Page 7 of Freestyle (Boys of Frampton U #2)

Beginning of summer break…

Rowyn

I glance around my dorm room, now stripped of all the little touches that made it feel like home for the past year.

The walls once adorned with posters and photos are now bare, revealing patches where the paint has faded.

I plop down on my bed, reveling in the calm before the storm, a bittersweet mixture of nostalgia and anticipation swirling inside me.

Lyndsy practically demanded that I live at her father’s house over summer break once she realized my plans involved a dingy hotel in a shady part of town.

I reluctantly agreed, knowing she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

She had insisted, with that fierce determination of hers, that I needed a real summer break, and who was I to deny her that satisfaction?

As if summoned by my thoughts she appears at my doorway, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “I’m so glad you decided to stay with us. My dad’s excited to finally meet you,” she chirps, her hair bouncing with her enthusiasm.

I smile back, warmth creeping into my chest even as a twinge of anxiety claws at me. “Yeah, it’ll be nice to have a proper place to stay. But are you sure it’s okay? I really don’t want to be a burden.”

Lyndsy rolls her eyes playfully, crossing her arms in that fierce way she does when she’s in ‘don’t-make-me-say-it-twice’ mode. “We’ve been over this, Row. You’re not a burden. Seriously, my dad will be thrilled to have you. You’re practically family.”

Her words send a pang of guilt through me—she couldn’t possibly know the secret hanging heavy between us.

I haven’t told her about the night I hooked up with her brother, Gray, who will also be at the house this summer.

The weight of that memory gnaws at me, but I push it aside, forcing a smile, trying to keep the darkness at bay .

“Alright, alright. You’ve convinced me... again . I’ll stay at your dad’s place.”

“Good,” she says, satisfied. “Now let’s get packing. We’ve got a lot to do before we can hit the road.”

I nod and pry myself from the bed, glancing at the scattered remnants of my belongings.

Across the hall I can hear the faint sounds of Lyndsy packing in her own room, her meticulous nature evident in the soft rustling of carefully folded clothes.

Meanwhile, my room looks like a tornado has blown through, with books, clothes, and random mementos strewn about in chaotic harmony.

Once our rooms are finally packed up, we lug our boxes and suitcases down to the parking lot. Lyndsy parked her white Land Rover near the entrance, so we wouldn’t have far to walk.

As she pops the trunk open, I can’t help but steal glances at her.

Lyndsy is vibrant, full of life, and doesn’t have a care in the world.

As we load the car, I try to push thoughts of Gray and Nix away.

I still can’t believe I crossed that line—her brother, her family.

My heart races at the thought of seeing him again, feeling a mix of desire and sheer panic tangling inside me. What the hell will this summer unfold?

“Row?” Lyndsy’s voice cuts through my chaotic thoughts. “Are you even listening? ”

I snap my head up, cheeks flushed. “Yeah, totally. Sorry. What did you say?”

She raises an eyebrow, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. “I was just saying how our summer adventure is going to be epic. We’ll hit the beach, go hiking, and definitely have some bonfire nights. You know, all the clichés.”

“Sounds amazing,” I manage to reply, though my mind drifts back to last summer when my only problem was not getting out of foster care fast enough. Now I feel like I have a tangled web of secrets wrapping around me, tighter with every moment.

“What’s on your mind?” Lyndsy glances at me, her expression turning sincere.

“Oh, just... thinking about how different this all is from last summer. You know?” Oh, you know, the usual drama. I slept with your brother and his best friend a couple of weeks ago and haven’t had the courage to tell you, and I’m ashamed of how much I liked it.

Lyndsy tilts her head, studying me for a moment. “Different how?”

I shrug, pretending to be nonchalant, even as anxiety bubbles beneath the surface. “Just—well, you know, freedom and all that. A chance to take a break from everything.”

“True! Last summer was rough for you, but this summer will be a complete reset. I can feel it! You’re gonna love it! Plus, you’ll basically have the house to yourself during the week since I’m doing the internship with Daddy. Well, Gray will be there, but he won’t bother you.”

“Your brother and I are barely on speaking terms,” I mumble, thinking back to the one-night stand. “I think I might like the solitude. Plus, I’ll still be working. I’ve got to make a tuition payment at the end of summer.”

