When we get to the kitchen Ben whirls around to face me and holds both of my shoulders.

“Okay. This is the deal. I never pegged you for a groupie so I introduced you to the guys, but I have the moral responsibility to tell you that Rick is the biggest douchebag I’ve ever known. And, yes, I know you want that once in a lifetime opportunity to hang out with a rockstar, but I’m telling you the drawbacks outweigh the benefits…”

Wait. What?

I push his chest away and huff an exasperated laugh Pthen, hands on my hips, I set him straight. “You think I want to hook up with Rick?”

He looks at me like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

It pisses me off.

I fight the urge to push him again and cross my arms on my chest instead. “Do I look like an idiot?”

The moron bites his lower lip. “No.”

I throw my hands up. “Then why on earthwould you assume that when you’re the one who invited me here?”

I shout that last bit a little because he’s frustrating the hell out of me. And really? Me, a groupie?

He deflates, leaning against the kitchen counter. “I’m sorry. I just… You had that look. You know, the look girls give guys when they’re interested?”

I had the look? Well, yeah, I’m interested, but not in the way he assumed.

“It’s not like that. I just wanted to ask about their music.”

Technically, it isn’t a lie. I do want to know more about their music. Specifically, the lyrics.

“So, you’re not interested in him?” he asks, gauging my reaction.

My eyes roll. “I’m not the type to ditch the guy who invited me to the party. And a rockstar? Really? C’mon, he’s backup at best.”

If anyone should be considered a rockstar it should be Adam, not Rick.

Ben laughs as he shrugs. “Rick likes to overplay the rockstar bit. You won’t believe how many girls fall for it.”

I bet Adam gets most of the girls while some settle for Rick. No matter, it’s really none of my business. I’m here for information and only that.

But, as I look at Ben, I begin to feel a little guilty. A tiny part of me feels like I’m using him. I guess it won’t hurt to have a good time with him as well. Besides, I have plenty of time to talk to Rick and the band. Hopefully, get their lyricist’s name.

Ben is bent over the cooler, picking out drinks. He glances at me sideways and asks, “You okay with Coke?”

I nod.

He straightens up, pulls the tab of the can and hands me the Coke.

Sipping the cool drink, I let my eyes roam the big, rustic beach house. The place may be getting along in years, but it’s well-maintained and clearly loved. The kitchen walls, made of old, reclaimed wood, display framed pictures of sayings about love and family. It’s quite homey.

The sticky notes on the fridge make me curious. I move closer to read them and see a note from “mom” to “Benjamin.”

I whirl around to face Ben. “This is your house?”

He looks confused. “Yeah?”

“You didn’t tell me.”

“You didn’t ask.” He shrugs.

Just then someone yells from the front of the house.

Ben runs out with an “Oh shit.” But he pauses, rushes back to me and says, “Don’t go anywhere.”

Then off he goes again.

I shake my head. Judging by the sounds from outside, it seems like a fight has erupted. It just goes to show why I would never host a party, especially a teen party.

I walk towards the kitchen windows and stare at the water for a while, making sure I don’t catch Rick’s attention for now.

A group of guys come into the kitchen, pushing each other around while trying to get to the cooler.

I stay out of their way and immediately feel the need to escape. Sliding the glass door open, I follow the path to the side porch and find a porch swing.

Wow. This is nice. I wonder if this area is off-limits.

I sit on the swing and take in the open space beside the beach house. The closest neighbor is several meters away, giving Ben leeway to throw parties that are otherwise too noisy for a residential area. Must be nice to have this space all to yourself. And stay in this wonderful beach house every day? Count me in.

Ben doesn’t strike me as a rich kid, mostly because he’s never bragged about it. Now that I think about it, he’s quite humble and appears to have simple tastes.

Truth be told, I’ve always had an interest in Ben, even before our kiss. He seems like a really nice guy and, again, humble. But remembering what I wrote on The Wall about that kiss makes me cringe.

Some kisses are meant to sweep you off your feet.

And some you are just meant to regret.

Feelings come rushing back as I recall what happened. Disappointment that he walked off right after the kiss. Feeling used despite the fact that the kiss only lasted for a few seconds. That’s why when Ben disappears that night I leave the party and go straight to the coffee shop, pen and sticky note in hand, and posted that on the wall. Lying in bed that night I realize that the reason the kiss even happened is because I was there. Not because Ben likes me. I’m a mere convenience. I’m pretty sure he made out with someone else when I left.

I shove those ugly thoughts away. There’s nothing I can do about them now. What’s done is done.

I’m so lost in thought that I don’t see Adam sneak out of the house. He’s probably seeking some peace and quiet just like me and he’s found a good spot on the porch on the opposite side of where the swing is. I don’t think he’s seen me though. He’s facing away from the ocean.

I put my toes on the floor to stop swinging, hold my breath and pray that he doesn’t see me lurking like a weirdo in the dark. But, of course, I watch him like the weirdo that I am.

I study his profile. His hair is dark brown, a little wavy and reaching the collar of his shirt. He’s wearing another black shirt, dark jeans and black sneakers. His nose has a small bump in the middle. Even in the dark I can see his long lashes, giving me a case of lash-envy. They make his eyes look darker… sexy.

Where the hell did that come from?

Yelling is still going on at the front of the house so, I guess, Adam wants to be away from the commotion. He’s quiet the entire time, just gazing into the night. When the yelling ceases and the music blasts from the living room again, he takes a deep breath, looks behind him and walks back to the sliding door. He opens it, but before going back inside he pauses and looks directly at me.

My heart begins to thump wildly, causing pounding in my ears. Has he known all this time that I’m here?

He gives me an intense look and says, “After I leave, you should go back inside, look for your sister and go home.”