"Drinks upstairs first." Ashton directs us down the hall to a set of stairs that lead up to the main room of the house where we find liquor bottles and mixers lined along the kitchen counter. "Champagne?" she asks, opening a fridge that is stocked exclusively with beer, wine and champagne.
"Sure," I respond, never actually having tasted champagne. I mean, we bought the cheap stuff last New Year's, but we mostly sprayed it all over each other. I've never had real champagne. It can't taste worse than piss-warm keg beer.
I take the glass she hands to me and take a sip. The bubbles crawl up my nose, making me want to sneeze. I cringe. I can't keep my nose from scrunching in distaste
"Don't like it?"
"Just have to get used to it," I explain. Ashton muffles a laugh.
"You can have whatever you want. No sense drinking something you don't like. I'll mix you a drink instead."
I hand it back to her. "That would be better."
Ashton takes the glass of champagne for herself and proceeds to create something made up of a lot of different ingredients. She shakes it and pours it over a glass of ice, topping it with a lime slice. When I take a sip, it has a mint and lime essence, with a touch of something sweet. I can't even taste the alcohol. "So much better. Thank you."
"Of course." She winks at me. "Let me go first so we can avoid."
I follow after her. We veer to the left down the stairs and end up at the hot tub.
"Ashton!" a girl in a bright turquoise bikini shouts from within the tub.
Ashton sits on the edge of the deck next to the girl, only sticking her feet in the water. I sit next to her, subtly scanning the crowd to see if I recognize anyone from the country club while keeping an eye out for Parker.
"Lana, this is Kaely. She works at the club too."
We exchange a "hi."
"I saw you when I was working the counter at the Clubhouse, but we didn't get to meet."
"Oh. We never made it into the Clubhouse today. We got distracted mid-tour," Ashton explains.
I recognize almost instantly that Kaely doesn't radiate the prosperity aura.
"Which school do you go to?" I ask, just to test my theory.
"Kingston High."
"You grew up here?"
"My entire boring life," she says with a heavy sigh. "Until this summer anyway."
In my periphery, a flash of blond catches my attention. I turn to find Grant walking farther down the deck. I take two huge swallows of my drink to keep from doing something idiotic ... like call out his name.
Ashton nudges my arm. "I know you see him." I whip around and silently beg her not to do anything stupid. She laughs at my panic.
"Stop," I plead. "You're making it worse. I'm trying really hard here, and you're not helping."
Ashton snorts. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like you can't function. I noticed earlier today when we were at the ninth."
I close my eyes in mortification at her reference to how I tripped over my own feet when Grant came out of the ninth hole shack with two huge bags of ice hefted onto his shoulders. I nearly fell face first but caught myself last minute. It's not like he was shirtless or anything either. I tried to convince myself it was because I was expecting to see Rhett, and was just surprised when it was him. But that wasn't the truth.
"And again when we were clocking out."
I literally lost my voice when he spoke to me as we were leaving for the day. He said, "Nice to meet you, Lana." That's it. That simple. And I was a fish, gasping for air. What the hell?!
I become this pathetic, swoony puddle of a girl whenever he's within five feet of me, and I'm about to drown myself in the hot tub to make it stop.
"I swear to you, I'm never like this. I have no idea what's wrong with me."
"What are you talking about?" Kaely asks, looking between us to try to get in on the conversation.
I glare Ashton into silence.
"Lana has a ... phobia," Ashton fibs with a huge, taunting smile on her face. "But I think you should face your fear head-on. It's not nearly as scary as you think."
"What's your phobia?" Kaely asks, really wanting to be included.
I'm not trying to exclude her purposely. But I don't really know her, and this, whatever it is, isn't something I want to talk about--with anyone. So I say the most honest thing I can. "Love."
Ashton loses it. Completely. She has to cover her nose to keep the champagne from shooting out of it.
"Stop it," I scorn. "It has nothing to do with him. I really fear falling in love. I was being honest."
