I woke up early the next morning. Even though I went to bed fairly late, I couldn't go back to sleep. Letting out a long sigh, I rub my hands over my face to get rid of the sleep and sit up in my temporary bed. It is really comfortable and I really don't want to leave it but hunger makes me go and take a shower. After slipping back into my comfortable clothing - some cotton shorts and a tank top - quickly towel dry my hair and let the slightly wet strands dry on their own. Skipping down the stairs, I can't wait to eat some french toast. I wish Tess would make me some but I'm afraid of what I'll find when I go into her room. She didn't come back to the barbeque last night so I'm guessing she either left with Simon or they are both in her bed. Regardless, I will be left on my own to cook up some breakfast. Naturally, the house is very quiet since everyone is still asleep after being up late into the night, yesterday. When I step into the kitchen, I hear a car door slam shut and I look out the kitchen window to see who's coming. Once my eyes land on the driveway, I notice that no one's coming but Tommy is leaving. He just got into his sleek silver car. I quickly remove myself from in front of the window, not wanting him to see me. I'm really relieved that I don't have to deal with his inappropriate behavior for a while. I grab all the ingredients needed to make french toast and get started. As always, I hum the melody of a random song when I cook. Today, it happens to be the song Things I Do by Noah. I slowly sway my hips to the rhythm of the song getting lost in the music, even though it's all in my head.

"What are you making?" I jump and gasp at the sudden voice and spin around to face the intruder. My hand finds the space above my heart as I let out a relieved sigh. Eli is standing in the kitchen doorway, his strong arms hanging loosely at his sides. His voice is heavy from sleeping, his hair is all over the place and he is only wearing some dark grey sweatpants and a white v-neck. He looks cute but manly at the same time. Before I can get caught staring, I turn back around to the stove.

"Jesus, you scared the shit out of me," I scold him, putting the first to slices of french toast into the hot pan. "I'm making french toast, you want some?"

"Yes please," he says as he wanders further into the kitchen, closer to me. "I didn't mean to scare you."

I just nod and flip the bread that's browning in the butter. "How was your drive?" I ask him, curious as to why he just up and left last night.

"It was a drive, nothing good or bad about that."

He is such an informative person. I can feel him walk closer where I'm standing until he is only a couple inches behind me. His body heat is hitting my back in waves and I refrain from turning around.

"Why are you already awake?" his deep voice questions me.

"I could ask you the same thing," I counter, just like last night.

"I don't need a lot of sleep," he, to my surprise, actually answers. Bullshit is all I think of that. Every adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep. "Your turn," he says, getting even closer to me, almost touching his chest to my body. Other than yesterday with Tommy, I actually yearn for him to come as close as possible. The hairs on my body stand to attention and goosebumps are covering my skin. I take a deep breath to calm myself down. What are you doing, Romy? You've only known this man for a couple of days. He can't have such a strong effect on you.

"I woke up early and just couldn't go back to sleep," I inform him before grabbing a plate and putting the two slices of french toast on it. I turn around with the plate in my hand, forcing Eli to step back and give me some much-needed space. I hold the plate out in front of him, expecting him to take it from me. He looks down at me from his ridiculous height, completely ignoring the food. His Adam's apple bobs up and down as he swallows thickly. I don't dare to meet his eyes, afraid of what I'll see in them. "Here you go," I tell him, pushing the plate further in his direction.

"Why won't you look at me?" he asks, catching me completely off guard. Quick Romy, think of something witty. For once, my brain actually complies with my demand.

"Eli, I don't have time for a staring contest, I need to finish making breakfast. Will you just take the food?"

"What if I'd rather have a staring contest?" he teases.

"I don't care. Have one with yourself, there's plenty of mirrors around the house."

"Are you scared?" I actually look up this time. My eyes roam his handsome face before they settle on his beautiful green eyes. They bore into mine and I can feel myself getting lost in the depths of his irises. Somehow, his eyes display something sad and vulnerable. I was quick to catch it because as soon as I did my face softens and upon noticing that he averts his gaze and takes the plate from my hands. "Thanks for breakfast."

"You're welcome," I clear my throat and go back to making myself some breakfast, too. When I'm done, I find Eli sitting at the bar on one of the four stools. He hasn't touched his food and I'm afraid I did a bad job. "You don't like french toast?" I hesitantly inquire.

"I'm sure I will. I was waiting for you to join me."

"Oh. You shouldn't have."

"Why not? It would be rude not to wait for you."

