The deafening explosion is coupled with a flash of white light behind my eyelids. My eyes snap open and I roll backwards, almost toppling off the platform.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The sky erupts in millions of shimmering stars. I watch, mesmerised, as the sparks of light return towards earth and eventually disappear.
Wes chuckles, the sound low and husky. “We forgot about the fireworks.”
I look at him with my eyes wide. Is it already nine? We’ve been laying on this dock for hours, time escaping like it has no meaning at all.
“Guess we get a private showing,” I joke weakly, trying to catch my breath and calm my heart.
“Works for me,” he says softly.
We lock eyes again, but the moment — if that’s what it was — has passed. Wes puts an arm around me and pulls me close. I lay my head on his bare chest and I hear the soothing sound of his heart thumping. It echoes my own erratic heartbeat.
Above, the night sky is alive in technicolor.
Light in the darkness.
28
Wes
Did last night really happen? Did Anaya and I almost kiss?
Anaya has been on my mind all morning. I was thinking about her when I woke up, I thought about our conversation as I walked to work, and now, sitting in my lifeguard chair, she’s still at the forefront of my attention.
I shift in my chair and glance again at the floating dock in the middle of the lake. Last night, I felt closer to her than I’ve felt to anyone in a long time. It was like I couldn’t control my words, and yet telling the truth — telling her my story — was one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done. I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and touching her face. I forgot about our contract, forgot about everything. It was just me and her, and before I could think about it, I leaned in to kiss her.
Thankfully, the fireworks interrupted the moment and stopped me from doing something stupid. I almost broke our agreement, almost violated our contract. It was mindless. But even knowing this, the moment replays in my head over and over. Did she lean in too?
I shake my head and unscrew the lid of my water bottle, taking a swig. Our contract is solid, Anaya and I are strictly business. I’m meant to be getting back together with Brooklyn. I can’t be thinking about kissing Anaya.
Plus, Anaya insisted on the no-kissing rule. I need to respect her wishes. And clearly, she doesn’t want me to kiss her. Which is fine because I don’t want to kiss her either.
Right?
“Wes!”
The voice snaps me from my thoughts. Startled, I look down upon a familiar blonde figure. “Oh, hey Brooklyn. How’re you?”
Brooklyn smiles, sweet as sugar, and twirls a lock of hair around her finger. It’s a move that used to drive all the guys crazy, me included. “Good. Why didn't I see you at the fireworks last night?”
Because I was lying on a dock in the middle of the lake with Anaya. Because I lost track of all space and time as we talked. Because my mind was completely focused on her words, laughter, movements.
But, I can’t say any of that.
“I was working late,” I say instead.
Brooklyn pouts. “What a shame. You know July Fourth is, like, my favorite holiday.”
I smile, but it feels forced. Only then do I realize that she’s dressed in her special stars and stripes bikini. Her lips are a dark shade of red and her eyelashes are blue. “I do.”
Brooklyn widens her eyes so she looks like a doll and pouts her lower lip. “Were you with your girlfriend?”
Her voice is low and serious. It’s almost like she… cares.
Instead of feeling triumphant, however, I flush. I take another swig of water to cover my face. “Yeah, I was.”
“You know, Wes.” Brooklyn’s lower lip trembles. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t expect you to move on so soon.”
Her green eyes bore into mine and her face is open, sweet and honest. For the first time this summer, I’m seeing the old Brooklyn, the one I asked to be my girlfriend three years ago. It takes me a minute to realize that this is the first time in months that Brooklyn has acted this way — acted like the girl I was in love with.
Wait. Was in love with?
I stare at my ex-girlfriend and an uneasy feeling turns my stomach. She’s beautiful as ever, but it’s like she’s changed. Sometime in the last few years, the old Brooklyn turned into the new Brooklyn. My heart no longer constricts when I look at her, my pulse doesn’t quicken.
Brooklyn’s eyes search my face and I’m flustered. Am I imagining things? Brooklyn and I were happy together for three years. I must be mistaken.
