Through the next couple of days, I saw Bradin a few more times and I realized that he really was the sweet guy I had daydreamed about back in Kansas. Without the distraction of his posse, I got his full attention…something I still couldn't understand.
One day, I was walking by the shore on the beach when I saw Bradin attempting to surf. I had to grin. Bradin was spectacular at football back home but c'mon, a surfer in Kansas? I decided to keep a fair distance away and watch him wipe out. The smile I had disappeared as soon as I caught sight of his surfing instructor and the way he was looking at her. She was freakin' gorgeous and Bradin was not exactly hiding the fact that he appreciated it. I swear, his eyes went a little glazed and he nearly began to salivate!
I really shouldn't be surprised, I mean, back in Kansas he had women hanging off him…why would Playa Linda be any different? I was already suspicious when he came up to me that day; this place is completely swarming with would-be swimsuit models, why would he hang with me?
I walked away feeling upset but I knew that I really shouldn't be. We were only friends, if that. Acquaintances. That's it. Nothing more. I should be grateful for even that much…
I've always had such a crush on him and it was only growing now that I actually talked to him… I didn't want to get my hopes up… I knew I'd get hurt.
I wanted to avoid him but I couldn't. How could I throw away a chance to hang around Bradin? So, I continued spending some time with him, doing my best to act as natural as possible but at the same time hiding who I really was. All he got to see was a mask, and it was just safer that way. Anyways, he was making new friends and spending less time with me anyways.
"When are you going to relax?" Bradin asked me one day.
"What?" I exclaimed, startled.
"Jessica, I'm not that dense. You're always so tense around me. Like you've got your guard up." He elaborated.
"That's…uh," I fumbled.
"We've known each other for two weeks now and I still feel as if I don't really know you." He looked at me. "We're friends, aren't we?"
I closed my eyes to prevent myself from yelling at him. A few weeks my ass!
"I'm not going to bite," he grinned. "Honestly, what are you afraid of? Have I ever done anything that's hurt you in the short time we've known each other?"
That's it! "Bradin, for the love of God! I thought after two weeks you would've realized by now, but obviously you haven't. Yes, you've done something that's hurt me. Very deeply! Because we haven't known each other for two weeks. Or at least I haven't. I lived in the same town as you did in Kansas. I lived there my whole life. We went to the same school and lived within twenty minutes walking distance. Bradin, I knew who you were ever since the first day of pre-school! I grew up with you! Fifteen years! God, and then you come over and introduce yourself as if it's the first time we've met. You had absolutely no memory of me at all. That's why I'm not opening up even a little to you. You had fifteen years for that. You have no idea how much this hurts! Go to hell, honestly!" I yelled, shoving myself out of the chair I was sitting in and striding off fuming.
I realized I had hot tears sliding down my face and swiped them away forcefully. How dare he, honestly? I had made it to the boardwalk before I felt a pair of hand on my shoulders.
"Jess, I'm sorry…" Bradin told me softly. I shrugged off his hands and pushed him away.
"Leave me alone Westerly." I snapped in a low voice. I turned and ran before he could say anything more.
