Sea Crest Secrets

Carrie Banks

Copyright ©2019

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

authorcbanks@gmail.com

CHAPTER ONE

TESSA

He twirls me around the ballroom floor. My dress floats around me like a cloud. In his dark suit, he’s sexy as hell. His eyes flare when he notices the flush spreading across my cleavage as he twirls me faster and faster.

I’m breathless.

Waiting for his kiss.

His touch.

For him to take me.

“I’ve captured you…my Cinderella,” he breathes against my lips. I practically swoon as his hands lower, pushing my hips into his. I moan, trying to rub against the hard bulge between his legs.

“So , impatient my love,” he teases as he brings a hand between us to pinch my nipples through the silk fabric of my gown.

“Please,” I beg, pushing my hips harder into his, needing him to ease the burning ache between mine.

The alarm on my cell goes off; I slap a hand out hitting the damn thing so I can nestle under my covers and return to my naughty dream.

“Where were we?” I ask my dark prince.

“Right about here,” he replies, as his tongue traces my lower lip before plunging into my parted mouth. My greedy hands grab the back of his head as I angle mine so he can delve deeper.

His palms cup my ass, lifting me and I spread my thighs wrapping my legs around him. The move allows my dress to part and aligns my center with the buckle of his belt. Shamelessly, I ride him. Using the friction of our moving bodies to satiate the burning need. I pant, bucking my hips, meowing like a cat in heat as I dry hump the shit out of him.

“My dirty princess,” he growls as I gasp, fracturing into a million pieces floating around us in the air.

"TESS! YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE TO WORK!"

“I have to go.” I drop my head and kiss his lips before untangling myself and racing away!

“Wait! What about me?’ I turn, watching with wide eyes as he cups the bulge between his legs with his hand.

“I’ll take care of you later,” I promise as I dash out of the ballroom.

My eyes blink.

One hand is between my legs, the other cupping my own breast.

“Shit,” I groan, into the morning light. I’ve become insatiable this summer. Being with Ry has awakened so many things inside of me. I remove my hands from where they were. I’m feeling sticky, hot, and unsatisfied. I cross the hall to the bathroom and turn the shower on not even bothering to wait for it to get lukewarm before hopping in.

I close my eyes wishing I could return to bed, my dream, and maybe even make myself come. But there’s always tonight. And I won’t need a dream when Ry is real and will definitely take care of me. It’s finally the night of the white tent party. I’m the luckiest girl in the world and I know it. I bite my lip, my body is flushed and needy. Screw it. I need to take the edge off. I reach between my legs, finding my clit and pinch it hard before shoving two fingers inside. I lower the shower head and change the spray to jet, replacing my hand with the shower head. I close my eyes, pinch my nipples and take over where my dream left off.

***

      “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“I still don’t like that I haven’t met this boy yet…,” she wrings her hands. My dad shakes his head behind her back. I owe him big time. Mom didn’t even want me to date two months ago and I’ve done my best to keep Ryan away from her. I just don’t want her gossiping about him to all her friends. He’s better than that and so am I. But I know they’ll have to meet eventually. So far, she thinks I’ve been staying fully chaperoned on Barron’s yacht. I feel a twinge of guilt using the glitz and glamour of the Fosters’ on her to distract her from what I’m really doing—having an epic Hollywood romance.

I grab my overnight bag and wave as I dash out the front door. In under ten minutes I’m pulling through the Foster’s gates. Ry gave me the code. I can’t believe how far I’ve come from reading about Barron online to having the keycode to his house.

Ry’s Range Rover is already parked. I leave my bag in the car and walk to the side door. It opens before I can get there.

His dark eyes assess me from head to toe. I stare back at him in his dark tux, still partly in disbelief that he’s mine.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he murmurs, picking up my hand to kiss the back of it.

“And I’m the luckiest girl.” I step forward putting both my arms around his neck.

“Hi,” he murmurs seconds before his kiss lands on my lips, causing every neve ending in my body to pop and sizzle.

“Come on, we’re going to be late. Barron and Gabby are already there.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t just leave…my parents are getting antsy about wanting to meet you.”

“I’ll probably be a disappointment if she meets Barron first.”

“Maybe I’ll have you come over together. My mom will be too bust fawning over Barron to give you a hard time.”

“Let’s do that then,” he smiles, as he opens the passenger door.

We roll up to the Sea Crest Yacht Club and I’m in awe at the line of luxury cars and gloved footmen waiting to escort people inside. We move up in the valet parking line and my door is opened before Ry can round the car to me.

“Tessa?”

“Ty?”

“Damn, girl. You’re looking fine.” His warm hand slips over mine as he helps me out.

“What are you doing here?”

He looks away for a second embarrassed. “Working. My sister got me this gig. She works for the catering company who set up.”

“Excuse us,” Ryan shoulders Ty out of the way.

“Tess? Who is this guy?”

“Her boyfriend. Is that a problem?”

Ty steps forward, “Maybe.”

“What’s that?” Ryan growls.

I step between them. Ryan’s arm snakes around my waist and holds tight. “Watch it high school boy. She’s with me.”

“Oh yeah?” Ty looks amused as he folds his arms. “Just wait until fall and see who she’s with then—college boy.”

Ry whips off his aviators and starts unfastening his tuxedo coat. “No. Please, don’t ruin tonight for me. Either of you.” I shake my head. I place a pleading hand on Ry’s flexed arm.

“This isn’t over, Brentwood.”

“Name the time and place…”

Ryan’s nostril flare. “Don’t tempt me. I’ll snap your throwing arm, QB.”

“Bring it, rich boy.”

By now people are craning their necks to watch what’s going on.

“Ry. Please. People are staring.”

“Let them. I’m used to it.”

“But I’m not.”

He finally snaps out of his pissing contest with Ty. He links our fingers, “Remember, this girl is mine.”

I roll my eyes and tug on his hand. “Can we go inside already?”

Ryan’s left jaw tics as he stares down at our linked hands. Halfway up the walk to the red carpet he stops to cup my cheeks in his hands. He stares intently into my eyes then takes my mouth captive. I gasp into his possessive kiss feeling a dozen eyes pierce into my back. One harder than the rest. I turn feeling my swollen lips with my fingertips, locking eyes with a beautiful girl.

Hers narrow.

I rip mine away.

Ry’s busy shooting daggers of his own at Ty as he valet parks cars.

“Who is that?”

His jaw tics. “My ex, Blaire.”

So many hearts, beating for so many people. I look back at Ry hoping he doesn’t crush mine come fall. Even if he has the best intentions, Ty was right. I’ll be back at Sea Crest High and Ry will be in Cambridge mixing with girls who probably make more sense for him.

“I’m sorry. That punk just pissed me the hell off the way he was staring at you like you were his instead of mine.”

“He’s just a friend, Ry. Ty found me at prom.”

Ry inhales sharply. “Did you have feelings for him?”

“No. I tried but I couldn’t. The spark just was never there.”

“Well it’s for him. I don’t like it. Especially since he rubbed my face in the fact that he’ll be with you at Sea Crest High in the fall.”

“It doesn’t matter. Because my heart is always going to be with you.”

He bends down to lean his forehead against mine. “The same goes for you.”

I swallow hard, praying he’s right. Hand in hand we walk down the red carpet, under the arch full of twinkling lights and enter the infamous yacht club that us townies have always wondered about.

It’s exactly how I imagined it would be.

The Sea Crest Yacht Club sits on the hill as if it rules over the town. From my vantage point, the harbor shimmers below. Only the local elite mix inside the stone walls of this Tudor-style building.

I notice there seems to be a distinct hierarchy. In the center of the room: Barron and Charles Foster welcome everyone as if this was their house.

I smile at Gabby across the room. She stands proudly, flanked by the Foster men on either side. This is her moment—Gabby Cruz is the Queen of Sea Crest, even if it’s just for one night.

She’s untouchable in her white Grecian-style dress and her hair twisted back with a few tendrils escaping.

Ryan leads me over to them and I’ve never felt more glamorous winding through the crowd wearing my black Chanel evening gown. It is a few years old but classic in design. My mom paid what would be about three months of my car payment on it, but she assured me the dress would be useful for years to come.

“You look stunning.” Mr. Foster greets me warmly, kissing both of my cheeks.

Barron greets me in the same manner. I share a look with Gabby; both of us are in disbelief that this is our life now.

Looking around the room, I take it all in: the dark wood paneling with photographs of sailboats racing across the harbor on the walls. The large hall is lit with soft sconce lighting and above us a massive chandelier hangs.

I notice a second-floor balcony where Blaire and her date, Carter, stare down with obvious envy—at the two townie girls holding court with the Foster men.

“Can I get you a drink?” Ryan asks wrapping his arms around my waist.

“A Riesling?”

“May I suggest something else for you? Riesling is typically a dessert wine.”

“Oh, okay, just make sure whatever you order me is a white wine.”

He looks down at me, “Tonight I’m going to start teaching you about wines.”

He comes back holding a large glass, “It’s a Napa chardonnay. You’ll like it.”

I nod holding onto the glass like a lifeline.

“It’s time to be seated, shall we?” Barron announces leadings us outside to the white tent, where about forty tables are ready for their guests.

It’s more beautiful than I ever imagined. Blue hydrangea centerpieces sit in white vases with the SYC logo. The glassware reflects the tea lights on the tables. On each of our plates sits a small wooden sailboat napkin holder. Large bulb string lights line the roof of the tent; no wonder why it always looked like it was glowing from afar.

Our seats are at the head table, of course. Charles is a top patron here.

“What the heck is this?” I whisper to Ryan when the empty seats at our table are taken by Blaire, Carter, and her parents. Ryan leans over and whispers, “Don’t worry about it sweetie, the Grants are also huge patrons.

“Isn’t this awkward for you, since both you and Barron have been with her?”

“Not really,” he answers making me choke on my wine. He gives my back a few whacks, and we try to disguise our laughter. “But I should tell you something… she ambushed me outside my dorm room. …wants me back hardcore.”

“Well, she can’t have you. You’re mine now.”

“That’s exactly what I said, babe.”

The Fosters and Grants chat about the regatta, and Gabby even contributes to the conversation using her knowledge from working at Fosters.

Ryan and I just sit back and enjoy each other’s company trying not to be too rude to the rest of the table. I’ve never been a mean girl and for me, it’s awkward sitting across from someone who still loves Ryan. Someone who knows what it feels like to fall asleep in his arms and wake the same way.

As dinner starts, the conversation gets heavier. “I think Russia did interfere in the election.” Mr. Grants says to Charles.

“No. There’s no evidence of any collusion. None of the polling places were hacked. He’s been cleared it’s time to move on.”

“Yes, but where’s there is smoke…” Blaire trails off.

“We’ll see. Congress still has investigative powers,” Charles replies.

“What do you think Tessa?” Blaire’s smile is full of venom. My palms sweat. I don’t follow politics—it’s always one side screaming at the other.

“I’m not sure. From what I’ve heard— you can’t trust anything in the news anymore. Too many people have biases. I learned a lot about reporting from my journalism class. I think that it’s hard to be impartial as a journalist if you feel too strongly politically… and that goes for both sides.”

“Well said, sweetheart.” Ryan beams proudly, before placing a quick peck on my lips. “I think you all make excellent points, but the problems of the world won’t be settled here tonight. I’d like to raise my glass to free speech, different opinions, and the cool summer breeze in Sea Crest always being fair,” Ryan finishes to cheers around the table as we all raise our glass.

The rest of the dinner is uneventful and as our plates are cleared the band takes the stage on the other side of the tent. Ryan and I excuse ourselves and take our glasses of champagne in hand as we stroll across the grounds. I feel so grown up and glamorous. On the arm of my real-life dream man nothing can go wrong.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” I whisper.  From the far side of the rolling green lawn, I stare out across the inky water and see River Road staring back at me from the other side.

“I don’t know what he sees in you, because from here… you’re nothing special.”

I turn.

“Isn’t this so cliché? The ex, sneaks over to try to wound the current girlfriend. It won’t work on me Blaire. Ryan already told me how you showed up at his dorm.”

A smirk dances on her lips as she comes closer. “Heed my warning, girlfriend. He’s going to wreck you just as he did me and Emily. All you are is the next one in line. Good luck.” She’s pure evil as she turns and walks back to the party.

I quickly dab each corner of my eyes and take a deep breath. Reaching into my purse, I grab my bottle of Paxil and swallow one pill with a sip of champagne.

For the heck of it I take a Xanax, as well. I don’t want a panic attack to ruin my romantic summer night. I try to block it out, but in my head, I’m picturing Ryan kissing her… touching her and I hate it. She got under my skin and my chest starts feeling tight. I down my champagne and focus on the lights reflecting off the river below me.

It doesn’t matter what she said.

He’s with me now.

I have a past, too.

With one final glance at South Sea Crest, at the spot Gabby and I used to park at while watching this very hill, I turn and walk back to the tent snagging another glass of champagne along the way. The alcohol will work faster than my meds to relax my nerves.

“Hey. Where did you go?”

“Sorry. I had to take care of something.”

I raise an eyebrow, inspecting his hands. “Well, you didn’t punch Ty out.”

“Not yet… Come on, I want to dance with my girl.” He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. The band is playing an Ed Sheeran ballad. I down my second glass of bubbly champagne, placing it on a table before I’m swept up in Ryan’s embrace. We sway to the music. I place my palm over his beating heart. He slides a hand up my back while his other threads our fingers together against his chest. His heart is racing. He’s breathing hard.