I take a deep breath and banish the thoughts from my mind. “I didn’t expect to move on so soon either.”
The words are meant to be flippant and easy, a way to make her jealous. But the problem is that they feel sincere.
Brooklyn leans forward and grazes her hand along my arm, her eyes large and flirtatious. “But we had some good times, didn’t we.”
I nod robotically but barely register her words. My mind buzzes with questions about everything I’ve done this summer. Speaking so honestly with Anaya last night gave me a new kind of strength and courage. She makes me want to be the best person I can be. Could it be that I no longer want to be with Brooklyn?
A shadow crosses her face and a hint of annoyance hides behind her eyes. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you later. Yes?”
It’s not a question, but I answer anyway, distracted. “Sure.”
Brooklyn walks away, her hips swinging from side to side. It’s an obvious move — I know Brooklyn does that to get guys’ attention — but I can’t bring myself to notice. I turn my gaze to the dock in the middle of the lake, lost in thought about the girl who may have changed everything.
29
Anaya
I skip out of my cabin, fuelled by the morning sunshine and the butterflies in my stomach. It’s a stunning day at Legacy Inn and, having slept in for the first time in awhile, I feel well-rested and happy.
I knot my shirt around my waist as I walk. It’s going to be a scorcher today. The air is already warm and, in the distance, the snow-capped mountaintops sparkle in the sunlight. The breeze carries notes of honeysuckle and lavender.
I close my eyes and let the sun warm my face. My mind buzzes happily. I’ve thought of one thing and one thing only since I woke up this morning: Wes.
Last night was magical. Our conversations flowed so easily and I found myself constantly wanting to hear more, learn more about him. He made me feel so comfortable and I shared with him the things that I usually keep secret — my dreams, my hopes, my fears. He was supportive and encouraging, his words like a balm. I felt like I could spend forever talking to him.
And then, the moment before the fireworks shot across the sky...
I think he might’ve kissed me, and I would’ve kissed him back. The memory makes my head spin. He was so close to me, our lips inches from touching. Could it be that Wes thinks of me like that? In that moment, I let myself believe it, fall into it. The contract disappeared from my mind and all I wanted was to kiss him.
I have never wanted anything more in my life.
My heart skips a beat and I speed up, walking towards the beach. I can’t wait to see him. My first lesson isn’t for half an hour so we have plenty of time to talk.
The truth is, Wes is the only person I’ve ever felt myself with. And more than that, I can’t deny that a part of me is falling for him. Being so open last night triggered something in me. When he leaned towards me, the spark I felt for him ignited.
I like Wes Adams.
And if last night is anything to go by, he might like me too.
“Somebody looks cheerful this morning!” Nath calls from the flowerbeds.
“As merry as the day is long,” I quip, glad to have a Shakespeare quote at the ready.
“That’s my girl.” She smirks knowingly. “Say hi to Wes from me, will you?”
&nb
sp; I laugh, for once not denying that he’s the reason for my cheerfulness. “I sure will.”
I continue down the path — the beach is just around the corner now. My heart pounds in anticipation and my face is already in a wide grin.
“Anya!”
No. No. Not now.
I deflate like a popped balloon.
Brooklyn is coming from the beach and is resplendent in a red, white and blue bikini. Her blonde hair is perfectly curled, her makeup flawless. She’s wearing cute little heels that make her legs look a mile long.
I don’t even bother to correct her mispronunciation of my name. I sigh and shift uncomfortably. I know Wes loved — loves? — Brooklyn, but I can’t bring myself to enjoy her company. “Hi, Brooklyn.”
“Girl, how are you?” She smiles, her teeth perfectly white and her lips stained a cherry red.
I blink, taken aback. Brooklyn has barely ever spoken to me, let alone been nice to me. Although her eyes are hidden by big sunglasses, her expression is wide and open.
“I’m okay,” I answer cagily. “How are you?”
