Electric Touch.
"All I know is this can either break my heart or bring it back to life."
After Erik dropped me off from our date, a whirlwind of emotions swirled inside me. In many ways, the night had been everything I'd ever dreamed of, romantic, thoughtful, like something out of a storybook. The fact that he rented out the entire aquarium just for us still had me swooning, and the way he hunted down white ranunculus in the off-season? It was beyond romantic. I had never felt so seen, so carefully considered. Every detail I'd shared with him, he remembered. Nothing, big or small went unnoticed.
And yet, here I was, standing at my door, clutching my chest for an entirely different reason. He didn't kiss me. Not even a hug. Just a smooth nod and a simple, "Goodnight, August."
My theatrics were cut short by the sound of my mom moving things around in the kitchen. It was late, roughly ten o'clock so I was surprised she was still awake. She hadn't noticed me at first, too focused on wiping down the counter.
"Hey, Mom. I'm home," I said quietly, not wanting to startle her.
She glanced up, her expression unreadable. "Oh, you're home earlier than I expected, given your track record with this guy." Her eyebrow lifted slightly, as if she didn't entirely believe I was standing there. "How was the aquarium?"
"It was great," I said, offering a small smile. "He got us a private tour, just the two of us and then we had dinner in a private area of the aquarium." I hoped that would be enough to satisfy her, but instead, it only seemed to ignite something in her.
"Private tour?" she repeated, her tone laced with skepticism. "That's one way to get your guard down. What did he do, rent the place out just to impress you and get in your pants?"
Her face twisted with something close to anger.
"He's not like that, Mom, he—"
"ALL MEN ARE LIKE THAT, AUGUST." Her voice rose, as she stepped closer.
"I don't like you going out with him," she said, her tone lower now but no less intense. "Guys like him, with their flashy cars and flashy dates, are bad news."
"Mom! He didn't even kiss me! He's not like that, he's… different."
I tried to defend myself, but the words felt weak, like they weren't enough to convince her. Or maybe even me. She just huffed, turned on her heel, and walked out of the room, leaving me behind to deal with the aftermath of her outburst. Again.
I let out a sharp exhale, running a hand through my hair as I made my way to my room. I had an early morning tomorrow, I had plans with Mallory and Dani to go get waxed.
I still didn't know why I let Mallory convince me to get a bikini wax. Maybe it was the overwhelming urge to just fit in. Or maybe I was finally tired of cramming myself into the box my mom had built for me. Either way, Mals made a good point, I would be in a bathing suit for the next couple of weeks.
Shaking off the tension from earlier, I got undressed and washed the makeup off my face. As I slipped into my pajamas, my phone buzzed from the bed.
Erik.
My heart fluttered slightly at the sight of his name across the screen. I never got used to seeing it.
Erik: I had a really good time tonight. I'll be gone most of this upcoming work week, we're closing some deals, so I'll be in the Seattle offices until I leave for Hawaii. Can I take you to lunch this Monday?
August: I had a great time too! Sad I won't get to see much of you this week, but yes, I'll see you Monday.
Erik: I'm a bit sad too, but the way I see it—when we do get to see each other, we'll be in Hawaii!
I smiled at my screen, warmth spreading in my chest. The closer the trip got, the more butterflies swarmed in my stomach. My birthday and Hawaii were only a week away. There was so much packing and planning to do before then, but for now, I let myself enjoy the excitement.
I curled up in bed, letting my mind drift back to my date with Erik. Despite the lingering disappointment of not being kissed, I couldn't have asked for a better first date with him. There's something about him, something that makes me feel heard, understood. Like everything I say holds weight, like it matters. And I've never had that before.
At work, it's a constant struggle to be taken seriously. Justin ignores almost every suggestion I make, and even when my plans are better, people listen to him instead of me. And at home… Well, I know my mom is sick, but even before that, it's always been a battle. A battle of being told what to do rather than being asked what I want.
