Second String (In Too Deep #3)

  Second

  String

  By:

  Casey McMillin

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the author.

  Copyright © 2013

  Casey McMillin

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9893431-2-1

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 1

  Emily

  Collin Blake came back into the kitchen wanting to be caught up on everything Gretchen had just confessed to. He'd gone out of the room to take a call, but he heard enough upon his reentry to know he missed some big news.

  I was really glad Collin needed a recap. Being new here, I was lucky if I could keep names straight, and I hadn't been able to keep up with everything that'd just been said. Gretchen revealed that she and Joel were having a baby, which was weird since I didn't even know they were together. They'd been cozy with each other the evening before, but I had no idea they were an item. The family seemed almost as surprised as I was, but both of them looked so happy that nobody doubted everything was going to work out. She and Joel really made a gorgeous couple. Actually, I was surrounded by all sorts of cuteness at this house. Gretchen's brothers and their wives were all really happy together.

  Rachel told Collin everything Gretchen had just said, making a joke about the fact that Joel bought his house from Bruce Willis. Collin was excited to hear all the news, and he congratulated the happy couple, giving hugs and high fives and smiling from ear to ear. I looked away because I felt like an intruder on a special moment between family and close friends.

  I could still hear Collin talking even though I was now turned toward the living room where one of Gretchen's brothers was sitting by a disassembled bike. "I just talked on the phone to a friend of mine," Collin said behind my back. "Do you mind if he comes over for Christmas dinner?"

  "Of course," Gretchen's mom said, without hesitation. Rachel then asked Collin who'd be joining us.

  Even though I knew before it came out of his mouth that there was a possibility Collin would say the name Ethan, I still wasn't prepared for the rush of adrenaline that hit me when he said it. Time stood still as Collin said his name. "Eeeetthaaaann".

  I felt blood rise to my cheeks as the possibility of seeing him again began to sink in. I knew I'd run into him sometime if I continued to hang out with his friends, but I honestly didn't expect him to come up here today. Who changes their plans on Christmas day? I thought. Then, Oh God, do I even have anything decent to wear? I ran a hand through my hair, trying to remember when I'd washed it last. That fight-or-flight feeling started to kick in, and suddenly I felt like I wanted to get out of the house as quick as my feet could take me.

  Collin had just finished saying something about Ethan. I thought he might have even mentioned my name, but I couldn't be sure with all the nervous excitement coursing through my body. I sat my coffee mug down as I looked at Collin and said, "Should I leave, you think?"

  Collin looked at me, in disbelief. "Should you leave?" he asked. He seemed to think that was funny. "You're the only reason he's driving up here," he said.

  "I am?" I asked. My voice cracked which added to my shame. I tried, I really did, but I couldn't for the life of me stop the smile from spreading across my face. Like the goober I apparently was, I asked Collin if Ethan said something about me on the phone.

  He considered that for a minute, looking like he wanted to choose his words. He smiled at me. "I'll tell you later."

  What? I'll tell you later? What could Ethan have possibly said that couldn't be repeated in front of everyone?

  Collin must have noticed the stunned expression on my face as I contemplated everything, because he began to backpedal. "No, it's not really a big deal. He was just calling to say merry Christmas," Collin said. "I just assumed one of us had told him we ran into you at the Lakers game, but I guess we forgot to mention it… and anyway, when I said you were here, he said he'd like to come up and say hi."

  "Come up and say hi?" I asked, incredulous. "What does that mean?" At that point, everyone was trying to go on with their Christmas morning business and discuss the new baby so Collin and I could talk. They did their best to tune us out, but I knew our conversation could still be heard.

  "I don't think Ethan's really thought much beyond throwing some clothes in a bag and getting in the car," Collin said. He got up and headed to the porch where we could have a few minutes to speak without being overheard. I followed him.

  "Is he spending the night here?" I asked, as we walked. The thought of it had me all nervous again.

  "I'm sure he will," Collin said, looking like he hadn't even considered the alternative. "It's got to be at least three and a half hours… maybe more if he hits traffic. I can't imagine he'd turn around and go home tonight."

  I didn't know what to say. What I really wanted to say was, "Tell me exactly what he said when you told him I was here," but I knew that was too girly and desperate. Instead I overcompensated by trying to sound like I didn't really care. "I've really got a lot going on… I'm not trying to get into a relationship or anything," I said.

  That made Collin laugh. "Believe me, neither is Ethan," he said. "In fact, I was just debating on warning you. Don't get me wrong. I love the guy, I really do. He's one of my best friends… but if you were my sister, I'd tell you to run for the hills."

  "Run for the hills as in he's destined to break my heart?" I asked.

  "Something like that," he said, smiling.

  "I'm not worried about it," I said, trying to sound confident. "Like I said, I'm not looking for anything serious."

  "Good," Collin said.

  I couldn't help but feel the sting at the sound of the word. It was a warning, loud and clear. I didn't want a relationship or anything, but Collin certainly didn't have to go all overboard about how ridiculous the idea was. Maybe I was offended, or maybe it was just that I felt like I had to say something to assure him I wasn't going to get my heart broken by Ethan. For whatever reason, I began to share something with Collin that I seldom told anyone.

