I wish I could say the same about the preparation for the Ball and the infestation of designers on campus for not only this stupid dance, but to also transform every dorm room into some rich kid’s fantasy suite.
I beg Grant to take me off campus when the fall students start to arrive after finals. But he has a crazy schedule for crew with two conditioning practices each day on top of a session in the weight room every morning. So I go to the one other person who can help me escape this insanity.
“What are you doing today?” I ask Lance at breakfast. “Take me anywhere you’re going.”
We pick up Kaely at her adorable home with lacy white gingerbread trim and a turquoise door. No wonder she’s always smiling.
“Thought we’d float on the lake today,” Lance proposes, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. “Text Grant to come over when he’s done.”
Sending the message to Grant, I eye Lance. He’s leaving something out. And I know exactly who that is when I walk in and find Parker leaning against the island counter while Olivia puts groceries away in the refrigerator. I was prepared for Lily, who flounces down the steps in a fitted tennis outfit. Not the other two.
It’s not that I don’t like Parker. He’s just a reminder of everything that sucks in my life because it all coincidentally involves him. And Olivia is a reminder of my mother and Niall, who I’ve refused to call back since returning to Blackwood. Let them wallow in their guilt. Or at least, that’s what I’ve convinced myself they’re doing.
“Hi, Lana. Kaely,” Olivia greets us. “What a nice surprise.”
“What is there to eat?” Lance asks, rifling through the food she just put away despite having finished breakfast at Blackwood less than two hours ago.
“Hi, Mrs. Harrison,” Kaely chirps happily. “Lance, I’m gonna change. I’ll meet you guys outside.” She disappears down the stairs to the changing rooms.
I smile awkwardly and turn to follow.
“Lana,” Parker beckons after I take a step. “Uh, can we talk a second?”
I close my eyes and brace myself. “Sure.”
Parker exits onto the deck, holding the door open for me and then shuts it behind us. We continue to the lower deck, so we’re out of earshot.
“What’s up?”
“How are you feeling?” he asks, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
He looks like he’s prepared to play tennis too. I’m hoping they’re about to leave and not just coming back.
“Better,” I answer, avoiding his scrutinizing gaze.
“I finally spoke to Nina,” he says, gaining my attention. “Not sure if she believed me, but I told her the truth. That it was all a misunderstanding—between her and me … and what she saw between us. Told her I was sorry.” He exhales forcefully. “She’ll probably never talk to me again, but she may talk to you. I don’t know. The thing is, someone texted her pictures of us before we arrived at Stella’s.”
I search my brain for what he could possibly be talking about but come up with nothing. “What pictures?”
Parker looks just as baffled. “I have no idea who took them, but some were from Lily’s party when we were on the beach, and others were of us in front of Blackwood. They could easily be misinterpreted. And of course, that’s what she did. She was convinced we’d betrayed her before she even saw us.”
“And you don’t know who sent them?”
He shakes his head. “No. That’s why I’m worried. Someone’s following you—or us. And I think you know who. Even if it’s not him, it’s someone from Thorne Industries.”
“That’s so messed up,” I say, disturbed more than I’m showing. “Is Nina okay?”
“Yeah. The blade didn’t do any major damage. She’s sore but healing.” Parker rubs the back of his neck. “I’m really sorry, Lana.”
I nod, silently accepting his apology. But it’s not his idiocy that’s fully to blame. Nina was fueled before we arrived.
It still doesn’t explain why she and Tori were so eager to accept what they saw without giving me a chance to explain. Maybe in time they’ll see it for what it is, but it may already be too late.
“Parker, are you ready?” Lily calls from the door. When she sees we’re done talking, she takes it as an invitation to join us. “Hey, Lana. Are you ready for the Ball on Friday? I’m so excited.”
“You’re going?” I ask in surprise.
“Yeah. I’m going with a new guy at Blackwood. I met him earlier this summer. He came to a few of my parties, and I’d see him at Stefan’s. He doesn’t know many people, so we’re going as friends.”