"Really?" a male voice asks from the corner of the hot tub, right next to me.
Ashton's eyes become the size of full moons when she sees who overheard me. And now I'm terrified to look.
I feel a knee inadvertently bump mine. I slowly turn and come face-to ... shoulder with Grant, sitting on the deck with his feet lowered in the hot tub like ours. I think I will drown myself now.
"You've never been in love?"
"No."
"How can you be afraid of something you've never experienced?" He peers intently into my eyes, like he'll find the answers there. I don't blink. My mouth is dry. And breathing takes effort.
"I learn from other people's mistakes. And I've watched as they let themselves fall for the wrong person over and over again." I'm surprised my voice sounds strong despite the wheezing sensation happening in my chest.
"But what if it's the right person?"
"You only think it's the right person, until they become the wrong one." My voice is even stronger, like it's outside of my floundering body. Even I'm surprised by its conviction.
His mouth twitches in amusement. "You never know unless you try."
"Love isn't a game that you try and receive a pat on the back when you fail. It's too big of a risk. I'd have to be an idiot to fall in love. No way I'll ever do it." I swallow hard. There's something causing the truth to slip too easily from my mouth. I'm never this honest with my beliefs.
"Ever?"
"Never." I can't feel a single inch of my body, completely lost in his unblinking gaze.
He nods in contemplation, allowing the strength of my conviction to sink in.
I sling back the rest of my drink and heft myself onto my feet. "I need another drink. Do you Ashton?"
Ashton and Kaely are staring at me with big, round, anime expressions. Ashton snaps out of it first. "Yes. I'm dying for another drink. Kaely, come on."
As soon as we reach the kitchen, my knees give out and I collapse onto a stool. "Holy shit."
Ashton gawks at me. "The first conversation you have with Prince Philip is to tell him that you're never going to fall in love, ever? Omigod, that was ... intense."
"You like Grant?" Kaely asks in awe.
"What?" I forcefully shake off the remnants of what just happened. "I don't even know him." That seems to keep being my only defense to that question. Because I can't make my lips form, "No."
"Heard you broke a thousand hearts out by the hot tub when you declared to you'll never fall in love."
I groan as Brendan sits down next to me. "What are you doing here?"
"I was invited. Just like everyone else." He leans in close and lowers his voice. "It's nice to see you too, Princess."
I glower at him.
"Want something to drink, Brendan?" Ashton offers, setting a fresh cocktail in front of me.
"You know what I like," he says with a wink. She cocks her eyebrow flirtatiously. Ashton proceeds to scoop some ice cubes into a glass and pour an amber liquid over the top.
"I know exactly what you like," she says seductively, setting it in front of him. I have to move before I throw up all over both of them. I step in front of the window that overlooks the lake. People are sitting on the dock with their feet in the water. Others are jumping off the end, and a few are floating on inflatable chairs.
I don't remember exactly when I learned how to swim. Sherling has a town pool and we would go when I was little. A
nd I remember my mother taking me to a lake once or twice with a bunch of other families with kids, but the details are hazy. I'm not a strong swimmer. But at some point in my life, I learned how to do it well enough to keep me from sinking. I guess that says a lot about my life in general.
"He's not your type," Brendan says from beside me, looking at the same view. "He has too much ... integrity for people like us."
"Like us?" I look up at him in offense. "Don't start comparing me to you."
"Let's put it this way, we're at Blackwood. He is at Printz-Lee."
"So?" I don't know why I'm getting defensive about this. I shouldn't care if I'm Grant's type, or if he's mine.
Brendan grins that mischievous, knowing grin that makes me want to punch him in the throat. "We don't deserve people like him."
And that shuts me up. I don't know how to argue against that.
"I'm going outside," I announce to no one specific, choosing to use the side door out of the kitchen so I don't have to cut through the middle of the crowd.
Brendan's words deflate me, and I hate him for knowing just what to say to make me feel like shit. Dick.