“I’m great!” She takes off her sunglasses and, before my eyes, her face changes. Her smile becomes oddly predatory, her eyes piercing. “I just had the loveliest chat with your boyfriend.”
My stomach drops to my toes. This can’t be good.
Brooklyn stares at me, waiting for a reaction. Luckily, I’m used to this and I force the same neutral expression I wear around Isabella and Chloe.
“Wes is such a good boyfriend, don’t you think?” She bats her blue eyelashes innocently.
This feels like a trap. I look directly into her eyes and cross my arms, wondering what game she’s playing. “He is. He’s a great guy.”
“The best. I just love what a gentleman he is, you know?” She simpers and holds out her wrist. “Did I ever show you this beautiful tennis bracelet he gave me?”
I glance at her slender wrist and the bracelet twinkles in the sunlight. It’s fashionable but classy, understated yet unique. I can see Wes picking it out.
“It’s lovely,” I say carefully, my brow furrowed.
“It’s such a shame you guys missed the party last night.” Brooklyn pouts her bottom lip. “It would’ve been so nice for him to take you as his date. He really wanted to go.”
“I think we were okay missing it,” I say evenly.
“Really?” Brooklyn’s mouth pops open and she holds a hand to her chest. “My mistake, then.”
I know that she’s baiting me, but I can’t help myself. “What makes you think Wes wanted to be there?”
Brooklyn flashes me a grin, a lioness about to pounce. “He told me just now. Apparently, he got held up at the lake last night, something to do with work — he said it was nothing important. He would’ve preferred to go to the party, though, and he said he really hoped to see me there.”
Her eyes go wide and she places a delicate hand in front of her mouth, like she said too much. “But I wouldn’t read into that, if I were you. Wes and I used to celebrate the Fourth of July together, it was a really special time for us. You know?”
She bats her eyelashes again and the color drains from my face. He was held up with work? Last night wasn’t important?
My stomach twists uncomfortably. Could I have it all wrong? Maybe Wes was just being nice last night. Maybe I was the only one who lost track of time, who got wrapped up in the moment. After all, Brooklyn knows Wes better than I do. They have a history together. Maybe she's right.
Brooklyn smirks, looking satisfied. “Well, I should be going. Have a great day with Wes— I mean, your boyfriend.”
My throat is tight. “Bye.”
Brooklyn sashays away, her hips swinging from side to side. I’m frozen on the path, my mouth dry. Maybe I’ve made a big mistake. I could’ve sworn that Wes wanted to kiss me last night. And we get along so well, so seamlessly... but have I been fooling myself to think that he might feel something more for me than friendship?
I shake my head. I can’t take Brooklyn’s word as fact without speaking to Wes. I just need to find out what he’s thinking.
I force myself to continue walking, but the spring has gone from my step. I round the corner to the beach and slow to a stop, surveying Wes from a distance. He’s sitting in his lifeguard chair, looking towards the center of the lake. He’s smiling — his face and body language are happy, carefree and satisfied.
My heart sinks like a stone. I think I know why he looks so happy. He just spoke to Brooklyn. He’s probably thinking about the times they celebrated the Fourth of July together.
An unpleasant thought hits me — Brooklyn might be snobby and mean, but that doesn’t mean she’s incorrect. Maybe Wes would have preferred to be at the party with her last night. And if that’s the case, I’ve gotten way ahead of myself.
Is it worth risking our contract and our friendship to tell him how I feel? Things are looking good for the two of them. She’s definitely making it clear that Wes and her have a special connection; she’ll likely want to get back together with him soon.
I can't spoil that for him.
On his lifeguard chair, Wes whistles and turns his face towards the sun. He looks heartbreakingly beautiful and I find I’m holding my breath.
“Wes and Anaya” is soon coming to an end, as I always knew it would. Deep down, did I really expect anything different?
30
Wes
The Edendale Carnival is a much more impressive affair than I thought it would be. The set up is huge, with rides, food stalls, games and attractions stretching as far as the eye can see. The smell of cotton candy and fried dough fills the air. The evening breeze carries the sounds of tinned carnival music, children’s squeals, and raucous laughter.
