A Changed Life (4 page)

I shook my head, thinking about his forwardness. He was extremely arrogant.

My phone did ring right away, but I decided to take my time answering it. I picked it up on the fourth ring. I answered in my most nonchalant voice, and Michael wasn’t amused by it.

“I texted you five times, didn’t you get them?” He was almost shouting at me.

“Hi, Michael. How are you? And how did you get my number, by the way?”

“I have my ways, Nicolette.” Michael laughed. “At this point, I feel as though I’m being a bit led on, and I don’t like it.”

“You can’t be serious, Michael? Explain to me how I’m leading you on? I only met you this afternoon, you don’t even know me.”

“I want to get to know you, Nicolette, let me take you out.”

“I don’t think so, Michael.”

“Why not? How about we start with dinner and a movie perhaps?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but why me? I’m in high school and you’re in college, Stanford by the way. How can you be interested in me? It doesn’t make sense.”

“This doesn’t have to be a big deal, Nicolette, don’t over think it?”

“I’m not over thinking it, I’m just not interested. Answer me this, how did you get my number?”

“I have my sources, Nicolette.”

“Now I’m freaked out.”

“Listen…don’t be freaked out; I just have friends in high places. You have no reason to be… what are you waiting for? It will be fun.”

“As friends?” I asked, hoping he understood what I was saying.

“Yes, as friends. Besides, I spoke to your parents—”

“You what? Did you say you—” I was now up off my bed, pacing around. I was fuming at his boldness.

“Yes, I asked their permission to take you out. They thought it was a great idea.”

The thought of his arrogant, sneaky ways pissed me off! I wasn’t sure who to be mad at more, my parents or Michael, so I chose both.

“Thank you, Michael, for seeking out my parents’ approval. You should have asked me, not them. I’m a big girl and can make my own decisions as to who I want to go out with. Besides, we are
just friends
. Have a good night, Michael. Don’t call me again.” I immediately pushed end without giving him a chance to respond.

I was beyond annoyed… the audacity of Michael to suck up to my parents. He just assumes because he is rich I would go out with him. My phone is beeping with more text messages from Michael. I shut my phone off without responding to him and decide to confront my parents.

I march my pissed-off ass down the stairs, ready to let them know I was sick of them making decisions for me, as if I’m still a child.

“How can you give Michael St. Clair permission to date me?” I screamed at my parents, realizing my tone was louder than it should have been. I bit my bottom lip out of frustration.
Darn it! There’s the look from my father again
. Sighing, I was already regrettably sorry for yelling.

“Excuse us, Nicolette? There is no need to scream at us.”

“Sorry.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Michael just called me. He said he asked you permission to take me out.”

“Yes, we spoke to Michael when we were introduced to him at the party.”

“So you did? How could you?”

“Slow down, Nicolette. We did not give him, nor anyone else, permission to date you,” my father said.

“I know but—”

“But what? You really think we would just hand off our only daughter to someone we just met?”

“No... But, you know his father …he said he asked you.” I replied, starting to feel a little foolish at my rash accusations toward my parents. I completely distrusted them, while believing someone I just met.

“Yes, we do know his father. Clayton is a business associate of ours. We are collaborating on a project with him for his studio’s new movie. As far as being personal friends with the guy, that’s a bit premature at this juncture. Regardless of whom I know, neither your mother nor I would ever force you to see anyone. That is your choice.”

“Why would Michael lie to me?”

“Because he’s a rich, spoiled, young man that probably gets everything he wants, including girls.”

“Daddy! I can’t believe you said that!”

“Do you have a different opinion of him, Nicolette?”

“No, Daddy. I met him because you two were the ones that told me to ‘mingle’ and ‘get to know the other kids’ at the party. Right?”

“Yes, we did. However, he is in college and you are still in high school. You can be friends, of course. You are young and impressionable and no college guy has any business with my high school daughter.”

“Only by two years, Daddy, and I happen to agree with you.”

My mother jumped in the conversation, “Well, it may not be too old for you, but for us, as your parents, it’s too old. You’re still in high school and should enjoy your last year with kids more your own age. Speaking of which, did you meet anyone else at the party, not so old and more appealing?” She looked at me suspiciously.

I felt my face getting increasingly hot. My mother knew me better than I gave her credit for.

“Well, now that you ask, while I was walking on the beach down from the St. Clair’s home, I met someone.”

My father raised his eyebrows as he listened to me tell them more.

“His name is Simon Paulson, and I enjoyed his company.”

“How much did you enjoy with Simon?” Dad asked.

“Enough to want to see him again, and I’m hoping I will.”

“How old is this boy, Nicolette?”

“I guess around my age, the subject didn’t come up.”

“Two suitors in one day, I guess today wasn’t as unpleasant for you as you thought it would be.”

“You’re right, Daddy. I had a great day! I guess it didn’t suck after all.”

“That’s good to hear. We want you to like it here. This is our home now.”

Rolling my eyes, I understood exactly what my father was saying; loud and clear.

The rest of July flew by. I was invited to many social events by Alexis and Bailey, we had become close friends. The girls had a cabana, the size of a small apartment, at the hot spot “The Beach Club”. Many parties were held while their parents were elsewhere. One party I managed to be talked into by Bailey was fun, I met some cool people. Jameson, who is known around school as the house party coordinator, a title he shares with Bailey. I also got to know Sam, Simon’s best friend.

