Misty

We packed clothes for our week in Myrtle Beach and left early in the morning. We were on our way to enjoy the sun and sand. I couldn't wait.

We stopped periodically to get food, use the bathroom, and top off the fuel. Nash and Nathan played a live version of Frogger, weaving in and out of traffic. I hate to break it to them, but it's not the Grand Prix. No one is getting a trophy for arriving first.

The lines on the expressway blurred by as we passed scenery. I would admire the landscape if we weren't doing almost 90.

"You don't have to race Nathan," Nixon told Nash.

"I'm not racing Nathan. I don't want to get stuck on the road most of the day," Nash said.

"You might want to slow it down," Aiden said.

"Why?"

We heard a siren and saw flashing lights behind us.

"That's why," Aiden said.

"Shit." Nash used his turn signal and pulled onto the shoulder.

We spotted Nathan's SUV ten feet in front of us with a cop car behind him and a cop talking to him. We told Nash he didn't need to race Nathan. Did they listen? Nope. Serves them right.

The cop approached the window. Nash rolled down the window.

"License, registration, and proof of insurance," the cop said.

"Hang on. Our attorney would like to speak to you," Aiden said, passing his phone forward.

Nash took it and held it to the cop.

"It seems you have stopped my client on the expressway. Can I ask why?" Grayson said.

"I've stopped your client for speeding."

"Are you detaining my client?"

"No."

"My client is free to leave. Is anyone recording this traffic stop on their smartphones?"

We held up our phones.

"Yeah," Nash answered.

"My client has a legal recording of this exchange. Since you're not detaining my client, he's free to leave. Have a good day, officer."

Nash threw the car into drive and pulled onto the expressway, leaving the cop confused as hell.

"Tino, I suggest you obey the traffic laws before the cop figures out what I did."

"Will do. Thanks, Grayson." Nash ended the call and handed the phone back to Aiden.

We'll be lucky if we don't land in the pokey before arriving at Myrtle Beach.

*******
After stopping for food, pee breaks, a traffic stop, and arguing about the worst driver, Nash or Nathan, we arrived at the beach house. We exited the cars, grabbed our bags, and headed inside.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Rafe was waiting for us with sheets of paper. Yes, you heard that correctly. I said sheets as in more than one. First, he assigned us bedrooms. That meant we couldn't sneak into each other's rooms. He was doing a bed check to ensure we were in the right room.

Next, he read off a list of rules. Yep, you heard that correctly. We had a list of rules to follow or face severe consequences. We couldn't wander off alone. No drinking or illegal substances. No sex. We had to check in if we didn't want our asses to become one with the couches. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served at specific times. If we missed them, we couldn't ask for a snack. Stay out of the bushes and away from the woods. He didn't want to deal with poison ivy because we didn't listen.

I'm thinking spring break with my dad and Val was much better.

Oh, and don't get involved with a murder mystery again. In our defense, it's not like we planned to dig up bones and discover Grandma Mary was a serial killer while revealing Eden's paternity. That was a bonus.

Romeo ripped up Rafe's rules and told us not to land in the pokey. He didn't want to bail us out of jail and explained to our parents why. I prefer Romeo's style to Rafe's. However, it was entertaining to watch them argue.

We carried our bags to our rooms and settled in. Two people shared a room to accommodate everyone since the family had added onto the beach house over the years.

Once we dropped our bags in our respective rooms, Nash and I headed downstairs.

"When did your grandpa expand the beach house?" I asked.

"When people kept popping out kids. Someone always uses the beach house, so the family contributes to the taxes, utilities, and upkeep."

"It makes sense. At least it doesn't fall on one person's shoulders."

We walked onto the back deck to find the others lounging around before sitting at the table.

"Why are you sitting here?" Nash asked.

"It's better than listening to Uncle Rafe's billion rules," Nathan said.

"Uncle Val gave us a boring ass spring break," Nixon said.

"It's better than confined to our bedrooms," Nolan said.

"I would take my bedroom over a billion rules," Nathan said.

The adults came out of the house. Reese pushed Rafe forward while they argued until Reese glared at Rafe and mouthed, "Go."

