The Day We Met

by Writing Sins Not Tragedies

Veronica is sent to Neptune to spend the summer with the mother she never knew. After being invited to a party on the beach, she meets Logan, the handsome local teen who has a difficult relationship with his ex. They just click and she finds herself having a very different summer fling than she expected.

Hello there!

I hope you are ready for a new Veronica Mars AU. In this one, Veronica never lived in Neptune, she grew up in New York. And Keith Mars isn't a cop, his job is a mystery. Mainly because I couldn't decide what type of job he would do, so it became a little bit of a thing as part of the story. Anyway, this a LoVe story, because their is no other option. Few important details, this is meant to be the summer before Junior Year. Lilly is alive and well. You will learn everything you need as we go.

Also, I don't intend this to be like a 30 chapter story. Maybe like 3 or 4 parts. The first part is 15,000 words so it might be long anyway.

Rating is for future sexual content. It's gonna get steamy, don't worry.

Summary: Veronica is sent to Neptune to spend the summer with the mother she never knew. After being invited to a party on the beach, she meets Logan, the handsome local teen who has a difficult relationship with his ex. They just click and she finds herself having a very different summer fling than she expected.

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The day we met

Veronica's POV

The sun was hot. It was beating down hard making sweat gather is places I'd never felt myself sweat before. If you loved the sun then it was perfect for you. It was not for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved a sunny day where I could go to the beach or tan myself by a pool, but I also enjoyed autumn days where the leaves were all sorts of wonderful colours and I could dress myself in comfortable layers. And snuggling under a blanket by the fire on Christmas Eve was also one of my favourite things to do.

But I found myself it California for the summer and from what I had heard, it would only get hotter. Something I wasn't sure if I was excited about or not.

It was less than a week ago that I had been freed from the walls of my boarding school to return home to see my dad. I had been ready for a summer of fun where I could catch up with some friends, put a reasonable size dent in my dad's bank account, and enjoy every aspect that I loved of New York. But my plans were quickly extinguished when my dad had other ideas.

Keith Mars was one of the best father's I could have ever asked for. I had many friends from school that had wealthy and busy parents that had very little time for their children. Don't get me wrong, they loved the pure freedom they had as most of their parents didn't care as long as they didn't end up in newspapers or on the news. But there was a lot of things they missed out on that I found myself very lucky to have.

But one thing about my dad that I didn't know, unlike other teenagers with rich parents, I had no idea how my dad made his money. And that might seem strange but it was because we had one rule: we don't lie to one another. He trusted me completely, to make my own decisions and as long as I was honest there were no repercussion. And so, since he trusted me not to lie, I trusted him to do the same. It would have been easy for my dad to simply make up a story about what he did, but he never wanted to lie to me. All I knew was that he could be gone for days sometimes months at a time. He got a lot of deliveries that he would go through the contents of before burning them in the fireplace. And sometimes he would have to go at a moments notice and I would find a note on my bed when I got home.

I had tried many times to figure out what he did exactly. I had thrown out crazy ideas like he was a hitman for hire or a spy for the CIA. He would always laugh but never give me any real answers. My guessing had become more of a game as I got older. I would throw out a guess and get no real answer but we would laugh and move onto something else.

But my father's long absences were the reason that I went to boarding school. I would travel home for every holiday, and most of the time he would be with me. On the few occasions that he wasn't, I would spend the holiday with one of my friends. When it came to summer, I was normally allowed to do as I pleased. I would shop, party and have fun. Dad would be gone for days or weeks but I didn't mind. But this summer was different.

I arrived home to my dad waiting for me. I had expected him to be gone and be greeted by Backup, my pitbull, but dad was standing by the window looking out over central park. From the look on his face I knew I wasn't going to like what he was about to say. But what he said was something I never expected.

"You can't stay here," he said.

I dropped my bag by the door and frowned. "What do you mean?"

He'd never had a problem with me being alone before.

"I don't mind being alone, Dad," I said.

He dropped his head and sighed. "I know." He rubbed his chin. "It isn't about you being alone."

"Then what is it about?"

My dad moved away from the window and crossed the room to grasp my face in his hands. His thumbs stroked my cheeks and he said, "I can't tell you exactly, you know that."

It was something to do with his work.

He said, "I need you to be somewhere no one would ever think you would be."

I furrowed my brow and lifted my hands to hold his wrists. "I can stay at a friends."

He shook his head.

"Then where am I supposed to go?"

My dad struggled to say it. I think it was because he knew it was the last thing I would want to do and he was right. I couldn't remember ever being so angry with him before.

"I'm sending you to spend the summer with your mother," he said.

I dropped my hands, my eyes widened. "What?"

"I know it isn't something you'd normally do—"

"Your damn straight!" I snapped. "I don't want to spend three months with that woman. You wouldn't let her raise me, why would you send me there now?"

I pulled myself out of his reach.

My dad licked at his lips and let out a heavy sigh. "I feel comfortable sending you there because I know that you are responsible enough to take care of yourself. I have no fear that she might kill you because she fell asleep while giving you a bath, or because she drove into something because she was too intoxicated."

"But Dad…"

He shook his head making my excuse fade.

He said, "I don't expect you to spend any time with her. You can ignore her all you like. All you have to do is share a house with you. Treat her like you would any other roommate. Like she's another girl at school."

I frowned. "I like my roommates." I crossed my arms.

He cracked a small smile. "That's not true. Remember Alberta?"

I scrunched up my nose at the reminder. "Ew."

He laughed. "Exactly."

"I still think I'd prefer her over Lianne."

My dad closed the space between us and hugged me. He pressed a kiss to my head and said, "I'm not doing this because I want to. I need to know that you are safe."

I sighed and hugged him back. It wasn't ideal. I hated the idea more than any other option he could have given me. Summer school would have been more appealing. But I knew he wouldn't lie to me, so it was safer for me to go without arguing.

I had never missed my mother. I had never felt like I went without just because I only had a father. My dad did more than make up for it. And while there were some funny memories of dad helping me buy my first tampons and him having to explain about my period, he did the best job a girl could ask for.

My mother had spent her years drowning her sorrows in alcohol. I didn't know her sob story, about how she had let her life become consumed by such a thing, and frankly from what I did know she had no reason to complain about her life. Her parents, Robert and Dianne Reynolds were very well off and gave her everything she wanted as a child. According to my dad, she was already a big drinker when they met. The longest he'd ever seen her sober was when she was pregnant with me, but after I was born it wasn't long until she was back in the bottle.

By the time I was three my dad had sole custody of me and my mother had signed away all parental rights, meaning I didn't even really know what she was like. I had photos from me as a baby, but I never looked at them. I never asked for stories. There was nothing I wanted to know.

My grandparents were a different story. Ashamed of their daughter, they bypassed her wishes to—and I quote—leave me be and made sure I had some relationship with them. They sent me presents and had visited me for some holidays but it wasn't that often. I also knew that even though they could both retire and enjoy their golden years, they both refused. My grandfather, Robert, was an author. He wrote thrillers and horror. And my grandmother was a partner of a law firm. And while didn't she spend that much time in the court room these days, she still kept herself busy in the office.

I could have gone on with my life without ever seeing my mother, but there I was. Neptune, California. I had arrived less than twenty-four hours prior with my bags and an excited pitbull. I had refused to leave him behind and bought him with me to Neptune. My mother could get over it if she didn't like dogs; where I went, so did Backup. I would have taken him with me to school if they'd let me.

When I arrived, I was picked up by a driver that had been organised by my dad. Henderson was tall and stocky. He had a shiny bald head—that he claimed was intentional—and had explained that he would was there my security needs. What type of security I needed exactly he would elaborate on, but assured me I wouldn't even notice him, which I hadn't since he'd left me in the main entrance with my bags and Backup.

Where Lianne was, I had no idea. I had walked in waiting to be descended upon by her but the house was silent. And I was thankful for the silence as it allowed me to take in the beautiful house. I stood in the foyer and took in the open space. To the right was the kitchen, set in the corner with a center island as well as a breakfast bar. Opposite the kitchen was the dining room that had bay windows with a very comfortable looking window seat that looked out onto the deck. The living room was on the left but was up up on a platform. The whole back wall were large windows that were folded open letting the breeze blow in the smell of the salt from the ocean.

Backup had barked with glee as he dashed out towards the deck, sniffing each new thing he found. I followed him from the foyer and stepped outside to find a large deck that contained an outside dining area, an outdoor kitchen with build in barbecue, and then also a pool and spa. A couple of sun loungers were lined up beneath an umbrella, with a outdoor couch setting surrounding a fire-pit.

The place was insanely nice. If it wasn't for the other household member, I would have been thrilled to be spending the new few months there.

