I refused to let my face fall. I wasn’t delusional enough to think that anything was actually going to happen with us. And even if it did, it’s not like he wouldn’t date other girls later on. “Yeah, well, you never know when the skill will come in handy.”
“I’m going to refrain from making the dirty response your comment is begging for.”
I laughed. Macon was so good at breaking awkward tension. “And I promise to keep my clothes on this time.”
“Who said you had to do that?” His tone was light but his eyes sent a different message.
“All right. Let’s start this thing.”
He opened his laptop and logged into the course.
A simple graphic welcomed us to the program. I shifted in my stool to get comfortable.
“So you want to bartend?” A guy with a pink polo with the collar popped stared at us from the screen.
I nudged Macon. “Is this for real?”
He laughed. “Just pay attention.”
“There are lots of reasons why you might be taking this class. Maybe you want to be able to mix yourself drinks, or maybe you’re trying to impress a special someone.” The guy winked in an exaggerated way that had me nudging Macon again. “Or maybe you want to transfer to a new profession. No matter what the reason, this class will help you reach your goal.”
He walked over to a bar and hopped up. “Are you ready to get started? What’s that? I couldn’t hear you. Are you ready?”
“Hell yeah!” Macon smiled. “We’re so ready.”
“All right, that’s better. Let’s get started.”
“This is like a bad work-out video. Where’d you find this class and how much did it cost?”
“Shh. We’re going to miss the first lesson.”
I rolled my eyes. “The horror.”
“Today we’re going to talk about the supplies you’ll use and the terms you need to understand before bartending. Let’s start with the different types of glasses.”
I groaned. “Seriously, Macon? Glasses?”
“It has to get better.”
“Sure.” I nudged him again, and he put an arm around me. I happily rested my head against his shoulder.
Macon was wrong. It didn’t get better. After learning about every type of glass known to man Mr. Popped Collar moved on to shakers and measuring tools. Just when I thought we might learn something interesting the lesson ended.
“Seriously?” I looked at Macon. “When do we get to start something fun?”
He shrugged. “Maybe class number two.”
I laughed. For some reason the whole situation seemed incredibly funny.
A low battery alert flashed on the screen.
“And on that note.” Macon closed his laptop. He spun on his stool toward me. “What are you up to now?”
“Now? You do realize it’s almost two a.m., right?”
“Yes… I’ll ask again, what are you up to now?”
A door squeaked and Brody walked out. “What are you up to, Macon?”
“Did we wake you up?” I felt bad. Maybe my jeers about the class had woken him.
“Not really… and at least you’re dressed.” He pulled a grey t-shirt on over his head.
“Because you thought we wouldn’t be…”
“You two have a bad track record when it comes to bartending…”
“Unfortunately I didn’t get her liquored up tonight.” Macon winked at me.
I groaned. “Please don’t go there.”
Macon stretched his arms above his head. He was probably stiff from sitting so long. “Want to go for a walk?”
“Now?” I caught Macon’s eye.
“Yeah. Let’s grab some flashlights and head down to the beach.” Macon glanced at Brody to get his approval. Brody nodded.
“Won’t we get arrested or something? It’s the middle of the night.”
Macon shook his head. “You sound so much like Maddy it’s scary.”
“What? Because I think about things like my arrest record?”
“Wait…” Macon’s lips twisted into a smile. “Why do you I get the feeling you have a record?”
“I don’t have anything on my record… thankfully.” I walked down the hall to my room and found my favorite black flip flops. Nervous about getting in trouble or not, I wasn’t giving up the chance for a night walk. There’s just something special about being outside at night like that, especially by the water.
“You’re going to spill, Carly, whether you know it or not.” Macon stood by the front door, holding the door open.
Brody placed a small flashlight into my hand.
“That’s what you think.” I slipped out and headed down the stairs.
The night was cool, and I immediately regretted not throwing a sweatshirt over my tank top. I wrapped my arms around myself as I gazed up at the starlit sky.
“Cold?” Macon asked as the three of us walked along the sand.
“Not as cold as when you threw me in the ocean.”
“So what you’re saying is that you’re dying to take another swim?”
“No. That’s not what I’m saying at all.” Getting in the ocean again while fully dressed was not high on my list of activities.
“Okay. If you’re sure.” Macon got that twinkle in his eye, and I knew I was in trouble.
“Do not throw me in, Macon.”
“Or what?”
“Or else.”
Brody laughed. “That’s it? No creative threats?”
“My threats are so creative I can’t share them with mere mortals like you.”
Macon wrapped an arm around my waist. “Mortals?”
“Ok, wrong word, but you get the picture.”
“Nuh uh, you just admitted that you think you’re more than human.”
“No I didn’t.” Had I really just said that? Maybe I was reading too many paranormal books.
“Yes, you did.” Brody just had to join in.
“It’s the middle of the night, and I just finished watching the world’s most boring video, cut me some slack.”
“Sure, no problem.” Macon smiled right before he yanked the flashlight from my hand and swooped me up in his arms.
Moments later I made contact with the dark, cool water.
“Macon!”
“Chill out, I’m coming,” Macon called.
“As much as fun as a late night swim sounds, I’m heading home. Don’t get in too much trouble you two.” Brody laughed before turning back toward the condo.