“Oh,” I answer, trying to decide how I feel about her being there. Not that I have a choice or that it should matter. But my stomach still churns regardless. Maybe because I don’t want to worry about another psycho at the dance. Who knows if she’s over her issues with me, no matter what her dazzling smile and sparkling eyes say. She fooled me before—I won’t trust her again. “Yeah, the school is insane right now. They shut down access to the Court this morning so they can finish decorating. I’ve never seen anything like it; it’s like they’re building a set for a movie.”
“Basically,” Lily says, glowing. “You’re going to be amazed. It’s like the Met Gala of private schools.”
“Great,” I reply unenthusiastically.
“Are you dressing up?” Lily asks Parker.
My eyes widen. Was not expecting her to ask him that question.
“Yeah,” Parker responds, then explains to me when he registers my shocked expression, “Isaac asked me to chaperone with him.”
“You?” I laugh. “You’re kidding.”
Parker’s cheeks redden. “I can be responsible. There’s more to me than you know.”
“I guess,” I say, unconvinced.
“Well, we should go, so we don’t miss our court time. See you Friday, Lana,” Lily says, spinning on her heels and prancing back to the house.
“You won’t even know I’m there,” Parker promises, following after her.
“Is it safe to come out now?” Kaely calls from the sliding door next to the hot tub.
I laugh. “Yes.”
Lance exits the main door, trying to read my face. “Was he a dick?”
I shake my head. “No, he was fine. But I can’t believe he’s chaperoning the dance. Who let that happen?”
“I know, right?” Lance chuckles. “But he’s bringing booze, so I can’t complain.”
“Of course he is,” I mutter. “I have to change. Meet you down at the water?”
I should’ve entered by the hot tub. I have no idea what I was thinking, walking back through the kitchen entrance. Olivia is sitting on a stool, talking on the phone. She smiles at me before I can grab my tote and slip downstairs.
“Hold on, Faye. Lana’s right here,” Olivia says into her cell phone. “Lana, your mother would like to speak with you.”
I stare at the phone in her hand, knowing this isn’t a coincidence. She probably called her while I was outside. Not hiding my displeasure, I take the phone from her.
“Hi, Mom.” My voice is flat, devoid of emotion. I leave Olivia in the kitchen and wander into the living room, not that it provides much privacy. But I’m sure whatever I say will be repeated back to Olivia anyway.
“Hi, Lana. I’ve been trying to reach you,” my mother says pleasantly.
My response is clipped. “I heard your messages.”
She’s quiet.
I sigh. “Are you feeling okay?” I can’t be a complete bitch to my mother. I never have before. Being angry with her doesn’t come naturally. Frustrated on her behalf, yes. But I’ve never blamed her for who she is or the choices she’s made. Not even now. I mean, I’m definitely annoyed. I just want to know what those choices were because they’re fucking with my life now.
“Yes, I’m better. Nick took some time off to stay with me.”
“You forgave him?” I ask, not surprised.
“I did. I love him,” she says tentatively
, like she’s afraid of how I’ll react.
“He loves you too,” I say, not denying it anymore. A wave of relief overtakes me, knowing she’s with someone who’s much more capable of caring for her than me.
“He wants to buy a place together outside of Boston. I told him I had to ask you.”
“Live your life, Mom,” I tell her. “It has nothing to do with me.”
“It does,” she counters. “I will only accept if you do.”
“It’s fine,” I assure her impatiently. “You can live with him.”
She hesitates before asking softly, “Did you open the box?”
“Yeah,” I answer just as quietly. “I had to find answers somehow.”
“I wish you hadn’t.” Her voice is barely above a whisper, quivering with emotion.
“Well, I wish you’d be honest with me,” I reply, my jaw tightening as tears flood my eyes. “Are you going to tell me what it all means?”
She doesn’t respond.
