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missmara13No spiel, just chapters. Click tag and scroll down for the warnings and such.
Chapter Eighteen
"What?" Marissa asked, her surprise evident in her voice.
"I kissed him. This morning. It was just gonna be a kiss on the cheek because last night he was so sweet trying to convince me I was safe even though the power went out and there was a bad storm outside. But he turned to look at me and lips met lips..."
"Wow."
"I'm so sorry, Coop..."
"Summer, I told you, me and Ryan... it's not going to happen," Marissa said slowly. "Okay, maybe I'm not exactly thrilled that my best friend and my ex-boyfriend made out this morning, but... you didn't betray me or anything."
"You're not mad?"
"No, not really. Although that could partially be the mood stabilizes I'm on. But... are you happy you kissed him?"
"I don't know..." Summer said. "God, Coop, I'm totally confused. I mean, me and Chino have the friend thing down. We hang out, we laugh, we have fun. And then this morning I accidently kiss him, and he kissed back..."
"He kissed back?"
"Yeah, he did. It was... I liked it but I felt so much like I was betraying you. And now I find out Ryan's been talking about me and you think he's falling in love with me, and you're okay with that and the kiss and it's so weird and confusing..." She sighed. "I shouldn't be bothering you with this while you're trying to get better..."
"I'm doing good, I want to be bothered with normal stuff."
"I don't know where me and Chino stand, Coop. I mean, what do I do from here? It was easy with Cohen, he made his little infatuation obvious. But Ryan is so closed off... and we're so different..."
"Different can be good," Marissa said. "Just..."
"What?"
"Don't mess up like I did. Appreciate him."
"Always. No matter what he is to me, I'm always going to appreciate him."
~~~~
"What exactly is going on between you and Summer?" Sandy asked Ryan once they found themselves alone in the kitchen.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ryan replied evasively.
"Unless you've started wearing lipstick, in which case we need to be having a completely different talk right now, you two are more than friends. And if you are, then I think there should not be anymore sleepovers."
"Sandy..."
"What's going on?"
"Nothing happened, okay?" Ryan said. "We... we were saying goodbye, she was going to kiss my cheek and I turned. It was nothing."
"Sure it was. Why do you smell like strawberries?"
"We lit candles for light and all she had were scented ones."
"You two have been going out every day for weeks."
"What's wrong with us being friends?"
"Nothing, except at least once you've slept in the same bed, and I think you did again last night."
"How horrible, I passed out in her bed and slept all night," Ryan said, starting to get irritated. "We're friends. That's it."
"Is that all you want?"
Ryan was quiet for a minute. "I don't know."
"Ryan?" Kirsten said as she came back into the kitchen. "I just talked to Dad, he suggested you come in and get a tour of Newport Group, see if you can decide where you want to intern."
"Isn't he jumping the gun?" Sandy asked. "Ryan hasn't even accepted the offer."
"Dad thinks no one in their right mind would turn it down."
Ryan got to his feet. "Let's go," he said.
"Ryan..." Sandy said, realizing the teen was about to escape a continuation of their discussion.
"You asked me a question, I answered it," Ryan said. "There's nothing else to say." He turned back to Kirsten. "Let me change into something not so wrinkled," he said. "I'll be right back down."
Kirsten nodded, then looked at Sandy. "What did I just interupt?"
"Me trying to figure out why he smells like strawberries and had lipstick on the corner of his mouth," Sandy replied. "He says scented candles and an accidental kiss."
"And you say?"
"There's something else going on."
~~~~
"Why is your dad being nice to me all of a sudden?" Ryan asked as he and Kirsten drove to the Newport Group Offices. "I thought he hated me."
"I told him you saved my life, and reminded him that you saved Marissa in Tijuana, and then the cincher. I told him you're interested in architecture. All of our architects are at least my age, most of them a lot older. Businesswise he knows that we need a younger generation of architects who understand what the young rich want."
"But I'm not an architect," Ryan pointed out.
"But he figures if you intern at Newport Group, then when you do become an architect, you'll come work for us."
"What would he do if I ended up not being an architect?" Ryan asked, amused.
Kirsten chuckled. "Probably mutter about what a waste of resources it was for you to intern there."
"So either I end up with a job ready and waiting, or I end up irritating him, which will definitely make Sandy proud?" Ryan asked with a smile.
"Yes."
"Win-win."
Kirsten laughed. "Don't tell either of them I found that funny," she instructed him.
"Secrets safe with me," Ryan promised as they pulled into the parking lot.
To Be Continued... Right Now!
and...