  "I'm in love," I said.

  Collin looked at me with a quizzical glance, and my eyes darted around the front porch to make sure we couldn't be overheard. "Not with Ethan," I continued. "It's a guy from back home in Sedona. Someone I grew up with." Collin leaned back in his rocking chair as if to tell me he had all day and I should go on and continue with the story. "His name's Jeremy," I said with a resigned sigh. "He was my best friend's older brother—three years ahead of us in school. He and I have a thing. A sort of pact that we'll end up together."

  "What's that mean?" Collin asked. His brows drew together.

  "Well… a pact. You know, like an unspoken agreement that I'll sort of wait for him. I still had three years of high school to finish when he moved to Tucson, and he's had a lot going on since then. Anyway, we're not together, but I guess it's always in my mind that ultimately we will be." I paused, thinking about how good it felt to talk about Jeremy with someone. "Jeremy's the only guy I've ever
been with, you know, like that." I said. I looked at Collin to make sure that wasn't too much information. He didn't seem to mind. I took another deep breath. "I'm not stupid. I know he's been with other girls… I just haven't had the desire to be with anyone else. Jeremy ruined me for love, I think. I've tried going out with other guys, but nobody does it for me. Ethan's the only other one who's even come close."

  I was silent for a minute, trying to gauge his reaction. He gave me a sweet, non-judgmental smile that instantly had me feeling at ease. "So I shouldn't worry about Ethan breaking your heart since it already belongs to someone else?" he asked.

  "Exactly," I said, returning his smile.

  "Jeremy must be some guy, because Ethan can pretty much make a rock fall in love with him," he said, laughing.

  "He is some guy," I said, almost regretfully. "He's a college football player, a good one, which translates into as many girls as you can handle. It wouldn't be fair for me to deny him whatever experiences he needs to have."

  "He must be pretty good if he gets as many ladies he wants and can afford to keep you on a shelf," Collin said. "I might have heard of him. I watch some college football."

  "You've heard of him then," I said. "His name's Jeremy Salyer. He was the quarterback for—"

  "Arizona," Collin said. "I've heard of him all right. Two Rose Bowls and maybe as many MVP's. Not too shabby."

  "Yeah," I said, sighing for about the tenth time this conversation "and he's nice, and fun, and really smart too." I stared into the distance, thinking about Jeremy.

  "The best friend's older brother, huh?" Collin said, sympathetically. "I have a little sister, and looking back, I'm sure a couple of her friends had crushes."

  I laughed without humor. "And let me guess, you probably don't even remember any of their names do you?"

  "Aw, come on, I'm sure he remembers you. You're a great girl. He'd be a fool not to see that."

  "Whatever," I said, trying to make it seem like no big deal. "I'm not holding my breath. I was just trying to let you know why you shouldn't worry about me and Ethan."

  "Fair enough, I get it. Just a warning, though, it's gonna be hard not to fall for Ethan," Collin said. "He's the funniest person I know… and he has money." His eyebrows rose. "Boatloads of money. He got a five million dollar trust when he turned twenty-one, and he gets another one worth way more than that when he turns thirty. His dad comes from old money. I think their family owned a good chunk of San Diego at one point. Ethan's a riot, though. He marches to the beat of his own drum. You'd never know he was loaded."

  "I know," I interjected. "I never once got that impression when we met in Vegas."

  "He barely touches that money," Collin continued. " He lives in a two bedroom apartment with our friend Josh. It's nice, but definitely not five million dollars nice." He looked at me, considering how much information he should divulge. "He's also an adrenaline junky. He wants to do things like climb Mt. Everest and go crab fishing in Alaska for a season. This whole swimming thing is just another challenge to him." Collin smiled again as he continued, "He's crazy too… a freaking clown… always the life of the party. But I guess you picked up on that already."

  "Yeah, some of that. I didn't know he was a daredevil, but I guess that explains a few things," I said. We sat for a long minute in comfortable silence, watching Gretchen's little nephews play on the driveway.

  "Hey, don't tell Ethan I told you about the money," Collin said. "It's not a secret or anything, but he doesn't really talk about it."

  "Got it," I said with a wink. "And Collin?"

  "Yeah?"

  "You don't need to mention Jeremy either."

  "Got it."

  Just then, Gretchen, Joel, and Rachel came onto the porch. I was already starting to regret telling Collin so much about Jeremy, so I was glad our conversation got interrupted. "How's it going out here?" Rachel asked.

  "I was just about to come see if you were ready to get started on that bike," Collin said, looking at Joel. A few of Gretchen's nephews had gotten bikes for Christmas. Now it was up to the adults to put them together. "Ready when you are," Joel said. He and Gretchen were holding hands. Both of them were wearing huge smiles. I was only slightly jealous.

