Daring the Bad Boy (Endless Summer)(3)

Yeah, right.

But instead of saying any of that, I nodded like I agreed and stood, finally meeting his gaze. His eyes weren’t blazing with so much frustration anymore, and I felt like I’d jumped over the first hurdle. “I’d better go pack, then,” I told him, and left the room.

Never looked back once, either.





Chapter Two


ANNIE

The bus ride was long, the road twisty enough to make my stomach pitch and roll like I was on a boat in the middle of an ocean storm. I tried to ignore it by slipping in my earbuds and closing my eyes, concentrating on my newly created playlist on my old iPod Touch, but it was no use. I ended up nauseous and trying my best not to hurl by the time the bus arrived at camp.

I was pretty sure it wasn’t just the ride that made me sick to my stomach, though. I was super nervous, too. What if I had a hard time making friends? What if I couldn’t open up? Back at school, I was known for being shy. Quiet. I kept to myself, kept my head down, got good grades.

In other words, I was totally boring. My guidance counselor told me as much when I met with her right before school ended.

“You’re such a bright girl, but grades alone won’t get you into the college of your choice,” she’d reminded me. “They want someone well-rounded. A student who’s both smart and social—the total package.”

“The total package.” Those words struck fear in my heart because I knew without a doubt I’m not the total package. Not by a long shot.

I was just…me.

Well, this was the summer of freedom. Of bravery. I needed to prove to myself that I could be more than just…me. I could become the total package and go back to school ready to conquer all. Join clubs, maintain my GPA, and maybe even lead a cheer.

Okay. That last one might be a stretch, but I could probably lead the school, right? Join student council? I’d always wanted to do that but figured I wasn’t popular enough.

Summer camp was the perfect place to put my newfound bravery to work. How many books had I read where the nerdy girl went away to summer camp, transformed herself, made a ton of new friends, and got the hottest guy by the end of the summer? Too many to mention, and every one of those stories made me sigh with longing when I finished.

I wanted to be that girl. I wanted to be brave, make friends, accomplish something that I’ve always been too scared to do, and I wanted to end up with the hottest guy at camp by the end of the summer. I could do it.

Seriously. I could.

A very official-looking girl who couldn’t be much older than me stood by the flagpole holding a clipboard, a whistle on a cord hanging around her neck. Her hair was a glossy brown and hung perfectly straight just to her shoulders. She wore a T-shirt with the camp emblem on the front, and she smiled as everyone milled around, not appearing fazed by all the loud chatter and squeals, girls hugging each other like they were long-lost friends finally reunited.

Like a loser, I stood there completely alone. For my age, I knew I was late in going to summer camp, and it looked like everyone else had already been coming here for ages. Plus, I was here for only the second session, so I was totally late to the party.

As I glanced around and saw girls and boys breaking off into groups of three and four, I was one of the only girls with no one to talk to. My instant reaction was to retreat. The old me would’ve stood beneath a tree with my earbuds in and my music loud, my gaze glued to my ancient iPod—no phones worked up here since the reception was bad—like I was alone on purpose.

But the new me, the daring and brave me, lifted her chin, contemplating the group of girls standing the closest. They were all really pretty with perfect hair and makeup, wearing cute clothes I could only dream of affording. I took a hesitant step, then another one, ready to approach them, when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned to find a very tall, very thin girl standing in front of me, a friendly smile stretching her mouth wide, her dark brown eyes meeting mine. “Hi!” she chirped, like I should know exactly who she is. “It’s been sooo long, right?”

Frowning, I answered, “Sure?” Was she messing with me or what?

“I mean, it feels like I haven’t been here in forever. And then I see you.” She paused, as if waiting for me to answer with my name.

So I do.

“Annie.”

“Right! Annie.” She nodded, her smile growing wider. “Anyway, Annie. It’s so freaking good to see you again. I’ve been waiting all year for our reunion.” She pulled me into her arms, hugging me tightly, and I had no choice but to hug her back.

“Um, I missed you, too…” My voice drifted and I worried for a moment that this girl could be a total wack job. Or she was playing a trick on me.

“Kelsey.” She pulled away from me, her hands still gripping my shoulders. “I’m sorry I never wrote. I lost your address.”

“More like you never had it,” I reminded her.

Her nose scrunched up, drawing my attention to the many freckles covering it. “Well, you’ve always been a little selfish when it comes to revealing your true self.”

This girl was more on point than she realized. “You know I’m a private person,” I said with a smile.

“Right. I get it. I do. This is why we’re the best of camp friends.” Kelsey started to laugh and gave my shoulders a little shake. “I scare you, don’t I?”