I smile at him and go to sit down opposite him. Silently, we enjoy our breakfast, stealing glances at the other here and there. This is not good, Romy. Don't get attached. You will get hurt.

I try to push the self-destructive thoughts, which disguise themselves as self-protective, out of my head with little success. But when I look at Eli, I slowly feel them retreat to the back of my mind. They are still there, just not as loud.

Sometime around noon, Tess finally showed up downstairs and falls next to me onto the couch. Behind her, a very tired looking Simon. Eli left a while ago, going God knows where and Bennett has yet to wake up.

"I assume you guys had a fun night."

Tess sighs dreamily and looks up at Simon, who is standing behind the couch. "We did." He nods in agreement with her. His phone starts ringing and he excuses himself into the hallways to take the call.

"Listen," Tess begins, "I have to ask you for a huge favor. And I want you to know, that it's totally fine if you are not okay with it and I would totally understand and not blame you because you are my bestest friend in the whole entire world and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable an-"

"Tess," I stop her rambling, "breathe, please. Just ask me, I won't rip your head off."

She shyly smiles at me and shuffles closer to where I sit. "Okay, so Marshall, Simon's big brother, owns this really nice boat. It's on a lake about 50 miles from here and he allowed Simon to have it for the next week. And he asked me to go with him for a few days. Just him and I. So I wanted to ask you if that's okay. You would be here on your own from Tuesday until Friday but that's it. And I'm back in time for us going out on the weekend. But I'll only go if you feel fine being here on your own."

I look at the beaming smile on her face and I instantly know that she really wants this. Of course, I am a little bummed that she's leaving me alone, even though I'm technically not alone, but I do get along really well with Bennett. Eli, I can manage and luckily, Tommy is out of the house. So what kind of friend would I be if I would refuse her a romantic getaway with her longtime crush?

"Aw, look at you, all smitten by a boy. Of course, you can go. We have three whole months here and it's just four days, I think I'll manage. You're lucky that Tommy is on a business trip though because otherwise, I wouldn't let you leave my side."

"Oh my God, oh my God you are the best person ever! Thank you so much! I owe you one. I really do," she squeals and throws her arms around me to squish me in a very tight hug.

"Don't be silly," I wheeze, "I'm happy that you're happy." I expect her to let me go by now but she doesn't. I slowly feel myself losing my breath and I tap her arm repeatedly. "Tess...can't...breath..."

"Oh, right! Sorry," she sheepishly says and quickly releases me from her death grip. I take a big lung full of air and try not to cry.

"Damn, woman, you got a tight hold."

Simon walks back into the living room and Tess runs into his arms, screaming, "She said yes!" from the top of her lungs.

Just then, Bennett enters the room with a confused look on his face. "Don't tell me someone's getting married," he says, his body language alert. He is fully dressed unlike any of us and he doesn't look tired at all.

"No one's getting married, Ben. Don't be silly. But, I gotta tell you that I'm taking a vacation from my vacation."

"What do you mean?"

"Simon invited me to join him on Marshall's boat for a few days. And Romy said she'll be fine without me here for the time."

"So you thought about asking Romy but not me?"

"Well, I just told you all you need to know. I'm an adult and I can decide when I go where with whom," Tess says, getting a little defensive.

"You're currently living in my house. My house, my rules." I've not imagined Ben to be this authoritative.

"You sound like dad. Come on Ben, I know you're not like that."

"What if something happens to you, huh?" he raises his arms and sports a look of genuine concern. I decide to stand up and say something, sensing a bad sibling fight to arise.

"Hey, guys," I softly say, making everyone look at me, "not to impose or anything but I think it's fine if Tess goes. Simon seems like a responsible person, we are in the age of cellphones and the internet, we know exactly where they are going and for how long and Tess is a great swimmer. I don't think you need to worry too much about her, even though I fully understand your concern." I finish, directing my last words to Bennett. He sighs and runs his hands through his hair. Tess throws me a thankful glance and I wink at her.

"Okay, fine. But I want you to call me at least once a day to let me know you are alright." Bennett orders, pointing his finger at Tess.

"Yes, sir," she says before adding an honest "thank you."

"When do you guys leave?"

"Tonight," Simon says.

"Okay, let's have dinner, then before you guys leave," Ben suggests.

We all nod in agreement. I hope these three days will be okay. It's not like I can't entertain myself but it's a lot less fun when Tess isn't around. Anyhow, I'll probably just read a whole lot and lay in the sun, or shadow, by the lake. Doesn't sound too bad, my introverted side completely supports this plan.