Backup led me to the beach where he took off down the sand. I smiled and watched as he chased off after some seagull before jumping into the water. I had no worries as I let him enjoy himself but I kept a close eye for another person. He loved people, and while he wouldn't hurt a fly—not unless instructed too—he tended to scare strangers. But surprisingly, the beach was quiet. The car had passed through a gate before we had arrived at the house so it wouldn't have surprised me if the beach was a private one. It would have explained the lack of people.

Backup did come running back not too long later with a ball. Where he found it, I didn't know, but as there was no other dog in site I used it to play fetch with him until he became tired. It was at that point that we turned back to the house. Back on the deck, I found an outside shower. I used the detachable head to hose down Backup and my feet and legs before heading back inside, making sure to dry my feet on the mat. Backup didn't follow me in, he decided to climb onto one of the loungers and have a nap.

Back inside, I was slightly startled to see my bags had moved. But in the kitchen I also found a Mexican woman in her thirties prepping some kind of food.

"Hello?" I said, getting her attention.

She looked up at me, bright blue eyes and a warm smile greeted me. "Oh, you must be Veronica," she said.

I nodded. "Yes, hi."

"I'm Isabel. I'm Miss Lianne's housekeeper." She wiped her hands on a towel and walked around the island with her hand out.

I shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"I moved your bags to your room, I hope that is okay," she said.

I nodded. "Yes, thank you. You didn't need to."

She waved her hand. "It is part of my job. Now, I can show you around or would you like something to eat. I was just putting together a chicken salad."

Food sounded great, so I decided to sit down at the island while Isabel finished the food.

"Where is Lianne?" I asked.

Isabel sighed and started dicing up some onion. "She had plans this morning. She did say she would be back by lunch, but it isn't unusual for her to not come back until late."

I nodded. "Right."

"I didn't know Miss Lianne had a daughter," she said, "no until Mrs Reynolds asked me to prepare your room last week."

My dad had explained he'd organised my arrival with my grandparents, not trusting my mother to actually be around when I arrived.

"She chose to not be in my life," I said.

I didn't see a need to hide the truth. Isabel worked for my mother—or my grandparents—so she would know Lianne was an alcoholic.

Isabel shook her head and made a tutting sound. "I could not imagine not being in my children's lives."

I smiled. "How many do you have?"

"Three," she grinned. "Two girls and a boy." She chuckled. "My eldest, Marie is 9. The middle is Antoni, he is seven. And my youngest, Annie, is four. They are the light of my life."

"I'm sure they keep you busy."

She nodded. "They definitely do."

We continued the small talk as she finished the salad, served me a bowl, and then started dinner prep for later that night. By the time I'd finished eating, I found out that Lianne was around more in the early evenings and did have a boyfriend that showed up occasionally. Isabel had never met the man as Lianne had always insist that she be gone before he arrived, but she'd seen his car and the back of him as he entered the house.

I found it strange that my mother seemed intent on hiding her boyfriend. It wouldn't have surprised me if she was having an affair, hence all the secrecy.

With my tummy full, Isabel gave me a tour of the rest of the house. Downstairs there was a study area that wasn't used, but was equipped with a computer I could use as well as full bookshelves that contain many of my grandfather's works along with others. Upstairs, the landing had another living area that led through onto the upper balcony. On the right of the living space was a gym, that again, had never been used. To the left of the stairs was one of the spare rooms and my mother's room. To the right was the room that had been set up for me.

The room was tastefully decorated with one dark green wall opposite the door where the large queen bed was situated. Floating side tables and wall scones sat on either side of the bed. To the left of the door was another balcony, a smaller but more private space with an outdoor chair that looked rather comfortable. To the right was my own bathroom, equipped with bath and shower. And on the other side of that was my closet, big enough to fit way more than I'd ever need for a summer stay.

Isabel had placed my bags at the foot of my bed and had left me to settle in.

I decided the best thing to do was unpack everything. My two suitcases were packed with all the summer clothes I could fit. Everything that could pertain to cold weather I had left behind knowing it would be useless in California. I dragged the suitcases into the closet and unpacked it all. Hanging up dresses and folding my shorts and placing them in drawers before sorting my shoes. I brought a few pairs of boots and some sneakers, just in case, but had managed to stuff in a bunch of sandals and flip flops. I had no idea if heels were going to be needed so I had skipped them and decided if I needed them, I could buy them.

I was almost done when Backup found me. He licked my cheek before investigating my room. He climbed up onto the bed after sniffing every inch of the space around him and watched me as I moved about.

I had emptied my second suitcase when a knock sounded. I stood up and tucked a few stray hairs behind my ear and said, "You don't need to knock, Isabel, the door is open."

I walked out of the closet and paused. It wasn't Isabel in my door.

Lianne wasn't what I expected—for an alcoholic. I expected pale skin, dark bags under her eyes, a messed up appearance. The woman before me looked put together. Her blonde hair was styled in a neat bun, light makeup graced her face, and she was dressed in a white lace skirt with a yellow blouse.

"Hello, Veronica," she said.

She offered me a warm smile, but I could see the uncertainty in her expression. She didn't know what I would do.

"Hi," I said.

I wasn't sure what I would do either.

Her eyes wandered over me for a moment, she then said, "You are all grown up."

Unable to stop myself, I snipped, "That's what happens in fourteen years. Toddlers become teenagers."

Her smile faulted and she nodded her head slowly. "I deserved that." She cleared her throat. "You remind me of my mother when she was your age."

"Yes, Grams has shown me the photos."

Lianne seemed surprised. "She has?"

I nodded. "Yep." I popped the 'p' and looked over at Backup who was watching up.

"Well…" Lianne searched for something to say.

Backup seemed to sense the tension and climbed off the bed. He walked over to me, sat beside me and pressed his head against my thigh. I lifted my hand to pat his head.

"He's beautiful," said Lianne. "What's his name?"

"Backup," I said.

She frowned. "Backup?"

I nodded. "I went through a phase where I wanted to be a police officer. I was always asking for back up and so dad got me my every own for my thirteenth birthday."

Lianne frowned and nodded. She tucked stretched out her hands and then sighed. "Right, well. I didn't want to take up your day. I just wanted to say hi."

I didn't have a chance to say anything before she was gone. It wasn't the introduction I thought it would be. Not in the slightest. I had pictured screaming, not awkwardness. I had considered that there might be a lot of snark from me and groveling from her, but nothing really happened.

I looked down at Backup and said, "Not what I was expecting, that's for sure."

With everything unpacked I wasn't sure what to do with myself. If I had been in New York I would have been shopping or hanging out with some friends, but no, instead I was unsure. I didn't have any friends in Neptune but I'm sure I would meet some people at some point, I just needed to find some stuff to do.

The Internet was my friend for that, so I pulled out my phone and started searching. It turned out that there was more to do in Neptune than I thought. There seemed to be a big shopping mall about twenty minutes away, there was a pier that looked entertaining, and there was also plenty of shops and places to eat within walking distance. What did catch my eye was there was a newly opened art gallery.

One of my hobbies was photography. I enjoyed capturing moments so they could last forever as sometimes memories weren't enough. I used my enjoyment to also contribute to my schools yearbook and newspaper. It helped with occupying my free time at school, kept me busy when it wasn't soccer season.

I decided to head to the galley to check out what was on and it was within perfect walking distance. Before I left, I let Isabel know I was off and told her that Backup was house trained and would asks to be let out if he needed to go to the toilet. She was happy to keep an eye on him and had also set up a water bowl for him.

I gave Backup a warning to behave before grabbing my bag and leaving the house. Henderson, my security, had set me up with keys and codes to access everything I needed before he had disappeared, so I could come and go as I pleased. I assumed if I needed it there would be a car available for Henderson could take me, but I liked the idea of walking. After all, it was what I did in New York. I walked.

And while I loved walking, the hot California sun reminded me firmly to get some sunscreen. I made it too a main street outside of the gated community and found a small chemist to grab some sunscreen before continuing my walk down towards the gallery—I didn't need to be a bright red by the end of the day—no thank you.

The art gallery was located one street away from a beach. According to my map it was called 'Dog Beach', a place I could bring Backup in the future and not to much further down the beach was the pier. The street itself was full of what looked to be the more expensive stores, I noticed a few jewelry shops as well as a Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and a Tom Ford. I even stopped at the windows of a few smaller boutique that looked to have some nice things that I would check out later.

I reached the gallery on the corner. The front windows had a simplistic logo that said 'The Hive' and inside I could see a few visitor moving about. I pushed open the door and was greeted that new smell. It was fresh paint and disinfectant. The work displayed looked to be by multiple artists and had a mix of photography and paintings.

I moved towards the photographs first. A series of close ups of a woman with brown hair in bed. She was covered by white sheets but it was clear the subject was naked. The woman was beautiful, the lighting of the room seemed to make her glow as her expression remained reserve.