Chapter Nineteen
A few days later, Ryan was following Kirsten around a new model home, taking notes for her and the other members of her inspection team as they talked about the progress being made. So far it was fairly boring, with most of the talk being about whether or not to change a window from squared to arched. He was diligently keeping track of who was on which side of the debate, and he also made a note that the wall would be more structurally sound if the window was arched and partially supported it.
"Ryan?"
The teenager looked up, worried he'd missed something important while he'd been taking notes. "Yes, Mrs. Cohen?" he asked, forcing himself to stay formal so he'd be taken at least a little more seriously.
"You worked construction, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"What do you think, would an arched window damage the stability of the wall?"
Ryan looked at her and the others, all of whom looked a little skeptical of his ability to judge. He turned his attention back to her. "Actually, it could make the wall stronger. And arch is a strong shape, with the right framing, it could work as extra support for the wall."
"Smart intern you've got," the forman said as he joined them. "That's why I suggested the change, Mrs. Cohen. Make the wall stronger, and we lessen the risk of collapse in case of an earthquake."
"Make the change, then," she instructed, offering Ryan a proud smile before turning back to the rest of the team. "There's been delays upstairs, let's go see how it's coming along..."
~~~
"How was your first day?" Sandy asked as Ryan and Kirsten walked into the house.
"Fine," Ryan replied, shrugging. "I just followed Kirsten around taking notes for her."
"He settled an arguement on whether or not an arched window would damage the intergrity of a wall," Kirsten corrected.
"The forman was going to tell you the same," Ryan said.
"But the others thought he was biased because an arched window costs more to install," Kirsten pointed out. "You didn't know that, plus you work for us, not the construction team, so you have no reason to want them to get more money. It means more."
"I'm an intern who pointed out half of them were wrong," Ryan said. "Not a good impression."
"You showed up, did your job, and acted like a professional. Believe me, that made a good impression on the ones who aren't complete jerks."
"So what? He made a good impression on you, Mom?" Seth said, grinning. "Didn't he do that months ago?"
"Very funny," Kirsten said.
"He has a point," Sandy said, shrugging. "Name one other person on your inspection team who isn't a jerk."
"Ryan doesn't need to be hearing you insulting everyone he'll have to deal with!" Kirsten said, avoiding the question.
"Uh-huh," Sandy said.
"So that's where I get my complete lack of talent for question avoidance," Seth said. "And here I blamed you, Dad."
"Not everything is my fault," Sandy said.
"Just most of it," Kirsten said as she headed for the kitchen, followed by her husband.
Ryan and Seth were left standing in the front hall, both a little unsure. "Sorry I freaked out about you and Summer hanging out," Seth finally said.
"It's okay," Ryan replied, staring at his shoes.
Another awkward silence followed, then Seth shrugged. "How about a good old fashioned Cohen and Atwood afternoon at the pier? Cruising for chicks and..."
"Aren't you dating Anna now?" Ryan pointed out.
"Well yeah, but you need a woman, man!"
Ryan rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Sounds good."
"Mom! Dad! We're going to the pier!" Seth called over his shoulder as he started for the door.
~~~~
"Is working for Mom really worth giving up spending every day like this?" Seth asked as the pair sat down at a table at the Crab Shack.
"Yes," Ryan replied. "The internship pays better and has better hours than here..."
"You don't need to work, Ry!" Seth protested. "Mom and Dad..."
"I know," Ryan insisted. "But I like working."
"And people call me weird!" Seth said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey guys," Anna said as she walked over and slid in beside Seth without asking if she could join them. "You're first day as an intern was today, right, Ryan?"
"Yeah," Ryan replied.
"How'd it go?"
"Okay."
"Ah, the return of Mr. Mono Sylobical," Summer said as she walked up to them.
"Hey," Ryan said, smiling as he slid over in an invation for Summer to sit down.
Summer hesitated, glancing at Seth and Anna, then squared her shoulders and sat down. "Hey, Chino, Cohen," she said, pointedly ignoring Anna. "You left your pain meds in my bathroom the other night," she told Ryan, pulling the bottle out of her purse.
"Better count them," Anna said under her breath.
"Excuse me?" Summer said, finally acknowledging Anna's presence.
"Ryan, why were you painkillers in her bathroom? Don't tell me you fell for some act of hers..."
"Anna, stop," Ryan said. He took the bottle and popped it open to get a pill. "Thansk for bringing them, Summer. I'm needing one after today. Walking around a model home listening to a bunch of people argue about square or arched windows is boring and painful."
Summer laughed. "You're fault for working over the summer, Chino," she said. "You and Cohen could be hanging out on his little boat, or you could be going to parties, or...something fun."