Why do I care what Grant Philips thinks of me? I just met him today. I mean, how much can you actually know about a person after just a few hours? I haven't even spoken with him, other than to declare my vow to not fall in love.
I groan. If I could take back any five minutes of my life ... I pause. Yeah, that wouldn't be it. It'd be the time in the convenience store. Definitely.
There's a steady decline of small wooden platforms along this side of the house that eventually dump onto a small private beach. I lower onto a cloth covered lawn chair and watch people jump from the deck and splash into the water. The sun is setting on the far side of the lake, swirling oranges and pinks into the water, like someone dipped in a paintbrush to rinse it off. I can see the surrounding houses from here, nestled around the lake and within the woods.
I release a deep breath when I notice Grant on the dock. He's sitting next to two guys, listening to whatever they're talking about with their animated hand gestures. He's dangling a beer bottle between his knees, nodding along with their passionate conversation, like it's enthralling. As if he can sense me watching him from within this small inlet of the beach encircled by scraggly bushes, he raises his head and peers directly at me.
He smiles softly and I smile back. I think he's about to stand but then decides against it.
"Avoiding me?" I hear from behind me. I close my eyes and exhale my disappointment. When I look up at him, he says, "Don't answer that."
Parker sits on a lawn chair beside me. "Brought you food." He hands me a plate. It smells amazing.
"Thanks." I take the plate filled with beef skewers, grilled vegetables and potato salad. He holds out a fork. "And you know why I'm avoiding you."
"She's not here, Lana. And why would she have to know?"
I ignore him and stab a potato.
"Not like Sherling parties, huh?" he notes, not following up the insinuation that just because Nina's not here, it's okay for something to happen between us.
I let out a short laugh. "Nothing like Sherling parties. I shouldn't even be here."
We eat in silence for a minute.
"No, you shouldn't." His voice is quiet with a hint of apology. "I mean, you should never have been arrested."
I place my plate on the glass table next to the chair. "What happened after I left that night?"
Parker sets down his plate and slides onto my chair, facing me with his hand resting on my hip. His eyes lock me in, the brilliant blue delving deep. "I didn't know how badly she was injured, I swear. They wouldn't tell us anything when we dropped her off, and we couldn't stick around in case they called the police. But I promise you, she was conscious when we left her."
"She was?" My heart skips in my chest. "Did she say anything?"
Parker's brows scrunch in thought, trying to remember. "Something about having to help her. Don't let him hurt her." He looks up, his face lighting with realization. "She meant you, didn't she? She was talking about you."
I swallow.
"Remember that one truth you promised me--"
"Don't," I beg. "Please don't use it now."
Parker gently rests his hand on my cheek. "You can trust me, Lana."
I open my mouth, unsure what's about to come out, a protest or a confession. But nothing does.
"Please," he urges. "Maybe if I knew, I could help. I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I didn't push her." The easiest truth to confess.
"I know," he says, surprising me.
"You do?"
"Of course." He looks at me in confusion. "You thought I'd actually think you'd be capable of that? I've seen you in some crazy fights, Lana, but you're not cruel."
Except, I can be. "But you told me to keep my mouth shut."
"Yeah, because I wanted to take care of everything. To protect you."
"And yourself."
Parker tilts his head, not denying it. "I didn't know what exactly happened, but I knew you were involved. And you weren't dealing with it very well, so I needed to get you away from the scene. So tell me what happened?"
I hesitate, searching his eyes. Can I trust him? And even if I did, what could he do?
I open my mouth. The truth's about to slip from my tongue when I hear footsteps clicking along the wooden planks. Parker closes his eyes in frustration.
"There you are," Lily sings, coming up beside us. "Sorry. Did I interrupt something?"
"No, it's fine" Parker replies, standing. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I just haven't had a minute to speak with Lana yet." She drags a chair to the other side of me as Parker sits back in his seat, picking up his plate. "I wanted to ask how you liked your room?"