"August, don't do this."
"August, don't do that."
I listen to her 98% of the time. The other two percent? It's reserved for the small rebellions she never notices. The ones I let myself have just to feel like me.
I sighed, turning over in bed. Tossing, turning, overthinking-until sleep finally took over.
The sound of my phone buzzing jolted me awake. Three missed calls from Mallory.
Shit. I overslept.
I shot up from bed, heart pounding, and rushed straight to the shower. As the warm water fell over me, a wave of nerves settled deep in my stomach. I wasn't even sure what I was anxious about, my mom's recent behavior, Erik not kissing me, or the fact that I was about to let a stranger spread my legs to rip out hair.
I still can't believe I'm doing this today.
But maybe some time with the girls would settle me down.
I got dressed in a hurry and rushed out the door.
By the time I arrived at the beauty salon, Mallory and Dani were already inside, radiating energy while I looked like I was on my way to a funeral. I plastered on a fake smile, hoping to dodge any immediate questioning about my date. But, of course, there was no escaping Mallory.
"Sunshine!" she squealed, practically bouncing in her seat. "How was the date!?"
Dani's eyebrows shot up, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Ooooh, girl! Who did you go on a date with?"
I hesitated, not because I didn't have a good time, but because I suddenly found myself second-guessing everything.
"It was with Erik from work. It was really good," I said, keeping my voice even.
Mallory was having none of that. "Okay, but DETAILS. I'm dying here! The last I heard from you was when you got to the aquarium!"
A smile tugged at my lips despite my internal conflict. "Okay... it was really good!" I admitted, my enthusiasm building. "He rented the ENTIRE aquarium just for us, and then it ended with a private candlelit dinner."
Their jaws dropped in unison.
"Like—the entire place? Just for the two of you?" Dani laughed. "I didn't even know he had it like that!"
"It was honestly so much fun," I said, warmth creeping into my cheeks. "Talking to him is just... effortless. We don't even have to think about what to talk about, it just happens organically."
Mallory smirked, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But the real question is... was he a good kisser?"
My stomach tightened. I suddenly found the floor very interesting.
"Uhm… he didn't kiss me, so I wouldn't know." I forced out a small laugh, but I couldn't bring myself to look at either of them. Saying it out loud made me feel embarrassed, even though I knew I shouldn't be.
Dani raised an eyebrow. "Did he not try? Or…?"
"He walked me to my door, said Goodnight, and that was it." I sighed, frustration bubbling in my chest. "And now I'm just confused. He asked me to lunch on Monday, but the fact that he didn't even hug me… ugh."
When I finally looked up, both of them wore identical expressions, somewhere between confusion and disbelief.
"Who rents out an entire place and doesn't even try to kiss someone?" Dani scoffed. "I would've been going home with him that night!" She laughed, shaking her head.
Mallory and I exchanged a quick glance, one of silent understanding. She knows where I stand on premarital sex. I forced out a laugh, not wanting to linger on the topic.
Luckily, the esthetician came to my rescue, calling my name. I shot up from my seat, but there was no way I was doing this alone. "You guys are coming with me," I said, grabbing Mallory's arm.
We followed the woman into a small, overly bright room that smelled like disinfectant. My anxiety spiked the second she told me to undress from the waist down. Oh god. My cheeks were definitely bright red.
Still, I wasn't about to do this without moral support. "Stay," I told the girls.
As I awkwardly positioned myself on the table, I let out a nervous laugh. "Okay, the fact that this is the first time I'll ever have my legs propped up like this is and for this reason is hilarious."
Mallory let out a loud laugh but Dani looked bewildered. "What do you mean first time…are you-"
"Waiting for marriage. It's a whole thing we can discuss later," I gave her a smile and the esthetician saved me once more.
The esthetician snapped on a pair of gloves, and my stomach twisted. This is happening.
