“That's because that's all you let them see.” I countered.
“I know.”
“Why the impromptu visit to the beach?” I asked, switching gears.
“It's still our spring break right?” She smiled weakly. “I just wanted to spend some time with my bestie.”
“I want to offer my marketing services to other companies.” I rushed out, before I lost the nerve.
“That's a great idea!” She said genuinely.
“Really?” I asked, with skepticism.
She laughed. “Of course! You're brilliant, Ronnie. Any company would be blessed to have someone of your caliber working for them.”
“I honestly thought that you would be angry.” I said, with relief.
“As long as you don't plan on leaving me to fend for myself.” She winked.
“I won't lie to you, Morgan. I'm not sure that New York is for me. Maybe when we get there things will feel better... but I just don't know.”
“Does this mean you want to end our partnership?”
“No. I would never do that to you.”
“What does it mean for us then?”
“You really hurt me, Morgan.”
“I know.” She said, reaching for my hands. “If I could go back and change things, I would. All I can do now is try to be better. I don't expect you to just forgive me either. I know that it will take time.”
“I swear you're bi-polar.” I teased, and she laughed.
“Maybe I am.”
I wasn't ready to continue this conversation. Not here, and not now. So I did the first thing that came to my mind. I changed the subject.
“Come on, let's see what all the Jersey Shore hype is about.”
“OK, but I call dibs if we run into Pauly D.”
I laughed as I climbed out of the truck, and waited for Morgan. When she sidled up beside me a few seconds later the two of us began the long trek to the beach. The amount of people that lined the shore was unbelievable. I knew that Jersey Shore was a popular vacation spot, but I never imagined that it would look like this. I felt like an ant in a crowd, and if Morgan and I were to get separated I'm not sure that I'd be able to find her again.
As if she had read my mind, she looped her arm through mine. The two of us maneuvered our way down the beach, stopping at the first open gap to the water. Morgan released me as she stepped into the cool water, and let out a little yelp. When she walked out a little further, I decided to join her. I didn't change into my bathing suit. Instead I wore a pair of jean shorts, and a tank top. I couldn't go into the water anyway because of my new tattoo.
I watched as she dove under the water, her sarong still tied around her waist. A few seconds later she emerged, and all eyes were on her. A beautiful blonde, water dripping down her perfect body. It was like a slow motion scene from a movie. Men were drawn to her like bees to honey. She smiled at them sweetly, and even said hello to a few before making her way back towards me.
“Aren't you coming in?” She asked.
“I don't think so.” I said, looking down at my feet. “The water's pretty cool.”
“Come on!” She said reaching for the hem of my tank top, and pulling it up.
“Morgan!” I yelled, but it was too late.
“Is that. Did you get a tattoo?” She asked with shock.
“I did.” I answered sheepishly.
“When? Why didn't you tell me? What is it? Show me now!”
She was jumping up and down in the water excitedly, and I couldn't help but smile. I was expecting a reaction, but not one like this. I assumed she'd be upset that I didn't bring her along, or at the very least annoyed that she wasn't consulted to help pick out the design.
“Can I show you back at the hotel?” I asked.
“Fine!” She agreed. “I still can't believe you did it. I mean, I know you've mentioned it once or twice, but I never thought you'd actually go through with it.”
“Owen got one too.”
“Please tell me you didn't get matching tattoos? You're smarter than that, Ronnie!”
“Of course not! He did get something for me though.”
“Well? What was it?”
“Don't laugh.” I warned.
“No promises.”
I rolled my eyes. “He got a unicorn on his chest.”
“That is adorable.” She gushed. “Thank God he doesn't call you bae. Could you imagine the tattoo he'd have to get then?”
“Since neither of us are Danish, and most people don't know that it means poop I think he'd be alright.” I said, shaking my head.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Any other secrets you're keeping from me?”
“Not that I'm aware of. You?”
“I totally deserved that.”
“You're right. You did.” I teased.
The two of us spent the next two hours at the beach. Morgan swam, while I found a vacant table with an umbrella. When it got too hot, I'd go out and wade in the water for a while. Until the waves started getting stronger, and I didn't want to risk ruining my tattoo. Owen made a point of telling me to keep it out of the direct sunlight, and the ocean water. Bacterial infections were not something that I wanted to mess with.
When we finally drug ourselves back to the truck it was time for dinner. I sent Owen a quick text, and told him that Morgan and I would bring something back for him. We drove around for a while scoping out nearby restaurants, then stopped at a place called Carluccio's Coal fired Pizza. The menu boasted subs, pizzas, and even soups.
Morgan ordered the butternut squash soup, and I ordered an extra large pizza for Owen and I knowing full well that she'd end up tossing her choice the minute she tasted it. She was always up for trying something new, but very rarely did she actually enjoy it.
It only took twenty minutes before our order was ready, and then we were on our