“Ry? What is it?”

He clears his throat. I lift my head from his shoulder. He bends down, pressing his forehead to mine. “There was a little girl here. For a moment—from behind…the way her hair was braided…it looked like her. I needed a moment.”

“Ry,” I whisper, raising up to press my lips to his. I’m at a loss as what else to say. So, I say nothing and just hold him while letting him hold me back.

I know what we have is real. Emily can’t touch this. Because our souls found one another and clung tight. He’s my calm in the storm and I’m his.

 “I’m sorry.”

“No Ry. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

“I promised you a night you’ll never forget.”

“There’s still time for that.”

“Then let’s just have the night you always dreamed of. Come on,” he says, pulling me closer and angling his head so his mouth drops on my waiting lips.

In his arms, all the tensions from earlier melts away.

It’s like a dream.

The party has dwindled and only the younger couples remain.

The night’s muggy and every time a server comes by offering me a glass of ice-cold, champagne—I take it. The alcohol combined with my anti-anxiety pills, makes me feel weightless.

We keep dancing.

I float in his arms across the dance floor until the band announces the last song. He holds me close and sings to me as I nuzzle my face against his neck.

“I love this song. It’s soothing.” The notes float around us and I lean most of my body weight against him.

“How many glasses of bubbly did you have?” he asks, supporting me.

“About five, maybe six…,” I answer yawning.

“Are you drunk?”

“No, just supremely relaxed. I took a Xanax or was it Paxil or both? I can’t remember.”

“What? You’re drinking with a benzodiazepine in your system?”

“A benzo what?”

“It’s the class of drug Xanax is. Christ, Tess, it’s time to go.” He’s suddenly angry. His jaw tics as he looks down at me. I wobble in my heels, feeling like my feet are stepping in tar. I was so relaxed in his arms, sleepy. I feel drunk or high or maybe both. Either way everything is unfocused…I’m in the clouds.

 Grabbing a few bottles of water from the bartender, Ry nods to Barron letting him know we are leaving.

“Slow down. Ryan, you’re dragging me.” I try not to trip in my heels.

He just keeps going until we reach the valet, handing him the ticket stub to fetch his Range Rover. “Drink,” he orders, unscrewing the water bottle and giving it to me. My eyes widen when Ty comes back with the Rover idling at the curb.

“Tessa? Are you okay? Did this guy drug you?”

Ryan’s face turns dark. “What did you just say? Did you just imply that I drugged my girlfriend?” His fist is cocked and this time I know there’s no stopping them. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

“Yeah I did. I don’t know you, but I do know her. She’s not a drinker. I’ve never seen her like this at any parties.”

“Tyyyy—” I try to talk but my tongue is rubber too. I’m slurring my words, and everything is happening in slow motion.

“Tess…” He moves to me, but Ry blocks him.

“Stay away from my girl. Stop looking at her like she’s yours.”

“Y-y…ourrrr…. being….a-an ass.” I finally get out, dumping the bottle of water on the pavement. A few sloshes reach his expensive, shiny shoes. His nostrils flare and his dark eyes smolder. His body is wound tight as he looks at me.

Shit.

“She needs a hospital.”

“No. she just needs me. It’s nothing I haven’t seen or done before.”

“Seriously, man? Sounds like you’re really good for her.”

“Here.” Ty reaches into his back pocket and hands me his bottle of water. Ryan snaps. He bends and rams straight into Ty, pinning him against the side of the SUV. Ty tries to put him in a head lock with one hand while throwing low punches with his other.

I feel sick.

I bend over and heave.

Everything comes up.

“Stop. Please.”

The two of them finally notice I’ve been sick.

“I-I’m sorry. I don’t feel well, and I just want to go.”

“Ease up, man.” Ty pushed Ry off and picks up the water from the ground. I drink it gingerly.

“It’s my fault Ty. I took some pills and drank too much champagne.”

“Brentwood. You’re fired. Get out of here.”

Ryan smirks, reaches into his wallet and throws hundred-dollar bills on the pavement. “Later, asshole.”

Ty ignores the money and walks away.

“Ry? What was that? That was so… demeaning. Embarrassing and uncool. It was so Pine Point of you.”

“So what? He wants you.”

“So? Emily wants you—I didn’t taunt her like that.”

“No. You just self-medicated instead.”

I hang my head. This is the first time I’ve seen this side of him. And I don’t like it. In his custom-fitted tux, he looks like the privileged asshole I first thought he was.

“You’re being such a jerk.”

“Where are you going?”

“To find Ty and apologize.”

“Like hell you are.” He grabs my elbow, swinging me around.

“Let me go.”

“Never.”

His lips bruise mine.

His show of arrogant dominance both repels and turns me on. I’m so confused. I might be with him but I’m also from the south side where words and insults hurt. Especially when coming from privileged pricks like him.

Finally, I jerk free to run after Ty. I pause only to slip off my heels and hold them in one hand while shouting for him to stop.”

“TY!”

“Go to him and we’re done,” Ryan growls from behind me.

But I don’t stop. I can’t. I need to make what happened right somehow. Ty saved me in that closet and I’ll never forget that. I hope Ry is bluffing. Actually, I know he is… this thing between us is too strong to burn out over as stupid fight like this. I feel drained and a complete mess. Over my shoulder, I lock eyes with Ryan. His fists are clenched by his side. The streetlight illuminates the sharp planes of his handsome face. My heart hurts. But I keep moving towards Ty.

“I-I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault your new boyfriend is an ass.”

I hang my head. “He’s not usually like this.”

Ty snorts, “What are you doing with him anyway? I see it now though, I guess. I’m not good enough, right? I’m poor and have the blood of ten different races flowing through my veins.”

“No, Ty. It’s not like that. He just…. I don’t know. I can’t control whatever it is. When I saw him—he lit my world on fire.”

“That’s the problem with a bad love, Tessa. It burns fast and hot and leaves everything in its wake charred and unrecognizable. I barely recognized you.”

I swallow hard. “Are you going back to camp soon?”

“Not soon enough. I’ll see you in September, Tessa.” He shakes his head and climbs into his beat-up truck. Disappointment swims in his eyes as he cranks the engine leaving me in the fumes of his exhaust.

I watch his taillights travel down the drive before turning back to Ryan. He’s still standing by his car with the money he threw by his feet. When I reach him, I bend to pick the bills up and hand them to him. He refuses to take them.

“Why, Tess? Why did you go to him when you knew how much it would hurt me?”

“I had too. He never deserved any of this. He’s just a guy trying to make an honest dollar through hard work, and you shit all over him. I hate this side of you. It reminds me of everything I hate about Hill’s Head.”

“Look, I lost my shit. I was jealous as fuck. But you’re my girl…”

“Am I?”

He sighs. “Get in. We should talk in private.”

This time he doesn’t open my door as he gets behind the wheel. I round the car and slide in. He drives to the far end of the lot facing Hemlock Hill. “I’m sorry. I thought I could control my emotions. But I can’t. Seeing you drinking and practically high was like looking in a mirror. If I’m a king of anything, it’s self-destruction. For a moment, I panicked. Seeing you like that made me want to go back. For a second I wanted to go back and get lit and high… I wanted to forget the pain in my heart that never goes away. Seeing that girl tonight was like taking a knife and stabbing the wound wide open.”

“Okay. But that’s not an excuse to treat Ty like a peasant. Like he’s no one…”

Ry shrugs, “I guess I’m my father’s son after all. I can’t change my background or that I was a millionaire the second I drew my first breath.”

My head snaps back. “What are we even doing? I’m too embarrassed to even bring you to my house. I’ll never be on your level.” I shake my head, feeling insecure.

“I told you…let’s just see where it goes.”

“I think we both know where that is. We’ve just been lying to ourselves and enjoying the good moments.”

Ryan looks out at the horizon. “I was scared tonight. Seeing who I used to be in you when you act like you did. I’ve come too far to ever go back. I don’t want to be with someone who takes me backwards instead of forward.”

“Are you implying that because I’m still in high school, I’m dragging you backwards?”

He doesn’t answer. But I guess his silence does. I swing the passenger door open needing air. The walls are closing in again. And I feel foolish for even letting him in.

“Stop. Tessa. Please. I wanted to be the perfect guy for you. I didn’t want you to see the cracks. Please, let’s just go home and chill.”

“Don’t bother taking me home. I’m going to call a man a thousand times better than you to come get me.” I yell not even looking back, feeling the hot, salty tears dash down my cheeks. Gabby was right. I don’t often fall but when I do, I go down hard without ever really looking where I’m going.

Opening my purse, I grab my phone but before I can tap my parents’ number, a police cruiser stops at the curb.

“Need a ride?”

“Did you steal a real cop car?” Looking to the right, I see the familiar black Rover pulling out and stopping. Ryan starts to open his door. He’s enraged at what I’m about to do.

“Sure Kyle, I’d love a ride.”

Kyle gives huge thumbs up to Ryan as he opens the cruiser door allowing me to slide into the passenger seat. I wiggle my fingers out the window at Ryan as we pass him.

“You look hot, babe.”

Kyle has one hand on the steering wheel and the other, he puts on the inside of my thigh. As he tries to move his hand up the slit of my dress, I have enough sense left to ask him to remove it. I start panicking, my small moment of victory…is fading.

“Stop the car.”

He looks over to see if I’m serious.

“I’m sorry. This was a mistake. Just let me out.”

He pulls over and studies me as his hands rest on the wheel. “You can trust me. I’m almost a cop, for Christ’s sake. Let me get you home. I’m not letting you out on the side of the road at one in the morning.”

“I know you’d never hurt me like that. You’re going to be a good cop someday Kyle. But you were a shit boyfriend.”

“I know,” he sighs.

Ryan wraps his knuckles on my window. He stands under the lamplight. His skin’s tight over his cheeks as he looks dangerously at the two of us sitting inside the cruiser. I make a move to open the door, but Kyle reaches over and grabs the handle stopping me.

“Are you sure about this?” Kyle asks.

“Let her out. Now!” Ryan’s voice cuts through the glass reaching us inside.

“Yes,” I answer. He relents and I get out hoping I haven’t done it this time; pushed Ryan too far.

***

He drives us back to the Hill’s Head house not speaking. He barely even glances my way. So, I stare out the window, wondering how we got here. A night that was so full of promise has turned to complete shit. As I sniffle, Ryan reaches over me to open the glove box and hands me a tissue.

“Thanks,” I whisper. But his frosty silence still speaks volumes. I was right. My gut always knew we’d crash and burn but I never thought it’d be this fast.

The tires on the Rover roll over the stone in the Fosters’ driveway. It’s the only sound breaking the silence. Ryan shuts off the car. He rests his head on the steering wheel for a moment then turns to me.

“I wanted to be your boyfriend…not your babysitter. Maybe we need some space.”

“Are you kidding me? We’ve only been dating a month. I only see you on weekends and you want more space? Turn the car back on and take me home. I’m done being jerked around.”

“You’re one to talk… with that stunt you just pulled. You didn’t even hesitate to get in his car. I’m seriously questioning your judgment right now.”

“You can’t have it both ways...want me for who I am and then say I’m not good enough.”

“I never said you weren’t good enough. Maybe I’m the one who isn’t.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I was a complete disaster only months ago. There were nights Barron thought I’d die from alcohol poisoning. I won’t lie about how deep in hell I was. Hopefully, I’ve moved past that stage in my life. I don’t want to ever go back.”

“I made a mistake drinking and taking my pills. I’ve never done that before. You said you weren’t perfect, but neither am I.”

“I wanted… part of me wanted to take a handful of your pills and a bottle of scotch. Maybe, I’m an addict after all.”

“No, Ry. Addicts can’t stop. They can’t quit self-destructing. It’s an incontrollable impulse.”

“How do you know so much?”

“My mom. She talks about her patients at the hospital sometimes. Are we breaking up?” I ask with a knot in my stomach.

“I’m not sure.”

“That isn’t what I want, but I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not. We’re too different—to far apart in age and life experience. We have nothing in common.”

He grabs my face with both hands, “We have this in common.”

His mouth is on mine and his tongue is hot and insistent as he kisses me thoroughly with it. Anger turns to desire and it crashes over us like a wave.

He’s right.

Despite everything, the passion we share is undeniable.

I break away needing air.

Ryan sits back and sucks in a breath of his own, “Why did you take those pills? I’m worried our relationship is not right for you. You said yourself it had been months since you needed your prescription, but in the past few weeks you’ve needed it what? Three times?”

“Yes.” I answer lowering my head in shame.

He sucks in his breath and shuts his eyes. “You don’t know who I was. I was a goddamn mess. I passed out drunk just about every night, fucked anything that walked…I lost complete control of my life. I hate to think that being with me, is causing you to spiral downward. But I’m not ready for this to end yet.”

“Me neither, but I can’t just forget everything you said tonight, like it was nothing. You can’t talk to my friends like that.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it right with Ty. But I think you should see a therapist about your anxiety. We need to recognize your triggers. Focus on how to get you in a place where you don’t need to pull your pills out every time something goes wrong. You’re going to be going to Yale in a year. It’s a high-pressure, cut-throat place. Picturing you there like this—you’d be a lamb going to the slaughter. I’m worried about you. We don’t have much time left to figure this out, but we can at least try to get ahead of it.”

“I’ve never thought about it that way before. It never occurred to me that my choice of a college, could trigger more attacks.”

“Let’s go inside it’s been a long night. We’ll finish discussing this tomorrow and come up with a plan.”