“Then I guess we have nothing else to talk about. Live with Nick. He’s good for you.” I hang up. I stand there for a moment, collecting myself. My heart aches, and I really want to cry. But I won’t. I’m done crying.
Standing tall, I blow out the emotion and blink back the moisture from my vision. I return to the kitchen to find Olivia trying to appear like she didn’t just overhear. Her back’s to me as she chops vegetables at the counter.
“Here’s your phone.” I set it on the island.
Before I can leave, she says, “I don’t mean to pry, but I worry about you. And I know you may not want to hear it right now, but your mother worries too.”
“You know why I’m done talking to her, don’t you?” I ask, picking up the tote bag that I left by the stairs.
“Partly,” she responds. “I’m sorry, I don’t know much about what’s come between you. She said she’s been trying to contact you. I thought this was a good opportunity for you to speak, away from school.”
This interests me because that means Niall hasn’t confided in her either. And I was under the impression they didn’t have secrets. I know it was my own unsubstantiated conclusion, but I really believed it to be true.
“Let’s just put it this way. I know something happened on Nantucket seventeen years ago. Something that ruined my mother’s friendship with Maggie and made her break it off with the love of her life. Whatever it was, Niall covered it up. Like he does everything. And maybe you know; maybe you don’t. But I do know it’s about my father. And now … I’m paying for it.”
Olivia is stunned speechless.
“So you can tell my mother that if she wants her box of secrets back, then I want an explanation. I’m not going to let her screw up my life too.” I turn to walk away but pause to face her with one more message. “Oh, and tell your husband that Vic Thorne is the guy from the convenience store. He’s the same guy who put Allison Pixley in the hospital. Not that he can or will do anything about it, but I thought it was time he knew.”
Olivia watches me with her mouth ajar. I continue my exit down the stairs. Given her profession, I find it hard to believe she’s never been assaulted with blatant honesty. But I guess I can be a shock to anyone’s system.
Before I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear footsteps, and a moment later, “What the hell has been going on?”
Eavesdropping isn’t usually my thing, not counting spying on Grant and Lily in the library, but I’m really tempted to listen. Except Olivia’s voice disappears behind a closed door, and I can’t hear anything else. Well, maybe the adults will finally start confessing.
Kaely, Lance and I spend the afternoon floating and swimming in the lake. Grant arrives in the late afternoon while I’m napping on a lawn chair under an umbrella. I wake to goose bumps erupting along my skin when a hand skates over my back and lips press against my shoulder.
I smile dreamily at him, slowly rousing. “Hi.”
He rests his chin on my arm, sweeping loose strands of hair off my cheeks. “You are beautiful.”
I blink, heat rushing to my face. He leans in and brushes his lips against mine, a wisp of a kiss. Before he can pull away, my hand slides into his hair, not allowing him to escape. I press my mouth hard to his, sweeping my tongue along his full lower lip. Grant crawls in next to me on the chair, both of us lying on our sides.
His arm wraps around my waist, bracing me to him as our mouths explore lips, jaws and necks in unison. My legs entwine with his. His hot hand presses firmly against my bare back. I can’t get close enough. I’m desperate to—
“Whoa,” Lance calls out. “You’re damaging our impressionable virgin minds.”
Kaely giggles. Grant groans against my neck. I’m fighting to regain my breath, reluctant to let him go.
“Can you disappear for a half hour?” I ask Lance, captivated by Grant’s blue eyes in a silent exchange, letting me know he’s just as desperate.
“So my mother can walk down and find you naked on the beach?”
That kills it. He might as well have dumped ice water over us. I flop onto my back, and Grant adjusts to somewhat of a sitting position beside me.
“Did you see Dr. Kendall’s message?” Lance asks, trudging up the sand, dripping wet. He grabs a towel and hands it to Kaely before using another to wipe his face.
“What message?” I ask, uncertain where I left my phone. Pretty sure it’s in my tote bag in the house.
“They changed the coed policy this year. We’re allowed guests of any gender in our rooms as long as we keep the door open and they’re out by nine. Cool, right?”
