CHAPTER 8: FLASHBACK FLING

"Isabella, do you mind hanging onto the keys when you lock up tonight?" Lisa asks as she rummages through her purse for her car keys. "I know you've got an early shift tomorrow, but Deborah and I won't be here until ten. We've got a meeting with our investors."

"No problem," I reply.

"Thanks a million," she says, finally retrieving her keys. "Have a good night, and we'll see you in the morning."

"See you then," I respond with a smile.

Lisa exits the bakery, and with no immediate customer needs to attend to, I take a moment to check my phone for messages. I notice a missed call from Alex and promptly return it, taking a sip of my water as I dial.

After two rings, Alex answers with, "Hey, you loser."

I play along, teasing him, "Bro, been talking to yourself again? Thought you quit that ages ago," and he chuckles.

"How's it going, sis? Been meaning to check in on you."

I update him, "School, work, same old, same old," before lowering my voice and adding, "challenge."

"Wait, did you just say 'challenge'?" he asks, seeking confirmation. When I don't respond, he follows up with, "Damn, how bad is it this time?"

"There's nothing I can't handle, but you know the rule: no details until the challenge is over. But, between us, let's just say this one's a bit trickier than the others."

"Trickier than stink bombs?"

"Yup."

"Is this the 'surprise Mrs. Perkins with a pet tarantula in her sandwich at lunch' kind of challenge?" he jests.

"Definitely."

"Alright," Alex says after a brief pause of disbelief, "but it can't top releasing those poisonous frogs in Mr. Huffman's chemistry class. I mean, come on, William and Henry had to swipe their mom's employee keys to sneak those little devils out of the zoo for you."

"You wouldn't believe it, Alex," I respond, "but if it meant I could avoid this one, I'd keep those frogs hidden and feed them for another week before setting them free."

"That's saying something. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Well, since you've been to LA a few times and hung out with Kalix, have you heard of Max Blackwell?"

"Not only have I heard of him, I've met him."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Kalix introduced us on one of our trips. He's actually a pretty laid-back guy, if you ask me. There have been rumors about a rough past, but who doesn't have some baggage, right? Look at us," he adds with a light-hearted tone, making me chuckle. After all, he's not wrong. "But from what I've seen firsthand, he seems like a decent person. Why do you ask?"

"Avery mentioned him, and it turns out we share a few classes."

"And he's a key part of this challenge," Alex adds on my behalf.

I let out a sigh and say, "Exactly."

"Well, that's about all I know of the guy. I haven't run into him much, but Isabella?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful with whatever this challenge entails, especially if it involves someone you don't know. Meeting him doesn't mean I know him."

"Don't worry, bro. I won't do anything foolish."

"Isabella," Alex warns.

I reassure him, "I'll be cautious, I promise," hoping to put his mind at ease. "But enough about me. How are you? How's Isaac?"

"Doing pretty well. Our schedules have been a nightmare, juggling the final season with our last year, but we're managing. Just two more semesters of this crap, and then it's off to the real world. But the girls are still smokin' hot," he says, taking a moment to catch his breath.

Even though he can't see me, I shake my head and say, "That's classic," and he laughs. "As for your last year, you guys lucked out. Avery and I are stuck studying Shakespearean literature because all the other English classes were full."

"Sucks to suck," he quips, and although he can't see me, I'm sure he knows I've rolled my eyes. "You guys can handle it, though. We have faith in you, after all, looking up to us and all that."

"Ha, ha."

"Admit it."

I tease back, "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Alex," before getting a bit more serious and adding, "But honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you, bro."

"Right back at you, sis," he tells me genuinely. "Well, I've got to run. Practice starts at five, but let's catch up again soon?"

"Deal, and say hi to Isaac for me."

"Will do, and give Avery the same treatment from me. Love you."

"Love you too."

We end the call, and just as I'm about to check the message from Avery that I received during our chat, a new customer walks into the bakery. I put my phone down, planning to check it later.

"Welcome to Anna's Marketplace Bakery! What can I get you?" I greet the guy who strolls in.

"Hey, I'm here to pick up two dozen gourmet cookies for Ethan Adams," he says, handing over his receipt. "I paid for them when I ordered a few days ago."

I take a quick look at the receipt, cross-reference it with our system, and find everything in order, just as he claimed.

"They're ready in the back," I tell him, handing back the receipt. "I'll fetch them right away."

A couple of minutes later, I return with the boxes of cookies.

"Here you go," I announce, placing the boxes on the counter and opening them to reveal the contents. "All set. You've got 12 chocolate chip, 6 peanut butter, and 6 snickerdoodles."

He flashes a smirk and gives me a once-over.

"Is this some sort of trick question?" he teases.

I respond with a smirk of my own, closing the boxes. "Clever," I say, "Enjoy your cookies, Mr. Adams."

He glances at my name tag and nods approvingly. "That works."

With boxes in hand, he exits the shop, leaving behind a parting wink. I offer a friendly shake of my head. Boys.

