“I wanted to hear my sweet girl’s voice.”
I smile at that. I love my momma. I just don’t want to be like her. “How are the twins?”
“Fine. They’re fine. Asshole stopped giving me money, though.”
“Oh, Momma, I’m sorry. I’ve got a couple hundred from the scholarship allowance I can send you.”
“That’d be great, thank you.”
“No problem.”
I hear her take another drag of her cigarette and blow it out. “You always were a good girl. Could always count on you.”
“Everything going okay with…” I try to remember her latest boyfriend’s name.
“Carl? Yeah, we got married.”
“Congratulations.” I sigh and calculate this as her seventh.
Why does she always have to have a husband? For that matter, why does she always have to have a boyfriend?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from her, this is it, and yet I still went and fell for Manny. Unbelievable.
A mistake I will not make again.
“He’s a good ole boy, Viola.”
Yet, how many times have I heard that from her over the years?
I wait for her to say something else and when she doesn’t I finally prompt, “What’s wrong?” I know her and I know something’s not right.
“I’ve been trying to figure out if I should say something.”
“About?”
“Manny used to come in the club, sit in the back, and watch me strip.”
Nausea shoots bile straight to my throat, and I swallow it back. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, completely humiliated for her and for me.
“Ain’t your fault he’s an asshole.”
Yeah, but I’d known better. I should’ve listened to my head and not my heart. “Just tell him to leave.”
“I would ’cept he hasn’t been there in a while.”
My heart kicks in. “And?”
“I asked ’round. Looks like he’s in jail.”
Doesn’t surprise me. “For what?”
“Not sure, sweet girl. Listen, I’m pulling in and I’m beat. Talk later?”
“Sure, Momma.” We hang up and I sit a while staring off into space, thinking through the conversation. Manny in jail? Wow.
I glance at the clock hanging on the rec room wall. I don’t know where Levi is, but I still text him: MANNY’S IN JAIL?!
The door opens and Abbie stumbles in. “Oh, hey.” She nods to the Coke machine. “Hangover. Need some sugar and caffeine.” She puts quarters in, grabs a Coke, and pops it open.
I watch her for a second, idly looking at her height. Sometimes I wish I was tall like her. It would come in handy to see over people’s heads.
After a long gulp, she turns and looks at me. “Who you talking to so early?”
“Home,” I tell her.
“Tennessee, right?”
I nod.
She takes another big swig and lets out a soft burp. “You should’ve come out partying with us.”
I don’t bother reminding her she didn’t invite me. “I don’t really party, but thanks for thinking of me.”
“Oh.” Abbie honestly looks bummed. “Sucks for you. This academy’s good for some partying.”
Between Momma, her many boyfriends-slash-husbands, Manny, and neighbors in public housing , I’ve seen enough partying to last me awhile.
Abbie ponders me for a couple of hung-over seconds. “You’re a little too good. Maybe I’ll Google you and find out all your deep dark secrets.”
My whole body goes really still.
She lets out a chuckle laced with something kind of mean, and it sends an alertness tremoring through my veins. Why would she say that? I haven’t done anything to her to warrant this. Have I?
Quickly, I think through all the times I’ve been around her. Other than that time on the beach when I said I’d go deep sea fishing, I haven’t said or done anything to cause this.
Someone else pushes through the door, and I use that as my cue to immediately get the hell out of here. And to think I’d thought Abbie and I were sort of friends. Nothing friendly existed in that chuckle.
When I get back to our room, Gillian still lays dead asleep. I slip on my running clothes, make a quick bathroom stop, and then head straight to the beach.
Standing at the water’s edge, I reach for the cloudless morning sky and stretch right then left. Closing my eyes I twist side to side, smiling at the sun warming my face. I tune into the ocean lapping the sand and imagine it washing away my worries.
I start off with a walk and then break to a light jog, swerving and dodging the tide as it comes and goes. Other runners pass me going in the opposite direction, and we exchange a small smile.
When I think it’s been about two miles, I turn around and head back. Maybe I’ll Google you and find out all your deep dark secrets.
Riel admitted to reviewing my credentials, but he didn’t say he Googled me. Okay, so what would Abbie find if she Googled me? I don’t know. I’ve never looked myself up. I imagine she’d find all my academic awards. My dad doesn’t have the same last name, so she probably wouldn’t discover he’s in jail. Same with my meth-addicted older sister—different last name. Momma and I have the same name, but I highly doubt the fact she’s a stripper would pop up on Google. I was a minor when Manny stole that car, so my record is sealed.
I blow out a breath. Any one of the many details of my trashy past would be enough to cause gossip among the students, and gossip might lead to Director Williams looking into the details of my scholarship essay. Fact is, I didn’t come here thinking any of this would be an issue. I really didn’t think anybody would care.
Apparently, they do.
“Viola!”
I glance up to see Mar running toward me. I look around, but don’t see Riel, and slow to a walk.