"Explain to me how a guy taking a photo of a chick like this is art? Yet the magazines are considered porn?"

I turned to my left to see a guy, who had to be my age, dressed in board shorts and a green t-shirt, with blonde curly hair looking at the next photo. He had asked the question to another guy standing beside him, most likely his friend. He had short brown hair, was dressed in board shorts and a light blue shirt. Surfer boys, not something I was surprised to come across so close to a beach.

"Would you consider it art if she wasn't covered?" asked the brunette.

The blonde grinned. "Nahh, but it would definitely be an improvement." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Unable to listen to the guys stupidity, I scoffed and said, "The fact that the woman is naked has nothing to do with the photograph. If you had some working brain cells you might be able to understand that."

The two guys turned to look at me. The blonde looked insulted, which I was amused by but his friend had an amused grin on his face.

"I wasn't asking you," snipped the blonde.

"Don't voice your questions so loudly then," I snipped back.

The blonde screwed up his face and opened his mouth, but the brunette cup him off. He said, "Perhaps you could educate us. I'm not really one who understands art so I find myself a bit lost when it comes to what point the photographer is trying to convey."

I pondered if I should waste my time. Art in general was always subjective, every viewer would take something different from it. I had complete belief that all the blonde moron would see is her nudity, and his friend mostly though the same. He could be genuinely interested or he could be trying to flirt with me. He seemed to enjoy my shot at his friend, then again, he could just be trying to keep things civil.

I looked back at the woman in the photo and said, "It's about inner beauty. While from the outside she may be seen as beautiful on the inside she doesn't feel about herself that way."

The blonde snorted. "Yeah, okay."

The brunette frowned at him. "Dick."

"What?" asked the blonde.

"Sorry, about him," said the brunette, "he's not one to appreciate art."

I squinted my eyes and rolled my lips in between my teeth. I didn't think either of them did.

"Well, it isn't for anyone," I said.

The brunette smiled and held out his hand, "I'm Duncan."

I shook his hand. "Veronica."

"This is Dick." Duncan pointed to the blonde.

I smirked. "How appropriate."

Duncan grinned. "You don't know how much."

Dick looked between us confused for a moment before he rolled his eyes. "Dude, can we blow this old people joint already. Where is your mother?"

Ah, that made more sense. They were dragged into the gallery by his mother.

Duncan glanced at Dick and said, "You can wait outside if you want."

Dick frowned before he turned and walked away. He muttered about bros before hoes as he went.

"Again, sorry about him," said Duncan.

"It's fine."

"You don't go to Neptune High, do you?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I don't live in Neptune."

"Here on vacation?"

"Yep. Got shipped here by my old man."

"You don't sound too pleased by that."

I shrugged. "I would have preferred to spend my summer in New York with my friends but my dad wasn't going to be in town at all so he thought I should come and spend some time with some family."

"That doesn't sound too bad. My family had plans to go to Napa but it got canceled at the last minute."

"Napa, sounds thrilling."

Duncan chuckled. "Yeah, my sister could think of better places to go, but mum's parents live there so we normally visit them."

The conversation lapped into silence and I turned back to the photo.

"Since you're new in town, if you wanted to get to know some people, my friends and I are having a bonfire on the beach if you wanted to come," said Duncan. He had dropped his gaze to his toes and a faint blush brushed his cheeks.

"I don't know…" I started.

"There's no pressure," he said quickly. "It's just a bunch of us hanging out at the beach. Drinks, music, marshmallows—sometimes."

I frowned. "Only sometimes. Marshmallows should be an always things."

Duncan smiled. "Marshmallows, done. But you'll need to come to make sure they get eaten."

"What? All the other girls afraid of sugar?"

Duncan just shrugged, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes.

The idea of a party sounded fun. It would be nice to get to know more of the locals and find some people to hang out with for the next few months. It would keep me out of the house away from Lianne and make Neptune that much more interesting.

"So?" asked Duncan.

I smirked. "What happened to no pressure?"

Duncan's eyes widened.

"I'm kidding. Sounds fun."

Duncan's face lit up.

"Duncan, let's go."

We both turned to see a woman with dark red hair standing near the front door. She was dressed impeccable well and the jewels and handbag screamed money.

"One second, Mum," said Duncan.

"Party starts at 8. It's on Spring Vale Beach, do you know where it is?"

I nodded.

"It's a private beach in a gated community, but you can just tell the guards 'Blueberry' they'll let you in."

"Blueberry?" I chuckled.

He said, "No my idea."

"Duncan!" called his mother.

"Sorry, gotta go."

"I'll see you later."

"Bye, Veronica."

I watched him walk away. He seemed sweet, almost a little too sweet. There were very few guys who remained sweet like that. They were normally either nerds who had no experience speaking with the other sex. Guys like him were normally a lot more cocky, just like his friend Dick. Dick, I have no doubt, believed he was God's gift to woman. Whatever was behind Duncan's sweet facade, it wouldn't hurt to get to know some people. And maybe, Duncan was just shy. He could warm up to be a fun summer fling.

Duncan's mother frowned at me as he reached her. She said something to him softly before linking their arms and pulling him out the galley.

I rolled my eyes before turning away. It seemed Duncan had himself an overprotective mummy. Not something I really wanted to content with but there was no need to worry about it when I had barely spoken with him for two minutes.

The gallery had plenty of more for me to see. I spent an hour just admiring the work while also talking to the curator about the displays. All of the work was done by local artists, some by already well known and established artists and some were work from students at Hearst College, one collection was even from a Pan High School student.

When I left the gallery, I spent some time browsing the stores. I tried on some dresses and a few skirts. Bought myself a new swimsuit and a cover, while also finding some fun new sunglasses. I even found a book shop that was tucked away in the corner and bought two books. With them secured I decided to find a place to get coffee. Not too far along I found a shop on the end of the street. It was called 'The Hut'. Inside rather than tables there were comfortable couches and air chairs, low lighting and on one side a small stage. From the signs around the place it seemed they hosted karaoke on certain nights of the week.

I walked up to the hostess stand. The hostess was standing there in an very unflattering colour of uniform but rather than noticing me, she seemed to be staring intently at a young couple kissing in the corner. The girl and boy looked about fifteen. Their make out seemed to be heavy and not slowing anytime soon. The hostess shook her head and turned away. She jumped slightly, surprised by my presence.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you," she said.

I smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I can see what had your attention. They really should get a room."

The hostess smiled and sighed. "Oh, Lizzie would if she could, but I'm under strict orders that the date isn't to leave the shop."

"Younger sister?" I pointed at the girl.

The hostess nodded. "Yep."

I cringed. "Sounds like you have some strict parents?"

She nodded. "Religious strict. And Lizzie loves to make them mad." The hostess turned away from her sister and said, "Now, the real reason you are here. Dining in?"

I nodded. The place seemed comfortable enough to enjoy a drink and get a start on one of my new books. "Table for one, please."

"Right this way."

I followed her across the room to a small seating area in the corner. I sat down on the soft couch and she handed me a menu.

"A waitress will come and take your order shortly," she said.

I nodded and glanced at her name tag. "Thanks, Meg. I'm Veronica, by the way."

Meg grinned. "Nice to meet you."

It wasn't long before my order was taken and I made myself comfortable. I pulled out my book and got through the first chapter by the time my coffee arrived. I tended to take a sip and go back to my book but noticed Meg scolding her sister. Her sister looked less than impressed and shooed Meg away as her date returned. I couldn't hold in my chuckle as Meg walked away shaking her head.

Meg stopped beside me table and said, "That girl is just asking for trouble."

I said, "Weren't we all that way once?"

I could remember my first crush. It never went anywhere but I remember being a little extreme.

Meg sighed. "It's not the first boy she's liked. Lizzie can't stand the rules our parents have enforced on her and she enjoys breaking them intentionally. She'll sneak out even if there is nowhere for her to go. I caught her in her room a few weeks ago with some random guy, I never even seen him before, and now she's all over this one." She rubbed her face and groaned. "I hate being the big sister sometimes."

"Hey, sometimes being the big sister means you need to let them fall, otherwise they never learn to pick themselves back up," I said.

Meg glanced back at Lizzie, who had returned to sticking her tongue down the guys throat, and said, "I more worried about what our parents might do if they actually catch her. Sure, they knew she's snuck out, but they haven't seen…" She wiggled her fingers at her sister. "Anyway, " she sighed and then laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm dumping all my problems on you and you don't even know me."

I waved her off. "Don't worry about it, I don't mind. I think it's sweet. It also makes me glad that I'm an only child."

I stayed in the cafe for an hour. I changed between chatting to Meg, who I learned had just finished her sophomore year, was a cheerleader, and had another much younger sister, Grace, and reading my book. I went through two coffees and decided it was time that I head back to the house. I said bye to Meg and paid my bill before making the trek back.