I would have liked seeing Simon again, but he never showed up. I wasn’t going to pretend that I wasn’t disappointed, but I enjoyed myself with my new friends. Sam had told me that parties weren’t Simon’s thing. I wondered if Simon would be interested in knowing that it wasn’t mine either.

It was the last weekend in July already, and I couldn’t believe school would be starting soon. The Beach Club was hosting a volleyball tournament and I was going with Alexis and Bailey. Mom and Dad were out of town, so I was staying with the girls. We were up all night talking. I wanted to just stay in bed the next morning, but with the sounds of Lady Gaga blasting through the stereo, fat chance. Alexis was jumping on my bed and begging me to get up, I was so not a morning person. Bailey dragged my tired ass out of bed and shoved coffee into my hand.

“Come on, Nicolette! Time is wasting and we have some hot guys to meet.” Bailey practically shoved me into the bathroom.

I took a quick shower and got dressed. I began to say that I was ready when Alexis put her hands up and said, “Hell no, Nicolette. I think we can do better than that.”

I looked at my appearance and asked, “What’s wrong with what I have on?”

“Nothing, if you don’t want to attract any attention today.”

“You are so wearing a bikini. I heard it on good authority from my sources that Simon will be down at the beach today.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Sam… of course.”

I let out a gasp of excitement. Finally, I was going to see Simon. As I was jumping up and down, Alexis ran down to the surf shop, returning with three bikinis in hand. I grabbed one of the suits, almost fainting as my eyes were glued to the price tag. “Oh my—”

Alexis laughed at me, and simply said, “Daddy won’t mind.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Think of it like this, Nicolette, whatever you don’t like I’ll just keep. It’s our gift to you, for introducing John Mayer to us over the Fourth of July. It’s no big deal, really.”

The suits were awesome. I hugged both of the girls and chose the champagne color bikini. It really complemented my skin tone. It showed just enough skin to attract a certain boy’s attention. I was hoping that boy would be Simon.

The event got under way and still no sign of Simon. I was getting restless with the constant bobbing of my head back and forth following the volleyball. I told Alexis and Bailey I needed a break and was heading down to the water. I asked if they wanted to go, but they were too interested in getting the attention of some half-dressed boys sitting a few rows down.

I grabbed my towel and water bottle, telling them I’d be back in a bit. I picked the perfect spot near the water. I laid my towel out and fell onto my back, closing my eyes, soaking up the hot sun.

Not sure how long I had been lying there, I started to have a moment. Cautiously opening up my right eye, I quickly shut it. My breathing became a little more erratic. I hadn’t even noticed the sun didn’t feel as hot. Taking in three deep breaths, I opened my eyes to see Simon smiling back at me. Simon was breathtakingly good looking. I don’t know what came over me but I started to raise my right hand to run my fingers through his beach tousled hair.
Get a grip, Nicolette!

He leaned in over, whispering in my ear, “Hello, Nicolette.” It was so sexy coming off his tongue. It took everything in me not to turn my head and kiss him. I had never felt this way before and my body’s reaction to Simon surprised me.

“Hello back. I was wondering when you’d get here.”
Shit! Did I just say that? What is it with Simon?

“Really? So you were expecting me to show up today?” Simon asked me.

Giggling, I say, “I have to be honest. I heard from a reliable source that you like beach volleyball.”

“And, let me guess, those reliable sources would be Alexis, Bailey or Jameson?”

Leaning closer to him, our mouths inches apart, slowly turning my head to find his ear whispering back, “All of the above.”

The electricity between us was strong and intense. It was this invisible force pulling us forward with no anchor to hold us back. Simon leaned in and skimmed my lips with his. Feeling my heart race as he continued to tease my mouth. In this moment with Simon gazing into my eyes, I was lost in his.

“Do you want to take a walk with me?”

I didn’t answer, I just grabbed hold of his hand as we stood together. We walked along the shoreline with our hands linked.

We talked about everything; no subject was off limits. It was easy talking to Simon.

Thank you, Mom!
I mouthed the words as I looked up to the sky. She had repeatedly told me to be patient, to give California a chance. I was thanking her now, for reminding me daily to be patient. “Oh crap!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Do you mind if I call my parents quick, to check in? Oh, and Gracie too. I almost forgot.”

“Sure, no problem.”

The conversation with my parents was short, as with Gracie. I told them I was fine and having a great time with my friends. I wasn’t specific as to which friends or friend, I figured that conversation would have to be for another day. I took to the motto, “If they don’t ask, I won’t tell.”

I completely forget about the tournament and the twins. I was having too much fun with Simon. We walked until almost dusk, where we found ourselves back at the club huddled around the huge bonfire, watching the amazing fireworks display.

Beep! Beep! Beep! I was silently praying for it to just stop, knowing it was text messages coming in, and not a phone call. I pulled it out from my back pants pocket to shut it off, when Simon grabbed it. “Simon. I’ll just turn it off.”

Taking a quick glance, “Just a solicitor,” he said as he handed my phone back. Nicolette, will you excuse for a minute? I have to take care of something.”

“Of course. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll be right back, will you save my seat?”

“Of course, hurry back.” Smiling as I looked up at the sexiest boy... He must have lost his breath for a brief moment, as he inhaled sharply. I giggled at him. He winked back, before taking off.