We arrive at the party around eight-thirty, which isn’t bad considering the dreadful traffic this time of year. It’s about an hour drive to Westhampton Beach, but we underestimated it a bit by only leaving at seven.
Still early by any standards, yet there are already tons of people here. With next weekend being Memorial Day—and the official kick-off to summer—I didn’t expect there to be many people around yet. But I’m sure with the near tropical weather we’re having, most people just can’t resist.
I gaze around the jam-packed room of girls mingling (all impeccably dressed like celebrities), and I can’t help being thankful for the shopping trip yesterday. Excellent timing!
Dhelia’s gold, shimmering, off-one-shoulder top, cream Capri’s, and five-inch gold wedge sandals fit in perfectly. But me on the other hand, I’m not quite as trendy as my sister. Though I must say, my saffron blue sundress doesn’t make me look like fashion road-kill, either. I guess you could say I look classy and feminine. And my silver, strappy Guess heels compliment my outfit tastefully. Even Dhelia gave me props on my selection, provided I go all out and glam it up with my hair down.
The instant we find the beach, a squealing blonde leaps into Dru’s arms and plants slobbering kisses all over him. Unable to take my eyes off the obnoxious display, I can’t help but admire how adorable they are together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother look so happy, beaming from ear-to-ear next to this tiny little thing.
Remembering they aren’t alone, Dru spins her around to face me. “Peyton, I’d like you to meet my big sister, Chloe. Chloe, this is my girlfriend, Peyton.” As he speaks the words, the expression on her face goes from confused—to elated—in just under two seconds. It seems Dru forgot to inform Peyton of her new status. Way to go, baby brother.
I grin. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hey, sexy,” a raspy male voice calls out from somewhere behind us.
As we turn, a massive body-builder grabs Dhelia in a bear hug, pressing forceful kisses across her cheeks. Satisfied his lips hadn’t missed a spot, he turns to face us, wrapping a muscular arm around her itsy-bitsy shoulders protectively.
Who the heck is this Jersey-Shore-wanna-be with his hands all over my sister?
The Situation’s eyes lock on me. “Hi. I’m Caleb. Dhelia’s boyfriend.”
Boyfriend? What the…? My mouth falls open. “Ah, hi. I’m . . . I’m Dhelia’s older sister, Chloe.”
Surprise registers on Caleb’s face, his over-waxed Guido brows shoot up. “I didn’t realize you were in town. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
We both look to Dhelia for an explanation. Unbelievable!
“And I never knew you existed . . . but it’s nice to meet you, too.” How do I not know this?
Caleb and I wait for a response as to why she never felt the need to fill either of us in on such crucial information. But she offers up nothing.
“So is this part of my punishment then?” Stabbing pain shoots through my chest as reality sets in.
Does my face look as hurt as I feel?
“Not at all. It just never came up.” She hooks her arm through Caleb’s like a smug, contemptuous child.
“Never came up? I’ve been back for days and we’ve spent pretty much the entire time together. How could it not have come up?”
“You tell me? You asked Dru if he was seeing anyone, and he told you. But did you ask me?”
Crap. “Well, no. But you didn’t seem open to me asking you questions, either. You could have volunteered the information. Besides, you two look quite close, which obviously means you’ve been together for a lot longer than a few days.”
Dhelia nods. “You’re right. We’ve been together for about two years.”
“Are you kidding me? How is it no one has ever said anything in all this time?”
Dhelia holds her head high, like the victor she knows she is in this moment. “If truth be told, they were under direct orders to keep their mouths shut. They were simply respecting my wishes.”
As shock alerts me to the hole in my chest—where my heart used to be—my emotions get the best of me. “Do you honestly hate me that much?”
But I don’t wait for an answer. I spin around and walk away towards the sound of crashing waves.
I don’t believe her!
Had I truly wounded her that deeply?
My right foot sticks in the sand, nearly pulling me down face first. A tiny yelp escapes my lips. “How can anyone walk in the sand with friggin’ heels on?” I yank them off, continuing down the beach towards solitude.
I honestly thought things were getting better. But from where I’m looking right now, I couldn’t be further from the truth.
I know it’s my own fault, but hasn’t the time come for this to end? She believed me the other day when I told her about the visit from Mom. It seemed like she understood for the first time why I had to leave. Or was it just an act?
I find a dry spot to clear my head. I’m sure Dru’s upset I ran off, but I would have started crying had I stayed. Not exactly the way I’m sure he imagined introducing me to Peyton.