"Alright, go ahead and lay back," she said, way too cheerful for what she was about to do to me.
I shot Mallory and Dani a look, but Mallory just grinned. "You'll be fine. Deep breaths."
Easy for her to say.
I hesitated before finally lying back, the paper sheet beneath me crinkling loudly. The esthetician stirred the wax, testing the temperature before applying the first strip. It was warm, almost soothing, until, without warning—
RIP.
A strangled gasp left my lips. "Holy fu—"
Mallory burst into laughter while Dani winced. "Yeah… that first one always stings."
I shot them both a glare. "A little warning would've been nice."
The esthetician chuckled. "The first strip is the worst. It gets easier from here."
I wasn't convinced.
What followed next was a blur of waxing, wincing, and trying to keep my dignity intact. By the time she finished, I let out a deep breath, staring at the ceiling. "That was awful."
Mallory smirked. "You survived."
Barely.
Mallory was next to get waxed and Dani followed shortly after. We all stayed for support like a twisted version of sisterhood of the traveling pants. Maybe the sisterhood of the traveling wax strip? I laughed to myself as I watched them squirm and scream like I did. It was perfect payback! Now that it's over and my skin is ten times more sensitive, I still can't believe I did that!
I looked back at all the times Mallory invited me to get a wax or do something my mom wouldn't approve of and I would always feel like I was missing out on life. Like the world was moving on without me. Now that my mom's doing better, I've started pushing boundaries a little.
I didn't dare tell her what we were doing today, she thinks we're getting mani-pedi's and while we are going to do that it wasn't the full truth. I felt a little bit guilty for not being completely honest but I pushed it out of my head the best I could.
With our waxing ordeal and mani-pedi's behind us, we headed to lunch. We made our way to a little cafe on the outskirts of Seattle. We all sat outside on the outdoor patio and began chatting about the trip.
"So do you ladies have all of your bathing suits?" Dani asked as she looked at the menu in front of her. I already had six, thanks to Mallory, but if she had her way, I'd be packing six more.
"I think I'm gonna do some more shopping. I have roughly 15 bathing suits and I just know I need more!" Mallory laughed at her own admission. Dani lifted her head up from the menu and looked at Mallory, baffled. I couldn't help but laugh because I've travelled with Mallory before and she's never been a one travel bag kinda girl.
"I think I have all of mine, I might get one more but it's not necessary." I said as I checked my phone, desperately hoping Erik would text me. Dani and Mallory took notice and shot themselves a look.
"Sooo, Miss August…" Dani smirked over her menu. "Excited to be traveling with your boyfriend?"
"Not my boyfriend," I shot back, rolling my eyes.
She laughed. "Okay, but are you excited to be traveling with your boyfriend-not-boyfriend?" The smirk didn't leave her face.
I couldn't help but laugh, she was quick with that one. But truthfully? I wasn't even sure how excited I was. If I was even excited.
Who am I kidding? That's a total load of baloney. I'm definitely excited to be going on a trip with him…especially to Hawaii. I'm already picturing sunset strolls along the beach. I can see us hiking to a secluded waterfall, just the two of us. Even if I don't know where we stand after the no-kiss date, I'm excited to keep getting to know him. I snapped back to reality to find them both staring, waiting for my answer. If I admitted how excited I really was, they'd never let it go.
"I'm just excited to be going back!"
"Boooo! What a politician answer!" Mallory cupped her hands around her mouth, making her voice carry across the patio. My cheeks flushed, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Okay okay…fine!" I threw my hands up in surrender. "I'm honestly really excited! It just sucks that we won't even be in the same house." I murmured. Mallory squirmed in her seat—her tell. She knew something I didn't. I shot her a look but she avoided my gaze.
"What aren't you telling me Mallory?" I glared at Mallory even harder, as if I was willing her to respond. Dani's eyebrow rose slightly in confusion. Finally, she broke.