My eyes automatically search for Grant’s, a smile already spread on his face. “Anyone?”
“As long as they’re approved, yeah.” I’m lost in Grant’s gorgeous smile when Lance clears his throat. “Did you hear the open door part? I’m not sure what dirty thoughts you two are secretly sharing right now, but … stop.”
I beg Lance, “Half hour, please?”
“Dirty, dirty girl,” he teases, snapping his towel at me.
“You’re officially official right?” Kaely confirms, her face the shade of bubblegum.
We probably just blew her PG-mind.
“Yes, I think, is the right answer,” Grant says uncertainly, looking to me for confirmation.
I nod, grinning with ease.
Kaely beams. “Phew! That’s so good. I’ve been dying for you two to be a two all summer.”
“And what about you?” I ask, my eyes flashing between them.
Lance turns away. “I’m, uh, going to grab something to drink. Want anything?”
Grant shoots me a questioning look. I shrug, not expecting the abrupt reaction.
“I’ll come with you.” Grant stands, and the guys disappear up the path to the house.
I make an apologetic face at Kaely. “Sorry. I thought you were a thing after hearing about the Ball-vitation.”
“Oh, it’s not a big deal.” Kaely brushes it off with a wave of her hand. “He wants to date. I don’t.”
“You don’t?” I question in surprise. “Really? I thought you liked him.”
“I don’t know. He’s so nice, but I don’t feel it—that thing you and Grant so obviously have.” She sits on the lawn chair next to me. “It’s nothing he did. Guess he’s just not my forever, you know? But I’m happy we had the summer. I’ll never forget it.”
I don’t question her. She’s being honest. When I think about it, Ashton had no idea anything was going on between them until Kaely told us.
Now I feel bad for Lance. “Is it going to be weird for you at the Ball?”
“No. We’re still friends or whatever. It’s a little confusing. We’ll always have fun together,” she assures me. “Has your costume arrived yet?”
“I think it’s supposed to arrive today,” I say, trying to remember. Considering the dance is only a couple days away, I should probably find out.
“We’re going to Nantucket!” Lance announces, in a much better mood than whe
n he left.
“Who?” I ask, accepting a bottle of water from Grant.
“All of us.” Lance beams, spreading his arms wide. “Labor Day weekend. I was waiting to hear back from my uncle to make sure he’d be there. My parents wouldn’t let us bring everyone unless an adult was there. But now, it’s a go.”
I exchange a glance with Grant, not as excited by this invite as Lance. This island seems to be at the center of my drama storm. But when Grant quirks his brow suggestively, reasons why I should be excited to escape campus for a long weekend flood my thoughts.
Grant drives me back to the dorm, giving Lance and Kaely time alone after my question made everything awkward.
I check with the administration office when I arrive and discover I do have a package waiting from the costume company.
“Do you have your outfit figured out?” I ask Grant. I told him how I’m dressing and left him to decide what he wants to wear to complement it—or not.
He flashes a devilish grin. “Wait ’til you see it. You’re going to love it.”
I bite my lip, smiling. “Are you going to tell me?”
“Nope,” he says, leaning down to kiss me, ignoring the scowling security guard.
“How was conditioning?” I ask him, walking around the outside of the buildings toward the dorm.
“I hurt everywhere,” he says, rolling his shoulders. “I always forget how miserable conditioning is, and I didn’t do much to stay in shape all summer, so it sucks.”
“I can give you a massage,” I say with a flirtatious lilt.
“With the door open,” he reminds me, squeezing my hand.
“What’s your PDA rule?” I tease.
Grant laughs.
The mayhem in the dorm has settled for the evening with the designers gone. Instead, it’s buzzing with guys and girls roaming the halls, entering open rooms. Mrs. Seyer must be having a heart attack with this new rule.
We find Ashton in Arden’s room with a small group of people lounging and swaying to her chill electronic music.
The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4: Now We Know/What They Knew Page 29