I let him lead me around the house to the dock. We board Her Majesty and walk down to our stateroom. Unzipping my dress, I carefully hang it up then cross to the bathroom. I press a button on the wall turning on the shower’s powerful jets. I take off my bra and panties, shake out the bobby pins from my hair and open the heavy glass door.

“Hi,” I say to her, “tonight sucked. I wanted to be Cinderella at the ball, but life isn’t a fairy tale after all. I’m all screwed up and fractured inside. Most of the time the cracks hold together, and I get through the day, the weeks, being happy but they are always there inside of me, just a moment away from splintering.”

Her emerald eyes stare into mine. I take my finger and trace her lips.

“I wonder what kinds of things you’ve seen and heard here. There’s something about you that makes me want to confess everything, or maybe it’s just the champagne, Xanax, and Paxil still lingering in my blood.”

“I heard you talking. Are you all right?”

“Yep, just working things out with my new therapist.” I tell him pointing to the flame-haired goddess made from tile.

He shakes his head at me.

“You are crazy. But I love you anyway. I’m going get you a few bottles of water. Drink them this time, okay?”

“Sure,” but I’m not looking at him, I’m staring at her.

I wrap myself in a plush towel and comb through my long hair, sipping the cold-water Ryan gave me. He comes back in the bathroom with my coconut lotion and tugs my towel down. He works the thick cream into my skin with firm strokes.

The massage relaxes me even more and he carries me to bed. He puts me down and lays over me, slowly and gently kissing me. “Get some sleep,” he murmurs into my hair before pulling me in to cuddle for the night.

***

I feel better, rolling over I pick up my phone scrolling to unlock it. It reads 11:25. Ryan snuggles against my back; his face is buried in the cloud of my hair.

“We should probably head up for brunch,” he says.

“I need coffee.”

“I bet you do after last night.”

“Can we just forget about it?”

“No. I meant what I said, we’re going to figure this out.”

“We?”

“Yes, and control your panic attacks,” he says about to grab my lips with his.

“Wait. I never kiss in the morning if I haven’t brushed my teeth,” I tell him.

“Fine—I won’t kiss you then.”

He rolls me over and spoons me, sliding my pajama shorts down to give him access to what he wants. I close my eyes at the sensation of having him so close and so deep. His arms wrap around to massage my breasts as he thrusts into me from behind. He hits the spot inside me that aches for him, pounding it over and over again. I push my hips back into his when he stops.

“Lie on your stomach.”

He nudges my knees apart and enters me, then lays down on my back.

“Holy fuck!” I moan. All his weight is on top of me, and he’s in me as far as anyone could go. He hits me deeper than before. The pressure of his body forces me into the mattress and the friction of the sheets on me—as his thrusts move me on the bed is insane. My nipples move up and down, rubbing against the butter soft sheets. The sound of my panting fills the air around us. He pumps out and I feel the tip of his tongue trace my spine…he spanks me playfully, but it burns so good as he slides back into the hilt, giving me the biggest orgasm of my life.

“I’ll never get tired of you baby,” he moans in my ear coming hard. I feel his release as we crash back down to earth.

After a few minutes, I reluctantly get up. He gives me some privacy to brush my teeth and use the toilet. Turning on the shower I step in, adjusting the water temperature, turning it up so hot, it almost burns. Fog fills the glass stall, making my mermaid look as if she’s sitting up in the clouds. The toilet flushes then after a minute Ryan joins me. He unrolls a fresh washcloth and adds soap rubbing it in circular motions cleansing off the sticky residue left on my thighs.

We’ve had sex without a condom before, but he’s always pulled out.

“We should probably talk about this.”

“What?”

“I get the shot, but you probably shouldn’t have come in me like that. It freaked me out.”

“I just wanted you to know how special you are to me. I’ve never done that with anyone before, not even with Blaire,” he says, kissing me softly.

“I’m going to call my doctor and ask if I need to do anything or take the morning after pill.”

There’s no way I am ready for a baby or would even know what decision to make if I got pregnant with his right now.

“I’m sorry—I wasn’t thinking clearly. My mind goes numb every time I touch you. I’ll go pick up a script for you if you end up needing one.”

“Thanks.”

***

“Hey chica, wasn’t last night everything we dreamed it would be?”

Gabby is still glowing from yesterday and not wanting to spoil her moment, I agree.

“Yes. Last night was fantastic. I’m so happy for you both.”

Picking up a glass of orange juice I toast her and Barron. Thank God there is a full spread of food. I heap my plate high, full of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Then, I add a muffin before taking a seat. There’s a pitcher of iced coffee already in the middle of the table.

“Jen thought you might need that,” Barron says with a bit of humor.

“Wow, I need to give her a tip. She’s been so kind to me.”

“That’s unnecessary. I compensate her well.”

Ryan sits down next to me and the four of us enjoy brunch sheltered by the sunshade on the rear deck of the Majesty.

“What do you want to do for your birthday next weekend, Gabby?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t really thought about it Tess.”

“Let’s go to Newport. I haven’t taken you girls out there yet and it’s almost August.”

“I’d love that Barron.” Gabby tells him with a quick kiss.

“Anything for you babe. Invite whomever you want.”

“I just want the four of us, and JD.”

“Done.”

As we finish brunch and my phone buzzes on the table. My doctor’s name flashes on the screen.

“I need to take this.”

Excusing myself I head inside to take the call. I explain to her what happened, and she suggests I take the morning after pill since I’m due for another shot. With the timing being so close, it’s a risk I’m not willing to take. Plus, Mom would freak out.

The door opens behind me as I disconnect.

“Do you need me to run into town?”

“Well, my doctor ended up calling in the morning after pill to make sure that I don’t get pregnant.”

“I’m so sorry. Just tell me which pharmacy and I’ll pick it up. You’re not alone in this.”

“Thanks, Ryan, but I need to get home anyway. Gabby said I could take her car. She plans on staying all day and driving to work with Barron tomorrow.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll take you home.”

“I have a lot to do today. After I pick up my script, I need to help my parents in their garden. Sunday’s are typically a family day and I’ve been blowing them off for weeks. I’ve been so wrapped up with you and all this—waving my hand I gesture to the yacht. That I’ve lost sight of my regular life. I don’t want to leave or this summer to end, but I don’t want to be in a panic later for not being prepared when it is over.”

“I understand,” he puts his arms around me, holding me tight. “just promise me you aren’t pulling away because of what happened last night.”

“I’m not. I swear. Besides, if I let you drive me home, my mom would never let you leave. I’m talking at least a five-hour interrogation.”

“Whoa. I’ll see you next weekend in Newport. It doesn’t make any sense for me to drive all the way to Connecticut when Newport’s only a forty-minute drive from Boston.”

I tidy up the cabin then pack all my things.

“Leave them.”

“What?”

“Leave some of your toiletries here. You’ll be back every weekend with me until the end of summer anyway.”

 “I can’t even think about September right now,” he says.

“I know,” zipping up my bag, I carefully reach up and unhook my Chanel gown. Ryan takes everything out of my arms and carries my things out to Gabby’s Jeep carefully placing everything inside.

“I’m sorry about last night. If I wasn’t such a dick, you would’ve had the night you deserved.”

“Let’s just put it behind us.”

He kisses me and as usual, everything else fades away. As I come up for air, Ryan murmurs in my hair, “I want this to work out. I hate that you’ll be even farther away soon, but we’ll figure it out.”

“I want to make this work, too. I already looked at the express train from here to Boston. It’s under two hours.”

I reach up and pull his face down, twining my fingers into his hair—I never want to let him go. Our lips meet over and over until Charles honks his horn, trying to pull his car into the drive.

“I might as well head back soon, and let Barron and Gabby enjoy some alone time. I’ll call you when I’m on the road.” He gives me a quick kiss and opens the car door.

I pull Gabby’s Wrangler away from the curb. Adjusting the rearview mirror, I stare at Ryan’s reflection until he disappears.

CHAPTER TWO

RYAN

I watch her go feeling like the biggest asshole on the planet. I really fucked-up last night. And again this morning. One minute I was fine—the next I was on the verge of losing my shit. I’ve been deluding everyone around me, including myself that I’m fine. I text my therapist asnd ask if she can talk later this week. I won’t lose my golden girl over this. I can’t. At least not yet.

It’s overcast and gray. The weather fits my mood perfectly. I don’t want to drive back to Boston where the only thing that waits for me is old memories and ghosts of happier times.

I decide to change into my workout gear and use the gym in the Foster’s basement. Charles has only the best home gym equipment, but I bypass it all and pull on a pair of boxing gloves.

I kill the bag. Jabbing left and right. Punching the damn thing so hard my knuckles burn through the glove.

Sweat covers my brow, rolls down my back and I keep hitting.

“I think you won.”

I turn, not expecting him.

He takes a seat on the chest press bench and stares hard at me. “Is this about your sister still or something else?”

“Everything. It’s about everything.”

“Do you feel better?”

“No.”

“Good. You’re learning, son. Problems eat away at your insides until you face them head on. You can’t solve them or make them go away using your fists.”

“I always used scotch.”

“I know. But you aren’t anymore?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

I’m caught off guard. Charles has basically left me to my own devices since I moved in. He watched but from a distance. It was a welcome change from the smothering B and my mother were giving me.

I sigh, and take the gloves off. Grabbing a fresh towel I wipe the sweat from my face and take a few sips from the water bottle I brought down with me. “It’s complicated.”

“Not usually.”

“Fine. You want a heart-to-heart, Charles? You want me to spill all my ugly secrets to you? I fucked everything up with the girl I’ve been seeing. I was a dick to her friend who worked the party last night. I got him fired. I threw three hundred in cash at him and insulted him to his face. Tessa—she was so pissed that I drove her straight into the arms of her ex. We were both so out of control. I was fired up. I craved it Charles. I craved going back into the dark where I felt nothing. I almost grabbed a bottle of scotch from your bar after she fell asleep.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No,” I shake my head.

“Well, that’s progress.”

“I-I she needs to take the morning after pill.”

His face changes. “Son—I’ve told Barron a million times. Listen up good, you have a bright future. You’re going to Harvard. Don’t ruin it over some summer girl.”

My fists clench. She’s not some summer girl. I love her.”

Charles sighs. “You have to much on your shoulders. I know you’re in a rush to be your own man. But you’re only nineteen. Talk to me in ten years. You’ll see. Until then, make smarter choices… for yourself and her.”

I nod.

“I still feel like such a dick. I guess her friend really needed the money for football camp. I hear he’s pretty good.”

“Who?”

“Tyler Brentwood.”

“Hell, Ryan. Please tell me you didn’t hit the kid?”

“No, but I wanted to. Why?”

“He’s Sea Crest’s best hope of having a local athlete go pro. The boy has broken every school and state record. His parents are good people. Poor, but good.”

“Fuck.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make some calls.” He rubs his chin thoughfully. “Barron never knew but Principal Daniels also kept me in the loop about what went down at Pine Point. I knew the football team was giving Barron some trouble. It’s one of the reason’s why I was eager to let you stay here. I knew you’d have his back…”

“What are you getting at?”

“Chess pieces on a board. I taught Barron how to play, hoping he’d apply it to real life. My success is no mistake, son. Didn’t your father ever teach you?”

“No. The only thing he taught me was how to be a prick.”

“Come upstairs to my office. Watch. Listen. Learn.”

I’m curious. Charles never lets anyone in his office. I wasn’t going to pass up a chance.

 “Just don’t sit. All my leather was imported from Italy.”

I nod, watching as he picks up his desk phone. Charles is old school. His landline is one of those heavy, old phones from the eighties. It’s black and has a rotary dial. His office smells like fresh leather and faint cigars. It’s a man’s domain.

“Dan. Charles, here. How would you like to get Sea Crest High’s star QB? You fools might actual win a title this year….yes. I’m dead serious. I’d like to make an anonymous donation and pay for the boy’s entire senior year at Pine Point. Call the parents and dangle that carrot. If his grades are good he’ll have a choice to make—Ivy league or the NFL. Who wouldn’t want those two options staring their eighteen-year-old kid in the face?”

He hangs up with a satisfied grin. It just dawned on me that with Ty out of Sea Crest High—he’ll be away from Tessa.

“He wants my girl.”

“Like I said, son. Chess pieces on a board. Ty gets to go to Pine Point and gain more exposure with a better education and you get him clear of your girl.”

“Damn you’re good.”

“The best.”

I grin feeling much better. I acted like an ass but turned out to be Tyler Brentwood’s winning fucking ticket out of the south side. I whistled as I showered feeling like a million bucks.

“What’s got you so damn cheery?” Barron asks, leaning against the door to my room. I rummage through my closet wearing a towel. “Charles. I know you said he gives you a hard time, but the man in is a fucking genius.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, he just taught me the art of playing chess using people on the board. He helped me solve a few problems. You should ease up on how you talk about him. He’s cool as fuck.”

Barron averts his eyes. “I’m glad he made time for you. Since he could give a fuck about me.”

“Come on, bro. You know that’s not true. He’s been cool as fuck that we brought Cody here without telling him and had the barn renovated.”

“I paid for that. With what was leftover from my trust.”

“Fuck, really?”

He nods. “Damn. I owe you big.”

“Nah, it’s all good. We’re family, bro. What are you going to do with him anyway. We need to find him a home before fall.”

I sit on my bed, and stroke my chin. “Fuck fall. I want it to stay summer forever. Everything good is going to end then.”