After twenty minutes of self-imposed isolation staring at the glistening ocean, I try to figure out what to say when I find my way back to the party. I must have made a wonderful first impression on Peyton and Caleb. I won’t be surprised if they end up thinking I’d left town years ago because I was locked-up in a loony bin. Great job, Chloe.
I continue beating myself up, when the sound of footsteps in the sand coming towards me pushes the pause button on my self-loathing. But I don’t turn to see who it is. I can’t. If it’s someone from our group, I don’t know if I’m ready to face them just yet. And if it’s a stranger, I definitely don’t want them seeing me like this.
“Chloe, is that you?”
Dhelia? Terrific. She’s come to beat up on me some more.
“Yeah.” Why’d she come looking for me? If anyone would, I’d have thought it would be Dru.
“I almost didn’t see you over there. We’ve been looking everywhere for you. After searching the house and the entire party area, I figured you might have taken a walk down here.”
“Yep. You found me. Yay, you.” I can’t look at her. Not yet.
Dhelia walks up, clearly in the midst of texting someone. “I have to let Dru know you’re okay. He’s on the other side of the beach ready to jump in the water looking for you.”
“Whatever.” My tone only a tad sarcastic.
“Look, Chloe, I really am sorry. I suppose I never thought it through. I was planning to tell you after the dream you had about Mom, but I honestly forgot. Then once Dru sprung the idea of coming here tonight, I didn’t think it would be a big deal. I knew you two would meet, so I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t plan for it to come out like that, and I never realized how much it would hurt you. I’m sorry. We all know I’m the bitch of the family, but I truly didn’t mean to hurt you. I just didn’t think it through.” She pauses. “If it makes you feel any better, Caleb’s mad at me, too.”
I chuckle after hearing the news. Yes, that makes me feel a little better, but I still can’t say anything.
After a brief silence, she plops down beside me. “I don’t want everyone’s night ruined because I did something stupid. It’s a gorgeous evening, and there are people up there who want to see you. Two of whom would very much like to get to know you. You should be up there having fun, instead of being down here sulking, because of me.”
Deep breath. Exhale. “I’m okay. I just hate that I’ve hurt you. You know I never meant to, but I feel like you’ll always be paying me back in some way. More than anything, all I want is to put the past behind us and move on.
“I’m sorry I left you and Dru behind.
“I’m sorry I hurt you.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to be there for you. I was only thirteen, for crying out loud!
“I know it’s gonna take time for you to trust me again and for us to feel like sisters. But yo
u have to forgive me, Dhelia. You have to.”
For a good twenty seconds, the only sound to be heard is the crashing waves.
“My forgiveness really means that much to you?”
“Of course it does!” I shout.
After another long silence, she kneels close to my side, wrapping her arms around me in a way she hasn’t since we were kids. “Okay then. I forgive you. You’re here now, and even though I haven’t acted like it, I really am glad you’re back. I’ve missed you, Chloe. I always have.”
Oh my god. Did she just say that?
Dhelia’s tears drip onto my shoulder.
Great. Now I’m bawling, too. “I’ve missed you so much you little brat. You had to know that.”
She pulls back from our embrace, wincing as she looks me in the eyes. “I forgot to tell you something else . . . .”
“Oh great. What now?” Should I be scared?
“Well, let’s just say . . . I have a surprise for you. But you have to come back up to the party to find out what it is. There’s someone here who really wants to see you.”
“Seriously? Who is it?” Relief calms me with its welcome embrace.
“You could use a nice surprise right about now, so I’m not telling you. But we’d better get you to a bathroom so we can fix your face first. You look worse than a twenty-car-pile-up.”
“Oh gees, is it that bad?” I try wiping the smeared make-up from my face I imagine must be there.
“It’s nothing a little powder, lip gloss, and anti-frizz serum won’t fix.”
“And I suppose you just happen to have all that in your bag-of-tricks, right?”
“You know me…always prepared for anything.” She holds up her gold clutch in triumph.
I laugh, but I know it’s true. She’s famous for having anything you need, for just about anything that might happen. Gram calls it the-purse-of-preparedness.
“Before we go, there’s something I need to ask.” I pause. “Does Caleb hate me from all the stories you must have told him?”
“Hate you? Why on earth would he hate you?” She cocks her head back, genuine surprise etched across her face.