Afterward, I check a text message from Avery that had arrived a few minutes before closing time:

"Hey, My Main Bitch! Do you have time tonight for a small party at your house? Kalix is having some people over, but it's nothing big."

Me: I have an early shift tomorrow, so it depends on how long you want to stay.

My Main Bitch: I do, too, so not long.

Me: Alright, I'll head over. I'm just wrapping up here, and I'll be at our place by ten.

My Main Bitch: Sounds good. Need anything ironed while you're out?

Me: Maybe my green cami with the back zipper. You mean the other one, not the velvet, right? I plan on pairing it with my leather shorts and black ankle boots, so it should be fine.

I'm on it, My Main Bitch. See ya soon.

Me: See ya.

With the last customer out the door, I collect my belongings, lock up the bakery, and prepare to get ready for the night's party.

Avery and I arrive at Kalix's house, which he shares with Max and other housemates. It's a spacious two-story brick dwelling with a sizable driveway that can accommodate four cars with ease. The driveway is currently packed, a clear indication of a thriving gathering. The sound of loud music emanates from inside, seeping through the sturdy walls.

"I thought you said it would be a small gathering," I mention to Avery as she raises her hand to knock on the door. She looks equally surprised.

"I mean, I'm not complaining," I continue, "but it's been ages since I've had any action, and boy, do I need it." I go ahead and knock on the door, as nobody has answered yet.

"Oh, trouble in paradise?" Avery asks.

"Huh?" I respond until her meaning clicks. "Oh, that. Yeah, looks like you're in for an early Christmas gift this year, my friend. You're welcome."

"What? Why?!" Avery exclaims, fully turning to face me.

"I thought I was onto something at first," I explain. "But after all the mood swings and nonsense I told you about earlier, it's a lost cause. I don't know what's going on with that guy, and frankly, I don't have the time or patience to figure it out. And since I know you won't accept my conclusion for the 'theory,' I've got no choice but to throw in the towel on this one."

"But you've never given up on a challenge before."

"Yeah, well, there's a first time for everything," I say, pivoting to face the door. "Why hasn't anyone answered yet?"

"Isabella, please don't try to change the subject."

"Let's try ringing the doorbell," I suggest, steering away from the topic. I proceed to push the doorbell.

"Issa—"

"Hey, you two! Sorry for the delay; it's hard to hear anything with all this noise," Kalix shouts, finally opening the door. I slip past Avery before she can pose any more questions.

"Hey, Kalix. Got any alcohol? I could really use a drink," I announce as I march into the kitchen, conveniently positioned just beyond the bustling living room.

"Yeah, it's all in the kitchen," Kalix responds, but I've already tuned him out as I enter the sanctuary and grab the nearest unopened bottle of Bacardi Superior Silver Rum. I won't lie; I drink half the bottle in one swig.

"Damn, what heartbreaker did you run into tonight?" a deep voice questions out of nowhere.

Before I can turn to face the source, I wipe my lips with the back of my hand. But when I finally do look, my eyes almost pop out of their sockets.

"No. Freaking. Way."

It's Jake Howard, a high school hookup, and the surprise on both our faces is palpable.

"Isabella? Is that you?" he exclaims, clearly as stunned as I am. When he sees me smile, he knows he's right. "Wow, it's really you! What are you doing here?" he asks, giving me a bear hug, which I enthusiastically return.

Jake and I had our fair share of casual encounters in high school, but somehow, we always came back to each other. After he graduated, two years ahead of me, we kinda lost touch. Seeing him now, though, feels like a pleasant blast from the past.

"I ended up at UP because an owner I know invited me," I tell him as I step back from the hug.

"I live in Pasadena, and I came here to visit a friend at UP. I just got here a few hours ago, and before I knew it, they dragged me to a house party," he chuckles, and I join in. "You hitting the books?"

"Actually, yeah. Junior year at Caltech."

"Well, look at you!"

He winks, saying, "Eh, you know me. If I'm good at anything, it's technology and sex. You know that last one better than anyone else."

"I can vouch for that," I quip, handing him a glass of the rum I just poured. "Cheers!"

We both raise our glasses, and in a rather amusing synchronization, we down our drinks in one go.

"Man, Vega, you're just the same as ever."

"Same old, just a bit taller," I reply, and we share a laugh.

"Does that tallness extend to how flexible you are?" he asks with a sly grin.

"Jake Howard," I tease, "is that your way of asking to get into my pants again?"

"For old times' sake?" we say simultaneously. He offers a nonchalant shrug, and we burst into laughter once more.

I've missed these good old days. Not just with him, but with the simpler, less confusing world we used to inhabit.

Well, didn't I have something in mind for tonight? Who better than a pro like Jake to offer guidance? I nod toward the back pocket of his jeans.

"Do you still carry a spare in your wallet?" I inquire. He pulls out a small piece of leather and waves it about.

"Oh, indeed."

"What are we waiting for, then?" I ask, taking his hand and leading the way. "Let's go!"