"Leave Ryan alone," Anna said. "It's none of your business anyway."
"I don't..." Ryan started.
"Why are you clinging to him anyway? You think you can use him to get Seth back?"
"I would never!" Summer said, jumping up.
"Yeah right!" Anna replied, getting up so the two young women were facing off.
"You are such a bitch!" Summer said.
"Look who's talking," Anna replied.
The two stayed, locked in an angry glare, for a long moment before the guys leapt into action.
"Summer, let's go," Ryan said, getting up and putting his hands on her shoulders to turn her towards the door. "Avoid the rage blackout."
As Ryan and Summer left, Seth turned to Anna, who was looking both angry and guilty, all at once. "What was that for?" Seth asked.
"She had no interest in him before the two of you broke up..." Anna started.
"They were friends before then," Seth said. "And even if they weren't, Summer wouldn't use someone like that."
"Yeah, sure she wouldn't," Anna said.
Seth shook his head. "No, she wouldn't. And even if she did, Ryan's too smart to fall for it," he said. "But apparently I'm dumb enough to give up something good for someone like you," he added, walking away and leaving Anna alone.
~~~~
"I swear, if she comes near me again, I will stab her with a fork," Summer said.
"And if there's no fork available?" Ryan asked.
"A fingernail will do," Summer replied. "I swear, Chino, I'm not using you or anything."
"I know."
"You do?"
"You're a lot of things, Summer. But cruel isn't one of them."
"Thanks."
The pair lapsed into silence for a long moment, then Summer grabbed Ryan's arm and stopped him. "Did you think the kiss was a good thing?"
Ryan hesitated a moment. "Did you?"
Summer didn't reply immediately, then she put her hands on either side of his face and pulled him into a soft kiss. After a moment she pulled back and smiled. "What do you think?"
"A good thing," Ryan said, returning the smile.
Summer smiled. "A very good thing," she agreed, pulling him into another kiss.
To Be Continued...
Chapter Eighteen
"What?" Marissa asked, her surprise evident in her voice.
"I kissed him. This morning. It was just gonna be a kiss on the cheek because last night he was so sweet trying to convince me I was safe even though the power went out and there was a bad storm outside. But he turned to look at me and lips met lips..."
"Wow."
"I'm so sorry, Coop..."
"Summer, I told you, me and Ryan... it's not going to happen," Marissa said slowly. "Okay, maybe I'm not exactly thrilled that my best friend and my ex-boyfriend made out this morning, but... you didn't betray me or anything."
"You're not mad?"
"No, not really. Although that could partially be the mood stabilizes I'm on. But... are you happy you kissed him?"
"I don't know..." Summer said. "God, Coop, I'm totally confused. I mean, me and Chino have the friend thing down. We hang out, we laugh, we have fun. And then this morning I accidently kiss him, and he kissed back..."
"He kissed back?"
"Yeah, he did. It was... I liked it but I felt so much like I was betraying you. And now I find out Ryan's been talking about me and you think he's falling in love with me, and you're okay with that and the kiss and it's so weird and confusing..." She sighed. "I shouldn't be bothering you with this while you're trying to get better..."
"I'm doing good, I want to be bothered with normal stuff."
"I don't know where me and Chino stand, Coop. I mean, what do I do from here? It was easy with Cohen, he made his little infatuation obvious. But Ryan is so closed off... and we're so different..."
"Different can be good," Marissa said. "Just..."
"What?"
"Don't mess up like I did. Appreciate him."
"Always. No matter what he is to me, I'm always going to appreciate him."
~~~~
"What exactly is going on between you and Summer?" Sandy asked Ryan once they found themselves alone in the kitchen.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ryan replied evasively.
"Unless you've started wearing lipstick, in which case we need to be having a completely different talk right now, you two are more than friends. And if you are, then I think there should not be anymore sleepovers."
"Sandy..."
"What's going on?"
"Nothing happened, okay?" Ryan said. "We... we were saying goodbye, she was going to kiss my cheek and I turned. It was nothing."
"Sure it was. Why do you smell like strawberries?"
"We lit candles for light and all she had were scented ones."
"You two have been going out every day for weeks."
"What's wrong with us being friends?"
"Nothing, except at least once you've slept in the same bed, and I think you did again last night."
"How horrible, I passed out in her bed and slept all night," Ryan said, starting to get irritated. "We're friends. That's it."
"Is that all you want?"
Ryan was quiet for a minute. "I don't know."
"Ryan?" Kirsten said as she came back into the kitchen. "I just talked to Dad, he suggested you come in and get a tour of Newport Group, see if you can decide where you want to intern."