"Ugh, I didn't want to say this, but…" She hesitated, which only meant bad news. "We were the ones that decided who stayed in what house and he was the one who said he would be staying in the second rental." She looked down at her menu avoiding my eye contact. I could feel my smile fall as my heart sank. If he had a choice, why didn't he choose to stay near me?
"Did he say why?" I leaned forward, heart pounding. Mallory only shook her head.
My pulse quickened. Had I misread everything? First, no kiss. Now this? I tried not to spiral, but everything pointed to the conclusion I didn't want to face.
Sensing the tension, Dani cut in. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Erik strikes me as the kind of guy who thinks things through, in a good way. There has to be a rational reason for this." She reached over and squeezed my arm, a silent way of telling me it was going to be okay. And for now, I believed her. "Not to abruptly change the topic," Dani said, leaning in, "but did I hear you say that was your first time with your legs up in the sky? As in… you've never…?"
I swallowed. "No, I haven't… I'm, uh, waiting for marriage." I kept my voice low, hoping no one around us heard.
Dani's hand found my arm again. "That's really sweet, August! You don't hear that often. I love that for you."
"Our sweet, perfect August!" Mallory laughed.
The waitress arrived to take our order, and the conversation shifted.
"Okay, so back to Hawaii!" Mallory clapped her hands. "Dani, you and Marshall are getting there on Sunday, right?"
Marshall, Dani's husband, is about 6 '1, a gentleman through and through, with a perfect smile and deep, rich chocolate skin. He also works with us, though he's on the board of directors. Normally, that'd be a conflict of interest, but they've been together since college. From what I know, she got him the job first, and he climbed the corporate ladder fast.
They're a perfect match both in looks and smarts. They have something I definitely aspire to have.
"Yeah, we land Sunday afternoon. We're planning to grab the basics when we get there. When do we get the rental cars?" Dani asked.
"We don't get them until Tuesday, but they offer grocery service. We can put in our order this week, so you and Marshall can enjoy your first night alone!" Mallory gushed.
The waitress arrived with our drinks and appetizers, and we immediately started digging in.
I took a bite of my salad and turned to Mallory. "So, what exactly did you end up booking like excursion-wise?"
She took a few bites of her food before answering. "Well, Erik booked a boat for the entire trip, so we'll have access to that. We're also going snorkeling with the dolphins at some point. Most of the trip is a free-for-all."
"Oh, I love that! Last year was a mess, too many plans, not enough time to actually relax," Dani declared.
Mallory chuckled. "We definitely bit off more than we could chew last year. But this time, I just want to lie in the sun and tan…naked." She burst into laughter. Dani and I paused, exchanging looks before joining in.
"Yeah, I don't know about the naked part, but I'm excited for some sun." I glanced up at the Washington sky perpetually a shade of grey.
"Who's all staying with us again?" Dani asked, sipping her coffee.
Mallory grinned. "We got the bigger house." She covered her mouth like she had a secret. "I paid a little extra to get us a better one. But it'll be you, me, August, Marshall, Justin, and Hunter."
"Marshall's gonna be happy he has his boys with him. He was worried he'd get stuck in an estrogen fest," Dani laughed, taking a few more bites of her food.
"I'm just happy I'll have you girls with me," I chimed in.
Mallory wiggled her eyebrows. "And it's your birthday! I'm getting you wasted."
I couldn't help but smile. It'll be my first time drinking, let alone getting drunk. I've had plenty of chances before, but knowing my mom wouldn't approve, I chose to wait until I turned 21. And I've decided to save my first drink for when we land, since Mallory and I won't be sitting together on the flight.
Honestly, I'm nervous about drinking. Seeing Mallory drunk so many times has left a sour taste in my mouth, but I trust everyone around me. I'll be okay.
After finishing lunch, we stepped out into the cool afternoon air. Shopping wasn't exactly my favorite activity, but with Mallory leading the charge, I didn't have much of a choice. At least I'd get a few cute outfits out of it and hopefully, my credit card wouldn't hate me for it.
