Between Two Fires

^.^ CHAPTER 19 ^.^

"Well fake or not, I'll be there if you are also up for it..." A small blush adorns my face and I steal a glance at his expression, trying to hide my own surprise. His expression is neutral so I can't tell whether he is serious or not. I laugh nervously, unsure how to answer... or feel. 

Did he just ask me out...?

The thought made me nervous but instead of feeling happy or excited about it, i just felt uncomfortable. My inexperience with these situations didn't help. I mean, I had only gone out with Seth back home, never having liked anyone else in our small town. He had been my one and only crush. After we broke up I hadn't really been looking for anything else and no one had asked me out. This situation was new to me. Trent was nice and good-looking. But I wasn't sure I felt anything for him and I wasn't used to thinking of having a short-term relationship. I had never seen the point of getting involved with anyone who you knew you weren't going to have a future with.

Perfect for an Australian - no-strings-attached - kiss. The little voice in my head reminded me.

I am relieved when I hear Lea call out to me as we approach the lake, preventing me from carrying my thoughts and conversation any further.

****

The rest of the afternoon at the lake is filled with a bunch of food and a lot of swallowed lake water. Ethan had suggested repeating this next week and we had all agreed happily. Although the sun disappeared sooner than at the beach, there were a lot less people here and it was a nice place to relax with friends. By the time we are ready to leave, the chill in the air is tickling my skin and I am relieved we are leaving before it gets any colder. 

I hadn't really had any individual interaction with either Trent or Luca which I was happy about. When I had returned from the car everyone had been in the water, the incident had been forgotten and I was happy about it. The plans for tonight had also been cleared up. I had let Lea know that I would skip out on the evening plans and would, instead, stay in. She had insisted I come but I had told her it would be best to end the day alone with Ethan. Lea had agreed hesitantly. I was sure Trent had overheard our conversation but he hadn't said much about it which relieved me.

Folding one of the last towels we had brought, I neatly place it on the pile and join Lea on my who was loading the care car. She is by the car placing our empty fridge in it once I arrive with the towels and our beach bag. The boys were still back by the lake, grabbing the last few items.

"Cyan," She smiles as I approach and makes space for the items I have at hand. "I was speaking to Ethan, I am going to go over to his house to get changed since its already quite late...." I nod for her to continue, wondering what this has to do with me. "So.... I was wondering if it would be ok for you to go back with Luca since Ethan, Trent and I are all going to Ethan's neighbourhood..." I roll my eyes. Of-course this was going to happen.

"Reallyyyy?" I whine. "Was this your plan all along? I think i'd rather walk." I give her a pointed look. 

"No, I promise Cyan. If you really don't want to go with him I'll drive you. It was actually Ethan's suggestion and I didn't think it was such a bad idea...." She sounds guilty and I feel bad for complaining. How bad could a car ride be.

"Don't worry about it. How bad can a short ride be right? But don't forget you owe me this week!" I give her the best smile i can muster. I am not quite sure she believes my words but a thankful smile spreads across her lips, making my sacrifice feel a little bit better.

I grab my beach bag and purse from the back of her car and walk over to Luca's car just as the boys approach. I assume Ethan has let him in on the plan because he doesn't question me when I place the bag in the back of his car and get into the passenger seat.