"Isn't he jumping the gun?" Sandy asked. "Ryan hasn't even accepted the offer."
"Dad thinks no one in their right mind would turn it down."
Ryan got to his feet. "Let's go," he said.
"Ryan..." Sandy said, realizing the teen was about to escape a continuation of their discussion.
"You asked me a question, I answered it," Ryan said. "There's nothing else to say." He turned back to Kirsten. "Let me change into something not so wrinkled," he said. "I'll be right back down."
Kirsten nodded, then looked at Sandy. "What did I just interupt?"
"Me trying to figure out why he smells like strawberries and had lipstick on the corner of his mouth," Sandy replied. "He says scented candles and an accidental kiss."
"And you say?"
"There's something else going on."
~~~~
"Why is your dad being nice to me all of a sudden?" Ryan asked as he and Kirsten drove to the Newport Group Offices. "I thought he hated me."
"I told him you saved my life, and reminded him that you saved Marissa in Tijuana, and then the cincher. I told him you're interested in architecture. All of our architects are at least my age, most of them a lot older. Businesswise he knows that we need a younger generation of architects who understand what the young rich want."
"But I'm not an architect," Ryan pointed out.
"But he figures if you intern at Newport Group, then when you do become an architect, you'll come work for us."
"What would he do if I ended up not being an architect?" Ryan asked, amused.
Kirsten chuckled. "Probably mutter about what a waste of resources it was for you to intern there."
"So either I end up with a job ready and waiting, or I end up irritating him, which will definitely make Sandy proud?" Ryan asked with a smile.
"Yes."
"Win-win."
Kirsten laughed. "Don't tell either of them I found that funny," she instructed him.
"Secrets safe with me," Ryan promised as they pulled into the parking lot.
To Be Continued... Right Now!
and...
Chapter Nineteen
A few days later, Ryan was following Kirsten around a new model home, taking notes for her and the other members of her inspection team as they talked about the progress being made. So far it was fairly boring, with most of the talk being about whether or not to change a window from squared to arched. He was diligently keeping track of who was on which side of the debate, and he also made a note that the wall would be more structurally sound if the window was arched and partially supported it.
"Ryan?"
The teenager looked up, worried he'd missed something important while he'd been taking notes. "Yes, Mrs. Cohen?" he asked, forcing himself to stay formal so he'd be taken at least a little more seriously.
"You worked construction, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"What do you think, would an arched window damage the stability of the wall?"
Ryan looked at her and the others, all of whom looked a little skeptical of his ability to judge. He turned his attention back to her. "Actually, it could make the wall stronger. And arch is a strong shape, with the right framing, it could work as extra support for the wall."
"Smart intern you've got," the forman said as he joined them. "That's why I suggested the change, Mrs. Cohen. Make the wall stronger, and we lessen the risk of collapse in case of an earthquake."
"Make the change, then," she instructed, offering Ryan a proud smile before turning back to the rest of the team. "There's been delays upstairs, let's go see how it's coming along..."
~~~
"How was your first day?" Sandy asked as Ryan and Kirsten walked into the house.
"Fine," Ryan replied, shrugging. "I just followed Kirsten around taking notes for her."
"He settled an arguement on whether or not an arched window would damage the intergrity of a wall," Kirsten corrected.
"The forman was going to tell you the same," Ryan said.
"But the others thought he was biased because an arched window costs more to install," Kirsten pointed out. "You didn't know that, plus you work for us, not the construction team, so you have no reason to want them to get more money. It means more."
"I'm an intern who pointed out half of them were wrong," Ryan said. "Not a good impression."
"You showed up, did your job, and acted like a professional. Believe me, that made a good impression on the ones who aren't complete jerks."
"So what? He made a good impression on you, Mom?" Seth said, grinning. "Didn't he do that months ago?"
"Very funny," Kirsten said.
"He has a point," Sandy said, shrugging. "Name one other person on your inspection team who isn't a jerk."
"Ryan doesn't need to be hearing you insulting everyone he'll have to deal with!" Kirsten said, avoiding the question.
"Uh-huh," Sandy said.
"So that's where I get my complete lack of talent for question avoidance," Seth said. "And here I blamed you, Dad."
"Not everything is my fault," Sandy said.
"Just most of it," Kirsten said as she headed for the kitchen, followed by her husband.
Ryan and Seth were left standing in the front hall, both a little unsure. "Sorry I freaked out about you and Summer hanging out," Seth finally said.
"It's okay," Ryan replied, staring at his shoes.
Another awkward silence followed, then Seth shrugged. "How about a good old fashioned Cohen and Atwood afternoon at the pier? Cruising for chicks and..."