It was nearing five as I got closer to the house. I was waved through the gate by the guard and walked up the slight hill until I spotted the beach house. I stopped as I reached the driveway and frowned at the car sitting on the road. It seemed Lianne had a visitor.

Inside I was greeted by a soft conversation, two women were talking. As they heard the door the conversation stopped. I moved from the door and saw Lianne sitting at the dining table with an older woman, my grandmother.

I smiled at her. I hadn't seen her for a few years but she hadn't changed at all. Grey curls perfectly styled, classy black framed glasses, and on her lip was a soft pink coloured lipstick.

"Grams, " I said as I put down my bags and rushed over to her.

Grams grinned. "Veronica, darling, look at you."

She stood and wrapped me in a big hug. Grams wasn't one for affection, mostly, but she always greeted me with a warm hug when I first saw her. She pulled back and cupped my cheeks.

"What a beautiful young woman you are," she gushed.

I grasped her hands. "And you haven't aged a day."

She scoffed playfully and gently tapped my hand. "You jest. I find more grey's everyday," she joked.

I chuckled.

"How was your flight?"

I nodded. "Very comfortable. Thanks for the jet."

Grams shrugged. "It was nothing. It doesn't get used for much else beside the occasional holiday. Waste of money I think, but your Gramps gets some desperate need for inspiration sometimes and wants to just jump on a plan and see what he needs."

I was pleased that they hadn't changed. Grams was always complaining about Gramps little habits and he would always shrug and claim she used to many dictionary words. It was all very loving and strangely functional for them.

Backup appeared at the door just as Grams sat back down. I walked over and let him in.

"Oh, hello Backup," said Grams.

"What were you doing outside?" I asked as I scratched his head.

Lianne shifted and frowned. "Oh, when Isabel left I put him out."

Backup walked away from me to the bowl Isabel had placed by the back door. He quickly lapped at the water.

I frowned. "Did you put out water for him?"

She shook her head.

"It's hot outside, he needs something to drink just like a human does," I snapped.

She shrunk in her chair. "I didn't know—"

Grams scoffed. "Lianne, don't be childish. It's common sense, really."

"I'm sorry," she mumbled and shrank into her chair.

I said, "I don't mind if you put him outside, but he needs to have access to water and shade. And he is house trained, he won't destroy anything, and he has never had an accident inside."

Lianne nodded but didn't meet my eyes.

I had barely spent more than a minute with her but she was so uncertain. She once again didn't look intoxicated but perhaps her body just handle liquor better than most people. Her tolerance could be high.

"Right," said Grams, "as it is your first night here, I thought we could do dinner." She looked at her watch. "Your grandfather has a business dinner so I figured I could take you to a wonderful Italian restaurant we love. They do a wonderful lasagne."

I grinned. "My favourite."

She nodded. "What time did you want to eat?"

"I could eat now."

She smiled widely. "Wonderful." She grabbed her bag from the table and glanced at Lianne. "I will see you later, Lianne."

I said, "I'll feed Backup when I get back."

Lianne nodded. "Enjoy your dinner."

"Thanks," I said and turned to follow my grandmother out the door.

---

Dinner with my Grams was fun. She drove us to the restaurant called Luigi's and they sat us at their best table. It had a great view of the world street that was brimming with life and our waitress was lovely and seemed to know my Grams well. The food was amazing, as Grams had suggested, and I definitely ate too much. I caught her up on my last few years and she shared a few things about herself and Gramps. There was also the one question I asked about Lianne.

"I was surprised to find her sober," I said.

Grams nodded. "Her illness isn't so frequent as it once was. She tends to fall on and off."

"For any particular reason?"

"A good reason? No."

I frowned.

"Did you father even mention that she had an affair?"

I shook my head. "No. Just that she was an alcoholic."

"Right, well that was just one tip. Lianne has been in love with the same man since she was sixteen, so she claims. They dated in high school and while I liked the boy, had no problem with him, he wasn't very committed to her—not like she was too him. After high school, they ended their relationship and he went off to college and she stayed in Neptune. He did come back at one point, years later but your mother had met your father by then and was married. He too was also married. They ended up having an affair for a few years and then you were born."

I frowned. "She was sleeping with another man when she had me?"

"Don't worry dear," said Grams, "we had paternity confirmed when you were born. After which Lianne swore she would be faithful to your father and she was until she fell off the wagon and into the bottle again. That was when your father decided you both would be better off."

I nodded, relieved that I didn't have to question who my father was, that was a whole mess I really didn't want to ever have to consider.

"But as the years have gone on, Lianne constantly finds herself back in this mans bed."

"This guy is still married?"

Grams nodded once and screwed up her face. "The man claims to love her but refuses to divorce his wife because of their children."

The story was insane. Lianne was more messed up than I thought.

"Does she fall off every time he ends the affair?" I asked.

Grams shrugged. "Sometimes it's the end. Sometimes its because he refuses to leave his wife. It can be she feels neglected by him. It all comes back to her love for him."

I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to Lianne if she got away from this man. Whoever he was, if she completely removed him and found a way to let go of whatever made her latch onto him, maybe she could live a much healthier life. Maybe…I shook my head of the thoughts of what could or could've been. It wasn't good to ever consider what someone like her might do. It was just a way to make myself miserable.

---

When dinner was over, Grams drove me back to the house. It was after 8 which meant the bonfire would be well under way. I wanted to change before going down into something that was a little more party appropriate but still comfortable.

As we arrived back at the main gate, I noticed—standing to one side—was a familiar blonde hostess. Meg was dressed in a pretty pink dress with a white cardigan and had her hair tied back in a clip. She held her phone in one hand and looked annoyed as she stared at it.

I put down the window and said, "Hey, Meg."

Her head shot up, she looked surprised. She stared at me for a moment before realisation hit her. "Veronica? Right?"

I smiled and nodded. "You look like you're ready for a party?"

She nodded. "I am, however, I'm a little lost." A faint blush touched her cheeks. "I was supposed to get a ride with a friend, but they bailed, and so much sister dropped me off, but she dropped me off on the wrong street and now I'm not sure how to get through." She glanced at the gate.

She was headed to the bonfire, but couldn't get past the guards on duty.

I said, "Bonfire on the beach?"

"Yeah."

"Jump in. We can walk down together."

"Really?" she asked, surprised.

I grinned. "Yeah. It would be nice to not show up completely alone, especially when I don't know anyone."

"As long as you are sure," she said.

Grams leaned across the car and said, "Dear, please get in. Veronica won't take no for an answer."

Meg chuckled and climbed into the back seat.

We were waved through and back at the house in minutes. I thanked my grandmother for dinner before walking inside with Meg.

As we stepped inside, I said, "I just want to change, then we can walk down."

She nodded. "No problem. Wow, this is nice."

"Thanks. It belongs to my grandparents. I'm staying here with my mum for the summer."

I walked to the stairs and Meg followed.

"Where do you and your mum normally reside?" she asked.

"Oh no," I said, "I don't live with her. Lianne lives here permanently. I live with my dad in New York."

She frowned. "Oh, how long have they been divorced for?"

"Since I was three. My dad raised me on his own, never really got to know Lianne, until…well, now. First time I've seen her since she left."

In my closet I grabbed a high waisted denim skirt, an olive green halter and a pair of white sandals. I ran a brush through my hair before twisting it up and used a claw clip to secure it. I walked out of my closet and into my bathroom to apply some light makeup.

"Is your dad hoping that you two can have a relationship now?" asked Meg.

I shrugged and looked at her in the reflection of the mirror. "He just didn't want me to be alone in New York all summer since his job has him overseas."

"So did you elect to come here?" Meg's jaw clenched and she frowned. "Sorry, I'm not trying to be nosy."

I smirked and grabbed my lip balm and applied it to my lips. I came out of the bathroom and said, "It's okay. I don't mind. But no, I didn't elect to come. But I didn't want to fight with my dad, so…" I lifted up my arms. "Here I am."

Meg smiled. "Well, Veronica, I'm glad you're here. Its nice to make a new friend."

I grinned. "You are too nice, Meg."

She blushed but didn't argue.

---

The bonfire was burning brightly as Meg and I made our way down the beach. Music was pumping—surprisingly at a moderate volume—and it seemed there were plenty of people dancing as well as talking.

As they reached the crowd, a guy who was around six foot with dark hair walked over. He smiled at Meg and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

He said, "Hey, babe. You made in."

Meg smiled up at him, but it tight and didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, no thanks to Lizzie."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"She dropped me in the wrong place," she explained.

"Why didn't you call me?"

Meg stopped and frowned. "I did. You didn't answer."

Meg's boyfriend looked confused. He patted his pockets and then said, "I—um…I must have left it in the car."

