Chapter 9.

A few days later...

On a call:

"Alex, you won't believe what's going on. My grandfather showed up with a surprise—a hot girlfriend," Seth says, emphasizing her appearance.

"Oh, yeah? Anything else you want to tell me?" I reply, barely interested.

"My grandfather wants to know if anyone in your family wants to come to the party. He made a big deal about it," Seth comments.

"My father is in London closing some business deals, and my mother is in Paris. But I can swing by with Summer," I reply.

"Perfect. By the way, how's it going with Summer?" Seth finally asks, his curiosity evident.

"Pretty good, actually. I think we're about to move on to the next step, if you know what I mean," I say cheerfully. "So, how's it going with Anna?"

"Actually, pretty good. She's really good to me," Seth says sincerely.

"Seems like we're both doing fine," I conclude.

< --- >

Wearing a white shirt and black pants, perfect for summer, I enter the Cohen house with Summer. Mrs. Cohen greets the other guests, looking somewhat concerned.

"Good evening, Mrs. Cohen. Lovely evening you've prepared," I comment, observing the party.

"Thank you so much, Alex. As always, you're a sweetheart," she replies with some relief.

"Your father seems to be looking for me. Do you know where he is?" I ask.

"My dad? He's over there," Kirsten says, somewhat confused.

"Perfect, I see him," I say, spotting a gentleman in his 60s talking to other guests. "Summer, why don't you go find Marissa? I have some business to attend to," I say, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Okay, but don't take too long," Summer replies.

Approaching Patriarch Nichol, I see him with his new girlfriend, just as Seth described.

"Mr. Nichol, how are you?" I say, shaking his hand.

"Oh, Van der Bilt, good. Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Gabrielle," he says, introducing a beautiful young woman who is clearly with him for his money.

"Nice to meet you, Gabrielle," I remark.

"So, I heard you wanted to talk to someone in my family," I say.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure you can handle it," Caleb replies skeptically.

"I already told you I can handle anything relevant to you," I comment confidently. "And just so you know, we don't do shady business. If you want to do business with me or my family, I'll act in concert and try to save your little group from bankruptcy without playing dirty like you're used to," I add firmly.

In shock, Caleb Nichol doesn't know what to say.

"Then it's all settled. Have a happy birthday party," I conclude.

Dealing with men like Caleb Nichol was a resounding no in our family, especially given how little impact a group like the Newport Group had. They are basically pocket change. I walk away from the angry Newport Group owner and head back to Summer and the others to enjoy the party.

< --- >

The next morning

Summer is with Marissa, talking about boys while getting her nails done.

"I don't know, it never would have worked," Marissa says, referring to Ryan.

"No kidding. It's much better this way. He's all broody and hurt, always needing someone to save him."

"I guess..."

"It's too hot to save anyone. Speaking of hot, I can't believe you and Luke did it. You have to tell me everything. I've been waiting for this forever."

"You have?" Marissa responds in surprise.

"Come on."

"Did you touch it?"

"Summer! It's a private act between two people."

"It was a disappointment, wasn't it? A little hurt? Totally uncomfortable?"

"Well, it's not like I have anything to compare it to."

"So? Do it again. It's much better the second time."

"You and Alex have already done it?" Marissa asks, surprised.

"You got me," Summer says. "No, but I think soon..." she continues to whisper.

Marissa adds, "Well, I'm supposed to go over to his house this afternoon."

"Trust me, Coop—get back on that horse—you've got to get busy!"

< --- >

"Alex, we have to go to Tijuana. Everyone does. Besides, Molly's car is full," Summer says excitedly.

"Tijuana?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Why does everyone suddenly want to go to Tijuana?"

"Because it's the last big getaway before the new school year starts! Besides, wouldn't it be fun? A whole day of beach, parties, amazing food...come on, Alex, it'll be great," Summer responds enthusiastically.

"Well, it doesn't sound so bad," I say, still not completely convinced.

"Exactly! Plus, Marissa's already on board!" says Summer, trying to convince me.

"All right, all right. We're going to Tijuana. Besides, Seth, Ryan, and Anna asked me to go with them. We can go together," I finally agree. "But if anything goes wrong, it's your fault," I add.

"Perfect!" shouts Summer, giving me a tight hug.

---

The next day...

We meet at the Cohens' house, ready to leave for Tijuana. Seth and Anna are discussing what music to play in the car, while Marissa and Ryan check the map to make sure we don't get lost.

"Ready for the adventure?" Seth asks, putting his arm around Anna.

"Ready," we all reply in unison.

We settle into the cars, Summer and I in my two-seater, while Seth, Anna, Marissa, and Ryan are in another.

On the way, Seth and Anna continue to talk about music, while Summer and I discuss our plans for the new school year. Meanwhile, Ryan and Marissa seem to be having a somewhat awkward conversation. Suddenly, because Seth was distracted by the discussion, he drives off the road and gets a flat tire.

< --- >

Over the phone, I see that the tire is in pretty bad shape.

"We've been told that nothing can be done until tomorrow. We'll have to look for a motel nearby," I say, somewhat uncomfortably.

"I see one over there," Anna says, pointing to a dilapidated motel across the open field.

"Okay, guys, put as much as you can fit in my car, and I'll hold the luggage load for you. Summer and I will go ask about rooms."

<---------------------------------- >

Author's Note:

Tell me what you want to see in the next chapters, give some ideas.

Comment if there is anything you would like to add now or in the future. Don't be shy ;D