“So, Zoey and Ty have really hit it off.” Alex gestured over to where our friends were tangled together, giving each other googly eyes. “They’re a little over the top.”
“Ty’s never had a girlfriend before, so she must be pretty cool.” I knew how girls worked, especially best friends. I wasn’t going to give up any intel to Alex on my man Ty.
“Was that redhaired girl at the club your girlfriend?” Alex cocked her hip and pulled a long drink on her soda. I couldn’t help but watch her lips as she took a swallow of her Coke, thinking that she was more beautiful than the models who usually advertised the beverage. Again, not that I’d ever do anything about it.
“Um, no.” I raised an eyebrow at her.
“Hmmm. She raised her eyebrow back at me.
“We’re leaving on tour for six months.” I sputtered.
“Uh-huh.” She held my gaze.
“She’s not my girlfriend.” I huffed. “Now is not the time for a girlfriend.”
“I said the same thing to Zoey.” Alex looked at me directly. “She’s going to college in the fall, it seems a little irrational to get serious about a dude this summer.”
“Well, I like to tend my own garden. Ty can tend his.” I glanced around, not super interested in the way the conversation was heading.
“Fair enough.” Alex took the hint good-naturedly, absentmindedly playing with a few of the bangle bracelets on her wrist. “I’m not going to college; I want to travel the world. It’s pissing my dad off to no end.”
“Really? Where will you go?” I was genuinely surprised, figuring Zoey and Alex were attached at the hip.
“Everywhere! That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I figure if I can get a good following on Instagram, maybe I could even start funding my travel that way.” She gestured excitedly. “I know it will take a few months, but maybe you know some shortcuts or ways to get there faster.”
“Hmmm, well, I have a marketing degree, but in real life, I’m not an expert at all. It’s been a bit of trial and error with the LTZ account. Basically, it’s all about watching your analytics and seeing what is working and what isn’t and just doing more of what resonates.” I explained.
“Well, it will be a piece of cake then,” Alex said sarcastically.
“Look, I can help you get started, I’ve discovered a few shortcuts.” I took another pull of my beer.
“Oh, for the love of God. Get a room,” Alex muttered when her attention was diverted to the show our friends were putting on.
Ty and Zoey were full-on making out in the middle of the backyard and everyone was trying to avert their eyes, which was nearly impossible. I started laughing. Clearly, they didn’t care at all who saw. Why should I?
“Well, Alex the adventuress?” I nudged her with my shoulder. “Are you gonna stare all night or should we figure out a way to make you famous?”
“Yes, please. I’ll need a project because I’m pretty sure that I won’t be seeing much of Zoey for the rest of the summer.” Alex laughed.
I couldn’t help but flash her a smile, hoping my dimples were on full display. Chicks dug my dimples.
“So, um, Jace, just so you know I don’t want to be another annoying Instagram model. No cheesy, posey, pouty stuff. I mean, I’ll do what I need to do, but I want to find a clever way to travel and also raise awareness about animal rights.” Alex said as we walked over to an open bench seat.
“Piece of cake.” I followed her. “No fish lips, only fish.”
As we sat on a bench over our phones and went over a few plans, I was impressed. Alex already had a great vision of what her brand should be, and her sincerity and passion for animals was really cool. With or without my help, it wouldn’t take long for this beautiful, funny girl to take over the Internet.
Chapter 4
ALEX
It had been a few weeks since our graduation party and, just as I suspected, I was a best-friend widow. Zoey spent all her free time with Ty. They were, officially, in love. We texted every day, so I was privy to my BFF’s romance unfolding. I had to admit, as happy as I was for my somewhat introverted friend, I was really disappointed and kind of melancholy for myself. This summer was supposed to be ours. Our last one together before we started adulting. Stupid emo-Ty had gone and hijacked it from me. LOL. Although, I wasn’t really laughing.
Not that I could blame Zoey. If I had a bae as gorgeous and sweet as Ty—say a green-eyed drummer—I’d probably be ghosting her ass too. I was just envious. Stupid Ty. Stupid hot-as-fuck Jace. Gahd. My summer was turning out to be so boring.
I’d hoped so bad that Jace would be into me even half the way that Ty was into Zoey. I’d pictured the four of us hanging out, having coffee, going on double dates, and doing all sorts of cool girlfriend-boyfriend things around Seattle. Zoey and I would both be in love for the first time with our hot, rocker boyfriends. We’d be able to confide in each other about our relationships and console each other when they left on tour.
No such luck. At our graduation party, Jace had been really nice and helpful when we discussed my social media strategy. We even exchanged phone numbers and then—nothing. Every day I’d try to come up with some clever excuse to text him, but I wouldn’t allow myself to be “that” girl. The bottom line was the delicious, six-pack-abed, long, blond-haired, emerald-eyed hottie-hot drummer had been nice to me for a few hours at a party.
I hadn’t realized Mr. Deveraux had a degree in marketing or that he was slightly older than Ty. He had been really helpful, encouraging even, and gave me some great ideas to validate my concept. Avoiding the pretentious, sexy posed location shots