"It's okay," said Meg, "I was rescued."

The guy chuckled. "Is your new friend the one who rescued you?"

I offered him a polite smile. "That's me."

"Hi, I'm Cole." He squeezed Meg's shoulders. "The lucky man that this one puts up with."

Meg was stiff in his arms.

I said, "Veronica. Rescuer of lost party goers."

Cole laughed loudly. "You are funny." He looked down at Meg. "Did you both want a drink?"

Meg nodded, her eyes showing relief. "Yes, that would be great."

He looked at me.

"Sure," I said.

He nodded, pressed a kiss to Meg's cheek before moving off through the bodies.

Meg sighed. "Sorry…he's…well, Cole."

I smiled at her warmly. "He seems—sweet."

Meg scrunched up her nose. "Yeah, anyway. Let me introduce you to some people. This way."

Into the crowd we went where I met more people than I could keep straight. Meg led me to a group of girls who I immediately recognised as the 'it' girls. You know, the group of girls everyone hated. The group always consisted of people who believed themselves to be better than everyone else because they either had money or because they were pretty. Pathetic people really, and ones I tended to avoid. I was more surprised that Meg was friends with these people.

The names I remembered were of a few particular girls. The first one was Shelly. She seemed to be the one Meg liked the most. Shelly had long brown hair that was curled and was dressed in a cute floral blue dress. She had greeted Meg with a big hug and had smiled at me warmly. The next was Ashley. She had brown hair too, expect it was must shorter. She was dressed in an outfit that definitely was her scream for attention from boys. She had smiled at Meg but it had faltered at the sight of me. Ashley didn't seem to happy about another girl to compete with. And then the worst—and last—was Madison. She had a big smile of her face that was somewhat terrifying. She greeted me with a sickly sweet welcome and then proceeded to obnoxiously explain how lucky I was to get an invite to an 09ner party.

It was in that explanation that I learned that Neptune was more obsessed with money more than New Yorkers. The school was divided between the rich and the poor. If you were poor, you weren't worthy of the rich kids time. If you were rich, you got the privilege of hanging out with the rich. It was all very shallow.

I wasn't one to brag about the comfortable life I had. Most of the girls at boarding school were in the same boat as me, rich parents that didn't have time to raise them or weren't home very often. We all kind of saw one another as equals. But the few who attended on scholarship weren't lower than us. I couldn't imagine being ingrained in such a ridiculous society.

Cole did reappear not too long after the introductions with drinks, very strong ones at that, before pulling Meg away to dance. She looked at me apologetically, leaving me with the girls. With Meg gone, they took it upon themselves to be nosy.

"So, Veronica," said Madison, "are you new to Neptune?"

I said, "Just staying for the summer. Visiting family."

Madison nodded slowly. Her finger tapping her plastic cup.

Shelly asked, "My family normally meets in the Hampton's every year. Its nice to get away from the norm."

"I prefer Spain," said Madison. "The boys are cuter."

Ashley smirked. "Madison, your boyfriend is right there."

Madison gave her a sly smile. "Boyfriends don't exist internationally." She giggled.

"You're so bad," said Ashley.

"Which one's yours?" I asked. Why? I had no idea. I couldn't care less. But it was probably wise to avoid whatever boy she had her claws sunk into it. She seemed like the one who would play dirty.

"She's dating Dick Casablancas," said Shelly. She pointed through the crowd to the teenager currently wrestling with one of his friends.

"Casablancas?" I said, the name sounded familiar.

Madison grinned. "Yeah. His father is Richard Casablancas, the real estate mogul."

I nodded, the connection linking in my head. "Right. My grandmother's firm has him as a client."

I didn't include the detail that she found him exhausting or that she had considered removing herself from the equations. Grams had explained once that she thought he was doing something illegal on the side.

"What firm is that?" asked Shelly. She looked genially interested.

Before I could answer, another voice interrupted.

"Veronica, you made it."

I turned to see Duncan. He had a pleased grin on his face and he was wearing the same shirt and board shorts from earlier.

"I did. But only because I was promised marshmallows," I said.

Duncan grinned. "I have a whole packet for you."

I returned his smile, but before I could say anything further, Shelly moved to his side and fluttered her eyes.

She said, "Hi Duncan."

He smiled, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "Hi, Shelly."

"Where's Lilly tonight?" asked Ashley. "She loves bonfires."

He shrugged. "Not sure. I know she isn't coming though."

The girls sighed.

"This is all because of Logan," grumbled Ashley.

"Honestly, Lilly wastes her time with him," said Madison.

Shelly frowned. "Madison, you are always complaining you never got your shot with him."

Madison glared at her. "Shut up," she whined.

I hide my smirk behind my cup and glanced at Duncan. He just shook his head and then looked at me. He gestured for us to move away as Madison snapped at Shelly.

I walked away with Duncan over to a log. There was a number of them across the beach, all directed towards the fire. I sat down beside Duncan and contained my smirk as he sat down close enough that he could press him leg into mine.

"You didn't have a hard time finding the place did you?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I'm staying just a few houses down." I nodded towards the house. I could still see the porch light that I had turned on before Meg and I had left. Just so I knew which house it was when I returned later.

Duncan said, "It was clearly meant to be then."

I took a sip of my drink and shrugged. "Maybe."

"So, Veronica."

"Yes, Duncan?"

"What is your first impression of Neptune?" he asked.

"It is very different from New York."

"How so?"

"Well, the sand for one."

Duncan chuckled. "Well, it is California. Known for its beaches."

"And they are very nice."

"I couldn't imagine not living near a beach."

I shrugged. "It's not too bad."

"I'd miss being able to surf whenever I wanted."

"Yeah, never got the appeal of surfing. Then again, my hand-eye coordination isn't built for such activities."

"I used to suck," he sighed and let out a small laugh. "First time I went out I managed to hit myself in the face with my board."

I cringed.

"But I got better. It just takes practice."

"That I have no doubt. I think it would be safer for everyone if I remain off the water and on the sand."

Duncan asked, "So that means you don't do any physical activities, so what do you like to do?"

"Photography is my main thing."

"That explains the visit to the gallery."

"Yes, I do love a good art gallery. I could spend hours wandering through them. Same with museums. And book stores. I love me a mystery thriller."

The conversation between Duncan and I continued with much of the same as we hung out by the fire. The more we talked though the more I found we had very little in common. He liked surfing, and soccer, and video games. It was all very typical teenage boy stuff but he had no interest in much else. It was easy to see why Duncan was popular though. He was smart and sweet. He would definitely make one girl happy but he wasn't exciting me in any way. Don't get me wrong, he was nice to talk too, and when my cup ran dry, he was up and getting me another one.

As I waited on the log, staring at the fire, Meg reappeared. She was flustered and looked annoyed. She dropped onto the log beside me and sighed heavily.

"How was the dancing?" I asked.

She scoffed. "Kind of hard to dance when your partner is more interested in inhaling as much alcohol as possible. Also, dancing on sand is a pain."

I smirked. "Yeah, no one ever thinks that through."

Meg pulled her hair over her shoulder and asked, "I saw you and Duncan. You look cozy."

I snorted and shook my head. "Nothings going to happen there, that I already know."

She frowned. "Why? Duncan's so sweet."

"That he is. But he doesn't get my blood pumping. I need excitement. And while he is nice to talk to, that's kind of it. Also, we have nothing in common."

Meg accepted me answer with a nod of understanding. "That's fair I suppose."

"I'm sure he will find another girl to take home."

"Duncan doesn't tend to do that. He likes to date girls, not hook up with them."

"Then he's one of the good ones, and he will make one girl very happy—I'm sure—one day."

Meg slowly nodded her head and stared into the fire. She seemed to get lost in her own thoughts. I nudged her shoulder and she glanced at me with wide eyes.

"Sorry, what?"

I smiled. "You got lost there for a moment."

"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about how you said Duncan doesn't get your blood pumping. I sometimes wonder about Cole and I. I don't really know what we share."

"Why did you start dating him in the first place?" I asked.

"Our parents used to go to the same church. And when he asked me out I didn't really see any reason to say no. He was kind. And he's never been bad to me in anyway, but I don't really feel anything else." She frowned and pulled her legs up to her chest.

Before I could respond, Duncan appeared through the crowd and not only did he have another drink for me but a bag of Marshmallows.

"What you were promised," he said, holding out the bag.

I grinned and took it from him, tearing it open and popping a marshmallow straight into my mouth. Meg laughed but took one for herself when I offered it too her.

"Hey, Meg," said Duncan.

"Hi, Duncan."

"You've met my d-date." Duncan looked away awkwardly and scratched his head.

I pursed my lips. "Is this a date?" I asked. Mostly teasing.

Panic filled his face. "Oh, I…um."

I smirked and giggled. "It's okay."

