than all of them, combined.”

She laughed. “Now you’re really kissing ass, Zac.”

“I am not!” He defended then added with a grin, “But I can if you want me to…”

Becky giggled. “Aww… I think that warrants a kiss.”

“I think it does too.” He leaned towards her. 

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Isaac walked into the tiny kitchen at Christy’s parents house.

Christy and her mother were standing at opposite ends of the counter, each working on their separate contributions to dinner.
”Is there anything I can help with, Mrs. Camden?” He asked politely, secretly searching for any excuse not to be in the garage with Christy’s father and brother, who were both well on their way to being drunk.

Christy’s step-mother smiled slightly at his politeness, but answered that he wasn’t needed and went off to open a bottle of wine.
Christy smiled at him. “You could help me with the salad if you like, baby.”

He grinned back. “Okay .What do you want me to do?”

“You could slice some tomatoes if you want.”

“Great,” He moved to the opposite side of her, and reached for a tomato.

“So everything seems to be going okay today.” He observed.

“So far. It will probably get worse before the evening is over.” She smiled.
”Why do you think that?”
”Because I know them. They raised me. And I know that by now they’re well on their way to being completely wasted.”

“Okay.” He knew this was true and wasn’t about to argue. “Have you thought anymore about what we talked about?”

She sighed and stopped tearing lettuce. “I think… I think it will be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made, but I would like to invite them to the wedding anyway. You were right. They’re still family.”
”You’re sure? I hope I didn’t push you into that decision…”

“No…” She smiled at him. “I just think you were right.”

“Okay… want to tell them tonight?”

“Sure.”

He leaned forward and kissed her, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

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