Страница 11 из 38
and it’s going to be perfect beach weather for the next three months.”
60
Forbidden Boy
“That’s more like it, except for the forgetting-guys part.
Summer is totally a time of infinite possibilities. We’ll work hard; then we’ll beach harder. There is no room in that schedule for wasting time on two-faced boys who are tacky enough to hit on us after we’ve sustained minor head trauma.” Chloe’s voice was resolute. “So, what exactly are you doing for Bill this summer anyway?” Julia
“That’s the kind of detail I was looking for! That’s what we should be focusing on! Forget construction.
You’re doing your art stuff, and that’s cool, but it’s the abundance of guys that’s key in this scenario,” Chloe cut in excitedly. She smirked. “I mean, of course, I don’t care if you’re working with truckloads of guys with serious manual-labor muscles,” she intoned in mock-seriousness. “It’ll just be nice to have some contacts if, you know, we need a handyman or two.” She gri
Julia
Hailey Abbott
Julia
Julia
“I can’t wait to go out with my camera and spend an entire day just hanging out by the ocean,” Julia
“And you know,” Julia
“Ugh, there you go talking about backhoes,” Chloe grumbled. “Don’t get all Ty Pe
Forbidden Boy
going to talk construction, can we at least talk about what you’re wearing for your first day of work? The outfit is key, you know.” Chloe leapt off the bed and bounded toward her walk-in closet.
Julia
“Pinky swear?” Chloe’s almond-shaped eyes looked even larger than usual.
Chloe extended the pinky finger of her right hand to her younger sister, who entwined it with her own. They both leaned in and shook on it.
“Pinky swear.” Julia
“Try those. All of those. Then we’ll reconvene for a final decision tomorrow night. Now that that’s taken care of . . .” Chloe trailed off.
63
Hailey Abbott
“On to the next matter of business,” Julia
“Popcorn?” Chloe was halfway out the door and darting in the direction of the kitchen.
“Popcorn,” Julia
“Chick flick?” Chloe called behind her.
“Chick flick,” Julia
K—
Do you think summer love is too good to be true? Ran into the guy from the party last night on the beach today and he’s beyond amazing. We had an awesome conversation about painting and everything just felt so right. He gave me some surfing pointers.
Maybe I’ll be able to hold my own with you in the waves by the time you get home. One
*major* catch, though—I think he lives next door. You know, in the monster house! What do you think that means? I’m so confused! Help!
In other news, work starts tomorrow. I’m excited. How are your classes? Any cute Madrid boys? Send me pictures already!
xoxo
—J
64
Chapter Five
!
Julia
As she pulled up in front of the construction site, hopped off, and locked up her bike, Julia
Hailey Abbott
everywhere. The outline of the house that was already standing was boxy and sleek—modern without being obnoxious. After a few quick hellos, she set out pacing around the skeleton of the house. She was unbelievably excited to help design the rest of the project. Not only was it great from an artistic standpoint, but Bill had explained in his last e-mail that everything about the project was eco-friendly. Green building materials, green power, clean design. It was going to be a totally cutting-edge house, giving as much back to the neighborhood as it took in the building. This project, Julia
She meandered from room to room, making sure she knew where everything was before she got to work.
Wending her way through the maze of beams and drywall, Julia
“Jules, hey!” His greeting jarred her into focus.
“Oh, hi, Mitch. How’s it going?” Julia
“Thanks,” he replied. “You look . . .” He paused, seemingly surprised at the words that were coming out of his mouth. “Great. Really great.” He caught himself.
“Um, I mean, it looks like you’re having a really great summer.” His cheeks flushed slightly. Julia
Forbidden Boy
mental note to thank Chloe for insisting that she wear a pair of gray Roxy shorts and fitted green American Apparel T-shirt with her Timberland work boots.