We entered the first store, bright lights and vibrant colors filling our vision. Mallory darted to the frilly sundresses while Dani and I lingered by the shorts.
"I need to get new denim shorts, the ones I have cut into my side too much. But maybe these are too small" I groaned as I grabbed a pair of very short shorts.
"Girl, it is your time to shine. Show off those legs and that stomach you don't have. We're going to be on vacation. Live a little!" Dani brushed my arm with hers as she handed me a different pair of very short shorts.
"You sound like Mallory." I hip bumped her back while grabbing the shorts from her hand. I lifted them up and stared at them briefly. Trying to picture myself actually wearing them. And the truth was, I could see myself in them. Bathing suit underneath, sand between my toes—I could picture it. I shrugged and held them close to my chest, letting her know she had convinced me.
And that was just the beginning. One store turned into three, then five, and before I knew it, Mallory had a mountain of shopping bags, Dani had talked me into at least three outfits I wasn't sure I had the confidence to wear, and my credit card was crying for mercy. By the time we stepped out of the last boutique, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the only thing on our minds was food. Unfortunately, I knew I had to head home soon, or my mom would be filing a missing persons report.
"I'm starving, but I should get going. My mom probably hasn't eaten yet, and I need to make sure she does." I sighed, already anticipating the routine. "I had a great time, though. I'll see you two tomorrow at work!" Hugging them before I headed to my car.
The drive home was quiet, the city lights blurring past as I replayed the day in my head. Shopping bags sat in the passenger seat, a reminder that I'd let Mallory and Dani talk me into outfits I'd never normally buy. I smiled to myself, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
By the time I got home, the house was dark except for the soft glow from the kitchen. Mom was still up, probably waiting for me. Another routine, another night.
Tomorrow would come fast, another workday. Another step closer to my birthday and Hawaii.
Monday morning arrived in a haze. The office was already buzzing when I walked in, it always was at the start of the week. Today was going to be packed. Meetings with clients, closing out old projects, prepping for the trip, and, of course, my lunch date with Erik. I wasn't sure if I'd fit everything in, but at least I had the rest of the week to figure it out.
The morning flew by in a blur of emails and meetings, and before I knew it, lunch had rolled around. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up before meeting Erik, but as luck would have it, I bumped into Justin in the elevator. Just us two.
I tried my hardest to ignore him, but he's not one to be ignored.
"Hey, Ducky. How's your day going?" He leaned toward me, a sly smirk tugging at his lips.
Hearing him call me Ducky again made my eyes roll so far back I worried they'd get stuck. "Busy," I muttered.
His smirk deepened. "Ready for the trip? Heard we're staying in the same house. You're lucky 'cause Dani and Marshall know how to party."
"I'm there strictly to relax. I'll leave the partying to you." I laughed quietly under my breath.
"Yeah, we'll see about that."
The doors opened, and he stepped out two floors before me.
After a quick stop in the bathroom, I made my way to the food court, spotting Erik already waiting on the outdoor patio with food. He was dressed more professionally than usual, which made me chuckle.
"Hi!" I waved as I approached the table.
He stood as if debating whether to hug me, then hesitated and motioned for me to sit. I slid into my seat, my eyes drifting to the food in front of me, a burger with truffle sauce, Parmesan-coated fries, and a small bowl of fruit. It smelled just as good as it looked.
"I ordered for you. I hope that's okay, I know you like burgers." Erik smiled, unfolding a napkin onto his lap.
"This looks great! Thank you. Is this from the food court? I don't think I've seen this burger before."
"Um…" He let out a soft laugh. "No, it's from one of my favorite spots up the street. I was worried it wouldn't get here on time, but it showed up seconds before you did."
His thoughtfulness never ceased to surprise me.