We navigate through the living room, weaving through the partygoers. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Jake almost pins me against the hallway wall, and things get intense immediately.

I'd forgotten how incredible he is at kissing, far superior to any fish lips.

Jake's lips leave mine and trail down my jaw, landing on my neck.

"Easy on the hickeys," I warn, "I ran out of concealer."

Jake murmurs against my skin, "Mmm," before adding, "We should probably find a room, though. I've got a lot I want to do to you right now."

"Do you think any of them are available at this hour?" I ask, tilting my head slightly to grant him easier access to my collarbone.

"There's only one way to find out."

Jake lifts me, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he opens the door to the nearest bedroom. He carries us inside the room, thankfully empty. Since I expect this to be a quick encounter, I kick off my shoes and remove my shirt, leaving my shorts and underwear on. I follow Jake's lead and only lower my shorts and underwear as much as he does. While he puts on a condom, I help by taking off his shirt. Once ready, he wastes no time getting on the bed with me, lowering himself on top.

Oh, wow! I'd also forgotten how incredibly well-endowed he is.

Jake proceeds to have his way with me, shifting through three different speeds, all the while kissing my upper body with expert finesse. When he finally drives me to climax, he flips us over so I can return the favor.

"Remember this?" I tease as I descend, moving my tongue sensuously from the base of his torso to his Adam's apple.

"Damn, Isabella," he strains, "who could ever forget?"

I chuckle at the sway I still hold over him, feeling him grow even harder inside me. After a couple of minutes of grinding, he relents. I disengage and flop onto the bed beside him, our breathing far from synchronized.

"Damn, we've still got it," I remark with a grin.

"Bump it," he says, and after we catch our breath, we get dressed. We put our shirts back on and button up our shorts, then slip into our shoes. Retrieving our shirts, Jake puts his on while I make a quick pitstop in the adjacent bathroom.

"Just gonna check my makeup," I mention as I head inside. "No need to wait."

"It's fine, G," Jake responds from the other side of the door. "Don't want you wandering the halls alone. Better safe than sorry."

"Alright, sounds good," I reply, exiting the bathroom and heading back out, holding onto the strings of my top and the doorknob.

"Hey, do you think you can tie this for..." My question trails off when I spot one of the two half-dressed figures next to a fully clothed Jake. "Max?"

As I gaze at Max's shirtless chest, it's clear he's not too concerned about his state of undress.

"Holy crap, check out those abs!" I couldn't help but think.

"Isabella?" Max's voice snapped me back, but I struggled to focus. It was because of the redhead, Punky, in the lacy bralette standing next to him, holding a tantalizing bottle of tequila.

"What are you two doing in Max's room?" Punky's annoyance was evident, and I wished I could facepalm right there.

"Of course, this is Max's room, not just anyone's," I thought, feeling embarrassed.

"Oh, shit," Jake echoed our sentiments. "Sorry, we didn't know. We were just leaving," he explained, turning to me.

If it wasn't Max Blackwell standing there, I'd probably be doing what Jake was—struggling to contain my laughter in front of the less-than-pleased pair. I used the term "pair" loosely; "grumpy duo" might be more accurate.

"Whatever," Punky muttered. "Just go and don't forget to take your skank with you."

I chuckled and walked over to Jake, presenting my back for him to tie the strings of my top. But after he finished, I turned back to face Punky.

With a sly grin, I told her, "Takes one to know one, love," in my best British accent and tapped her nose, sending her irritation into overdrive.

"Do you realize that by saying that, you've just insulted yourself again?" she retorted.

"Maybe," I shrugged, "but I don't care what others think of me, unlike you."

I snatched the tequila from her grasp and downed it in three or four swigs, relishing the shocked expressions on Max and Jake's faces. Then, I grabbed Jake's hand and started heading for the door.

"Have fun, you two lovebirds," I winked at Max as I sauntered past him, earning a smirk—seriously, he must be bipolar or something. I couldn't think of any other reason. I didn't want to upset Punky further, but I thought fresh sheets were in order. No worries, though; with some effort, they could still get plenty done in twenty minutes.

Once we were out of earshot, Jake and I finally burst into laughter.

Jake clutched his stomach, saying, "Her face was priceless!"

"I honestly don't know what she expected from me," I mused, "that I'd just stand there and take her crap?"

Jake pulled me into a side hug. "Man, I'm so glad I ran into you tonight!"

We shared smiles as we parted from the hug.

"Likewise, G."

"I hope Max doesn't give you a hard time for interrupting his little hookup back there. I had no idea you knew the guy!"

I reassured him, "It's really not a big deal. I've only seen him a few times."

Of course, my conscience reminded me about the hand-licking incident, the challenge involving Max, falling into his arms, and even walking him home.

"Then," Jake said, grabbing the tequila bottle from me, "what we just did back there calls for a celebration."

We polished off the tequila, descended the stairs to rejoin the party, and had a fantastic night. The last thing I remembered was Avery and I stumbling into our shared room and collapsing onto our beds, asleep almost instantly.