"What?" I look from Lily to Parker. He shrugs, not knowing what she's talking about.
"At Blackwood? I wasn't sure what colors you liked. The guys weren't any help. So I decided to keep it clean and simple. But I really hope you like it."
"You decorated my room?"
"Yes." She beams, her smile is vibrant and kind. I instantly feel guilty for not liking it. I mean, it's not that bad.
"That was really nice of you," I say, sincerely. "Where'd you get the pictures?"
"From Olivia." She adds, "Parker's mother," when I look confused. I nod, like that makes sense. Except it doesn't. How did Parker's mother get pictures of me?
"I know Kingston isn't where you want to be, but I promise we'll have the most unforgettable summer!"
"Maybe I should stay," Parker interjects.
"You know you can't," Lily tells him, pouting slightly. And somehow it looks sincere and adorable on her.
"I know." Parker sighs.
"When do you go back?" I ask him, suddenly not wanting him to leave either. But why do I need him to stay? Can I actually trust him? More than that, is he capable of helping me?
"Tomorrow."
"Oh." I slouch in the chair, unable to hide my disappointment.
"I'll be back though," he assures me. "We'll figure this out."
"What are you talking about?" Lily asks, looking between us. Then her eyes widen like she suddenly understands. "Oh!"
But now I'm confused. I turn to Parker for an answer. Then I hear someone shouting my name.
I cock my head, listening. "Is that ..."
"Ashton," Lily confirms.
"I should go find her." I stand and go to grab my plate.
"I'll get it," Parker tells me, getting to his feet. Before I can walk away, he reaches for my hand, pulling me toward him. My heart does this flippy-skipping thing in my chest. I'm trying to decide if it's excited or afraid, when he wraps his arms around me and murmurs low in my ear, "You really can trust me. Even if it's only as friends." He meets my eyes, letting me know he's serious. "You know I want more than that, but if it's all I can get, I'll take it." He leans down and brushes his lips against my cheek.
"Lana!"
Ashton hollers, much closer.
"I should go," I say softly, reluctantly easing out of his arms. Just as I turn around, Ashton appears, her eyes frantic.
"There you are! We have to go, right now! I totally forgot about the early curfew-thing this weekend!" She grabs my arm and pulls me after her.
"I can drive you," Parker calls after us.
"Lance is already waiting for us in your car," she tells him over her shoulder, still yanking me. She pushes her way through the crowd; swears trail after us as drinks spill and jostle.
Parker is still in pursuit. "Lance has the Rover?"
"He said to get it from the school tomorrow when your father comes to visit." There's a crowd congregating right in front of the entrance to the house. "Move!" Surprisingly, they do.
I'm half tripping, half being dragged through the house, wanting to free my arm from her talon grip. But I'm too busy trying not to fall on my face.
"I'll see you tomorrow!" I hear Parker say from somewhere in the distance.
"Bye!" I call back, not sure where he is or if he can hear me.
"Hurry," Ashton says, sliding in the passenger seat. I pop in the back.
We fly out of the driveway almost as soon as my door closes. This guy isn't being nearly as careful on the dirt road as Parker was. I'm jostled and bounced on the seat.
The headlights reflect off a sleek black GT at the end of the driveway. The vintage car stands out among the newer luxury vehicles. Before we turn away, the beams reflect off a shaved head in the driver's seat. I stop breathing for a second. Straining in the seat, I twist around as we pass the car, trying to get a better view. But it's too dark.
"Hey, I'm Lance." I settle back on the leather to face him. The driver has shaggy dirty blond hair. His reflection flashes a friendly smile through the rearview mirror.
When I look into his eyes, I want to die. Another fricken Harrison!
"I heard you singing. Will you sing for me?"
"And what will you give to me?" he asked, cunning in his eyes.
"I don't have anything to offer."
The man smiled, his fanged teeth gleaming. "Oh, but you do."