"You're dressed very fancy today." I giggled before taking my first bite. The sharp hint of truffle hit my tongue, rich and savory. I barely chewed before going in for another.
He smirked, clearly noticing. "I'm in the Seattle office most of the day, so I'm required to, uh… dress up."
"Well, I think you look really nice." The words slipped out before I could stop them, and my cheeks flushed instantly. His smile turned more genuine now, softer.
"How's the burger so far?" he asked, taking a bite of his own.
"Probably the best one I've ever had! And these fries? So crispy."
"I'll have to take you there sometime so we can eat them fresh. Maybe when we're back from vacation."
For a moment, his offer made my heart skip a beat, warmth spreading through my chest. But before I could let myself get carried away, another thought crept in. Beneath the playful banter, a nagging question tugged at me. Why wasn't he staying in the same rental as me?
Did I even have the right to ask? Maybe Dani was right. There could be a perfectly logical reason for it. But if that were true, then why did it feel like something I needed to know?
"Speaking of the trip, I'm really bummed you won't be staying with us." I kept my tone light, hoping it would ease the way into what I really wanted to ask.
"Yeah, I'm bummed about it too. But hey, we'll still see each other every day. And when you get sick of me, you can send me away." He laughed slightly, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.
I smiled, but the curiosity still gnawed at me. I hesitated, my fingers picking at the napkin on my lap before finally gathering the courage.
"Mals said you guys got to choose who stayed where." I kept my voice steady, even as my heart picked up speed. "So… I guess I'm kinda confused why you didn't choose to stay with us."
The question hung between us, and the shift in his expression was instant. His smile faltered, his gaze dropping to his food, suddenly avoiding my eyes. He let out a slow breath. For a second, I thought he wasn't going to answer.
"It wasn't a choice I wanted to make. Believe me, I would've stayed with your group in a heartbeat." He finally looked up, his expression softer now. "But Mallory really wanted you and Dani there. And with Dani comes Marshall… and with Marshall comes Justin." He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "I just really didn't want to room with him."
"Oh… I thought you were cool with him?" I asked pressing a little more because I wasn't satisfied.
Erik let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I am. Justin's a good guy. Just… let's just say he has a habit of making himself the center of attention when things get wild. I figured I'd actually get some sleep if I stayed elsewhere." His tone was light, but there was something underneath it, something I couldn't quite place.
I finally offered a small smile back. "I can definitely see that. Maybe I'll have to reconsider staying with your group. According to him they're the "party group!"" I let out a real laugh this time.
"They…definitely are. But hey you'll finally be 21 I think you deserve to let loose and enjoy that side of life for once." He let a little smirk slip before he took another bite of his food.
We lingered over our food a little longer, the conversation drifting into easier topics, work, travel plans, the best places to eat in Hawaii. By the time we finished, the sun had shifted slightly in the sky, signaling the afternoon rush.
"I should probably get back," I said, reluctantly pushing my tray aside. "Thanks again for lunch. Seriously, best burger I've ever had."
Erik grinned as he stood up. "I'll hold you to that. Maybe next time we'll eat it fresh."
We walked out together before parting ways in the lobby, and as I headed back to my desk, my mind wandered, not just to Erik, but to the trip, to the fact that in just a few days, I'd be on a plane, celebrating my birthday in a way I never imagined.
The rest of the week passed in a fog of meetings, last-minute deadlines, and packing lists. Mallory sent me an excessive number of texts about outfits I had to bring, while Dani kept reminding me that this was my chance to let loose. Even Erik checked in once or twice, sending links to restaurants he thought I'd like.
Before I knew it, it was Sunday morning, my birthday.
I stretched under the covers, staring at the ceiling as the realization hit. Twenty-one. The official mark of adulthood, or at least that's what everyone said. But all I could think about was that in twenty-four hours, I'd be on a flight to Hawaii, surrounded by friends, sun, and the promise of something new.
And for the first time in a long time, I was actually looking forward to what came next.