He held out my cup and smiled awkwardly. He sat back down on the log. "I didn't mean to assume."

"I was mostly teasing."

He nodded. He glanced between Meg and I and then looked towards the fire.

Meg said, "Where did you too meet?"

"Art gallery," I said. "His friend needed to be educated, so I stepped in."

Duncan smiled. "Dick was being—"

"Dick?" Meg finished.

He nodded and smiled.

"Is this the same Dick that is dating Madison?" I asked.

They both nodded.

"That somehow makes sense. Someone would need to be dumb to date her."

Duncan let out a loud laugh.

Meg smacked her lips and frowned at me. "Madison is difficult but that's a little mean."

I smiled at her and said, "You are too nice, Meg."

Duncan said, "That she is. But it is why we all love her."

Meg blushed. "Oh, Duncan that's sweet."

Duncan's face went bright pink.

I took a sip of my drink and pursed my lips. It seemed that Duncan had a very big crush on Meg. The tinge of his cheeks, the way he seemed unable to look at her for too long. It was very cute. If I had actually come to the party expecting it to be a real date, and perhaps thought about Duncan as more than just a cute guy, I would be jealous. But it was clear that while Duncan liked Meg, he wasn't going to make a move on her. Not with me sitting between them. And she also had that boyfriend.

"Meg!"

We all looked up to see another guy walking across the sand with Cole. He had Cole's arm over his shoulder and it seemed Cole was barely conscious.

"Heyyyyy, baaabyyy," moaned Cole.

The guy holding him laid him down and patted him on the back. He said, "I found something that belongs to you."

Meg frowned at her crumbled boyfriend and stood up. "Thanks?"

The guy smiled and dropped onto the sand. "But he weighs a tone, so I'm not dragging his ass to the car."

"I'll help you get him to the car," said Duncan. "I know where he parked." He stood up and then looked at me. "Will you be alright by yourself?"

I smiled. He was very sweet. "I'm a big girl," I said.

The new guy said, "I'll keep her company." He offered me a sly grin.

Duncan frowned at him for a moment, then said, "Veronica this is Logan. Logan, Veronica." He pointed at Logan and said, "Behave."

Logan held up his hands in surrender but the cheeky look on his face said he had no intention of doing as he was told.

Duncan shook his head and grabbed Cole's arm. He hoisted him up off the ground and turned to Meg. "Do you have his keys?" he asked.

"Right pocket," said Meg. She tapped at Cole's pocket and found them. "Let's go. I should get him home. Bye, Veronica. Thanks for earlier."

I smiled. "You are welcome. I'm sure I'll stop by the cafe again soon."

"I'll be right back," said Duncan.

I nodded. "No rush."

Silence lulled as Duncan moved slowly through the crowd with Meg following him. After a moment, Logan sat forward and said, "He won't be back anytime soon."

I turned to him and raised my eyebrow. "Your friend is gone for less than a minute and you think you can slide on in?"

Logan shrugged, his smirk not faltering.

"Aren't you cocky," I said and took a sip of my drink.

"Some say charming."

I snorted. "Wow, how drunk were they?"

Logan popped open his mouth and gave me a shocked look. He said, "They were perfectly sober. I was paying them to be there after all, they couldn't drink." He grinned.

I couldn't stop the small spout of laughter. I shook my head and reached into the bag of marshmallows.

"Ohhh, can I have one?" he asked.

I narrowed my eyes. "What makes you think I'd share them with you?"

Logan tilted his head and said, "Cause I'm so charming."

I rolled my eyes but smiled and offered him the bag.

"Thannnk you!" He popped the marshmallow into his mouth and chewed happily. He then asked, "So, V-er-o-ni-ca. How did you meet Duncan?"

"I bumped into him and your unfortunately named friend, Dick, at an art gallery today."

Logan's eyes widened with glee. "You're the blonde that Dick was whining about. The hot shorty with the sharp tongue?"

"Hot shorty?"

Logan shrugged. "You may have insulted Dick but that wouldn't stop him from checking you out."

I sucked my lower lip into my mouth and frowned. I wasn't sure how I felt about that but decided not to let it go. I shook my head slightly and drank some more.

Logan said, "All I heard this afternoon was Dick complaining and Duncan complementing you. I was hoping you'd show so I could hopefully get to watch a repeat."

I scrunched up my nose and smirked. "A repeat would only make my memory feel cheep."

Logan grinned.

"So, you've heard about me all day have you?" I asked.

"Ahuh. From both Duncan and Dick."

"I take it I might have bruised Dick's ego."

Logan said, "He isn't one to take it lightly when his intelligence is insulted."

"I suppose when someone is as small minded as him, they would be insulted by such a thing."

"Dick is more used to the girls that flock to him."

"Really? They flock?"

"Well, not all. A particular type do."

"Like Madison?"

Logan screwed up his face. "Yeah, she's more landed an opportunity she sees as a stepping stone."

"Yeah, she seems the type to not really be emotionally invested. More picking out the perfect guy that she can trick into marrying her so she can live her perfect life."

"Pretty much. It's why I've stayed completely clear of her."

"You have higher standards do you?"

"Well, for the last…" he tilted his head back and forth as he counted. "…two years, I've been spoken for…mostly."

"Mostly?"

He sighed. "My girl—ex-girlfriend likes to dump me when I upset her."

I nodded my head slowly.

"We have a few issues."

"Ah, yes. Issues. The bane of all teenage relationships."

"Have you experienced this phenomenon as well?"

"Why, yes. I have. I have been told by both of my ex-boyfriends that I have control issues."

"Control issues? Interesting."

"Apparently they don't like being told how to get me off."

He chuckled.

"I mean, if they did it right the first time I wouldn't feel the need to give them some direction."

"Some guys just aren't naturally gifted."

"And I suppose you are one of those gifted few?"

Logan grinned widely and finished his drink. "Absolutely. Never had a complaint." He winked at me.

I scoffed.

"What? Do you think I'd lie about such a thing?"

I shrugged. "Who knows. You could be lying because no guy would really admit to being bad in bed. You could be telling the truth but I'll never know."

Logan leaned back on his hands and tilted his head. "What makes you think you'll never know?"

I put my cup in the sand and clasped my hands together. "Well, for one, I don't make it a habit to sleep with guys I've just met. Two, your friend invited me here and I somehow don't think you would try and steal a girl from him—not unless you are an actual asshole and have been covering it up so well—and three, it sounds to me like you aren't really over this ex of yours if you are still calling her your girlfriend."

Logan smirked and pushed himself off the sand and moved to sit beside me on the log.

He said, "Wow. You got all that from a few minutes of chit chat."

I shrugged. "People are easy to read."

"Is that so?"

I smiled.

"Well, I picked up a lot about you as well."

I narrowed my eyes. "Do tell."

He said, "Your observant for one."

I laughed. "Wow, look at you."

He chuckled. "Let me finish."

I lifted my hands. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"You manage to get those around you to talk and tell you things but you don't give much of your own personal life."

I frowned. "You've spoken to me for two minutes. How could you know that?"

"I may have overheard you talking to the girls earlier."

"Like to eavesdrop do you?"

He winked. "It's how I get all of the best gossip."

I snorted out a laugh.

"Also, I noticed a hot blonde I'd never met before and I was curious." He grinned and held out his hand.

I placed a marshmallow into his hand and narrowed me eyes.

He popped it into his mouth and said, "You also picked up on Duncan's crush."

"I think anyone is pretty easily able to spot it."

Logan sighed. "Yeah, all expect for Meg and Cole. Duncan thinks he's been clever keeping it all bottled up. But the boy turns pink every time he talks to Meg."

I asked, "If he's crushing on her so bad, why doesn't he talk to her?"

"Cole got in first. Duncan is hoping that Meg will dump him and then he can have a shot, but while they are together Duncan would never think of saying a word."

I was right. Duncan was sweet. But it seemed to me that Meg wasn't exactly happy with her current choice of boyfriend.

"Duncan might not have to wait too much longer," I said.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you see I put my observation skills to work."

Logan chuckled.

"I observed Meg and Cole together. Meg wasn't exactly excited to see Cole when we got here. In fact, she looked annoyed. I have a feeling Meg isn't exactly in the love boat along with Cole."

"Really?"

I nodded. "Unless he's done something to annoy her recently."

Logan frowned. "Annoy Meg? That girl puts up with everything. Never says a bad word about anyone. Lilly calls her Saint Meg."

I laughed. The name was suiting.

"Is Lilly your ex?" I asked.

Logan nodded, his face turned serious. "She dumped me because one of her friends told her I kissed another girl."

"And did you?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No. I almost did but stopped myself."

"And Lilly's friends?"

"Oh, you met them. The three bitches from earlier."

"Right. Ashley, Shelly and Madison.

