Jesse Daniels Reimagined - (Jesse Daniels, Book 2)

Jesse Daniels Reimagined

Jesse Daniels, Book 2

by Chrissy Favreau

Alternate ending to

LIFE WITH JESSE DANIELS

Jesse Daniels Reimagined

Copyright © 2019 by Chrissy Favreau

Distributed by Smashwords

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. For information regarding permission, address Cold Snap Books via the worldwide web: www.MyBestFriendsBrother.com

Cover design by Cold Snap Studio using licensed photography

www.ColdSnapStudio.com

Ebook formatting by ebooklaunch.com

CONTENT WARNING

Recommended for ages 16+ due to bawdy humor, non-graphic sexual content and some strong language.

Contents

Friday, July 15

Saturday, July 16

Sunday, July 17

Monday, July 18

Thursday, July 21

Friday, July 22

Sunday, July 24

Wednesday, July 27

Saturday, July 30

Sunday, July 31

Monday, August 1

Tuesday, August 2

Wednesday, August 3

Friday, July 15

On the dark, cloudy beach, Derek and I tossed our shoes and soaked our feet in the tide. He took my hands and squeezed them tight. Are you okay?

I figured I was about to get dumped—but despite that, I was just peachy. Yeah, why?

You’re so quiet.

I guess I’m just waiting for you to tell me what there is to talk about. He’d dragged me all that way just to talk, and his demeanor made me anxious.

We settled on dry sand, absorbing the sight of the ocean and lighthouse, listening to the sounds of the tide and the gulls.

"We need to talk about us. I wanna move out so we don’t have to be around when our parents are married."

To my surprise, he hadn’t dumped me.

So now, I thought, I should tell him what I’d done and get it over with. One way or another, I knew I was going to get dumped tonight, because I didn’t want to lie anymore.

I wanna start a new life, just you and me, he added. No more living with my mom, your dad, Jesse. Just us.

No more Jesse. Could I seriously live without him? I’ve barely been able to think about anyone else since the day they bought the boat.

And how would Jesse feel about this, anyway? He didn’t feel too loved in the car earlier when I left him for his brother.

But then, Jesse was leaving me for Nebraska. Nebraska! He might as well be going to Mars!

I groaned. Derek, about Jesse…

Then everything fell silent, as if the world had stopped spinning. Our eyes locked. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

What about Jesse? He didn’t sound pleased. I tried to figure out if he knew.

I shook my head. I’m confused, I managed. I recently… My voice trailed off. I swallowed hard as our eyes met again. He was waiting. Eyes narrowed. Hot.

I couldn’t do it! I was too scared!

You recently…? He stared intently.

I bit my lip. I recently realized… that… I might have a crush on him.

Yeah, that’s it. I didn’t recently sleep with him while on a date in our living room. Or in my tent the other night. I realized it may be a crush.

He wrapped his arms around his knees, heaved a sigh, and didn’t say anything for a looooong time.

I was so disappointed in my poor, unsuccessful attempt at honesty that I didn’t know what else to say. If he was that pissed over a crush, what kind of reaction would the truth get me?

I was afraid to find out. I felt like such an ass.

My head began to hurt. Really bad. I’m sure holding back tears didn’t help.

I got up and walked away. When he called after me, I didn’t turn. I was going to find Jesse. I loved them both, but I didn’t deserve Derek and Jesse didn’t deserve the runaround.

Derek’s hand hooked mine. Why’d you leave?

I looked back at him. Derek, I—

Look, I love you, okay, so can we talk about this?

I shook my head. No, you don’t understand—

What don’t I understand? You have a crush on him, fine.

No. I pulled my hand away and resumed walking. No, it’s not fine.

He didn’t pursue me, though I felt his glare.

Then I saw Greg walking toward us with a cooler full of beer. I turned swiftly and shouted,

By the way, that asshole poisoned our dog!

Derek stood, hands in pockets, shirt flying back in the breeze. Quite obviously pissed.

I walked by Greg and my sister, but stopped once I passed them. My head hurt so bad, I was in tears from that alone.

