One You Can't Forget Read online

  Terry just grinned and said, “Nothin’ to worry about, bro. Hell, we’re in Daytona Beach for Spring Break, the she-shoppin’ event of the year.”

  They both let out a hearty “Oorah!” that was surely heard by any neighbors or passersby.

  Brad left Terry to unpack and get dressed for the day. He stowed his gear in the available dresser and closet and then put on a pair of shorts, tank top and flip flops. He crossed the hall to Brad’s room and found him reclining on his bed listening to his iPod. “Ready?” he asked.

  “Ready and roarin’,” Brad responded.

  The two left the house after Brad located Meagan in her room and told her they were heading to the beach and would be back around dinnertime. Terry had offered to drive, but Brad suggested they walk. The beach wasn’t far and he figured Terry would like to check out the scenery, mainly meaning the girls, as they headed to Hank’s. Terry definitely wasn’t disappointed as the streets increasingly became busy with people hustling and bustling to and fro or just hanging around favorite spots. Since it was Saturday, many locals were out and about, but as the two Marines advanced closer to the beachfront, they found that the majority of the crowd was of a young, college-age. Terry was partly amused and partly angered at how immature most of the mingling kids were. Hell, they were the same age as he and Brad, but acted like mere children in comparison. Of course, they hadn’t been trained to survive and kill in a combat capacity either and Terry had to remind himself of that fact.

  In spite of the childish behavior, Terry had to admit that this was, by far, one of the best events and places he had ever experienced. There were literally hundreds of bikini-clad young girls milling around the various bars, shops and restaurants as well as hanging out on the beach. The week hadn’t even started and Terry was impressed. A strong feeling of expectation rose from Terry’s chest and clutched his excited mind. His emotions were intensified further as he noticed the number of hot girls checking him and Brad out. Although they were wearing civilian clothing, their muscular frames gleaned from months of physical training and hard combat maneuvers stood out from the mostly lean guys. They also exuded more confidence that made them appear several years older than their peers.

  It was just shy of 1 p.m. and the sun was beaming down. Terry and Brad pulled into an ocean side bar and ordered beers. A group of girls were gathered at the bar where Terry was standing and he noticed how they were chatting and laughing about the selection of boys passing by. Terry received his beer and tilted it, sucking in half of the bottle’s contents.

  “My, aren’t we thirsty,” came a comment from the group of girls.

  Terry pivoted around to meet the speaker. It was a girl sitting on the barstool to his left. He had only had a view of her back and long, billowing black hair when he and his buddy arrived, but now that she was addressing him, he noticed the beauty of her features. She had stunning hazel-colored eyes and pouty full lips that were caressed with an attractive shade of pink lipstick. Her body was slender yet toned while her skin was olive brown and glistened with a light coat of tanning oil. The girl also had full breasts that were barely being contained by her skimpy bikini that was white with random splashes of blue, pink and yellow polka dots. Terry had always considered himself to be a breast man and he subconsciously licked his lips at the sight.

  “Yeah, you could say I’m thirsty,” Terry replied and then added, “and considerably hungry too.” His mouth cocked a smile on one side.

  The girl swiveled her bar stool around to better face him and slightly thrust out her chest. “Well, it is lunchtime,” she said, producing an inviting smile herself. “So, what university are you attending?”

  Terry dropped his head slightly to look at his beer and then picked it up and drained its remaining contents in one large drink. He sat the bottle on the bar, motioned for one of the bartenders to bring him another and answered, “I don’t go to college.”

  He figured that would turn the girl off, but instead she continued, “Then you are a local?”

  Terry thought for a moment and then said, “You can say that. I live in Sanford about an hour west of here and am in Daytona Beach visiting my friend.” He turned towards Brad and meant to introduce him, but he was involved in a conversation of his own with a group of girls on the other side of him.

  “That’s cool. Are you a Spring Break regular?” she asked.

  “No. Actually, this is my first time. I’m from Kentucky so haven’t been to one of these gigs before.”

  “Kentucky? That’s close to where I’m going to school.”

  “Oh yeah? Where’s that?”

  “In Fairfax, Virginia. I’m in my sophomore year at George Mason University.”

  Terry had assumed this beautiful girl he was talking to would be an airhead like many of the others he had heard talking on their way along the beach. However, this girl had a mature intelligence to her voice and he found that he was yearning to know her better. Just as he was about to engage in more in-depth conversation, her group of friends grabbed her and began shouting about heading to the MTV setup that was making announcements over a loud speaker of their commencement. “Come on, Sam!” they said nearly in perfect unison.

  As the girl was pulled away from her perch on the barstool, she asked, “Do you want to come?”

  “Nah, you go ahead. I’ve had a long trip and just want to chill today.”

  “What about tonight? We’re going to a club called 509. My name is Sam and I’ll look for you!”

  ~ END OF EXCERPT ~

  COMING OUT FALL 2015