"Yep. They are so desperate to be Lilly's favourite they would kill someone if they thought it would help."

I frowned. "Wow. Lilly sounds…special."

Logan laughed but it sounded hollow. "Yeah, Lilly is something alright." He stretched out his legs in the sand. "She's an infectious person. She was always the one everyone wanted to be friends with when we were in middle school. That hasn't changed. People want to be around her, they want her attention and she craves that attention. Thrives off it."

"I'm surprised she isn't here. Thriving."

"According to Duncan she wasn't coming because I was. But she also has better things to do than hang out with her friends."

I frowned. It sounded like Lilly didn't really care all that much for those around her. Instead of voicing an opinion I'm sure wouldn't be welcome, I finished off my drink and said, "I'm dry. Time for a refill I think."

Logan looked at his empty bottle and said, "Me too. What would you like?"

"What else is there besides beer?" I asked.

"Whatever you desire we probably have.

"Careful. My desires might be more than you can handle."

Logan stood from the log and gave me a determined look.

"You'd be surprised by what I could handle," he said.

I bit down on my lower lip and smirked at him. "There's always a first," I said, holding up my empty cup to him.

Logan took the cup and leaned down so his mouth was near my ear. He whispered, "A challenge I would happily accept." He pulled back and headed towards the keg.

My skin tingled from where his breath had brushed over my cheek. Logan oozed confidence in a way not many guys did. He was the complete opposite of Duncan and the kind of guy who would have my blood pumping. Not only was he funny, that stupid grin was the type that could make a girls knees go week and his body. His arms and legs were toned, and I had no doubt that what was found beneath his shirt would be as well. As he walked away, I couldn't stop myself from staring at his ass because it was a nice one. And the shorts he was wearing were hugging it nicely.

The only issue was as I had said to him; his ex. Lilly seemed to be important to him, enough that the break up—one of many it seemed—would only be temporary until she took him back. It was a shame really, because I could have seen myself having a lot of fun with Logan.

---

Logan was only gone for a few minutes. I spent those minutes observing those around me. I didn't make an effort to talk to anyone new, just enjoyed the atmosphere of drunk teenagers interact with each other.

Dick was the main source of entertainment. I had no idea if he was drunk or just that ridiculous but he proceed to remove his shirt and start shimming his body to the people around him. Most of the people laughed but as he approached his girlfriend, Madison glared at him and rolled her eyes.

When Logan did return, he held out a cup which I took gratefully but he didn't sit down. Instead, he faced away from the fire and asked, "Did you want to go for a walk?"

I grinned and said, "Is this part of your master plan?"

He scrunched his nose and then shook his head. "I have no master plan."

I snorted out a laugh and stood.

"And don't forget the marshmallows.

I shook the bag in my hand and followed him away from the fire. We strolled in silence for a few moments as we walked down to the edge of the water. I took a moment to pull off my sandals and step into the wet sand. Logan followed suit, kicking off his flip flops.

"Do you often sweep away girls that your friends invites to parties?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Well, the girls that are invited are normally occupied by my friends so I don't have the opportunity much."

"And your a normally occupied by your girlfriend?"

Logan frowned. "Yeah, sometimes. If she bothers to show an interest," he grumbled.

I took a sip of my drink and wondered if I should push the conversation. It seemed Logan was uncertain when it came to Lilly. I didn't know enough to really understand what was going on, but if Lilly had dumped Logan because of a lie I could understand why he might be hurt.

"Have you tried talking to her?" I asked, deciding the worst thing he do was ignore me.

Logan's face relaxed and he glanced at me. He said, "You don't have to ask about her. We can talk about anything else."

"I could, but it's clear you have a lot going on in that head of yours because every time she is mentioned you turn very serious." I deepened my voice as I spoke and pulled a stern face.

A small smile graced his lips and then said, "You know, girls by this point are normally very flirty and are trying to convince the guy to take them somewhere private. Not get him to talk about his ex."

"Sorry, not me." I smiled and shrugged. "Besides, I haven't had nearly enough alcohol to consider sleeping with you."

He grinned. "I never mentioned sleeping."

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "So, Lilly. Have you talk to her about the almost kiss and explained it?"

Logan groaned and dropped his shoulders. "Lilly isn't one to talk…about anything. Our relationship has always been physical." He took a sip of his drink. "When we first started dating it was because she was hot and I wanted to kiss the hot girl. Then kissing became touching and then sex and it seemed to be how we communicated. Happy. Angry. Sad. Not that Lilly would ever admit to being sad, it always ended in sex. Every time I've ever tried to talk about anything she would find a way to distract me."

I licked my lips and said, "I know I don't know Lilly, but that doesn't sound like much of a relationship."

Logan looked down at his feet as they sunk into the sand with every step.

I added, "How long have you been dating?"

"Like, two years. Give or take a few months."

"And how often have you broken up?"

Logan stopped and seemed to try and find the answer to my question. After almost a full minute of silence he shook his head.

He said, "I honestly can't even count. In that time we've probably been broken up longer than we were together."

"Is it always the same reason she breaks up with you?" I asked.

"No. It changes. Sometimes she says I get jealous, and I do. But Lilly loves guys, whether she's dating me or not. If a guy gives her attention she loves it, and if she's not getting the attention she makes sure she does. How am I supposed to react when I see her rubbing herself all over some asshole right in front of me?"

The more Logan told me about Lilly, the more I didn't like what I was hearing.

He continued, "She dumps me because she gets bored too. She's told me before that she needs some excitement in her life and that I'm not cutting it." He rubbed his face in frustration. "God," he groaned, "I sound like such a baby."

I reached out my hand and grasped his arm, stopping both of us in our tracks.

"No," I said, "you don't. It is normal to expect a level of respect in a relationship, you two should be communicating but it seems Lilly isn't interested in that."

Logan looked down at my hand and smiled softly before he turned to sit down on the sat. The water rushed up, surrounding his legs before pulling back. I took a seat beside him and dug into the marshmallows to give him one.

He took it and asked, "Why do you care so much about my relationship?"

It was a valid question. We barely known each other for thirty minutes but here I was listening to his relationship issues. It wasn't the conversation I had expected but I didn't mind. Besides, it seemed he needed someone to talk too.

"I wouldn't say I care about your relationship," I said, "but I could see that something was on your chest and I'm not one to ignore someone who is in distress."

"I'm not in distress."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, sorry, macho man."

Logan let out a small laugh.

We sat together silently for a minute, the water crashing before us drowned out most of the music and voices of the teens further up. The temperature was much cooler so far away from the fire and I shivered slightly as the breeze picked up.

"Oh, sorry," said Logan, "I don't have a jacket."

I shook my head and smiled, "It's fine. My own fault. But I'll survive."

"Maybe we should move back to the fire."

I shrugged. I was comfortable on the sand and was happy to stay. Neither of us moved so we stayed as another wave of water hit our toes.

Logan asked, "Why would Lilly keep coming back to me if she didn't feel something more?"

I pursed my lips as I thought about it. I couldn't tell Logan exactly why, I didn't know Lilly.

I said, "There's a number of reasons." I rubbed my hands up and down my legs. "Lilly could miss you. She could get jealous when other girls get your attention. She might think that if she doesn't come back you might decide to cut her off completely."

"If she misses me, why would she keep running away?" Logan's words were almost a whisper. "There has to be more."

I smiled warmly at him and said, "You can ignore my advice—if you want—but I'm going to give it to you anyway. You need to make Lilly talk to you. Find a way to get her to open up and be honest with one another. Don't let her distract you with sex."

He gave me a dumbfounded look. He said, "Don't get distracted by sex? Seriously."

I chuckled. "I know, it sounds unbelievable, but it is possible."

"It must be witch craft."

I nudged his shoulder. "Hey, I said you could ignore it. After all, we just met. What would I know about your relationship?"

"And yet, you are the only one who actually has asked me about it." He lifted his legs and brought his knees up.

I frowned. "What, your friends don't ask you if your okay?"

He shrugged. "Boys don't talk about that stuff."

"That's bullshit. Friends talk. Boys. Girls. Doesn't matter."

"Duncan's normally the one who shows his caring side."

"Not this time?"

Logan cringed. "Yeah, no. Lilly's his sister."

My eyes widened. "Wait, you are dating your best friends sister?"

He nodded. "Yep."

"Wow. Yeah, I guess why that would be weird for you too."

Logan nodded. "It's fine. I'm use to working this out on my own."

"Well, while we are here," I gestured towards the beach around us, "feel free to talk about whatever you'd like."

Logan smiled widely and sipped his drink, then said, "I've opened my soul for you…stranger." He nudged me. "Your turn."

I held up my hand. "Did you not say earlier that you know I don't talk about me?"

He shrugged. "Too bad. Your turn." He stole my drink from my hand. "If you don't, I'll drag you into the water."