What’s your problem? Derek asked Tiffany, dejected.

She ignored him and looked at me through a film of tears.

Here, Greg uttered, passing Derek a beer. Have some.

Derek collapsed on the sand and started drinking. Two beers in no time flat, though he refused a third. He grimaced, held his forehead, and looked at his watch. It’s late. Where’s my brother?

Talking to some girl at the eatery last I saw him, Tiffany said, her voice trembling. Can we please go home now? Derek? Please?

Derek rubbed his eyes. Later. I don’t feel so good.

"I want to go now."

H-h-how about you stop bitchin’! Hearing Greg shout sent shivers down my spine.

Derek got to his feet. Greg, what exactly is your problem?

He’s an asshole when he’s drunk! My sister sneered.

Greg stumbled to his feet and lashed out at her.

Derek shoved him aside. What the hell are you doing, man? She’s a girl! Look, I’ve had about enough of your bullshit!

Tiffany stomped away. I shot Greg a dirty look and followed her. Despite the gust, I felt heated.

Tiffany reached the car first. She sat in the backseat, crying, typing on her iPhone. Jesse walked toward the car from the opposite end of the beach and stopped before her. He said something—I couldn’t hear what—and by the time I got there, they fell silent.

I stopped a mere foot from him. He looked upset. He touched my arm gently. Are you okay? What’s wrong?

I hugged him because, right then, that’s all I wanted.

Jesse held me tight, lips on my forehead. I cried quietly. My head throbbed.

To my utter shock, Derek rammed him. Back off, Jesse!

Jesse shoved back so hard, Derek fell. Because you said so?

Yeah, she’s my girlfriend and I did say so! Derek bellowed, quick on his feet.

I didn’t realize she’s your property, Jesse uttered.

Derek held his forehead. Not now, Jesse.

Irritated, I sat myself in the front seat, waiting for Derek to get in and drive away. My headache made me want to hurl. Looking at Greg only made me sicker—especially when he threw up in the background. No one really cared, not even Derek turned around to check on him.

So, Derek said, Who wants to drive?

I shot him a look.

Look, he started, "I just had two beers. My head hurts. If something happens to the car, my parents will kill me. I don’t see why we have to leave now anyway… Tiffany. They’re partying tonight, there is no curfew. Let’s just wait."

Tiffany shook her head. I want to go home.

Derek threw her the keys.

"I’ve had more beer than you, I’m not driving! I don’t drive manual anyway."

Derek had a sour look on his face.

So, what are we going to do? I demanded.

Derek sighed. Rent a room and sleep it off.

Tiffany laughed. Listen, I am not sleeping in the same room as that jerk! I want to go home! Now!

Derek looked at me. I shook my head. You know I can’t drive manual. Not to mention it felt like someone was stabbing me in the skull.

Then who the hell is going to drive? He sounded desperate.

Jesse met him by the driver’s door. I’ll drive.

Derek laughed. A manual?

Well, you drank and they can’t drive manual either, so I’ll give it a shot. Apparently, I’m the only one here thinking straight. What is our alternative?

Derek groaned. Our alternative is to go to the damn hotel and get some sleep!

My vision was blurring—I think I was dehydrated. Then it started drizzling.

It’s gonna rain, I uttered. We should roll the top on.

Tiffany threw Derek his keys. He tossed them to Jesse. Then he walked around to my door and said, Mind if I sit up front?

I got in the back and everyone else got in the car. Greg sat between me and Tiffany. He reeked to the high heavens! I couldn’t wait to get home so I could hop in the shower.

Jesse started and stalled the car before he even got it into first gear. Derek sighed and rubbed his face—I could see him through the mirrors. He hit the button to pull the motorized top up and uttered, Start it again. Don’t let your foot off the clutch till you’re moving.

Jesse started the car as the top rolled over our heads. The beer smell on Greg’s breath made my head spin.

Jesse put it in gear, hit the gas, and slammed on the brake. The car stalled again.

"You need to have your foot on the clutch if you’re coming to a stop in first gear. If not, it will