"The Most Eligible Bachelor"
Summary: Summer and Seth are leading separate lives now, but what happens when Summer's story for a leading magazine forces them together?
Disclaimer: I'd like to stake a claim on Adam Brody's dimples, but really, I don't own any of the O.C. characters or story lines.
Chapter Twelve: Catching Up
"Coming!" Summer yelled, as she heard a knock on the door of her suite. She glanced back into the mirror one more time and fluffed her hair before running to answer it. "Hello, Cohen," she said with a smile.
"Good evening, Summer," he replied, attempting to sound English. Summer stepped back allowing him to step into the room. He looked around comically stroking his chin and nodded. "I suppose this will do." Summer simply shook her head and shut the door.
"So, how was the rest of your day?" she asked, walking into the bedroom to find her purse.
"It was better after I saw you actually," he said, smiling. "I posted the position on a couple of comic-related websites and sent it in to the Times, the Register, and all of the colleges in the UC-system. I'm hoping that I'll be able to start interviewing next week, but it's one of those times I just have to sit back and hope that Jesus and Moses take care of it."
"I see that you're still trying that whole Juda-Christian thing, huh?" Summer said dryly, walking back into the room.
"Summer, I'd appreciate it if you would quit mocking my faith," he said, trying to sound legitimately offended. Summer just rolled her eyes.
"Are you ready to go, Cohen?"
"Let's do it," he said, taking her arm and leading her out of the room.
Ryan rose from his spot in front of the TV as he heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, he was greeted by a smiling Summer and Seth.
"He lives!" Summer exclaimed, pulling him into a hug.
"It's good to see you, too, Summer," Ryan said, a hint of friendly sarcasm in his tone.
"Brother," Seth said, attempting to hug Ryan as Summer had. Ryan just stood stiffly.
"Hi Seth," he replied. "Marissa's in the kitchen, if you want to risk going in there," he said to Summer.
"Coop! In the kitchen? Who'd a thunk it?" Summer said jokingly.
"Ya know, Summer, you're not going to be able to call her Coop for much longer, so you better get it out while you still can."
"Shut up, Cohen." She paused. "But nice job on the whole engagement thing, Chino," she added thoughtfully, making her way to her best friend.
Ryan and Seth stood in the door way awkwardly for a moment, before Seth broke the silence.
"So, playstation?" Ryan nodded.
"Beer?" Seth nodded. And the two boys made their way into the living room.
"So, I'm kind of nervous about breaking the news to my mom," Marissa confessed from where she stood stirring her sauce.
"Well, there's not much she can do about it either way, Coop. Plus, you love Ryan, and besides a little drama here and there, you guys are basically meant to be. Aw, you're going to be an Atwood," Summer cooed.
"How freaky is THAT!" she replied with wide eyes.
"It's pretty weird, I'm not gonna lie. But you'll be so happy! And the wedding. I can't wait to help plan it," Summer paused, looking thoughtful. "Charley, my editor, is actually personal friends with Vera Wang. I'm pretty sure she could pull some strings, and we could work something out."
"That would be amazing, and I totally want you to help me plan the wedding, but first," Marissa said, eyes narrowing on Summer, "I want you to tell me about the last two nights that you've spent. With Seth."
Summer's cheeks instantly turned bright red, and she ducked her head away from her friends gaze. "There's not much to say, Coop, honestly," she replied coolly. "We've just been hanging out. Andwemayhavepossiblymadeoutonce, but it's really NOT that big of a deal."
"And just when were you planning on telling me this, Summer Anne!" she said, voice growing louder and louder.
"Shhh. Coop! Can we at least TRY to act like we're 25?"
"Summer! We're BEST friends. Since like, the womb. What is going on with you and Seth?"
"I don't know," Summer said softly, looking down. "It's been great. Really really great. But it's complicated."
Marissa, realizing Summer was not going to say anymore for awhile, shifted the topic towards the wedding. "So how do you feel about chartreuse?"
Summer looked up with a grateful smile on her face. "Chartreuse has definite possibilities," she said, relieved to have averted the Seth issue. Well, at least for now.
"Dude, you have definitely gotten better at this since the last time we played," Seth said, setting his controller down in defeat and swapping it for his beer.
"What do you think I do all day? Look at blueprints?" Ryan tried to joke. Seth just stared.
"Oh, right, you're trying the funny thing again. No, dude, no," he said, shaking his head at his brother. "So, how is everything going with the wedding plans?"
Ryan just shrugged. "I'm pretty much leaving that all up to Marissa. I am pretty excited about telling the parents this weekend though.
"That's great, man, great. So are we done talking about you for now?" Seth said hopefully.
Rolling his eyes, Ryan asked, "What's going on with you and Summer?"
"Well, it's funny you should ask, dude," Seth began, "I honestly have NO idea. I mean, she's definitely sending me vibes with the whole making out thing, and then there was the cuddling in our sleep thing, and the other random kisses she gave me over the past few days, and the heart wrenching conversation we had last night, and the looks and the-"
"Ok, Seth, I get the picture."
"It's just, I want her SO bad, man. I mean, not sexually, although that would be nice. I guess I just miss her companionship. It's felt like normal over the past couple days. Or as normal as it ever was at least," Seth sighed. "I don't know what to do, Ryan. It's like I know that she missed me and she knows that I missed her, and neither of us have been with anyone else, since, since-"
"February 14, 2007?" Ryan offered.
"Exactly." With neither man noticing Summer's sudden appearance in the doorway, Seth continued. "I love her. I mean, not just because she's hot, or beautiful, or funny, or whatever. But, she's just, she's just Summer. She's so smart, and she's the only woman I've ever known who can stand up to my amazing wit and sarcasm and WIN. I don't know. I know this is an incomprehensible rant, but the bottom line is-"
"She's the love of your life, you'll never find another to take her place, and you can't and won't ever be able to spend your life with anyone, unless it's her."
"Yes," Seth said softly, looking down. "When did you become so wise?"
"I didn't. I just know that that's exactly how I feel about Marissa," Ryan said, rising to leave the room.
"Where are you going, man? Leaving me hanging for the women?"
"No, I was just going to ask Marissa if-"
"Dinner's ready," Summer said softly, making her appearance noted. Ryan and Seth's eyes both got wide, and they looked at each other.
"Well, then," Seth said loudly. "Let's eat!" And the three awkwardly joined Marissa in the dining room.
Dinner went pretty smoothly, except for the occasional uncomfortable glance between Seth and Summer. Marissa and Ryan were both too wrapped up in telling each other how in love they were and talking about wedding details to pay attention, though. After saying goodbye, and planning to see each other on Friday night, before the newly engaged headed to Newport, Summer and Seth left.
The car ride was relatively awkward, but the two lightened up after the first five minutes and engaged in some light-hearted banter. As they pulled up to the front of the hotel, Seth opened his mouth to say goodbye, but stopped when Summer reached across and put her hand on Seth's mouth.
"Why don't you come up tonight?" Summer said, a shyness in her voice.
"Well, uh, it's, um, I," Seth stopped and let out a loud breath. "Ok, Summer," he said, resigning. He hopped out and went around to open her door. He quickly flipped his keys to the Valet attendant and the two walked in the hotel, both of their minds reeling.
A/N Wouldn't you like to know what happens next? I guess you'll have to wait and see (until my next update pops up in about 20 minutes). Sorry for the delayed update today and the short chapter. Keep in mind, I am on a college schedule, so 2 am is still considered Weds. to me. Enjoy the O.C. tonight! Will Seth smoke pot! With Caitlin Cooper! Keep reviewing. Peace.