A Summer to Remember(3)

Brandon turned my way but all I could see was the outline of his profile. “Are you happy? Don’t you believe you deserve to be happy?”

My arms fell away and they crossed against my nude breasts in a defensive stance. “Who the f*ck ever said I wasn’t content living my life the way it is now? What is it with you guys who think all women want roses and Swiss chocolate? Sorry to disappoint but all I wanted was a hot f*ck and you managed to deliver. Congrats. Perhaps you’ll find your perfect woman in Boston because she sure as shit isn’t me.”

I knew I’d hurt his feelings and it was a purposeful act. I didn’t want his pity or sympathy because I didn’t and couldn’t bring myself to have a relationship.

Brandon stood reluctantly, grabbed his clothes and the last I saw of him was his perfectly muscled ass as he left my bedroom and closed the door quietly behind himself.



The next morning, my bags were packed and I spoke on the phone to my mother who sounded extremely delighted.

“I don’t mean to bother you, especially since you work so hard, dear, but could you do your father and I a favor? Is it too much to ask for you to check on our summer home in Southampton?” she inquired between sips of tea.

My mother was determined to stay as youthful and beautiful as she could. She did not partake in alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks or coffee. Instead she lived on green tea and a micro-biotic diet that would have made Madonna jealous.

“Uh, that’s where I thought you and Dad were. I am packing my bags as we speak. I’m tired of the City and my assistant is taking over while I am gone. I need to get away and I thought Southampton would be perfect.”

Mother laughed out loud. “You know your father, sweetheart. He surprised me with a brand new fabulous condo in Nice and it is absolutely stunning! We’re spending the summer here in France. You would love it but since you plan to get away for a while, you should invite the girls to join you. I bet they would love to spend some time in the Hamptons with you.”

“Mmm, that isn’t a bad idea, Mom. I will get on the phone and track them down. Thanks for the idea.”

“In the meantime, I’ll make sure the place is immaculate so when you all arrive, it will be perfect.”

“Okay. Love you and talk to you soon.”

“You too, sweetheart.”

My mother ended the call and I started going down my list, starting with Talia. She lived the furthest away in L.A. and although I considered Savannah and Autumn best friends as well, Talia was my absolute favorite. I enjoyed her spunk and she had a similar wild streak and lust for life the same as I did.

She answered after a few rings with a distracted, “Yeah?”

“Hey, girlie, it’s me, your best friend. Is that any way to answer the phone?”

“Sorry,” Talia began and sounded slightly winded. “I am writing for some of the biggest *s in the music business at the moment and I am not in a good mood. What is it?”

“The Hamptons…on my folks? You know: sun, sand and endless fun?”

Talia sighed out loud. “Are you kidding me, Jerrica? I couldn’t escape now even if I wanted to. The music label would have a shit fit. I am a resident music writer which means I have to be available at any given moment. Unlike you, I don’t own my own company and I can’t just up and leave when ever it strikes my fancy.”

“Fine,” I began, “I’ll have Jude call Dominic Stenfeldt at Introspect Records and let him know you need some R&R. He’s a major client of my brother’s and he will give you the time off.”

She gasped out loud. “Are you serious? You would do that for me?”

“Of course I would.”

“Oh my God, Jerri, you’re the best.”

Talia was the only person in the world who could get away with calling me Jerri therefore I let it slide. “No problem.”

We ended our call shortly afterwards and that is when my brother decided to put in an appearance. Jude was dressed immaculately as usual and looked good enough for any female to swoon over but I merely acknowledged him wordlessly while flipping through my Ulysse Nardin to call Savannah.

He made himself a cup of coffee, black, and sat across from me at the table.

“Listen, we have to talk.”

“About what?” I wondered out loud before I pressed Savannah’s number.

He took the phone away from me and told one of my best friend’s I would call her back.