“Because you did, Dhelia. Because I hurt you so badly.”
She shakes her head. “Of course he doesn’t hate you. That’s messed up, even for you. He understands, believe me. He has his own share of family drama. But Caleb’s a great guy. A cocky little meathead, but a great guy. Most days I have no clue why he puts up with my shit, but I’m glad he does. He puts me in my place when I need it.” She giggles to herself. “No one knows more than Caleb just how stubborn I can be. I don’t scare him the way I do everyone else. He knows I’m nothing but a bag of hot air.”
“Well, in that case . . . I like him already.” We laugh, brushing off the sand from our clothes.
Dhelia reaches for my hand. “Shall we?”
“Sure. Let’s go.”
“Oh, and Chloe. I don’t hate you. I did. Or at least, I thought I did. But I don’t anymore.”
Absorbing her heartfelt words, all I can do is smile.
Did that really just happen? If I pinch myself, will I wake up from one of my visions?
We walk back to the crowded area of the beach, but my curiosity gets the best of me. “So will I like this so called surprise?”
She plants her feet in place. “Well, maybe not at first. But I have no doubt you’ll thank me for it one day.”
Okay. Now I’m really curious.
In record time, we make it to the bathroom—fix our ocean-frizzed hair and smudged make-up—then go back to the party.
Dru’s eyes widen in surprise as Dhelia and I come back to the noisy party laughing together. I’m sure the tension between us must drive him insane. Luckily, no one mentions anything, so I don’t bring it up—and neither does Dhelia. Probably best to let it go and not risk a relapse.
We spend a little time walking around, talking to Dru’s friends. For the most part, there isn’t anyone here I knew when I was in junior high. Other than my brother’s best friend who’s hosting the party, and a girl who was in a few of my classes the year I left. She looks familiar, but I never knew her. She seems sweet though, so it’s always good to make new acquaintances.
Of course, Dru’s nice enough to make plenty of introductions, but since I’m so terrible with names, I don’t even try to remember. But so far, everyone’s welcoming. I’m glad I came.
I spend about ten minutes talking to this guy Vinny (I think) about what it was like living in San Diego. Everyone seems so fascinated with the West Coast, so I humor them with as many tales as I can remember. It feels great talking about my life, especially since I haven’t been able to at home. I’ve been afraid to hurt Dru and Dhelia by discussing how I lived away from them.
As I tell Vinny a story about meeting Al Pacino in a coffee shop, someone touches my arm and whispers, “Now it’s time for me to be jealous.”
I jump, startled to hear that familiar, silky voice. “Hunter? What are you doing here?”
Wow! Could he look any more amazing in his black button-up, un-tucked and casual, rolled-up sleeves, khaki shorts, and flip-flops? He could have just walked off the cover of an Abercrombie catalog.
If I fanned myself, would I look like a complete dork?
“Didn’t I warn you I was planning to stalk you tonight?” He winks.
Holy shit! He’s kidding, right? “Um . . . Well, yeah. I guess you did. But I figured you were joking though.”
He shakes his head. “Nope. My only plan was to see you.”
Seriously? “So let me get this straight. You followed me here? How on earth did you pull that one off?” I shake my head about twenty times. “I thought it was just playful banter.”
His eyebrows crinkle, uncertainty written across his face. “You seem upset. Maybe I should leave.”
Dhelia walks up beside us. “Surprise!”
Huh? “You mean…Hunter’s the surprise you were talking about?”
“He sure is! When we saw him at the hospital, Dru had just gotten the details about the party, so I told Hunter he should come if he didn’t have any other plans. He didn’t. So here he is.” Dhelia holds up her hands towards him, like one of those QVC models does when they’re introducing you to a new state-of-the-art vacuum.
I glance at Hunter’s less than enthusiastic face. “Looks like I’ve insulted you, yet again. I just can’t seem to help myself.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” His hands go straight to their safe haven in his front pockets.
“No, I’m definitely worried about it. I jumped to conclusions and assumed the worst. I’m sorry, Hunter.”
“It’s okay, Chloe. Honest. I can’t say I blame you. I did say I was going to ‘stalk’ you after all.” We both laugh at his making light of the situation, and at our ridiculous joke I sort of took literally for a moment.
“So then you aren’t mad?” I hesitate, looking up at the humorous expression on his gorgeous face. I don’t think I’ve ever been so relieved to see someone smirk.