“Girl, how many times do I have to tell you? My dad said he would cover all of your expenses. He knows what you’ve been through,” Lyndsy replies. “You don’t need to worry about money.”

I roll my eyes. “Lynds, I’m not taking his money. Besides, working at The Quad isn’t too bad. It keeps me busy, and I meet a lot of… interesting people,” I say with a laugh.

Lyndsy snorts. “Girl, the only thing interesting is the tips. If you weren’t so stubborn, you could have an amazing summer and save a shit ton of money.”

Being a waitress at The Quad Bar and Grill comes with its challenges.

It’s conveniently located right off campus, making it easy to get there during school since I don’t have a car.

Their required uniform leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.

It’s a short, black skirt that doesn’t even cover my ass, a white, low-cut, cropped tank top that says “The Quad” across the chest, and the most uncomfortable pair of heels I’ve ever worn.

The pay sucks, but the tips are amazing, and I make enough to pay my tuition installments. Do I wish that I had money like everyone else, and to be able to afford anything I want? Of course, but unfortunately that wasn’t in the cards for me.

I just want to get through school and get the fuck out of this town. It’s not like I have anything holding me here, not really anyways. I don’t even know if I have any living relatives. My parents dumped me at an orphanage when I was five and never looked back. Stellar parenting, I must say.

“Okay, I think that’s everything. Ready to go?” Lyndsy twirls her keys around her finger, looking at me expectantly.

“Absolutely.” I jump in and buckle up. I love Lyndsy to death, but her driving scares the shit out of me. I’ll be white knuckling it the whole way to her house.

“I don’t drive that bad. Geez,” she laughs. “My dad taught me how to drive.”

“Well, remind me never to ride with him then,” I joke, earning me a playful punch to the arm.

We both burst into laughter as she starts the car.

Her phone connects to the speakers as we barrel down the interstate, the music loud enough to rattle my organs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Music is the essence of my soul.

Days turn to weeks as I begin to settle into a routine between working and relaxing. Coming to stay with the Fords was definitely the better option than staying in that gross hotel I had been contemplating.

“What’s on your agenda today?” Lynds asks from the bedroom door of the guestroom, which is the size of a small apartment.

“I don’t work today, so I think I might go lay by the pool to get some sun,” I mention as I toss my legs over the bed, feeling the soft sheets slide from my skin.

“Lucky. It’s only been a couple weeks, but learning dad’s business is for the birds,” she whines dramatically, rolling her eyes as she leans against the doorframe.

“Tell your dad you don’t want to finish out the internship.”

“I can’t do that. Besides, it will be beneficial in the long run,” she shrugs, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Gray arrived late last night from the swim team training retreat.”

Immediately, my heart rate accelerates at the thought of being under the same roof as him. Has he forgotten our night, or will there be this awkwardness between us ?

Before I can dwell on it any longer, I hear footsteps approaching. I look up to see Gray standing in the doorway, his hair still damp from either a swim or shower, wearing a tired but friendly smile.

“Hey.” His deep voice is casual, but his eyes search mine for what I don’t know.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to keep my composure. “Hey, welcome back,” I manage to say, my voice steadier than I expected.

“Speaking of the devil himself,” Lyndsy chimes in, looking at Gray with a teasing grin.

Gray chuckles, glancing between Lyndsy and me. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” he says with a playful smirk, his gaze lingering on me just a moment longer.

“Always, brother dearest. Anyways,” she looks at her watch then back at me. “I’ve got to go. Dad doesn’t allow tardiness. See ya later, Row,” she calls from the hall, leaving me alone with Gray.

Gray leans his weight against the doorframe, his playful demeanor returning. “So, how have you been?” he asks, his tone light, but I can sense an undercurrent of something deeper.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I’ve been okay. Busy with work and all that,” I reply, hoping to keep the conversation casual. “How about you? How was the retreat?”

“It was intense but rewarding,” Gray responds, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that makes my stomach flutter. “A lot of hard work, but it was worth it.”

I nod, offering a small smile. “Glad to hear it. Well, I need to get dressed. Guess I’ll see you around,” I mention as I begin to gather my things.

“Need help, sunshine?” The name rolls from his tongue, making my heart skip a beat.

I pause, looking up at him, trying to hide my surprise. “I think I can manage, but thanks,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.