“No. everything good is only beginning. I know you think you’re in love but Ry—Harvard is your ticket to fininanicl freedom. The career you want, you can carve your own path away from your parents—for good. Don’t get bogged down in high school drama like you did last night.”

“You heard?”

“It was the talk of the party after you left. Word spread like wildfire that you got Brentwood canned and had an epic fight in the parking lot with your date. Blaire and Carter were loving it.”

“Great. Just fucking great. It’s all good about Brentwood, though. Charles helped make it right.” His eyebrow lifts. “Guess who is going to be Pine Point’s new star QB?”

“Damn. That is perfect for you. Gabby said he made a play for Tess.”

“He did.”

“I hated the football team.”

“You did and now those fuckers will have to kiss Brentwood’s south-side ass.”

“Did you turn down London?”

“I did.”

“Selfishly, I’m releived. But you shoud’ve gone.”

I shrug. “HSB will be good. I kind of hate dorm life though…”

He takes a key from his pocket and tosses it in the air. I catch it one handed.

“We’re going to be living in style, bro. I alraedy hired a cook and cleaner. Go pack your things and move in.”

“Thanks, I will. B found me last week. It was ugly.”

“I bet.”

“Where’s Gabby?”

“Taking a shower. Listen, I’m glad things are going well with Tess…but I don’t see this thing with Gabby going anywhere past summer. I’m leaving everything high school behind.”

“Thanks for the head’s up. But don’t be so sure. Gabby’s been good for you. She handled Charles like a pro.”

“It seems everyone gets along better with him than me.”

“That’s because you’re his kid. Look at me and my parents…you speak to my mom more than I do.”

He shrugs. “I need to hose down the decks. I’ll see you next weekend in Newport.”

“Yeah. I’ll meet you there.”

I finish getting dressed and text Tess making sure she’s all right. But she doesn’t reply. I went too far last night and freaked her out. But even if she ever did get pregnant, I know I’d keep her and the baby. I wouldn’t even hesitate.

CHAPTER THREE

TESSA

My hands break into the warm earth as I weed around my parents’ prized hydrangea bushes.

Every year the blooms line the picket fence by the street and when in bloom—it’s a constant reminder that it’s summer. When the blooms start to fade, it’s a sad reminder the cold New England winters are around the corner.

But I don’t want to think of winter right now. My dad casts a shadow as he stands over me holding a glass of homemade lemonade. “Why don’t you take a break. You’ve been weeding for hours. Your mother might be pleased that you’re finally home and doing all her chores, but I know you, kiddo. What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” I reply taking the drink.

“Uh-huh.”

I pull my sunhat down lower. I can’ talk to him about boys or that I had unprotected, crazy sex.

I’m scared.

So many things are running through my mind. I don’t want to have a baby at seventeen. But what would I actually do if faced with that? My doctor gave me the morning after pill and I’m starting to feel queasy. Too many drugs in less than twenty-four hours is taking its toll. Gardening under the hazy sun was also a stupid idea.

“I’m going to take a break.” I stand feeling light-heated and a bit dizzy but hide it by walking slow. My hand grips the front porch railing tight and I sit on the rocking swing in the shade.

Katie waves from across the street and comes over.

“Can I have some lemonade, too?”

“Sure. Go right in and help yourself.”

She comes back out carrying a tall glass and sits next to me. “Where have you been, Tessa? I’ve missed you.” Her tiny chin wobbles.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been hanging out with a stupid boy.”

Her eyes widen.

“Did you kiss him,” she whispers.

“I did.”

“Gross.” We sit in silence and sip our drinks. I use one foot to gently rock the swing. “All my friends are at camp. I’m bored. Mommy and Daddy can’t afford camp, so my grandma watches me all day. She’s nice,” she breaks of shrugging, “… but sometimes I wish I could be with my friends, too. The mean girl I was telling you about, Evie, she’s going to pony camp. I’ve always wanted to ride a pony.”

“You’ve never?”

“I’ve never even pet one.”

Wheels start turning in my head. “I’m actually feeling a little sick. I’m not going to work tomorrow. Do you think your parents will let me drive you to the beach after we go somewhere special?”

Her cute eyes widen. “For real? You’d spend the day with me?”

“For real,” I nod, feeling warmth spread. She’s so easy to love. It’s easy to understand Ry’s pain.

“Tessa…”

“What, sweetie?”

“I think you feel sick because you kissed that stupid boy. Kissing spreads germs.”

I shake my head. Because she’s so right. I feel sick because kissing led to other things…that I hope she doesn’t learn about for a long, long, time.

“You know what, Katie? Just when you think nothing good happens, life can surprise you.”

She twists the ends of her shirt. She’s so sweet and a bit insecure. But best of all she has no idea the surprise she’s in for when tomorrow comes.

***

“Come in!” I yell, just as I save the document, I’ve been working on for over an hour in Google Drive.

“Hey.” Gabby comes in and flops on the bed next to me. “Why did you run out of Hill’s Head this morning? Did it have something to do with the two hotties brawling over you last night?”

“You heard, too?”

“Someone posted the video to YouTube.”

“You’re joking.”

She takes my laptop and enters my password. In less than a minute she turns it around and there it is. Me, wobbling half-drunk watching as Ry gets in Ty’s face. “I’m such a loser. I look like such a hot mess.”

“You’re the envy of every girl in Sea Crest over fifteen.”

I groan, bashing my head with my pillow. “We need to get this down before my mom finds out.”

“What really went down?”

I shrug. “Too much testosterone? I was a hot mess and Ry got pissed… I’m scared, Gabby. He’s leaving soon. I doubt he’ll drive down here to see his high school girlfriend every weekend when he starts his first semester at Harvard.”

“You can’t think about that now.”

“I have to. We-I let him…without a condom.”

“What? Why?” She screeches.

My hand slaps over her mouth. “Keep it down. I don’t need my mom freaking out on me.”

“I called my OBGYN and picked up the morning after pill. I actually feel a bit sick that’s why I’m in bed already.”

“Damn girl. I hope it works. Or you’ll be a whale senior year.”

“OMG. I can’t even. I just can’t.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’re not.”

“I know. It’s just that it got me really thinking about my future plans…I love him Gabby. I do. But I can’t stop deluding myself into believing our summer love doesn’t have an expiration date.”

She sighs. “I know. I’ve been feeling the same way about Barron. I pretend to be all confident, but I’m not at all. Sometimes, I think he doesn’t even like me at all.”

“That’s not true. He adores you.”

“Anyway. What are you working on?”

A wide grin splits across my face. “Making someone… actually…hopefully a lot of little girl’s dreams come true.”

She arcs an eyebrow. “And how are you going to do that?”

I texted Barron and Ry and asked them if it’s okay for me to bring Katie from across the street to Hill’s Head tomorrow to visit Cody. She’s never had a chance to meet a pony and the popular girls at her school all ride.”

She shakes her head at me, “You always had a soft heart, Tessa. That’s why I can’t stand it when it gets crushed. But I think it’s a great idea.”

“There’s more. I want to start a charitable foundation, but I need help. I want to surprise Ry. I need someone who knows about these things…,” I bite my lip, “Someone like Charles.”

“Okay. I can help with that. I’ll set up a meeting in his Outlook Calendar. But Tess, we can’t just walk in there. We need a business proposal, a name, a logo—a plan. We also need to file for 501 status with the feds as a tax-exempt business.”

“I know. I’ve already got a name, Abby’s Angels.”

“That’s perfect.”

“I know. I want to find people willing to donate lessons, time, even riding equipment and gear to girls in need. Girls whose parents can’t afford it. Girls like you and me.”

“Ryan is so going to fall in love with you if he hasn’t already.”

“It’s not about that. It’s about doing something good, something that makes sense and spread Abby’s light so that can live on.”

“It’ll look good on your resume, too. Starting a charity is a big deal, Tess.”

“I know. So, are you in?”

“Absolutely. Is this a surprise?”

“I’d like it to be. I don’t even want Barron to know.”

“Ok. Great. Abby’s Angels a place for girls to find their unicorns. Too cheese?”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing at her. “A little? How about…Abby’s Angels… forwarding the endless love a girl had for her horse.”

Now, it’s Gabby’s eyes that are bright with unshed tears. “It’s perfect Tessa. Just like you.”

“Oh, stop,” I smack her arm. “You know that’s not true. Besides, you’re the one with the prefect life right now dating Barron Foster.”

“I know. I keep waiting to wake up one day and just be the immigrant’s daughter from South Sea Crest.”

“Hey. Stop that. You are a freaking goddess with or without Barron Foster. Stop putting yourself down.”

She shrugs. “It’s an illusion. All of it. I’m driven and determined but the rest is just bravado I fake. I’m not confident at all, Tess. That’s my biggest secret. On the inside I’m scared I’m the chubby Latina girl with coke bottle glasses and a mouthful of braces.”

I squeeze her arm. “You haven’t been that in years. Besides, I thought that was me… minus the Latina part.”

“Spill. What’s your secret?”

My face turns red. A piece of my hair sticks to my sweaty cheek. I brush it aside. “Fine. My deepest secret is…maybe I’m into voyeurism and exhibitionism.”

“What?!” She shrieks.

“It was hot. Hearing you and Barron in Block,” I swallow looking away. “When I first saw Ry at Kittens, his hands slid up the back of my thighs. I couldn’t breathe as I waited and wondered if he’d touch me.”

“Did he?”

“No. But I wanted him to.”

We both burst into giggles before Gabby declares she’s starving and wanders down to the kitchen.

Can I do this? Pull off a charity dedicated to Abby using her beloved pony? Deep down I truly believe she’d want that. I never met her, but Ry’s told me so much about the sister he loved.

***

My kitten heel taps the carpet nervously. My sweaty palms smooth the crease of my pencil skirt.

“Relax. He’s going to say yes. It’s a charity for Ryan.”

“I know. It’s just that it’s CHARLES!”

“He’s not so bad. I don’t know why everyone is so freaked out by him.”

I stare at her as if she has two heads. “Do you…have a crush on him?”

“Ha. But he is definitely in the silver fox category.”

I roll my eyes just as the door opens. “Ladies.” He nods stiffly. He is hot. In an older dad, George Clooney kind of way. Or maybe it’s his arrogance and old money that clings to his tailored suit.

He glances at his wristwatch, it no doubt costs as much as my car. Maybe more.

“You have five minutes. So, pitch me ladies. Afterall, you are here to hit me up for some money. Am I right?”

Anger seethes in me. He just sees this…us…as two poor townie girls looking for a handout. “That’s not what this is.” I pop out of my chair and place my business plan on his desk, using my pointer finger to go over everything as I speak.

“I want to start a charitable foundation in the memory of Abigail Stone called, ‘Abby’s Angels.’ The purpose of the foundation will be to brighter the lives of underprivileged or special needs children using equine care therapy. We already have one pony. He’s in your stable. I’ve already printed dozens of studies showing the benefits of equine therapy on a range of individuals from Veteran’s to handicapped children. The thing is…, sir—I have no idea where to begin. How to legally do this.”

He sits back in his butter-soft leather chair, pinning his ice-blue gaze on me. The room stills.

“Seems to me you’re halfway.” He smiles the devil’s smile and my pulse quickens. He is hot. For an older guy and all. “Have you ever played chess?”

“Huh?”

“Watch and learn my little lovelies. I just played with Ryan a few weeks ago,” he winks as he picks up his desk phone, motioning us to be silent.

“Everett. Charles Foster here. I’m having my PA email you over the business plan for a non-for-profit charity. File the appropriate paperwork with the Feds to get tax exempt status. Open up a business bank account, get the whole damn ball rolling by the end of business today.”

He ends the call then dials another number, tapping his fingers on his polished desk as he waits for whomever he called to pick up.

“Darling, how are you? It’s Charles. Yes, well…I have a solution. A new charitable foundation has inquired about Cody. It’s an equine charity for kids. It gets Cody officially off your books and legally not your responsibility even though Ryan has physical custody of the pony. I went along with it but between you and me—I have no desire to permanently stable him,” he says all this while winking at us.

“Good. I’ll have the company’s attorney send the necessary paperwork to your attorney.” He makes small talk for a few minutes before hanging up.

“That’s settled. By the end of today Cody will officially belong to Abby’s Angels. Now we need a chair and a board of directors to ensure no one steals money or contributions to the foundation.”

I gasp. “That’s horrible.”

“I know. But in my circles, I’ve seen it all. Your charity won’t get far without a formidable board. One that certain wallets will have no problem opening for.”

I slump back in my seat. “I don’t know anyone like that.”

He frowns, clearing his throat.

“You would?”

“No. I’m going to be your first donor.” He opens his drawer and writes out a check from Foster Sailing and slides it across my desk. “Gabby. After we’re done here, take Ms. Andrews to Sea Crest Credit Union. Get Abby’s Angels a proper account.”

“Gladly.”

“Ms. Andrews, I nominate you Chair and Gabby co-chair of Abby’s Angels with the Board consisting of Ryan and Barron.”

I bite my lip. “What if…what if things don’t work out. I want this charity to be her legacy.”

He frowns, “Right. Well, you’re almost an adult. Just keep acting like one the way you are now. Don’t let the good work this could do, be de-railed by a summer crush. That goes to the both of you and both ways to the boys. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” we reply in unison.

“Good, because your five minutes is up.” He stands and motions for us to exit his office.