“Of course I’m not mad. But it sure is easy to rattle you. Though, I do rather enjoy it.” He winks, nudging my arm.
Thank god! “Oh, good. I don’t know if I have any more apologies left in me after today.” I turn to Dhelia—smile—then look back at Hunter.
“Seems like I must have missed something?” He glances back and forth between my sister and me for acknowledgement.
“You can say that again! But it doesn’t need rehashed. We’re past it, right, Sis?” Dhelia’s bottom lip sags, waiting for my response.
“Absolutely. It’s behind us,” I say, and truly mean it.
Dhelia smiles, reaching out to grab Hunter’s arm. “Since my sister is now in very capable hands, I’ll be getting back to the boyfriend I haven’t seen in over a week.” She gives us a mischievous grin before walking away. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Once she’s out of earshot, I ask Hunter, “So she invite
d you? It wasn’t Dru?”
“Actually, Dru gave her a death-stare when she extended the invitation. I don’t think I’m on his list of favorite people.” We both look Dru’s way, but he’s in his own little world kissing Peyton. Again.
“Nah, he’s just over-protective of his sisters. I’m sure you understand.” What guy wouldn’t?
“As a matter a fact, I do. I’d kill anyone who hurt my little sister.” His face twists at the thought of it.
Protective brother? Yeah, he just scored a few more points.
“So, you do get it then. Just be patient. I’m sure he’ll loosen up once he gets to know you. Dru’s the most amazing guy I know. You’ll like him, once he stops being a complete douche.”
Hunter laughs. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.”
I watch my brother and sister carry on. They’ve always had so much fun together. Funny how it makes me happy—and sad—at the same time.
“Would you like to go join them? After all, you did come here with your family. Not me.”
Does he always say the right thing? “True. But your company isn’t so terrible.”
“Is that so?” He tilts his head to the side, eyeing me as if he doubts my sincerity.
“Come on.” I smile. "Let’s see what sort of fun we’re missing out on.”
We join the happy foursome halfway through a joke Dru’s telling, but I’m not paying attention to what he’s saying. Instead, I can’t take my eyes off my brother and sister. They both look so incandescently happy. Vibrant smiles and glowing faces.
Watching them together, more than ever, I feel good about my decision to move back home.
This is where I need to be. Finally. In fact, I can’t believe I was able to stay away for so long. I love these two more than words can say.
Even though Dhelia has issues with her attitude, deep down she has a huge heart. She’d do anything for someone she loves. She’s a fighter. Something I’ve never been.
Living a secret life has always been hard for the three of us. Building friendships were next to impossible. Always fighting the urge to open up to someone about my family—my gifts—and about what it’s like to be part of something ‘magical’. Why have I never understood before now? Magic isn’t just about the power we possess—it’s also what makes us so special.
I don’t know what the future holds for our family once Ash and Aidan get here—when the truth comes out. In fact, I don’t know what the future holds for any of us. Down to my core, I have a horrible feeling about it. I wish more than anything we could carry with us this feeling of contentment we share right now. It could give me the strength to face anything.
If only I could help Gram create a spell to erase the terrible things from the past—fix the pain we have in the present—and prevent any tragedies from befalling us in the future.
Could such a spell even exist?
I know my thoughts are from some fantasyland, but at the end of the day, I’m still a nineteen-year-old girl with hope. Somehow, I still dream, even if I know it will never come to fruition.
I guess you could say I’m a realist, who often has unrealistic expectations.
I know. I’m a walking contradiction.
We’ve been at the picnic table for a little while now, but I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting here in silence—just thinking about my family’s secrets. Had it not been for Hunter’s leg brushing up against me, it’s hard to say how long I would have sat here without uttering a word.
“Is everything okay, Chloe? I hope my being here hasn’t ruined your evening?” His sulking, milk chocolate eyes paint the picture of disappointment.
I look down, then back to his superlative face and the despondent look now resting there. “I’m okay. It’s just been a long week, and an even longer day. I guess I’m just reflecting. But if you behave yourself, maybe I’ll share it with you one day.”
A smile peaks its head around the corners of his perfect mouth. “Promise?”
I contemplate my answer. “Yes, I promise. But only if you behave yourself.” He might have taken me off guard when he showed up, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t tickle me to have him here.
I’m not stupid. Well, not completely anyway. What warm-blooded girl on earth wouldn’t want someone so gorgeous to come to a party, just to see her?
Chapter 9
THE KISS