Keeping Her Love by Tiger Hill

wistfully, resting his chin in his hand.
    Rhett could appreciate his beauty considering how much he looked like his sister. If the guy were more social, he probably could have had any girl he wanted. Why he had chosen to go out with a person like Layla, Rhett had no earthly idea. He mainly assumed that Max dated her for the convenience. It was hard to say no to someone who was so easy to have. Layla certainly didn’t seem like she was holding anything back from Max that he might have wanted.
    I wonder how many girlfriends he’s had, Rhett found himself pondering. Tula never mentioned anything about it. I assume he’s had more than a few. You can’t have a baby face like that without attracting at least one girl in high school or college. Who knows, though—he could be one of those guys that just doesn’t want anything to do with relationships. Awkward, pensive types.  
    Tula had informed them all about a lovely bakery she heard about beforehand, so Rhett made certain to keep the place in mind as he tried to prevent sleep from taking over his mind. At around nine thirty, they all got out for this little Eastern European bakery on the sea, bought their treats along with an obligatory coffee drink, and then slowly started up their jabbering about what was on their minds. Layla took the lead, going on about how expensive the bakery had been. She also remarked on the terrible cappuccino she had ordered.
    “I can’t believe how disgusting this drink is!” She stated, glaring down at the paper cup as she stuck her tongue out. “There’s nothing even here. The stupid barista stiffed me. It’s just bitter and gross.”
    Tula, picking up on the clues of her complaints, responded, “Layla, do you know what exactly a cappuccino is?”
    She stared at her blankly. “It’s supposed to be milky and sweet, right?”
    “You’re thinking of something else. A cappuccino is just a shot of espresso and foamy milk. It’s not supposed to be sweet.”
    She looked back down at her drink. “Oh.”
    “So what are you all looking forward to at the beach?” Asked Rhett, sipping his own black cup of joe.  
    Layla swung her arm around Max’s enthusiastically. “Long walks on the beach with my beaux!”
    She never fails at making me feel nauseated, thought Rhett with a grin as he looked in the rear view mirror. And by the looks of Max’s face, he seems to feel the same way.
    “Just being there is pleasant,” said Tula. “And of course, being around you and my family is extra nice. I haven’t been to the beach since I was a little girl. I guess I just didn’t have the time to go on any trips.”
    “Max?” Inquired Rhett after a gap in the conversation.
    His eyes darted to the mirror, looking as if he hadn’t been paying attention. “Being with Layla is all I’m thinking about.”
    The drive continued for another two hours. They played car games, went over everything they had brought to eat, and more importantly, drink for the night. Tula had insisted on baking her own cake, a beautiful mess of strawberries, cream, and some kind of special sauce she had been tinkering on for a few weeks. To finally did arrive at the special spot, they had to drive along an unkept dirt road that felt like rolling over a thousand tiny bumps. Tula’s car was completely covered in dust by the time they parked, but when they opened the door, it all felt worth it. The sea breeze was wonderfully pleasant to breathe in, and in the distance a few children were flying colorful kites in the azure sky. Getting over the sand dune, there was nothing but the gentle roll of beach and thousands of miles of ocean.  
    The girls kicked off their shoes, running off along the dry sand until they reached the tide. They laughed at each other as they ran off like children towards and away from the rolling water, pulling and pushing on each other playfully. Rhett smiled at seeing it, and apparently Max did as well.  
    “Nice, isn’t it?” Rhett