"You wouldn't dare."

Logan eyes sparkled with the fact that he would. When I didn't say anything after a moment, he reached forward and grabbed my hand.

"No, Logan!"

He chuckled. "Well, come on. What trouble is looming in your mind, Veronica? Maybe an ex-boyfriend whose an ass. Or girlfriend, I don't discriminate. Air out some of your dirty laundry for me so I don't feel like such a wimp."

Opening up had never been one of my strong suits. Not in any relationship that I had, even with most of my friends. I couldn't really talk about my dad as I hated lying about him. He was my favourite person but he hide so much of himself, even from me. Talking about Lianne always made other people uncomfortable as much as it did me, they always looked at me with pity or would make a comment about how so sorry they were that I'd missed out on having a mother—not that I feel like I missed anything. And my past relationships, well, not much to say.

I sighed and said, "Not much really to share."

Logan gave me a doubtful look.

"I'm serious."

He made a tutting sound and shook his head.

"Why don't you ask me something? Anything you want."

A smirk pulled at his lips. He then asked, "You mentioned your grandmother earlier when you were talking to satan's triplets…"

I snorted out a laugh as I sipped my drink.

"…but you never answered Ashley's question. Which firm does you grandmother work for?"

I asked, "Why so interested?"

He grinned. "You said I could ask anything."

"I know. But why does it matter?"

"Well, you seemed relieved when Duncan arrived, so I thought perhaps you didn't want to talk about them."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but it was just bad timing. I was relieved to get away from the girls, not about avoiding an answer."

"So?" He prodded.

"Reynolds and Specter."

His eyes widened. "Seriously? They're huge."

I nodded.

"They represent some serious players."

"That they do."

"Impressive. You'd fight right in if you lived in Neptune."

I reached over and grasped his arm. "You mean, I'm rich enough to be apart of your club. Really?"

Logan chuckled at me. "I somehow believe you would avoid us like the plague."

I nudged his shoulder. "You don't seem so bad. Duncan and Meg I also like. The triplets, well, them I would happily avoid."

"What do your parents do?" asked Logan. "Does you dad work with your grandmother?"

I shook my head. "He made is own fortune. He deals a lot with mergers and acquisitions."

"Sounds…"

"Boring?"

"Yeah, kinda."

"Yeah, it can be. What about your parents?"

Logan frowned.

"What?"

"Seriously?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, should I know your parents? Am I breaking some sort of rule by not knowing?"

"No, I'm honestly surprised. Most people know who they are before they even said hi to me."

"Sorry to disappoint. Also I don't even know your last name, maybe that piece of information would be helpful."

He grinned. "It's Echolls."

The name was familiar. "Echolls? Echolls?" I rolled the name over my tongue.

"Seriously?" He laughed.

Then it hit me. "Oh wait, as in Aaron Echolls from the Long Haul?"

Logan let out a heavy sigh and nodded. "That would be him."

"Wow, your dad is shit actor."

Logan's eyes widened and he choked slightly on his drink.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to insults your dad."

"No, don't be. It's probably the best thing you've said all night."

I laughed.

"Normally people spend all their time gushing about him."

"Not me. I avoid his movies, all expect The Pursuit of Happiness, but only because I like your mum."

Logan grinned as I mentioned his mum. "I'll be sure to let her know that she has a fan."

"How come she doesn't act anymore?" I asked. And it was the wrong thing too ask.

Logan's body stiffened. "She…um…"

I shifted to face him more directly.

He glanced at me. "She wanted to be there for me. Didn't want me left with a nanny."

I nodded taking his answer, but something inside me told me that wasn't really the answer. Most people didn't freeze up at the mention of a parents career change, not unless there is something more going on. I used to do the same thing when people asked about my dad. They'd get curious and I was never sure what to say. The older I got the more comfortable I became with making up a story about what my dad did.

"Fair enough," I said, not wanting to make him any more uncomfortable, "but make sure you tell her if she ever does decide to make another movie, I'll be first in line to see it."

Logan's smile returned to his face. "If you're lucky, I might be able to get you a ticket to the premier."

"Don't tease a girl," I chided.

"Why? It's one of my favourite things to do."

---

It got late. It was definitely after midnight but there was still of plenty of teenagers gathered on the beach. There was no one dancing, mostly couples were snuggled up around the fire either engaged in conversation or making out. I was sitting on the sand, leaning against a log, talking to a few other 09ners that Logan had introduced me to.

I was happy to sit and listen as they guys talked, and I was happy to laugh when a very drunk Dick passed out mid-make out with his girlfriend. Madison, it seemed, was less than impressed and after shoving him away from her had stormed off the beach, leaving Dick snoring in the sand.

I put down my empty cup, having finished my forth of the night, and pulled out my phone. I had a few messages, mostly from my friends back in New York and one from my dad. The message from my dad simply said: I love you. Be safe. It made me smile.

"Oooo," said Logan. He leaned towards me and tried to look at my phone. "Whose got you all smiley? Boyfriend?" He made a kissing sound.

I laughed. "No. Not boyfriend here." I sent off a quick reply and put my phone away.

"Really? You're single?" asked Casey.

Logan had introduced me to him earlier.

"Why so surprised?" I asked.

Casey smirked. "I would have thought a clever New Yorker would have snapped you up by now."

I shrugged. "A few have tried but they haven't quite met the standard."

Logan snickered. "How high is this standard? Luke needs to know if he has a chance."

Luke, another one of Logan's friends, had gotten a little tongue tied upon our introduction and his friends didn't seem to be letting him live it down.

"Shut up," grumbled Luke.

I smiled at him warmly. Then looked back at Logan and teasingly said, "Well, he's closer than you."

Logan merely smiled.

"Babe, I'm ready to go," said Amy. She was Casey's girlfriend, who was sleepily sitting between his legs.

"Okay," said Casey, "Let's get you home."

The couple stood and said their goodbyes. A few others proceeding to follow suit. I decided it was time I get back to check up on Backup and climb into my own bed. I pushed myself to stand and Logan watched me, his eyes narrowing.

"What?" I asked, dusting the sand from my skirt.

"Going home?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I think my bed is calling me."

Logan pushed himself to stand. "I can give you a lift."

I smiled. Such a gentleman. "That's sweet, but I'm just a few houses that way." I pointed towards the porch light.

"Okay, I'll walk you then."

I decided to allow it. I said bye to the people I'd met and waited as Logan grabbed his shoes and dusted himself off. We walked away from the fire and towards the house in silence. It too only a few minutes to reach the gate that separated the back yard of the beach house from the beach.

"This is me," I said.

Logan looked up at the house. "Wow, this is nice."

"It's not too bad. Should do for the summer."

He nodded. "I assume your dad is waiting for you inside?"

I shook my head. "Nope, he is overseas. Just the woman that I'm told is my mother."

Logan looked at me with confusion.

I sighed. "Ignore me. I'm just…" I didn't really want to explain.

He said, "Yeah, I get it. Parents can suck."

"That they can."

We stood there for a moment, just smiling at one another.

I said, "I gonna admit that I am tempted to invite you inside."

Logan licked his lips and grinned. He closed the space between us, his height making him tower over me. He brought up his hand to touch my cheek, his fingers ghosting over my skin.

"Only tempted?" he asked.

"I don't think it'd be a good idea," I said.

The whole evening we had talked and flirted. And I wasn't ashamed of it, not at all. It had been fun and Logan was a very good looking guy. I would have happily ended the night with a kiss that would leave us both wanting more, or even taking him up to my room to do even more, but I liked him too much for that. I knew that it wouldn't be meaningless sex with him, it would leave me—at least—wanting way more.

He frowned. "Because of Lilly?"

"Yes, but also no."

"We aren't together."

"I know. But I like you, Logan. And if I invite you inside like I want to, we would have fun—I have no doubt—fun that I'd most likely want to repeat but with the complication that is your ex I have every belief that the next time I would see you, you both would be back together."

Logan bobbed his head slowly.

"I'd rather we just be friends."

He said, "Okay. I can do friends."

I smiled. "Good." I pulled out my phone. "And friends hang out, so give me your number. I'm going to need someone to keep me entertained over the next three months."

With his number saved in my phone, I stretched up on my toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Logan looked at me with dark wanting eyes and his mouth followed me as I lowered myself back down. His lips brushed mine but before he could kiss me properly, I lifted my hands and pressed them to his lips.

"Good night, Logan."

He sighed and stepped back. "Good night, Veronica."

I opened the gate and walked back up the stone steps to the back porch. I stopped to look back and Logan was sitting watching me. I gave me one last warm smile before he waved and turned to walk back to the beach.

The temptation to call out to him danced heavily but I ignored it and headed inside. I liked Logan, but it was better off that he was my friend.