I move to gather my materials. “Leave it. I’ll need this to tie everything up. I need a logo and your final tag line. Have Gabby email it to my marketing department. We’ll get T-shirts, mugs, you name it made and I’d like to personally host a kickoff even for this charity at the Hill’s Head House. I trust you girls can plan all that?”

“Piece of cake,” Gabby winks.

“Did you just wink at Charles?” I practically screech when we’ve shut his door.

She sways her hips. “He’s a big teddy bear.”

“More like a Mako shark. I couldn’t stop staring at his teeth when he talked. They’re so white and perfect. Capped. Definitely all capped.”

“I hear he has a new girlfriend.”

“Is she legal?”

“Charles isn’t a pervert. She’s classy and older. Besides, shouldn’t you be grateful to the man? He took what you had on paper and turned it into something real.”

“I know. I’m going to personally write him a thank you. Old school. Like him,” I smirk. “I’ll see you on my lunch break. We can meet at the bank?”

She flips me the bird as I let myself out of Foster Sailing. I practically skip back to my car. Everything is finally right. Or as close as it could be. Katie’s eyes were as big as the moon when I took her to see Cody two days ago. I just know this charity will do so much for so many girls and boys. And in the meantime, I get to host a party at the Foster’s house. The only question is: Will my mom make the list?

CHAPTER FOUR

RYAN

“What…in the actual fuck?”

I pull past the valet and slam my Rover into park. Barron didn’t mention he was having a party when he frantically phoned me earlier telling me to get my ass down to Hill’s Head and that it was urgent; something to do with Cody.

A large, white tent is pitched on the lawn. It’s a fucking cougar croquet party. Older women dressed like they’re still twenty, strut around holding glasses of rosé while wearing huge sunhats.

I smile, on autopilot used to scenes like this while hiding my disdain behind my reflective aviators.

More than one, try to catch my attention as I walk through the crowd looking for Barron.

“Don’t be mad. She loves you.”

I turn finding Gabby standing behind me.

“Why would I be mad at my girl?”

“Ummm, I don’t know. Because you’re kind of unpredictable?”

I snort. “Not anymore.”

She raises her eyebrows. “She did this for you.”

“Did what?”

“You’ll see.” She passes me a cold drink and indicates for me to follow her to a reserved table closest to the small stage.

Charles walks up the steps and takes the microphone. “Thank you everyone for coming on such short notice. When two remarkable young women managed to get ahold of my Outlook calendar and mark themselves in, I was a bit annoyed. But then these two bright, young ladies floored me with what they had planned. I’d like to welcome Tessa Andrews and Gabby Cruz up to the stage.” I’m still a bit confused and also a bit amused as the crowd claps for my girl and Gabby.

“Th-thank you.” Tessa is nervous but as our eyes meet and I wink, she squares her shoulders and steadies her voice.

That’s right baby. You got this. Whatever “this” is.

“I’m Tessa. Tessa Andrews. We are all here today to recognize someone very special who is no longer with us, but her light will always shine and her love of ponies will always live on and spread so much joy…”

A lump forms in the back of my throat.

The sheen in my eyes are shielded behind my aviator’s. “I love you,” she mouths before continuing. “Today is the official unveiling of Abby’s Angel’s.” A curtain is lowered. Then I notice the clicker in Tessa’s hand. A projector is showing me Abby and Cody. In pink script above them is “Abby’s Angels.” Below is a tagline: bringing girls and ponies together.

“I have started a charitable foundation in her memory dedicated to transforming the lives of children with special needs or disabilities whether economic, or otherwise. We will bring them together with these gorgeous ponies to help heal their hearts or make them explode with happiness. Our first pony, Cody is already available for therapy sessions. Mr. Foster, our first patron, has generously given us the funds to hire a trainer familiar with starting up such programs. Hopefully, with your generous support, we can buy more ponies and start a summer camp next year.”

She pauses as clapping breaks out. My hands shake. Somehow, I swallow the lump clogging my throat and stride up the steps. I don’t care who sees how much I’m into this girl. My arms lift her inches above the ground as I sweep her into my arms and hold her tight. “Thank you so goddamn much, baby.” My voice is hoarse against her throat.

“So, was it a good surprise?”

“The best.”

Cameras click.

Lightbulbs flash.

We ignore it all as I hold her in our little bubble. For now, it’s just the two of us sharing a tender moment. One I wish could last.

“You’re not mad?”

“How could I be? When you’re so full of goodness, it shines from you. Your light’s a beacon. I knew it that first night on the beach. But Tessa—I don’t deserve you. My insides are still full of ugly things that should never touch you.”

She pulls back as I lower her back to the stage. Her soft hand cups my cheek. “Nonsense. That is complete crap. I see so much when I look at you…it takes my breath away.”

Gabby clears her throat as we’re forced to return to moment. She holds the mic and announces the arrival of the VIP guests. “Cody escorted by Katie.” More clapping erupts as a girl who looks to be about the age Abbs would be, leads Cody down the main aisle.

He looks regal. His mane is brushed out; his coat gleams. She leads him to the base of the stage. Tessa’s fingers rest on my forearm, “Here.” She hands me a garland chain made from fresh daises and wildflowers. I accepted it and walk down the stage. Unclipping his lead, I look Cody square in the eyes, “She’d be proud of you, boy.”

“She’d be proud of you, too,” Charles responds from where he stands to my left.

“Thanks,” I barely choke out as I lift the garland and place it over Cody’s head where it hangs around his neck.

“You’ve got a keeper in that girl.”

“Thank, Charles. I know.” My eyes meet Tessa’s and I raise my hand indicating she should join me.

I take Cody’s lead from the girl and clip it back on. With the horse in one hand and Tessa in the other, my heart feels almost full again. We walk back down the aisle. When we reach the back, I lead us toward the open field.

“I’m so fucking proud of you. You amaze me.” I lift her hand up to my lips, kissing her knuckles one by one.

“Honestly, I’m just relieved. Katie, the girl, is my neighbor. She never pet a horse before she met Cody…it sparked an idea and well Gabby and Charles helped me figure out the rest. I-I know your parents have been giving you a tough time about Cody.

You have him here, but they still legally owned him. Charles was able to guide them into signing him over to the charity. The charity owns Cody free and clear now and I’m the chairwoman. You are on the board of directors—” My kiss interrupts her. This girl. This girl is a gift and in this moment—I know exactly who sent her to me. I swing her up. Her arms cling to my neck as I twirl us in a circle as Cody munches grass a few feet from us.

“Thank you. Thank you for showing me it’s okay to love again.” I place her down. Her eyes shine bright as the sun overhead. “Do we need to go back?”

She shrugs, “Not really. Charles, Gabby and Barron are schmoozing the crowd, raising donations. My parents are working otherwise they’d be here.”

I link our fingers together. “Let’s spend the day together. Just the two of us.”

“I’d like that,” she whispers.

We let Cody munch some more grass before leading him to a fenced-in area where trees and the ocean breeze gives him relief from the summer heat. After taking off his halter, I smack his rump and tell him to run free. Maybe, I’ll find him a girl pony. The old chap deserves to love again, too.

***

I drive us down a windy road towards the bay. Tree branches from opposite sides of the road touch, creating an arch my Rover drives under.

“It feels as if we are driving through a forgotten forest.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” I remark as the engine hums as we take a curve.

“Where are we going?”

“Some place Barron showed me a few months back. We’re almost there.” I slow the SUV down, maneuvering through overgrown brush as I turn down a forgotten drive.

The dirt gravel is bumpy, but soon the trees clear. Overgrown wildflowers and wild roses take up much of what was once a cleared yard. She gasps.

“I know. It’s devastatingly beautiful.”

“What is this place?”

As soon as I shut the engine off, Tessa is out of the car. Her eyes are full of questions.

A beautiful mansion is unfinished. The view here is unmatched by any. The stucco walls stand proud but no one ever lived inside them. Ivy and the roses now climb high, curling at the top of the chimney that never had smoke curl up and dissipate into the clouds.

“It’s beautiful. Wild and… sad?”

“I know. But it’s special. I came here a lot when I first moved to Hill’s Head. I came here to drink…to think…to curse…to pray.”

“Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”

I take her hand in mine as I open the back of my SUV and take out the picnic lunch I had bought us at the market. She takes the blanket from me. We walk hand-in -hand silently through the shell of the house and sit in the shade on the other side.

Sailboats dance on the horizon, their huge sails billowing in the sea breeze. The flowers sway at our feet. The sky is cloudless. Cocooned in the woods we are hidden away. Stealing a moment that was meant for someone else.

I open the food and we eat in silence just enjoying the peace in shared solitude. “Tell me. Tell me why no one finished building this beauty behind us.”

I sigh. “It’s terrible. A man bought this land a hundred and some years ago for his true love. He was building her a mansion built of mortar, brick, and stucco. He wanted it to be strong to weather any storm. He did all this before even proposing to his true love. She was titled and came from a wealthy family, but none of that mattered…he came into ‘new money.’ He owned a shipping business and wanted to build this home and show her the future he’d give her if she consented to be his wife. Her family wouldn’t agree to the match and they made plans to elope. But them she caught the flu and died in his arms. He was so heartbroken he couldn’t finish this house. He never returned. To this day his descendants own this land but none of them will ever touch it. He stipulated such in his will as his wealth got transferred from generation to generation.”

“How do you know all this?”

“Because it was Barron’s maternal great-great grandfather. He left journals with the deed.”

“How awful.” Her cheeks are wet with tears as she weeps for the ill-fated love of the couple whose dreams never lived.

“I know. Barron inherited all of it. Charles wanted him to sell and make a profit, but Barron wouldn’t budge. It’s also a source of tension between them.”

“Yeah, I can imagine. I’m proud of Barron for not caving. Many people would have.”

“I know. He can be a wild prick at times, but he’d never do it. He came here a lot after his mom died.”

“That must’ve been so hard on him to lose his mom like that.”

“It was. He was forced to watch her deteriorate. They spared no expense. But in the end money couldn’t cure her cancer.”

“Money can’t cure a lot of things.”

“I wish my parents would learn that,” I snort.

She turns to me, with eyes full of worry. “Are we going to be okay, Ry? We’ve never talked about fall or how this is going to work.”

I swallow hard. I can’t tell her, not after how she showed her love for me and Abbs today.

“I don’t know what the future holds, Tessa. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.” I take the palm of my hand and place it on my heart. “But I do know that you are in here. That what we have right now is what I want. You are what I want. I’d never cheat on you or ruin this. I can’t hit pause and freeze time. I need not only to go to a top-notch university; I need to own it. Earning money is the only way I can free myself from my parents. I won’t take one cent from their crooked dynasty. I won’t.”

“I know. I admire that so much, Ry. You are your own man already in so many ways. But you’re wrong about one thing. We can hit pause. Right here. Right now. This moment is ours. I’m not wasting it.” She moves back, unzips her dress and lets it pool at her feet. My mouth dries as she unhooks her bra and that also falls.

She shimmies her panties down her silken thighs and let’s her hair tumble loose. She’s fucking sexy as hell and all mine. I stand, meeting her eye as I undress. I follow as she leads me through high grass and tall flowers to the small sandy beach. She wades into the clear water to her waist before diving forward. When she surfaces some fifteen feet beyond, droplets of salt-water cling to her tear-shaped breasts.

My mouth waters as I dive under, surfacing only to bring a nipple to my mouth and roll it on my tongue.

Her legs cross behind my back. “You’re right, my sweet mermaid. Time does stop for love. Let’s not waste it.”

My mouth parts on hers. Tongues dance. Hearts fuse. Our souls intertwine. Everything we are bleeds together. Even our breaths become one as I enter her.

I rest, nestled deep inside my girl knowing someday soon we won’t have this. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I love her, but I can’t speak. I choke on the words. Instead, I show her with my kiss; with the way I thrust my hips hitting her spot, just how much I cherish her.

Her lips find the side of my neck. Her nails dig into my back, urging me to go harder. She moves. Riding me as I plunge into her. She throws her head back, panting my name as I pull out groaning hers.

Wordlessly we float, feeling the sun on our faces as we play like we’re both free. Acting as if there is no tomorrow.

I hold her against me. The small waves lap against our naked skin as our hearts slow. Neither of us moves for minutes. Because we both know once we do the spell will break and time will start again.

Finally, I carry her out of the water and wrap us up in the blanket we sat on. We lay pressed together in the sand. Skin to skin. Heart to heart. I hold her close while wishing I really was a king and could rule over this abandoned piece of paradise with my golden queen by my side.

Maybe one day we will.

But not tomorrow. Tomorrow she needs to take another road while I sprint down another. We both have adulting to do before we can earn the right to forever.

“It’s late. I need to get home for a family dinner.”

“When will I get to meet your parents anyway?”

“How about…never?” She laughs.

“They can’t be that bad.”

“He’s not. She is.”

I raise an eyebrow. “My cocky ass grin won’t work on her?”

“No. But Barron’s would.”

“We’ll both come over then.”

Tessa’s face reddens. “She’d legit have a heart attack. Soon. Before summer’s over I’d like to have a cookout at my place. You and Barron need to experience South Sea Crest.”

“I’m not a snob, Tessa. Are you that afraid?”

She shrugs. “Maybe.”

“Don’t be. I’m not rich anymore. In fact, you my little penny pincher, probably have a bigger bank account than I do.”

“Ha,” she scoffs. “Not on my hourly wage. But it doesn’t matter. Money doesn’t turn me on.”

“Bad boys do?”

“The baddest,” she agrees, hooking a few fingers into my waist band.

“I better turn back into a raging beast then.” I tease, nipping her neck lightly.