The rest of us exchanged curious glances.

"We talked," Rafe said.

"Uh, no. Reese handed you your ass to you," Romeo interjected.

Rafe glared at Romeo. "Stop helping."

"Then tell the damn truth. I'm not going down with this sinking ship."

Rafe rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to us. "Reese explained I can't enforce many rules since we didn't have them on spring break. It's hypocritical. Romeo and Sage agreed with her. So, I'm willing to compromise."

"What type of compromise?" Nixon asked.

"We will go with you if you want to explore the sights. You need to tell us if you're leaving the property. In return, I figured you don't need that since we can do things here like jet skiing, beach volleyball, and hanging on the beach. You get the drift."

We looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"That's fair," Nash said.

Reese moved beside Rafe. "I understand Rafe goes overboard with everyone. We're trying to get him to loosen the apron strings." She moved her finger and thumb close together. "Plus, he understands how protective your parents are with you. Val only agreed on this trip because Rafe won't let anything happen to Tino or the rest of you."

Nash and I looked at each other in surprise. I didn't realize that's why Val chose Romeo and Rafe to chaperone this trip.

"In fairness, all we want to do is relax. It's been a crazy two years," Nash said.

"What?" Romeo moved toward us and gave us a sideways glance.

We nodded.

"Last year, we didn't take a trip because Maggie and Eden got attacked," Nathan said.

The adults knitted their brows because I spent last spring break recovering from that asshole's attack. Eden's recovery was longer because she had extensive injuries from her stupid ex.

"Then this year, we'll have fun." Romeo clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

We nodded in agreement.

"Who's hungry?" Reese asked.

Sage and we raised our hands.

Reese rolled her eyes at Sage. "Put your hand down. You're always hungry."

"I like my food." Sage played with her fingers and shrugged.

"Diego, you're up," Nixon said.

Diego stood up from his seat and headed inside to cook as he could. Aiden joined him. At least we won't starve on this trip since most of us can cook. It helps when you have chefs in the family and parents who don't want you to starve.

*******
Valentino

I wasn't sure what Uncle Rafe expected when Dad volunteered him to chaperone our spring break. We've spent almost two years dealing with demons. We needed a break.

Diego and Aiden made dinner for everyone. We sat around the table and ate. After dinner, we called our parents to let them know we arrived safely. We left the traffic stop out of the conversation. We didn't need a lecture not to follow in Roman's footsteps with our driving since he has a lead foot.

Once we assured our parents we didn't land in the pokey, we relaxed for the rest of the evening. We had all week to enjoy the beach and water since the water was twenty feet from the beach house.

While the others walked on the beach, Mags and I sat on the deck, enjoying the evening. Uncle Rafe and Aunt Reese sat on each side of us.

"Since we have you here, we need to talk," Uncle Rafe said beside me.

"About what?" I asked.

"Working at the bakery this summer."

Our brows lifted in surprise.

"Really?" Mags asked.

Uncle Rafe nodded. "It'll give you practice for your core classes at school. Ryan is working with Val. Preston is shadowing Oliver and Melody. River will work at the Oakridge Center since Kyler implemented a fitness program. Michael is interning with Ma."

"We were wondering what River was doing," Mags said.

"River has no interest in the bakery or cafe. Since Braydon Wilson is currently busy with baseball, the center needs help."

"It's good to see Braydon play again," I said.

Aunt Reese and Uncle Rafe nodded again.

Braydon Wilson had suffered severe mental health issues when we were in high school. No one was sure if he would play baseball again. When he has downtime from the Tigers, he volunteers at the Oakridge Center.

"I can't wait to work in the bakery." Mags put her hands up and grinned.

My aunt and uncle chuckled.

"At least something good came out of this year besides Nash." Mags smiled at me.

I leaned over and kissed her. "Same."

We didn't realize it was the calm before the storm, which was heading directly toward us. I should have realized it. That will be my biggest mistake.

If you haven't done so, you can read about what happened to Braydon Wilson in Braydon. His story is out now, and it's completed.

Get ready. You have two chapters left in A Crazy Thing Called Love.