Parker

Parker stood by his car waiting to meet Beth after school. There was another lacrosse game tonight so they’d be stopping at Zuma’s for their token taco dinner and then heading back to campus to cheer for Jared-the-jock-wad and the rest of his pompous ass lacrosse team.

Parker would’ve never normally agreed to subject himself to that degree of torture, but lately the hour long display of adolescent aggression was the only time Parker could guarantee Jared would be too busy to interrupt his time with Beth.

Parker didn’t enjoy watching sports, especially sports where Jared was the star, but his time with Beth was becoming scarce. Plus, he knew Beth hated sitting in the frigid stands alone. She’d practically begged him to go to the last game. And Parker just couldn’t say no to her. Beth still had no idea the hold she had over him. Parker would’ve run across the damn lacrosse field naked if she asked him to. It was pathetic and he hated himself a little more each day that he sat by watching Beth grow closer to Jared, while he did nothing to stop it.

Parker hated seeing Beth with someone else. Especially, someone like Jared. He was such a smug bastard and it irritated Parker to no end that Beth couldn’t see it. Flirting was Jared’s answer to everything. He charmed his way right into Beth’s life, into the easiest classes at Stanton, onto the lacrosse team . . . okay, maybe not the lacrosse team. Jared actually had athletic talent. But Parker didn’t trust the guy. He was convinced Jared was a womanizer, just using his crooked smile and cheap flattery to get what he wanted. Parker was sure the only reason Jared was still with Beth was because she got him an invite to Caroline Voss’s spring break bash. He just needed a way to prove it.

The Vosses owned a couple of television networks and practically crapped money. They had houses all over the world, but none more famous than their Aspen house. Some reality TV show was filmed there every year, which basically meant the Stanton seniors would do just about anything to get an invite. Parker was only going because Beth had invited him last year as her plus one. He knew it was the only way her parents would let her go, but he didn’t care. A week in the mountains with Beth? Yes please!

When Beth first proposed the trip, Parker was ecstatic. He had planned to teach her how to snowboard and take her hiking. Then they’d soak in the hot tub and make S’mores over the outdoor fire pit. He’d even picked out what bedroom he wanted from the house’s website. It had a white fluffy rug in front of a massive stone fireplace. He imagined stretching out there with Beth in his arms.

But now none of that would happen. Instead, Parker would spend spring break watching Jared do all of those things with Beth. Parker didn’t want to go on the stupid trip anymore, but Beth was counting on him. Her parents were only letting her go because he would be there. They trusted him. He could still hear her mother saying, “You’re the only one we trust to protect our girl.”

But how could Parker protect Beth from Jared?

“Parker!”

He turned at the sound of his name. Beth was jogging toward him, a rosy glow staining her cheeks. The weather was finally beginning to break as winter lost its icy grip on Boston. Beth was wearing an oversized Stanton hoodie—probably Jared’s—and skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots. Seniors got to dress down once a week. That meant no uniforms. And although Parker had grown up next door to Beth and seen her in all manner of clothing, casual was always his favorite. It made her seem more approachable—more like Parker might actually have a chance in hell with her.

“Ready for tacos, muchacho?” Beth asked, giving him a big hug when she reached him.

“Always,” he said hugging her back.

Beth

“So,” Beth asked once she was buckled into Parker’s Range Rover. “Have you started packing yet?”

“Packing?” Parker asked.

“For spring break!”

Parker smirked. “No, but I’m guessing you’ve been packed for a week.”

“Two,” she corrected.

Parker laughed. “I think we’ve established I’m not the packing overachiever you are.”

“Uh, that’s for sure. Do you remember when you had to borrow my dad’s bathing suit when we went to the Hamptons?”

“Hey! You swore we buried that memory.”

“Relax, it’ll stay buried. But I’m still allowed to tease you about it when it’s just us.” Beth giggled. “Seriously, who doesn’t bring a bathing suit when they go to the beach? Maybe you should let me inspect your spring break packing list.”

Parker snorted. “I don’t have a packing list.”

“That’s your first problem,” Beth replied, grinning. “Fine, you convinced me. I’ll come over after the game and help you get organized.”

Parker gave her a surprised glance. “Really?”

“Of course. You know I’d do anything for you, Park.”

He scoffed and Beth’s heart faltered. “What?” Did he not believe her?

“Nothing.”

“Don’t nothing, me. You just huffed at me.”

“I didn’t huff. I’m just surprised you don’t have plans with Jared after the game,” Parker admitted.

“Well even if I did, I still always have time for you.”

Parker’s lips quirked down ever so slightly. He didn’t believe her! Beth suddenly felt ashamed. Had she really been neglecting Parker that much? Maybe that was why he didn’t like Jared. Parker and Jared never really hit it off, which Beth found strange since Parker got along with most everyone. But lately, their animosity seemed to be reaching new heights.

“Parker, no matter who I’m dating, you know you’ll always be my best friend, right?”

Beth could’ve sworn she saw emotion flicker across Parker’s face, but he fixed his eyes on the road and all he said was, “Relax, Beth. It’s just packing. I don’t need your help.”