Summer Shade - Pretentious Volume 2

Chapter 9

A male gorilla slammed his chest with his fists and Aryn laughed. The female turned her back but didn't budge, while the youngster ran away. The male went after it, but the little one climbed onto a high rock surface and wouldn't come down until its mother claimed him. Miffed, the male sat in a corner and chewed on a piece of bamboo.

"They really are cool creatures," Aryn said. She imitated the male beating his chest. "I had no idea they really did that."

Kevin smiled. "Did you know that a group of gorillas is called a band?" he asked. Aryn chuckled. "No, I didn't know that."

Kevin sighed as they followed the crowd. "Yes, females often leave the band when they find a gorilla in shining armor of their own, and form a new band." He stopped and bought a bottle of water. "You could do that, you know."

"Do what?"

"Move to California. I could set you up in another band at some point and you can pursue your acting career."

Aryn's breath caught, and her eyes narrowed. "But I have a band and a mate." She tried to forces a laugh, but it came out rough. What was he thinking? "And I'm still in high school."

Kevin shrugged. "After you graduate then."

Aryn cleared her throat. "Have you listened to the demo yet?"

"No. I've been spending all my time with you." He smiled, but Aryn noticed it didn't touch his eyes.

"I guess that's true. I have no desire to be in another band. This is Danny's dream. I want to help make it happen. It's not just him. The people in the band are some of my closest friends. I couldn't leave them either. Once the band is successful," She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "I'll figure out my acting career then."

"Didn't you say you did vocals? The band's not even established yet. Since you don't play an instrument, you're easy to replace. Have you thought about that?"

Aryn stiffened. "I'm not leaving the band!" But Kevin was right, Pretentious didn't need her.

Kevin's hand went up in a defensive manner. "I'm just sayin', baby girl. Great voices can be found anywhere. That's a fact."

"Can we change the subject?" Aryn said. It wasn't a question, more like a demand.

"Okay, why don't we check out the beach for a bit then?"

Aryn bit into a taco and laughed, remembering the mess Danny always made when they had tacos. Finger foods just weren't his thing, but he loved them. She loved the splashes of color surrounding her, paper flowers, paintings of Senoritas twirling in bright colored skirts, street vendor's just outside the door, historic buildings and the sound of Mariachi's.

"How are your tacos?" Kevin asked.

"They're great. I love this place. I've never heard of Olvera Street."

"And it's been here for more than a century," he said, placing a sombrero on her head.

Aryn laughed. "I can't believe you bought this." She grabbed the rim and readjusted it so she could see. "I had so much fun today."

Kevin smiled. "Then, what would you like to do tomorrow?"

"I don't think there's anything left," she said cutting up an enchilada. "We went to the zoo, the observatory, the Chinese Theatre, and now here." She would have liked to spend more time at the Walk of Fame, but Kevin was bored.

"And there's so much more to choose from, more beaches, amusement parks, Chinatown, shopping, museums, anything a lady could want."

"Don't you need to work?"