"Margaret, where is my peach bikini and my red bottoms? I'll also need my Dolce & Gabbana perfume—Jayden loves that scent on me—and don't forget my brown Coach bag," I say, stepping out of the steamy shower and drying off. My iPad buzzes with a video call from Zara. I place it on my vanity and accept the call.
Margaret replies, "Yes, princess, I packed them. Will you also need your jeans?"
"Margaret, no. I'm going there to be in bikinis, short skirts, and shorts. Also pack my long fur coat and leather boots—I want to eat up the looks when we go clubbing."
"Okay, princess," she says. I glance at my built-in closet, which looks like a tornado hit it. It must be so hard for Margaret to pack my clothes into three suitcases.
On the call, I grin at Zara. "Sorry about that, girl. You know how it is—I have to coach Margaret, or I'll end up looking like a 1/10."
Zara laughs. "Girl, don't kill me—you're dramatic, just like Carol. Anyways, as you can see, I'm in the SUV. We're going to fetch Nora and Tiffany, then pick you up last. I hope you'll already be dressed and ready by then."
"Of course, babe. I'm done detangling my hair. I'm going to get dressed now and attempt to do my hair myself. No Margaret on campus with me, so I need practice."
Zara giggles. "Yes! Your spoiled tendencies will have to end, sister. You must start practicing now. Can't wait to have mojitos by Crystal Beach."
"Right? I'm so glad Dad got this beach house. We're going to have a time. Just hope Nora keeps her hands off my man—not that he'll glance at her twice—but if she comes with any attitude, we'll Uber her back here."
Zara smirks. "I'll sort her out. She's so annoying. Lucky for her, she has to be there because of Tiffany."
"Yeah, she's lucky. We love Tiffany. Okay, bye, girl, let me finish getting ready."
Jayden POV
The boys are already in the car, driving to the beach. Jayden is at the wheel, Mark and Chris with beers in hand.
Mark grins. "So, how many ladies are going to be there?"
I laugh. "Keep it in your pants, will you? We don't want to be breaking up girl fights—we're there to relax and have a good time."
"Exactly, bro! That's why I gotta move quickly. A good time, not a long time. And Zara—that girl is fine. She likes playing hard to get, but I'll win her over this summer."
"Mark, chill. You do know Zara had a thing with Adrian, right? Bro code."
"It doesn't apply. I'm not that close with him. You said 'had,' right? So, nothing now. My turn, right, Chris?"
Chris doesn't answer. Mark snatches his phone and sees a picture of his ex. "Oh my god, bro. I'm taking you on this trip to forget her. Plenty of girls in the sea. No more pity parties. You'll earn your phone back when we get home. Fun only."
Chris groans. "Bro, you're my cousin, not my parent. Can I have my phone back?"
I chuckle. "Surprising how different you two are. Chris is chill; Mark… well, Mark's Mark. But he's right—heartbreak won't heal if you keep looking at her. Just enjoy the trip."
Mark laughs. "What do you know about heartbreak? You've only been with Ariana. Imagine your first heartbreak at 18—your big age!"
I smirk. "Man, shut up. Me and Shwaty are destined for life." Chris laughs and loosens up.
Girls' POV
The girls are in the SUV, singing loudly along to Show Me Love by Tyla. Champagne in hand, hair whipping in the wind, Zara leans out the window, letting the air massage her scalp.
We stop for a bathroom break; Tiffany and Nora step out first, leaving me and Zara in the car.
Zara asks, "Is Jayden going to meet us there? I didn't hear about him when we went to fetch you."
I shrug. "Oh, Zara, don't you and your man speak anymore? Why didn't you ask him?"
"No, uh… he's having network problems, I think. Listen, I don't need a lecture—he's going to be there, yes or no?"
I grin. "Easy, sister. Don't bite my head off. He's flying there from campus. I'm sure he's already at the beach. I'll let y'all be—I want to enjoy my vacay with Jayden, and I think I'm ready for us to take the next step."
Zara squeals. "Next step… ohh! You mean… popping the cherry? Girl, about time! So happy for you."
"Shh, not so loud," I say as Tiffany and Nora approach.
Beach House Arrival
The boys arrive first at Crystal Cove Beach House, a modern white home with terraces, palm trees, and white sand. Suitcases are rolled in. Jayden, already settled with a cold beer and FIFA on the PS5, greets us with fist bumps.
Mark asks, "So what's the bed situation? Leave our luggage here?"
Jayden shakes his head. "Ariana said not to touch the rooms. Girls will have it sorted."
Thirty minutes later, the girls arrive. First thing they see: the private beach view, hidden bonfire area, and infinity pool.
Nora yells, "This is the life! Where are the boys?"
We all head to them. After settling, I take the master bedroom with Jayden. Zara twists my arm to share with Adrian; Tiffany is with Nora; Mark with Chris. I chose the third-floor master room—it has the best view.
Jayden joins me on the balcony, hugs me, and hands me a glass of Moët and raspberries. "Thank you, baby," I whisper. He kisses my cheek and stands behind me. "You picked our room well. Best view here."
"Of course. Perks of being the hostess," I say. We stand in silence for a moment, enjoying the view as he kisses my neck slowly. The champagne and his touch make me weak in the knees.
Zara POV
Adrian and I settle in our room.
Adrian approaches. "So… how was your drive?" He leans in to kiss me. I stop him, heart racing.
"Ohh, you know how to speak to me? You could've answered my calls—or at least asked how my drive was," I say while unpacking.
"Come on, baby," he says, holding my hands, locking me in his gaze. "I was busy with admin stuff. Next year I'm a senior. I'm sorry, love." His forehead-to-lips kiss melts my frustration. Soon, we're tangled on the bed when a knock interrupts us.
Ariana's voice calls, "Come out, guys! I have reheated pizza and we're playing games!"
Adrian groans. "She's so annoying… Let's just stay in our room," he mutters while kissing my chest.
I shake my head. "No, baby. She's right. We came here to enjoy ourselves. Let's go."
Ariana POV
We all eat pizza, play music, and chill instead of games. Adrian and Zara eventually join us, slightly late. Nora's antics entertain us, Tiffany warms up to a new cute guy, and I feel content seeing my friends having fun.
By 11 PM, we call it a night. Jayden and I cuddle in bed, warm and romantic. What more could a girl ask for?