Her giggle bounces back from the half-built walls. “Thank you,” I whisper huskily.

“For what?”

“For giving me a perfect day.”

“Well, there’s plenty more of those to come.”

But there weren’t. In fact, we’d never see another day like this again. It was the last one before the illusion of our perfect world was irrevocably shattered.

CHAPTER FIVE

TESSA

Something’s wrong. I just have a bad feeling in my gut that won’t go away and I can’t get any signal on my phone. Guess that’s about the only downside to being out at sea.

“Relax. He said he’d meet us at Bannister’s Wharf. Stop worrying.”

“I guess. But it’s just not like him not to answer any of my calls or texts.”

“Maybe he left Boston early to avoid traffic or he’s catching up on work?”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Gabby stands at the rail with her hair blowing in the wind. She’s carefree and relaxed. Her edge is just a little bit softer since she’s been with Barron.

“You wear it well.”

“What?”

“Your relationship with Barron.”

“Thanks. I’ve never been so happy, and Charles has been nothing but kind. I guess he’s not as stuffed up as he seems.”

“That or he’s probably just so relieved that Barron’s toned down since dating you. You’re both good for each other.”

“I know. This summer’s been like a dream for the most part. I can’t tell you how satisfying it’s been seeing Emily and Valerie at SYC when I’m with Barron.”

“Who’s Valerie?”

“She’s that puta who pinched me.”

“Did you tell Barron?”

“Nope. It’s much more satisfying watching her burn with envy,” Gabby replies, taking a sip of the mojito Jen made for her.

“I still think you should say something, but it’s your decision.”

Sighing, I lie back down feeling the heat of the sun on my skin as Barron and JD steer Her Majesty toward Newport Harbor.

“What are the plans for today?”

“Barron made dinner reservations at his favorite restaurant and Greg and The Bone Bags are playing at Newport Blues tonight. I definitely want to do both, but first I was hoping you and I could go shopping.”

“You’re the birthday girl Gabby. It’s your weekend.”

I’m amenable to whatever she wants. She picks up the control stick to the sound system and reggae music booms from the speakers overhead. I sip my frozen margarita and take in the magnificent view from the bow of the boat.

A few seagulls fly out in front, escorting us as we enter the Newport Harbor. The loud horn of Her Majesty’s blows, announcing to other boats in the water ‘that the queen is coming through.’

 Gabby raises her hand, giving a princess wave to them all. Shaking my head at her I say, “You forgot your tiara.”

“You’re right, I should have one.”

“I was joking.”

“No, it’s genius. It’s my birthday and I’ll wear a fricken crown if I want to.”

“Maybe you should slow down on the mojitos. We still have all day and night to get through.”

“I’m good. I don’t mix pills with alcohol, like somebody else I know.”

“None of this is going to your head, huh? Should I start calling you, Her Majesty?”

She just shrugs and goes back to waving.

Turning away from her, I stare at the beautiful scenery passing by: mansions sit on the hill where rolling acres of lawn meet the sea.

Straight ahead is the Newport Bridge arching over the water high up in the sky, connecting Jamestown and Newport.

As we pass by Wellington Avenue, I wave to a few children playing in the park. The soccer ball they were kicking is forgotten; the impressive size of the Majesty has them stunned.

“I’ve always loved Newport. My parents used to take me here a few times a year. We’d stop on our way to visit my Aunt Mel who lives about twenty minutes north of here in Little Compton. I haven’t seen her in a while. She and my mom go through their own ups and downs,” I tell Gabby, but she doesn’t hear me.

She’s distracted by all the attention that she’s receiving posing in her bikini on the tip of the bow.

We reach the deep-water dock that Barron has reserved for the Majesty at Bannister’s Wharf. The wharf’s located directly in the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport and Her Majesty gets a warm welcome from tourists shopping by the docks. They cheer and wave and of course, a few men whistle at Gabby.

Picking up my phone I’m happy to see that I finally have a few bars. Swiping my screen, I see a new text from Ryan:

Hey something came up. Won’t make it to Newport. Tell Gabby Happy Birthday from me

XOXOXO.

I text him back immediately, What’s going on? Are you ok?

He types back...I’m meeting with my parents. Call you later.

Of all the things that went through my mind of why Ryan cancelled, a meeting with his parents wasn’t one of them.

I can’t leave it alone.

I hit call, but his phone just goes to voicemail. My shoulders sag with defeat. I put my phone down with a sigh. I know today is supposed to be about Gabby but seeing Ryan has become the highlight of my life.

I feel like he might be the love of my life.

I’m lovesick.

The beautiful scene all around me just feels like a blank wall—there’s no color in my world when he’s not here to share it with me.

Sitting and hugging my knees with my long hair hiding my face, I have a pity party.

“What’s up? There’s no crying on mega yachts.”

Gabby finally remembers my presence.

“Does your arm hurt?”

“No why?”

“I thought it was going to fall off with all that waving you were doing. It was like watching a pageant queen in a parade.”

“True. But my float’s the best,” she replies, patting the fiberglass hull.

I roll my eyes.

“Gee Gabby, your newfound status isn’t going to your head at all.”

“Whatever. I’m grasping the moment like I told you I would. Why the long face?”

“Ryan’s not coming—something to do with his parents.”

“What? I thought he was estranged from them.”

“He is.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry, but it’s my birthday weekend and there is a no crybaby policy onboard. So, ship up! Or, I’ll have you walk the plank.”

Lifting my head at her ridiculousness, I crack a small smile.

“To the best birthday weekend ever, no one deserves it more,” I raise my glass.

Barron expertly guides the Majesty into her slip as the crew throws the bow lines to men waiting on the dock to tie us off.

Once all the lines are secured, the powerful engines shut off.

“Come on, let’s take some birthday selfies,” I suggest, trying to lighten up.

Barron and JD are up on the bridge, shaking their heads at the two of us posing in our bikinis with the world-renowned Newport Harbor in the background. We hand over our phones to a crew member who snaps a few pics.

“Hey, babe, are you ready to get this party started?”

“Yesssss— thank you so much, Barrie! You make me so happy!” Gabby wraps herself around him, hugging him tight as soon as he walked down the ladder from the bridge.

“Are you drunk already?” He holds her up as she sways even though the Majesty is still.

“Maybe a little. I just need to eat, then I’ll be fine.”

“Do you want me to have something prepared for you?”

“Let’s eat out, I want to do some window shopping.”

“Here babe—”

Barron rifles through a stack of hundred-dollar bills from his wallet. He folds them in half placing a thick wad firmly in Gabby’s palm.

“No. I’m not going to take your money. I love the life that you’ve shared with me, but this is too much.”

“It’s nothing, treat yourself.”

Gabby unfolds the bills counting them.

“Babe? Twelve-hundred dollars? No that’s loco and I’m not taking it.”

“Fine, I’ll just have to buy you something outrageous then.”

“Just feed me,” Gabby says kissing him softly and puts the money back into the pocket of his shorts.

***

The four of us spend the afternoon wandering in and out of the tourist shops on Thames Street walking off a heavy seafood lunch that Barron insisted on paying for.

I miss Ryan.

My phone’s still silent, but least JD’s here. Linking my arm through his, we follow Barron and Gabby down a cobblestone street.

Barron stops in front of a row of parked Vespas, picking up a helmet that’s hanging on the handle. He hands it to Gabby, “Want a tour of Ocean Drive?”

“I’ve never been on one of these,” she says hesitantly.

“Don’t worry. Just hang on tight to me.”

“That I can do.”

JD follows Barron inside to rent the small scooters for the day, leaving Gabby and I to pick out which one’s we want to ride.

“I know you’d rather be holding onto someone else, but I’ll still give you a good ride,” JD says coming up from behind me. I playfully smack his arm and get on.

I hold on tight as he zips us around Ocean Drive, the most scenic road in Newport. It curves around the peninsula bordering the sea. It’s New England’s version of the Amalfi coast.

We zip past mansions built in the roaring twenties; a throwback to America’s golden age, reminiscent of the days of speakeasies and The Great Gatsby.

Hell, Barron Foster could pass as Gatsby himself.

I tap JD’s shoulder signaling him to pull over at Brenton Point. In the park, huge kites and windsocks fly high overhead and kids laugh running with their ice cream cones fresh off the truck.

I smile seeing their faces full of sheer joy, remembering when all it would take was an ice-cream to be happy.

Taking my helmet off, I shake my hair out and pull my phone from the back pocket of my denim shorts. There’s no missed calls and no texts from Ryan.

This isn’t like him at all.

I snap a few pics of me and JD and send them to him, wanting him to see what he’s missing.

JD and I stroll through the park, across the lawn to an empty patch of thick grass. It’s a perfect spot to watch the waves break on the massive rocks below.

JD turns to me, “So… how are you really? We haven’t talked much lately, but Barron filled me in on a few things on our way up here.”

I pick a blade of grass, tearing it with my fingers.

I let it flutter to the ground.

Snapping a few pics on my phone of the ocean stretching out across the sky, I post them to my Facebook and Instagram pages.

“I don’t know. Things are moving so fast while the start of summer was slow. Each day was the same. The routine was simple… wake up, drink coffee, go to work. But ever since that weekend on Block Island, my days seem shorter and the weeks are going by faster. I’m scared. As much as I want to  tart our senior year so it ca be over—I never want this summer to end.”

“That’s not what I was alluding to and you know it.”

“I know. I guess I’m just embarrassed. But I’m not pregnant. I’ve made a lot of mistakes lately and I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I knew what I wanted—where my life was going. Then bam, I meet Ryan. Now, I’m not so sure about anything.”

“It’ll be okay. Things have a way of working out,” he says rubbing my shoulder.

“I hope so. For once, I hope so. I’m in love with him JD. I couldn’t stop myself. But I’m scared at how it’ll work when Ryan has his life in Boston…hours away.”

“Has he ever invited you there?”

“No.”

“Hmm…”

“I know what you are thinking but I trust him completely. He wants to get out of the cramped city on the weekends and visit his best friend on the Majesty. After seeing Barron’s lifestyle, can you blame him?”

“I wish you the best. I hope you know that. Since I’ve gotten to know Ryan this summer, I believe he likes you too, no games. But whatever happens, you’ll always have me.”

“Thanks, JD. I love you—you know.”

“I know.” He hunches over, hugging his knees, his eyes downcast.

“What’s going on with you?”

He shrugs, “Nothing much, I still don’t know which college to go to or how I’m going to afford it. I’m not dating anyone right now.”

“Whatever happened to the girl you met at the beginning of summer?”

“She wasn’t for me. She couldn’t hold an intelligent conversation. I got bored.”

“That sucks.”

“We should probably go, before Gabby freaks out that we have gone missing on her birthday weekend,” he groans dramatically.

***

“Shots on yachts!” Gabby exclaims as Jen carries out a tray.

“I think you should slow down.”

But there’s no stopping her—she downs her fifth lemon drop and grabs the control to the Majesty’s sound system from Jen’s pocket.

Ride plays at full volume.

My chair shakes from the vibration.

“Gimme that!” I try snatching the controller.

“Loosen up,” she yells like a petulant child.

“I’m taking my time on my riddeeeee...” Gabby sings at the top of her lungs. She knocks into the table and I have to reach out and catch a glass from falling and shattering.

I’m ruining her fun, but I don’t want to get drunk and stumble back in high heels. Besides, I need to make sure she has a good time safely.

As much as Barron’s a great boyfriend, I can’t picture him holding her hair back if she pukes and I’m sure she will, later on.

Actually, I’d bet money on that happening.

Barron joins us on the aft deck dressed in a navy-blue blazer and white shirt. The top buttons are undone giving us a peek of his hairless golden and chiseled chest. Khaki shorts and boat shoes finish his look.

I can tell he’s pissed.

“What the hell is going on?” he yells, taking the remote from Gabby and turning the music down.

“Thank God. I think I burst an eardrum. What’s up with the sport coat? Isn’t it a little hot for that?” I ask.

“It’s a yacht club thing. All members of the Newport Yacht Club dress in these colors. This navy-blue blazer embroidered with this distinct emblem can only be worn by members, purchased by members,” he points to the patterned insignia on the pocket.

“Oh. I forgot you belong to two yacht clubs,” I say.

“I belong to at least a dozen. It’s a tax write off for work purposes, networking and such.”

“I’ve heard enough about yacht clubs already. I want to party,” Gabby demands.

I roll my eyes at her, “Alright, birthday girl, let’s give you the night you’ve been waiting for.”

***

I’m miserable.

It sucks being the only one sober in the middle of a dance floor.

I’ve had at least four drinks spilled in my hair, dress, and feet.

This probably happened to me a dozens of times before, but I never even noticed or cared.

But now, the scene feels old.

I’m tired and I want to leave.

I’m hoping Gabby will sweat out all the alcohol she’s been downing. Her new diamond tennis bracelet catches the light every time she moves. Barron’s definitely a generous guy.

The bar’s not closing for another forty-five minutes and I’m not sure if I’m going to survive.

“I’m so hungry. I want pizza and then I want to party in the hot tub,” Gabby says, slurring slightly.

“Gross.”

“Shut up, I’m hungry.”

“I meant the hot tub part,” I tell her.

“Oh, Tess. It gets drained and cleaned daily. It only takes twenty minutes for the fresh water to pump in,” she says, unfazed.

Looking over to Barron and JD, I notice that they are equally wasted, having given in to Gabby’s demands to drink with her. Shaking my head at them all, I suggest we get the diva her food.