“Yes!” Anaya shouts as the small rubber ball falls into an angled bucket. “You got it!”
She gives me a high-five and I laugh, appreciating her encouragement. Her eyes crinkle at the sides and her cheeks are flushed with joy. It’s impossible for me not to smile when Anaya is happy.
Meanwhile, the carnival worker looks at us, bored. “That’s one.”
I wink at Anaya before throwing the second ball. It goes in.
“Two,” the carnival worker says dully.
Anaya cheers and I puff out my chest jokingly. “What do you want? The unicorn? Maybe that huge teddy bear?”
“No.” She smiles broadly. “I want a turn.”
“Oh man.” My bravado instantly disappears. “Of course, I didn’t mean to be rude and not offer. I just figured—”
“Yeah, yeah.” She interrupts with a laugh. “I’m a klutz and can’t throw a ball?”
“N-no,” I stammer, shaking my head. That definitely wasn’t the case — I wanted to win her a prize. “I was trying to impress you…”
She holds out her hand. “Consider me impressed. But I still want a turn.”
I raise my eyebrows, delighted to see her confidence. She’s owning who she is, unashamed and unafraid of failing. “Have at it!”
I toss her the last ball gently. It’s an easy catch.
But, she misses it. She immediately drops to the ground, chases it, and finally retrieves it under the wheel of a stroller carrying a screaming toddler.
“Oops!” She chuckles and then positions herself in front of the stand.
I give her shoulders a squeeze, my stomach flipping in anticipation for her. “I believe in you.”
She approaches the line, looking determined as ever. She squints at the bucket and then draws her arm back. My heart beats loudly and I cross my fingers.
She throws the ball clumsily…
And it goes in!
“YESSSSS!” I roar.
I dive towards her and pick her up, spinning her around. She laughs in delight and holds her arms out like she just won a major football game. I hold her body against mine, never wanting to let go. When she steps out of my embrace, she’s red-faced and giggly. My heart swells. Of course she had it in her.
“I’ll take the whale,” Anaya tells the carnival worker. He unhooks a massive blue, squishy whale from his cart and passes it to her. She hugs it tight to her chest.
“What are you going to name it?” I ask.
“Hamlet.”
I stare at her blankly. “Why?”
“Because I didn’t go crazy this summer.”
“On the contrary, I think you did.” I laugh. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Anaya has a secret smile on her face, her eyes far away. What is she thinking about? I bite my tongue to keep from asking. If she wants to tell me, she will.
I grab her hand. “Come on. Let's hit the ferris wheel.”
“Absolutely.” She grins and then takes a look around. “I haven’t seen anyone from school yet, though.”
Her comment makes me glad. That means no interruptions; we can just spend time together. We’re at the carnival because it's a part of our fake relationship contract — Anaya wants us to be seen together as a couple in Edendale. But, I’m having so much fun with her that I keep forgetting that this is a key part of the plan.
As Anaya looks around, I glance at her profile. She looks radiant in a crochet cropped shirt and cutoff jean shorts. She seems happy, excited. It reminds me of the night on the dock.
It’s been two weeks since I almost kissed her. Since that day, she’s all I can think about. All I want is to kiss her, for real, and tell her how I feel. I have so much to lose if I tell her the truth. But if she does, somehow, feel the same, I have even more to gain.
Both the summer and our plan feel like they’re unfolding all too quickly. It’s painful to think about what happens after this is over.
I don’t want it to be over.
Her brown eyes meet mine and she smiles. My heart slams in my chest and I make up my mind.
I’m done with being a coward. Screw the fake relationship contract — what I feel is not fake. I’m bursting at the seams, I want to tell her how much she means to me. But not here. It needs to be somewhere romantic, somewhere one-of-a-kind, somewhere she won’t forget...
The Complete Legacy Inn Collection: Four Sweet YA Romances Page 27