But the teenage gods were smiling on us. My mom simply gave Rachel an odd look and then nodded her head. “Okay, then have fun. Do you have your cell phone, Maggie?” She asked me. I pulled it out of my jacket pocket and waved it in front of me. “Love you. See you tomorrow.” She said, returning her focus to whatever was on her laptop screen. Yes! Home free! I tried not to run out of the kitchen in my rush to get out of the house before she changed her mind.

Once in Rachel's car and headed down the road, she let out a loud breath. “Damn, I thought for a second we were so busted.” “I know. Especially after your fantastic monologue about the wonders of Brad Pitt. You are the worst liar!” Rachel blew her bangs from her forehead. “Well, maybe you shouldn't have had me do it then.” She snipped at me. It was time to lay it on a little thick. “Thank you, Rachel for everything back there. You are seriously the best friend a gal could ever, ever have.” I batted my eyelashes at her.

Rachel laughed grudgingly. “Oh, just shut up, will you?” She flipped on the radio, ending our conversation.

We arrived at Clay's house ten minutes later. Daniel, Ray, and Clare were already there. Ruby and Lisa were talking to them on the front porch. Clare waved at us as we pulled into the driveway. We parked and got out of the car. “Everyone ready?” I asked, barely able to conceal my excitement. I moved to Clay's side and gave him a quick squeeze before greeting Ruby and Lisa.

Lisa dangled a key in front of her. “Here you go guys. Have fun. There should be cut firewood up already and there's a small grocery store about five minutes away. Have fun and be safe.” Clay took the key and gave Lisa a hug. “Thanks, Lis. You're the best.”

We all called out our thank yous as we piled into separate vehicles. Rachel, Clay, Daniel, and I loaded up into Rachel's car while Ray and Clare followed in his SUV.

I snuggled into Clay's side in the back seat, laying my head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and laced his fingers through mine. I sighed in contentment. This was the most relaxed I had been in weeks.

Franklin Lake was only forty-five minutes away. Close enough that you didn't spend all day driving but far enough that you felt like you were away from it all. Things in the car were a little awkward at first. But finally after awhile, everyone started to get comfortable and we were able to engage in conversation that wasn't entirely stilted.

Rachel and Daniel were still tense around each other, but even they made an effort to enjoy themselves. I could have sworn I even saw Daniel smile at one point. Clay and Rachel talked about their creative writing class. Daniel spoke endlessly about the basketball team. For the first time in weeks, I felt a sort of civility fall over my friends and me and I realized with a pang how much I had missed them. I hadn't noticed how much I had pushed them away in my pursuit of my relationship with Clay. When was the last time I had talked to Daniel about something that wasn't in any way related to my rollercoaster love life? I couldn't remember. And that was sad. I was determined to rectify that this evening.

Clay wouldn't let go of my hand the entire ride. His thumb caressed the sensitive skin of my palm, shooting sparks straight to my belly. Running his nose up the side of my neck, he murmured in my ear, “I love you, baby.” I squeezed his hand in return, my insides a twisty mess at his nearness.

Finally, Clay looked out the window and pointed to a turn off just ahead of us. “You want to pull down this road.” Clay told Rachel, pointing to the narrow dirt path to the right. “Are you sure my car will make it?” Rachel asked hesitantly. Clay chuckled. “Your car will be fine. It's a little rough the first fifty yards but the rest is packed dirt, you'll be golden.”

Rachel made the turn. “Alright, but if I eat it, you're paying for the repairs.” She grumbled. “Stop worrying.” I said, leaning forward and squeezing her shoulder. Of course, the first thing she did was hit a giant, crater sized pot hole, tipping the car precariously.

“Fuck!” She screeched after getting back on the hard road. Daniel was laughing in the front seat. “You should have seen your face, Rach! That was priceless.” Rachel smacked his arm. “Shut up, Daniel, or you're hoofing it to the cabin.”

Daniel snorted. “Whatever.” He muttered, but didn't make another comment. We drove for another two miles before the forest ended and we drove into a clearing. Sitting up on a hill was the most fantastic house I'd ever seen.

“Shit man, this wasn't at all what I was expecting when you said we'd be staying in a cabin.” Daniel said, whistling. The wooden structure was built to resemble a swiss chalet. The entire front was nothing but windows and there wasn't one but two large stone chimneys jutting from the roof.

“Wait until you get inside. It's incredible.” Clay promised as Rachel pulled into the two car garage off the side of the cabin. “I had no idea Lisa had the money for something like this.” I told Clay, a little awestruck. Clay reached into the trunk and pulled our duffel bags out. “It's actually Lisa's parents' place. Her family has the money but no one uses the cabin but Lisa. Most of her family has moved away, so she makes sure the property is maintained.”

Ray and Clare had just gotten out of their car. “Damn...this is awesome!” Raymond remarked. Clare seemed as amazed as the rest of us. I still couldn't believe that this is where we'd be spending the night.

Clay pulled out the keys and unlocked the door leading into the house from the garage. He quickly punched a code into an alarm panel on the wall, making it chirp. “Be careful, it's dark through here, so let's just get into the living room.” Clay grabbed my hand as I trailed behind him through the dark hallway.