“Why don’t JD and I head back to the Majesty, and start getting the hot tub prepped,” Barron tells us.

“Sounds good, man,” JD says, slapping him on the back.

I guide Gabby out into the night toward the Greek pizza place we passed earlier. A sign in the window advertised that they stay open until two A.M. for late night pizza emergencies.

Gabby orders three large slices with cheese.

She savors each one. By the time she’s finished and swigs her Diet Coke, a full hour has passed.

I snap a pic of her burping and text it to Barron before she can stop me.

“Bitch,” she says trying to grab my phone.

She’s a hot mess and her hand to eye coordination is way off.

She knocks over the Coke bottle and I clean up her mess. She stumbles out, holding onto me, and we slowly make our way toward the docks passing groups of drunks.

Any other time I would find this hysterical, but I’m just not in the mood.

“Tonight, was so much fun,” she says as I help her out of her heels before we board. The Majesty’s silent and no lights are on inside the main salon.

“I don’t feel like going in the hot tub. I’m tired,” I tell her.

“Okay, can you just help me get changed?”

“Sure.”

I take her down and help her get out of her dress and find her bikini. I hand her a bottle of water and hug her goodnight.

“Ugh, I have to pee so bad. Good night,” she tells me as I close the door.

I decide to head up to the aft deck and call Ryan. It’s eerily quiet out here. There’s no sign of Barron or JD. Barefoot, I climb the stairs to the main deck, stopping short.

I freeze not sure exactly what I’m seeing.

Soft moans and the sound of kissing lips speak softly in the wind. Two tanned, hard bodies are linked together in passion.

The water from the hot tub spills over its side as the jets pump more in.

 Barron’s head is thrown back in ecstasy and it’s suddenly clear the sound I was hearing wasn’t kissing, as JD’s head bobs up and down in the water.

I can’t move.

Everything is in slow motion; my brain numbs… not fully processing what my eyes are seeing.

The two of them are oblivious and fully engaged in the passion they are sharing. Barron’s hands are on the top of JD’s head. He’s moaning, urging JD to take him in deeper as he watches through half-closed eyes.

I can’t look away.

My first coherent thought is to get to Gabby, to stop her from coming up here.

But it’s too late.

“What the fuck is going on?”

I’m not sure who to look at— the boys who just got busted or Gabby shaking with fear and rage.

Barron’s amber skin has turned white. His face is pale, his eyes are wide with fear and shock. JD straightens up with his massive dick rising out of the water.

“Oh, my God!” I scream, covering my eyes.

Seeing him naked is too much.

I start shaking and crying as the full implication of what’s happening hits me.

But Gabby’s not moving.

She’s silent.

My fear of what she might do propels me forward. I take control of the situation and throw JD a towel, yelling, “Get out. Get the hell out!”

“Tessa—”

“GET FUCKED JD! JUST LEAVE.”

He finally complies, scrambling out of the hot tub.

Gabby’s shaking her head slowly, backing away.

“Nothing happened, right, Tessa? We both saw nothing,” she looks at Barron, “it’s okay, baby. This is my fault. I was too drunk earlier. I know you have a high libido. It’s not like you paid a hooker or anything.”

I stare at her in disbelief and empathy. She desperately wants to cling to the illusion of her perfect relationship.

“I know you love me. This doesn’t change a thing,” she moves toward him.

But he puts his hand up, “I can’t do this anymore Gabby. Please stop.”

Tears fall from this golden man just as broken in the hot tub as Gabby’s heart is about to be.

“No, shush, baby, don’t say it,” she whispers putting her fingers to his lips trying to stop more words from spilling out.

“I’m sorry. I tried. I really, tried, please know that I never meant to hurt you. I thought I could turn it off, but it’s always been there. I can’t lie and pretend anymore with my close friends. Gabby sweetheart look at me. I’m gay. I always have been.”

She reels back shaking her head in denial.

“No, no. Ooooh, Cristo. My God. Madre de Dios,” she cries, alternating between Spanish and English.

She’s in a state of disbelief and shock. Her keening cries ring out as she tries to process what we both witnessed.

Barron gets out of the hot tub and puts his bathing suit back on, unashamed of his own nakedness.

“I can’t change who I am. I’m sorry. I’ve been faking it for so long. The pressure’s too much and I lost control,” he starts to choke on his words, “you—for these last few months, being with you… was the closest I could ever come to having a real relationship with a woman. I’m sorry. I tried. I thought maybe—I’m just not wired that way.”

His words seem to wake up the fury that I know must have been waiting under the surface, the Gabby I know awakens as if he physically slapped her.

“What the fuck, Barron? I was your scapegoat? You used me? Banged me all night long, locking eyes, whispering words of tenderness and it was all bullshit?”

Her words are loud and explosive, while her body is slow and deliberate. She’s a cobra about to strike as she inches forward.

Backing away, I press my body into the cold fiberglass wall behind me, wondering how I didn’t see it.

Were there any clues?

I need to call Ryan, but my phone is on the deck by the hot tub. I must’ve dropped it in my hurry to get a towel to cover JD.

“Gabby. I tried. For you, I did. I—love you. I just can’t fall in love with you.”

“Hijo de puta, eres un joto, puto!”

She unleashes hellfire on him in Spanish cursing him while springing forward and slapping him silly. Her hands are lightning quick, hitting him all over. Barron just stands there silently taking the punishment.

I can’t stop watching the trainwreck.

It’s as if I’m watching a movie, but finally I snap out of it knowing someone needs to intervene.

Hooking her arms from behind, I grab her as she struggles to reach out and slap him some more.

“Gabby…please, I want to still be friends with you. This summer meant something to me. I do love you—I just can’t be with you like that anymore.”

“Did you love me when you had sex with me this morning?”

I hear a shocked gasp, turning around to find JD standing behind us. His eyes are full of hurt and betrayal.

Barron gives him a wistful look of apology.

“I don’t ever want to see either of you again.”

Gabby turns to JD and points her finger at him, “Eres un pendejo,” she hurls.

“Come on, let’s go. I’ll get us out of here,” I tell her pulling her by the elbow and guiding her to the stairs.

“Wait! Please! My father can’t know about this. Both of you need to keep your mouths shut. He’ll kill me…please.”

We don’t acknowledge him and keep moving.

“Gabby! You can’t tell anyone about this. I need you both to swear to it. Do you understand? Not one, not one word or I’ll have my father fire you.”

“Do you think I give a flying fuck about my job right now? I just walked in on JD, on his knees sucking you, my boyfriend—off, on my birthday. For fuck’s sake!”

“Yes, Gabby, we all know it’s your birthday, sweetie,” JD says with a finger wave.

“Pinche idiota,” she screams back at him.

“I’ll deal with you later,” I say to JD with conviction.

Gabby continues with a string of curses in Spanish and I realize I need to get her out of here before someone loses their nuts.

“How could you do this to me? I loved you both,” she screams falling to her knees sobbing. Barron seems to have regained control. His mask is back on, firmly in place.

“Come on, Gabby. You knew my rep. Did you really think that…you could change me? The biggest player up and down the coast? That I would change for you? Even if I weren’t gay that might be a stretch. But don’t be so hard on yourself. You never had a chance. Do you know how hard it was for me, pretending to enjoy being with a woman? You reminded me of someone that I met in Miami last year…why did you think I only liked it from behind? I could look at your ass with its mocha skin and pretend you were him as I slid in and out,” he finishes.

With his arms draped back bracing himself against the side of the hot tub…he’s still the King.

“Fuck you Barron Foster!” I rush him, cracking him hard across the cheek.

My hand stings from the slap and his face is red where my fingers marked his perfect skin.

I don’t regret my actions for a second.

Gabby’s curled up in a ball sobbing profusely on the deck. Her keening cries sound like a sick coyote. Jen rushes up to the deck, “Is everything alright?”

“Get back to bed, Jen. This is nothing you need to worry about.”

“They finally know then.

“What? You’re fucking fired! Get off my boat now! I pay you to keep your mouth shut!”

Stunned, I look at Jen. That bitch knew this whole time?

“Let’s go. We’re getting out of here,” I tell Gabby firmly, grabbing her arm and forcing her away. JD’s still behind me wrapped in a towel, pacing.

“You promised me that you’d stop sleeping with her. How could you?” JD fires.

“No, I told you I would break up with her after her birthday. I didn’t want to spoil it.”

“My God, that’s rich. You arrogant, self-entitled prick,” I tell Barron.

I turn to JD, “How could you? After all the lectures you gave warning me and Gabby about them? How ironic that you’re the one who betrayed us. Does Ryan know about any of this?” I gesture between him and JD.

“No. Of course not. And you need to let me tell him. He has to hear this from me.” Barron sighs finally caring about someone else’s feelings.

“He’s my boyfriend and I need him, right now!”

“He was my best friend long before he was your boyfriend and I need him first, Tessa.”

Barron steals my phone before I can get to it.

“Seriously Barron? You’re only making this worse for yourself. Snap out of it, ass wipe, and think about someone else for a change. I never would’ve figured you to be gay, but I guess you are the self-absorbed prick that I always took you for.”

I look back for Gabby, but she’s gone.

“I have a lot to lose. Inheriting my father’s business and my status at the yacht club could be at stake. I need to divulge this on my own time.”

“What you’ve just lost is much more valuable than any of that. Now give me my phone. I’m taking Gabby and getting the fuck out of here.”

“It’s almost three in the morning. Where are you going to go?”

“Let me worry about that JD—you’ve lost that right.”

“I’m warning you Tessa, keep your snarky mouth shut or I’ll sink your relationship with Ryan,” Barron finally hands over my phone.

“I was a fool. I thought you were good for her. You have no idea how much this will crush her. Why did you let her fall in love with you? You’re a loser. As for Ryan, I’ll give you fifteen minutes before I call him, starting now. I can’t believe you hid behind your secret like a coward.”

Taking my phone, I rush down to the stateroom that I will never sleep in again. Looking around wistfully, I gather my things. Charging to the bathroom I clean out my toiletries.

She’s there lurking in the corner, the sea siren made of stone. Now I understand what her smug eyes were trying to tell me.

I throw everything quickly into my overnight bag and rush off to find Gabby.

Dashing down the hall, I hurriedly scroll through my contacts and find Aunt Mel.

My thumb hits call without hesitation.

“Tessa? Did you mean to call me?”

“Yes. Aunt Mel—I can’t explain right now. I have a small emergency. I’m in Newport with a friend, can you come get us?”

“Where are you?”

“Bannister’s Wharf.”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

I disconnect feeling relieved that I have a plan to get Gabby off this sinking ship.

“Oh shit.”

Arriving at Barron’s stateroom, I pause at the destruction inside.

She’s trashing the place.

Lamps are sideways and the bed is destroyed.

I step over Barron’s strewn designer clothing. They’re soaking wet and reek of beer. Gabby is over by the mini fridge popping cans of Barron’s favorite German stout.

She takes a few sips then turns them upside down, dumping it all on the rug. I watch her clumsily climb into the bed.

Pulling down her panties, she squats on the mattress.

Dumping my bags, I rush her. “Don’t! Be better than this, better than him.”

I pull her panties up for her, when she collapses into my arms.

“Why Tess? Why me?”

Still drunk and now tired, her hair’s limp and sticky. Her eye makeup has smeared down her face. Her skin’s wet with sweat and beer. She alternates between hiccupping and crying—speaking a little broken Spanish in between.

“I don’t know. Let’s just get out of here. My aunt is coming for us. We’ll go back to her house, sort this out and get cleaned up. I’m here for you, Gabby. We’ll get through this together.”

“Okay.”

She leans on me and we get up. Gathering her bags, we leave the room.

No one escorts us off the Majesty.

As we walk off the ramp to the dock, I know in my heart that I will never step foot on this yacht again.

I turn around for one last look and see Barron out on the top deck. His silhouette is illuminated against the dark sky. I can’t see his face well, but the bottle in his hand is hard to miss. He puts it to his lips taking a long swig.

I walk Gabby down the dock to the brick walkway passing shuttered restaurants. We find an old worn bench under a tree and wait for our rescue.

Facing the road, I stare out into the deserted night seeing nothing but emptiness. Getting my phone, I call Ryan.

“Tessa—I’m on the other line with Barron.”

“What did he say?”

“That he and Gabby had a huge fight and JD got involved.”

“Well, JD certainly got involved, but he’s not telling you the truth. You need to get here. Now. It’s bad.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can baby. Hold on.”

“We’re gone. Gabby and I just left the Majesty and Ryan—I’m never going back.”

“What the hell happened?” He roars.

“You need to hear it from Barron. I’ve got to go. My aunt’s here. She’s taking us back to her house.”

“Be safe and get some sleep. Text me, if you’re still up later. I love you, Tessa.”

“Did you just say that?”

“Yes. I did.”

“I love you, too. I’m so crazy in love with you. I’ll call you later.”

I look over at Gabby staring at me with a mixture of hate and envy.

“Sometimes, I hate you.”

“Why?”

“You’ll never understand.”

I decide to let her comment go. We just need to get the hell out of here and make it through the rest of the night.

I usher her into the back of my aunt’s Mercedes E350; a parting gift from her ex-husband. Aunt Mel doesn’t ask any questions as she drives us through the dark, empty streets.

Gabby cries softly while I stroke her hair and whisper that it will be alright.

But both of us know it won’t be.

I’m completely Gobsmacked and I wonder if I’m going to have to choose sides. Gabby’s. JD’s. Ry’s. Where are we all going to be when the dust settles?

