“You weren’t takin’ it easy,” she counters. “We can go all day with you denying something’s bothering you. If that’s how you wanna play it, then fine. Orr…” she draws out. “You could just tell me what’s going on. I know you’re working through something. This is what you do. I get it. You’re strong and independent. But being strong doesn’t mean you have to go throughwhatever this isalone.”
When I remain quiet for longer than she thinks I should, she huffs loudly, plops herself beside me on the rocks, and reaches for the drink I brought for her. Unscrewing the top, she takesseveral large gulps, then returns the lid before setting it beside her. Wordlessly, she reaches for a protein bar.
Maybe if I talk about my issues, she’ll help me come up with something. Hell, I’ve spent nearly a week in my own head, and I’ve gotten no closer to finding an answer to what’s plaguing me than before.
“Okay…” I exhale heavily. “But what we talk about needs to stay between us.”
“Of course. But before you begin, can I ask, does this have anything to do with Finn?”
Blinking at her, I’m momentarily at a loss for words.
How the hell does she know?
When she keeps staring, I find my voice. “Why would you say that?”
“Oh, I don’t know… you were caught coming out of his room by that idiot photographer. You’ve spent the last few weeks with him, and every time you think no one’s looking, you’re watching his every move. And don’t even get me started on that performance at the bonfire. The two of you clearly have a connection.”
“What? I have not,” I protest, but damn, Lizzy’s perceptive. Sometimes I forget that she may be younger than me, but she’s clearly not so little anymore.
“You have. But that’s not what’s bothering you… so out with it.”
“Ha… since when did you get all grown and knowledgeable?”
“Raven, I’ve been studying you my entire life. It’s what little sisters do. Stop getting distracted and making me repeat myself. Does this haveanythingto do with Finn?”
In our family, we don’t lie to one another. We might not tell each other every sordid detail, but when asked a point-blank question, we learned early on it’s better to just speak the truth, deal with the problem, and then move on.
Shit. How do I even start?
“Yes… it has everything to do with Finn,” I admit.
“Is he a closet jack hole or something? Do I need to kick his ass?”
That thought is almost comical.
“Ha… not even kinda. That’s the problem. He’s smart, funny, patient, and kind. He freaking gets me better than anyone outside our family. He makes me want for things I never imagined for myself.”
“So… You like him…” she says, clearly amused. I can tell it’s taking everything in her not to smile.
“Of course, I do!” I practically shout. “But I’m not supposed to. We agreed there was an expiration date. We had rules. We freaking started as a one-night stand. It was supposed to stay casual and fun, not turn intothis!”
“Define thethis, you’re clearly unhappy with.”
“I was supposed to act like his girlfriend… not freaking catch feelings for Finn!” I practically shout exasperatedly.
Narrowing her eyes, she purses her lips. “Act like his girlfriend?”
“Yes, act. It was the easiest way to clear his and Sloane’s names,andit got Mable off my back. It was a win-win and fail proof. I thought I could have a little fun this summer, and then we’d go merrily on our way… separately of course.”
“And now you don’t want that?”
“God, don’t you see? That’s the crux of this entire problem.” I stand and pace in front of her.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean this was supposed to be casual. Not only didIfreaking catch feelings, but he has the audacity to want more.”
“So…” she draws out slowly as if she’s choosing her next words carefully.