  I knew it'd be a few hours before Ethan got here, but I wanted to have some time to get ready. Despite having a limited capacity for love, I was excited to see Ethan. What I told Collin was the truth. Ethan was the only one who'd come close to making me feel a sensation similar to the one I got with Jeremy, and I was looking forward to feeling some of that again. Collin followed Joel inside to get the box of unassembled bike parts as Gretchen and Rachel sat next to me on the porch swing.

  Chapter 2

  Ethan

  I couldn’t believe my ears when Collin told me Emily from Vegas was living in Los Angeles now, so you can imagine how surprised I was when the next thing he said was that she was presently in the house with him and they were all spending Christmas together. I was pissed that he'd forgotten to mention it. Christmas day was literally the only weekday I get to take off during the holidays this year, and Collin should've known I'd be into spending it in the company of a lovely young lady.

  I was at my parent's house when I talked to Collin. I'd called to wish him and Rachel merry Christmas. When he told me Emily was there with them, I felt like there was no other choice but to drive up and see her. I'd have to deal with my mother getting upset about me not being home for Christmas dinner, but that wasn't a big deal. Also there'd be hell to pay if my coach found out I was leaving town, but I figured there was no need to tell him. As long as I was back for practice, he'd never even know I'd been gone.

  I told Collin I'd be there in a few hours and went into the house to break the news to my mom. It wasn't as hard as I anticipated. My mom was distracted with the iPad she'd unwrapped this morning. My little brother had already loaded it with family photos, and my mother had been staring at it all morning. I grabbed my keys, wallet, and baseball cap and headed to my car. I plugged Gretchen's parent's address into my GPS and a voice came over the speakers informing me that I had "three hours and twenty-six minutes to my destination". I was fairly certain I could get that down to three hours flat if I drove fast, and driving fast was something I loved to do.

  My parents bought me a BMW for my sixteenth birthday, and the rest was history. I'd had three or four other cars since that first one, but I was especially fond of the fast ones. Recently, I bought myself a little tricked out Audi. Collin had been trying to talk me into it since he liked Rachel's so much, and I finally caved. So far, the Audi was the only big purchase I'd made with the trust my parents gave me a year ago. I figured it was better to just act like it wasn't there for now.

  Thinking about my car made me absentmindedly wonder if Emily would like it. That made me wonder all sorts of other things about Emily too, like what she drives, and how she ended up in L.A., and what she looks like in the light of day. I pressed down a little harder on the gas pedal.

  ****

  It was just past noon when I pulled into the driveway. I was glad it was still early because I'd have the better part of the day to spend there. Gretchen's childhood home was off the beaten path in a subdivision with large lots. There were kids all decked out in protective gear, zooming up and down the driveway on bikes and scooters. I slowed to a crawl as I made my way to a parking place in the grass on the side of the house. There were easily eight other cars parked in the same manner, so I figured I was fine to follow suit.

  I got out of the car holding the Christmas candies my mom sent with me. I was glad she'd thought to give them to me because I would have felt awkward showing up empty handed on Christmas. I figured I could hand out cash if I got desperate, but stuck with the candy for the time being.

  I started toward the house, not knowing who I'd run into first, or if I'd even know them. A few of the kids blew past me before one of them stopped to say a few words. "The moms and dads are in the house," said a dark haired boy with freck
les. "Who are you?"

  "I'm Collin's friend Ethan. Is Collin here?"

  "Yeah, I know Collin. He's a swimmer for the Olympics."

  That made me laugh a little. "Yep, you're right," I said.

  He squinted up at me. "Are you in the Olympics too?"

  "I'm trying my best," I said. "I think it's a good possibility."

  He looked at me with adoring eyes. "Really?"

  I nodded.

  "I'm gonna go tell my dad," he said. He dropped his bike and unfastened his helmet, tossing it onto the ground nearby. I followed him into the house, hoping to find someone over four feet tall eventually—so much for formal introductions.

  "Hey everybody!" he yelled as he flung open the front door. "There's another Olympics man here. Hey, hey there's a new guy who plays for the Olympics too. He knows Collin."

  Okay, maybe that was a pretty formal introduction. I couldn't recall the last time I'd entered the house behind someone who was shouting my rank and position. Not wanting to let down my public, I rounded the corner from the entryway to the living room with my hand in the air, assuming it was appropriate for me to wave after an introduction like that.

  There were at least a dozen adults in the room. They all yelled and cheered as I came in. I bowed, and we all laughed. Collin, Rachel, and Gretchen all came over to offer hugs and take the tin of candy off my hands. I looked around for any sign of Emily, but I couldn't catch sight of her in the scramble. Rachel noticed my eye wandering.

  "She's in the backyard playing basketball with Gretchen's dad," she said. I just smiled knowing there was no sense in denying the fact that I was searching for her.

  "I think it's pretty serious out there," Collin said. "There was a fair amount of smack talk from both sides."

  "Sounds like something I can't miss. What are you all doing in here?" I asked.

  "Exactly!" the boy who announced me said. He sounded totally exasperated. "I've been telling them to come outside since lunch, and they nnneeeever came."