CHAPTER SIX

BARRON

Acid burns the back of my throat.

I feel like shit.

But years of suppressing who I really am, broke free tonight. I’m relieved. But scared as hell Charles will disown me. He’s as conservative as they come. Uptight as all fuck and is expecting an heir to continue the family name someday. I throw my head back and stare at the stars. If only my mother hadn’t died. Would I have come out by now? Would she have helped me tell him?

There was no way I could have at Pine Point. Some guys on the football team were already suspicious. I had a crush on Simon Pierce. He was two years older and the wide receiver. I stared at him too long. Snuck too many secret glances his way in the cafeteria.

More than a few people noticed. That’s when I went nuts on social media, snapping selfies with as many half-naked chicks I could with a drink in hand. I was the one who spread rumors about myself. About my parties, how many girls I’ve banged… My hand reaches for the back of my neck.

“You okay?”

JD steps from the shadows.

“I-I’m scared,” I barely manage to swallow. The lump in my throat is titanic.

He awkwardly shuffles over. “It’ll be okay. They’re both pissed as fuck. Rightfully, so…but Tessa and Gabby won’t breathe a word.”

My blues eyes cut right through him. “Gabby will.”

“You don’t have a fucking clue, do you? She won’t say shit. You just made her the laughingstock of Sea Crest by pretending to be into her when you’re only into dudes. Why? Why her? Why did you have to take it that far with pretending?”

I shrug. “I hoped I was bi. I-I Jesus… you can’t fucking know the pressure to be perfect in my world. To be Charles Foster’s blue-blooded son.”

“No. I don’t have a fucking clue about all that shit. I’m fucking scared too. My two best friends just walked out on me tonight. I might never get them back. Tessa’s been there for me since… fuck!” He balls his fists. “I don’t know what I was thinking or hoping for.”

“You kept your secret, too. It’s not all on me.”

I grab the back of his head as his own tears break free. My lips find his, a low groan vibrates through his chest as my tongue touches his.

“Fuck, I want you,” he breaks away, pressing the back of his hand against his swollen lips.

My cock is hard pointing at his.

“I’m a fucking asshole. Despite what just went down, I’m horny as fuck just looking at you.”

JD shakes his head. “I can’t. This…,” he gestures between us, “can’t happen. I can’t lose her over you.”

“What if you already did?”

“Then I deserve it. I’m just as much of a fucktard as you for doing this to Gabby. I don’t know how—but you need to find a way to make this right. So, do I.” He grabs his bag over his shoulder and walks down the stairs.

“Where are you going? It’s almost three in the morning.”

“Anywhere but here.”

I watch him walk away just like Gabby and Tessa did.

Everyone leaves me.

No one stays.

It’s always been this way until I met Ryan. I crushed on him hardcore when we first met. But then we became tight and it wasn’t like that for me anymore.

I could lose them all. Even my own father, but I can’t lose my brother. I can’t lose Ry. If I do—I might as well just fuckin, disappear too.

I raise the tumbler in my hand to my lips still tasting his on me as I swallow the aged to perfection scotch.

What a fucking mess.

While everyone was having their summer of dreams, I was trapped in a nightmare. It’s dark as fuck out on the water but everyone has woken up…dreams died tonight. And I single-handedly wrecked them all.

My cell rings from the pocket of my discarded shorts still laying on the deck. “Fuck,” I breath out hard. I pad over to my discarded clothes reaching into my pocket, fingers flinching when they find the phone. I don’t want to know who it is. But I can’t run from this anymore, either.

“Hey,” I choke out.

“What the fuck is going on, Barron?”

“Ry… did she tell you?”

“Tess? She just told me to get my ass to Newport. What happened? Why did they go?”

“I-I can’t do this over the phone.”

“For fuck’s sake! Just spit it out. Did you cheat on Gabby? Snort a line of coke? Jesus. Fuck. Barron!” He roars.

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, you will be. It’ll be four a.m. when I get into town. I expect your ass to be up with an explanation.” He ends the call.

My hands shake.

As pissed as they both were, they gave me the dignity to tell Ry myself. With hunched shoulders I gather my clothes and tuck them under my arm as I walk inside still dressed in only a towel.

The door to my stateroom is wide open. She trashed the damn place. Tore it to hell and shredded my inner sanctum just as I shredded her to her very core. I’m not even mad. I sit on the end of the beer-soaked bed and let the tears clogging my throat fall.

I was so wrapped up in faking it to everyone…deluding even myself, that I had never stopped to even consider Gabby. I thought I’d just let it fizzle out in the fall. I’d be in Boston free from the lens of Sea Crest. Ry would be busy busting his ass as usual and I’d be free to be myself without all the bullshit here.

I thought Gabby would never know unless I decided to come out years from now.

But this…this fucking wrecked the girl. It was in her eyes. In the lines of her body. I broke Gabby’s spirit tonight, watched it escape from her body and float up to the sky.

I don’t deserve to be forgiven. I got hard thinking of my old lover and pictured him instead of her every damn time. Sometimes, I even slipped a little ecstasy into my drinks…anything to help me hide my truth.

CHAPTER SEVEN

RYAN

Dread fills me.

Adrenalin keeps me awake.

Instead of the fun-filled weekend I had hoped for with my girl—my world has turned to shit. Again. I’m cruising down the Interstate to Newport. Thoughts of my already fucked-up day replaying in my head.

My parents are messed-up. When they tried to lure me back using Cody and that backfired—they found a way to extort me using HSB. When I had gained early acceptance, I didn’t think I’d need scholarships when my family has been loaded for generations.

They’re both using my college education as a noose around my neck. When they ordered me to meet them at their new house and I flatly refused, they warned me they wouldn’t pay Harvard. My fall semester tuition bill is already late.

I’m fucked without their financial help and they know it. My internship pays me a bit, but not nearly enough to afford one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country.

I had agreed to meet them on neutral ground at the Boston Yacht Club. “Ryan, this nonsense ends now,” my father warned.

“You call my anger at Abbs, nonsense?”

My mother’s lips thinned. “Enough. We’ve all suffered.”

“Really?” I smirked.

My father’s face turned the color of his stuffed Lobster. He threw down his napkin and slapped the flat of his palm on the table. “Apologize to your mother. Do it. Or you can kiss HSB goodbye.” He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out the carefully folded tuition bill, unfolding it until it lay flat on the table between us.

“Make your choice. Right here. Right now. Ditch the Foster’s and become a Stone again.”

My answer was my back as I stood and walked away from the two of them again.

What kind of parents hold their son’s college education over his head?

Shitty ones.

I was stunned that they attempted to wield it like a weapon. But then again, my family didn’t become millionaires by playing nice. I had just always chosen to focus on sports, Abby and my friends rather than delve into how we became so rich.

I gunned the engine to my Rover as I peeled out and drove for hours, ending up on the same cliff overlooking the Atlantic... standing in the same spot with fists clenched as I stared out at the ocean wondering why. But the answer still eluded me.

Barron would lend me the money in a nanosecond if I asked. But he and Charles have already done so much for me. I can’t ask them to keep bailing me out. I need to man up and handle my own shit. I’m going to go to a fucking Ivy League school it just might not be Harvard anymore.

“Abbs,” I had whispered tracing her name etched in granite with my finger. “Cody is doing well. I’m giving him apples and mints. He misses you though. I can see it in his eyes. I’d never let Mom and Dad sell him. Tessa was so brilliant when she came up with the idea to start your charity. So, don’t worry. I’ll keep him safe.”

I sat there on that hill for the entire afternoon. Spilling all my secrets… telling Abbs all the bad things I had done since she left this world. The emotional purge left me wrung out. After, I drove back to the townhouse Barron had leased and crashed.

Until my phone blew up.

Something bad went down in Newport. And now an hour or so before dawn breaks, I parallel park and jog my way through empty streets to where the Majesty is docked.

I board and head straight to the top deck. Barron is hunched over, clutching a bottle of scotch to his chest.

“Fuck. You’re wasted?”

His raises bloodshot eyes to where I’m standing with a hand on my hip.

“I don’t even know how to say this…or where to start…so I’m just going to come straight out and say it.”

“Say what?”

“That I’m gay.”

My eyes widen. “Bro? Stop fucking with me. What the hell is going on?” I swipe the bottle from his limp hand and take a long swig. Fuck, I need a drink too after the shitty day I had.

His eyes are gutted as he watches me drink. “What?”

He shakes his head. “Gabby was shit-faced and had the munchies. Tess took her to a pizza place. JD and I left the bar to get turn the hot tub on. We ended up making out. One thing lead to another—and I ended up naked in the swirling water with JD’s mouth wrapped around my cock. Tessa… she found us.”

The way he spoke. So, matter of fact with dead eyes… I knew he wasn’t fucking with me.”

“Jesus. H. Christ.” I sink to the fiberglass floor next to him. “You could have told me. You should have told me.” I take another swig, feeling numb, just trying to process.

“No, I couldn’t have. Not when I was still lying to myself. Denying my own truth and hiding behind bullshit pussy party rumors that I started myself.”

“JD is…?”

“No, he’s bi. I just…I liked the attention. We hung out a lot up on the bridge flirting and shit. Gabby would’ve cut my dick off if she had a knife.”

“Dude… How did you do it? How could you do it?”

His shoulders slump even more.

“I just did. I took E sometimes. Fuck… I’d fuck anything after two hits. Then black out after.”

I rub my sweaty palms on my thighs. “What now?”

“I don’t know. You don’t hate me?”

“Fuck, no. You’re my brother,” I glare hard at him. “I want to kick your ass right now, I won’t lie. But we’ve been through so much shit together. What’s one more scandal?”

Tears fall from his hazy eyes. We sit in silence passing the bottle back and forth until it’s kicked.

“I need sleep. Then I’ll handle Gabby and Tess. They’re at Tess’s aunt’s house in Little Compton.”

“I’m relieved. I was worried when they took off in the middle of the night. She trashed my room. Even the carpet needs to be replaced.”

“Dude. You’re lucky. Gabby? Hell, I’d expect her to dump fuel all over this ship and flick a match.”

He shudders. “She still might.”

“We better get this lady out of here and drop anchor in the harbor.”

He stands on shaky legs. “I’ll do that right now.”

“I’m coming with. You’re cocked.” I smirk, trying not to laugh. “And you like cock…”

“Asshole,” he mutters, punching my arm.

“Oh, I’m gonna tease the shit out of you. My cousin likes dick too. I could set you guys up on a date…?”

He grins. I wrap a forearm around his head and bring him in close for a nuggie. My fisted knuckles dig into his scalp.

“Ouch! Motherfucker!”

“That was for Gabby.” I let go and tweak his nose. “That was for not telling me.”

His lips quirk. Good. I brought him back around. He needs to face this shit head on and not turn to the bottle like I did when I lost Abbs.

I yawn, stretching wide and flex my biceps. “Seriously? I’m hot as fuck? You never crushed on me?”

He turns his head. “Nope. I like Latin dudes. Mocha skin and dark eyes.”

“Jesus. Okay.” I follow him up to the bridge. Barron picks up his walkie and tells the deck crew the plan. “Have you ever been in love?”

He jerks his head. “No. Almost. Once…but I had to leave Miami and come home.”

I put a hand on his shoulders. “You’ve got time.”

“What am I going to do about Charles. He’s going to lose his shit.”

“Or he could surprise you.”

“Doubtful. Look at the shit your parents pulled.”

“True. They have me cornered. They’re pulling HSB unless I fall back in line.”

“Fuck them. I’ll pay.”

“No. I need to stand on my own two feet, bro. I appreciate everything I do. But how can I ever be my own man if you keep bailing me out?”

“What are you going to do?”

Groaning, I swipe a hand over my forehead then open my eyes, staring straight ahead. “London is back on the table. It’s the only way. My head was spinning all day on what I could still do. I texted my boss. He said he could pull more strings and get me in on the company’s dime, if I sign a contract that I work for them for at least five years upon graduation. Probably in The New York office on Wall Street. It’s a sweet deal.”

“Fuck. I’m not the only one with secrets. What are you going to do about Tess? She’s going to be pissed that you’re standing with me while she’s with Gabby.”

“I know. I love her. So, fucking much. But she’s still in high school and I need to get into a good college to make a life.”

“When are you going to tell her?”

“I don’t know. Definitely not now…in the aftermath of last night.”

“Don’t wait too long. Secrets are like bombs.”

“Yeah. I know.”

Once we dropped anchor in the harbor, we each crashed. Sleep pulled me under, but my mind was a kaleidoscope of broken dreams and promises swirled together with un-glued secrets.

I had no idea what the future would hold for any of us. And I’d be lying if I wasn’t scared AF about what it would mean to be across the ocean from my girl. But nothing lasts forever. I know that better than anyone.

I wake, hours later blinking rapidly to try to clear my confused head. I have a few texts and missed calls from Tess from her aunt’s phone. But my heart pounds as I open a text from an UNKNOWN number.

It’s a screenshot of a sonogram labeled, “Baby Stone.”

My hands shake.

My throat’s dry.

The only thought running through my mind is: Whose secret is this?

And that’s a wrap on Sea Crest Secrets!

Follow me on Amazon or Facebook to get notified when BREAK drops… sometime in mid-August.

The secret is out. It rolled over the town like a tsunami…crashing through every illusion and preconceived notion people had.

But I have my own secret. One I’ve been keeping from my girl. I just hope it doesn’t break us when she finds out.