Emily Calls It (The Emily Series) by Laura Albright. Page A

things. I knew what I was thinking and it wasn’t things that I’d be losing, it was my friends and someone in particular . That last ditch effort to have a piece of Christian would diminish if I didn’t visit my home town aga in. I felt my shoulders droop. It must have been obvious, because before I knew it Allison was beside me, looking worried.
    “You didn’t know your mom was moving did you?” True, but there was more to it than that.
    I shrugged. “No, I didn’t. But, from what Ethan says, she’s happy about it. I’ll have to call her later and get the details.” I forced a smile and wondered why it wasn’t easier. After all, this wasn’t about me.
    “Come on.” She grabbed my hand leading me toward the Jacuzzi. “Let’s have a daiquiri and chat. I never talk to my friend Emily anymore,” she said it jokingly, as if I wasn’t right there. I think she thought it was cute. I stepped into the Jacuzzi with one foot, waiting for the shock of the heat to wear off. Allison lifted her bathing suit cover-up over her head and dropped it on a nearby chaise before hopping in. She handed me a daiquiri in a tall red cup and set hers down as she slipped in further. I sat on the edge with only my feet in the water, sipping my drink and waiting for whatever Allison was going to tell me. I knew her, and she had something on her mind but was hesitating to share. I thought it best not to pressure her, instead, just wait for it.
    “Did you get all your classes this semester or do you have to add?” she asked as she inched her fingers across the top of the water. I knew she was stalling, but I played along.
    “Yeah, mostly. I have to add one design class but I’m hopeful. You?”
    “I have to add one class, too. I think I’ll get in.” She still looked down at her fingers. That was enough of that.
    “OK , Allison, What is it that you’ve been dying to tell me since you handed me this daiquiri?” She looked up stunned that I was onto her. “Come on, it’s me.” I couldn’t think of what would make her hesitate like this.
    “Well, Ethan wanted to tell you but I thought I should.” I felt my forehead wrinkle in confusion. I wondered what she was talking about, but didn’t want to stall her with my questions. “We’re moving in together,” She said it with such excitement — but still a little guarded. I relaxed.
    “That’s great , Allison. Why the trepidation?”
    “Well, he’s your brother, and it hasn’t really been that long.” She waited for my response.
    “I think you two are perfect for each other. That’s great news.” Allison looked over my shoulder at what I knew was Ethan. I leaned over my knees and hugged her as the hem of my sundress touch the water. “Thanks for telling me. I appreciate it. Now I just have to tease Ethan a little. You don’t mind, do you?” She smiled and took a drink of her daiquiri. I was plenty used to the heat of the water now and pulled my sundress over my head, adjusted my bikini, and slid into the Jacuzzi beside her.
    “Hey Allison?” I turned too, even though he wasn’t calling me . She looked up, and we both watched Joel approach. “Ethan’s needin’ your help.” He addressed Allison then turned to me . “Hi Em’ly.”
    “Hi Joel.” He stood in front of us shirtless and wet. It was the first time I had seen him like that and I was speechless, staring, and kind of stunned. Allison cleared her throat and I closed my mouth. I felt the heat rise into my cheeks and I hoped their probable pinkness could be blamed on the hot water.
    “Thanks,” she said to Joel then looked back at me . “I’ll be back soon, Emily.” Allison stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel, heading quickly to Ethan and the BBQ.
    “Let me know if I can do anything.” I called after her. Joel stepped into the Jacuzzi and sat on the top step. His light brown hair looked like he’d only shaken it when he got out of the pool. He was tan all the way down to where his stomach