"Aren't you dating Anna now?" Ryan pointed out.
"Well yeah, but you need a woman, man!"
Ryan rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Sounds good."
"Mom! Dad! We're going to the pier!" Seth called over his shoulder as he started for the door.
~~~~
"Is working for Mom really worth giving up spending every day like this?" Seth asked as the pair sat down at a table at the Crab Shack.
"Yes," Ryan replied. "The internship pays better and has better hours than here..."
"You don't need to work, Ry!" Seth protested. "Mom and Dad..."
"I know," Ryan insisted. "But I like working."
"And people call me weird!" Seth said, rolling his eyes.
"Hey guys," Anna said as she walked over and slid in beside Seth without asking if she could join them. "You're first day as an intern was today, right, Ryan?"
"Yeah," Ryan replied.
"How'd it go?"
"Okay."
"Ah, the return of Mr. Mono Sylobical," Summer said as she walked up to them.
"Hey," Ryan said, smiling as he slid over in an invation for Summer to sit down.
Summer hesitated, glancing at Seth and Anna, then squared her shoulders and sat down. "Hey, Chino, Cohen," she said, pointedly ignoring Anna. "You left your pain meds in my bathroom the other night," she told Ryan, pulling the bottle out of her purse.
"Better count them," Anna said under her breath.
"Excuse me?" Summer said, finally acknowledging Anna's presence.
"Ryan, why were you painkillers in her bathroom? Don't tell me you fell for some act of hers..."
"Anna, stop," Ryan said. He took the bottle and popped it open to get a pill. "Thansk for bringing them, Summer. I'm needing one after today. Walking around a model home listening to a bunch of people argue about square or arched windows is boring and painful."
Summer laughed. "You're fault for working over the summer, Chino," she said. "You and Cohen could be hanging out on his little boat, or you could be going to parties, or...something fun."
"Leave Ryan alone," Anna said. "It's none of your business anyway."
"I don't..." Ryan started.
"Why are you clinging to him anyway? You think you can use him to get Seth back?"
"I would never!" Summer said, jumping up.
"Yeah right!" Anna replied, getting up so the two young women were facing off.
"You are such a bitch!" Summer said.
"Look who's talking," Anna replied.
The two stayed, locked in an angry glare, for a long moment before the guys leapt into action.
"Summer, let's go," Ryan said, getting up and putting his hands on her shoulders to turn her towards the door. "Avoid the rage blackout."
As Ryan and Summer left, Seth turned to Anna, who was looking both angry and guilty, all at once. "What was that for?" Seth asked.
"She had no interest in him before the two of you broke up..." Anna started.
"They were friends before then," Seth said. "And even if they weren't, Summer wouldn't use someone like that."
"Yeah, sure she wouldn't," Anna said.
Seth shook his head. "No, she wouldn't. And even if she did, Ryan's too smart to fall for it," he said. "But apparently I'm dumb enough to give up something good for someone like you," he added, walking away and leaving Anna alone.
~~~~
"I swear, if she comes near me again, I will stab her with a fork," Summer said.
"And if there's no fork available?" Ryan asked.
"A fingernail will do," Summer replied. "I swear, Chino, I'm not using you or anything."
"I know."
"You do?"
"You're a lot of things, Summer. But cruel isn't one of them."
"Thanks."
The pair lapsed into silence for a long moment, then Summer grabbed Ryan's arm and stopped him. "Did you think the kiss was a good thing?"
Ryan hesitated a moment. "Did you?"
Summer didn't reply immediately, then she put her hands on either side of his face and pulled him into a soft kiss. After a moment she pulled back and smiled. "What do you think?"
"A good thing," Ryan said, returning the smile.
Summer smiled. "A very good thing," she agreed, pulling him into another kiss.
To Be Continued...
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-07-24 06:25 am (UTC)And although it was last minute, you did it in time for me to read before work.
Anna sounds like SHE is in love with Ryan. I mean, she got Seth now after he chose Summer before. So back off, bitch.
You can't have both. And Summer never did anything to you.
Now the question is, how Seth will take it, if he finds out about Ryan and Summer being more than just friends.
Can't wait for more. Thanks for updating.
*runs off*
That was a great post !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2007-07-24 06:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-24 06:37 am (UTC)I'm really enjoying this. Anna is such a biatch. And Marissa is certainly a lot more understanding than I thought she would be.
Now it just remains to be seen if Seth is prepared to give them the go ahead.
Looking forward to more.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-24 07:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-07-24 07:32 am (UTC)Thanks for giving us this story and I hope things are going well for you and your family. Hugs.
Another good update..
Date: 2007-07-24 12:52 pm (UTC)