“You run really fast,” she says.
“Hey, you.” I pull the black band from my sweaty ponytail.
“I saw you running all the way down the beach.”
“Oh, yeah?” I run my fingers through my damp hair and retie it. “You live around here?”
She points up the beach. “We live at Grove RV Park.”
“Get out, you live in an RV?”
Mar nods. “A fifth wheel.”
I use the hem of my tank top to wipe my forehead. “I think that sounds cool.”
Her face brightens. “You do?”
“Yeah. Don’t you?”
“’Suppose so.” She shrugs.
I look around again. “Where’s your brother?”
Mar points behind her, and I see him sitting all the way up toward the dunes. He waves and I wave back, anticipation skipping through me followed by an unexpected flare of nerves. Why am I nervous? It’s not like being around Riel is something new.
Mar grabs my hand. “Come on. You’ve totally got to see the sand art we built.”
I let her pull me along toward Riel.
“Hola,” he says when we draw near.
I try not to stare at his tan shirtless chest, at the light sprinkling of hair across his pecs, and at the muscles twitching as he plays with sand cupped in his hand. I try not to stare but fail miserably.
I find my voice. “Hi.”
“See.” Mar points and I check out a sculpted mermaid.
“Wow!”
Mar grins, and I catch those fabulous Villanueva dimples. “I’ve named her Sparkles.”
I glance back to Riel and see him staring at my legs. I’ve got decent legs. So if he’s going to be staring at something, those would definitely be it. I flex my thigh muscles, and he swerves his eyes up to meet mine. He diverts his attention in embarrassment, and I find it endearing.
“Who wants a boring old sand castle?” he jokes, and I smile.
Mar heads over to the mermaid and Riel motions to the sand beside him. “Sit?”
“Sure.” I take the spot and cross my legs. “Mar said you guys live in an RV? That’s really neat.”
“Hm,” he noncommittally agrees.
Is he embarrassed or something? If he knew where I grew up, he wouldn’t be embarrassed.
“Looked like you were running angry,” he says.
“Just a lot on my mind.” I glance over to his eyes hidden by shades. “You run?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. Never really liked it.”
“Not for everyone, I suppose.”
“Ever done any races?” he asks, and I shake my head.
We both lapse into silence and my thoughts drift to the swim meet and the man who had showed up. “You and Mar celebrate her win?” I say instead of asking about the man.
Riel shakes his head. “Not yet, but we will.”
“So, um, too bad you all had to leave so quickly after the meet.” I hope he gets my nosy hint and tells me about the mystery man.
He doesn’t. Or if he does, he’s not opening up.
I let a couple of contemplative seconds pass, then say, “You’re a good brother, Riel. I think it’s great you and Mar do so much together.”
“We haven’t really had a choice.”
I glance at Mar and her mermaid and think of my younger sisters. “I know what you mean.”
He gives me a surprised look. “Seems as if our lives have a lot of parallels, huh?”
“Seems as.”
Riel adjusts his sunglasses. “You’re really good with Mar.”
“She’s easy to be good with.”
He smiles at that, gifting me with both dimples. “I’ve never heard it put quite like that before.”
“What about your parents, Riel? Don’t they help at all?”
Slowly, his smile fades and I get the distinct impression I’ve crossed a line.
“Our mom died years ago, and Dad’s sort of been in and out since then.”
More out than in, I imagine.
Riel glances over to Mar, then back to me. “That was him at the swim meet for one of his rare visits.”
I put my hand on his arm, offering honesty. “I’m so sorry, Riel. I know how hard it must be.”
He nods. “Sounds like you might really know.”
We share a quiet moment as we look into each other’s faces.
“Is he gone already?” I ask.
Riel nods. “This morning, and so I brought Mar here to get her mind off things.”
His mind, too, I’m sure. “How did you end up here from Spain?”
“Dad was in the military when he met Mom. They got married. I was born in Spain and Mar was born here after we moved. You know what, though? At the bottom of it all, our dad’s a good man. He loved our mom a lot and just can’t handle the loss.”
Good man or not, he should’ve never left Riel and Mar alone. God, this really hits my guilty nerve again. They live in an RV. His dad’s rarely around. How is Riel paying for school? I’ve asked before and he dodged the question, but I need to know I haven’t thoroughly screwed him over.
“Riel,” I start. “Please tell me how you’re paying for the academy. I’ve been feeling horrible about the whole scholarship thing.”
“Mom’s life insurance,” he says. “I was saving it for Mar’s college. But by the time she’s ready for that, I’ll be settled in a career and can pay for it. Don’t worry about it. It’s really okay.”
His answer in no way makes me feel better. But at least he has an insurance policy to cover tuition. I certainly don’t have that, and it sounds like he has the same plan I do: start a career and save money for my younger sisters. Our lives really do parallel each other.
He waves everything off. “All that aside, it’s a miracle Mar’s turning out so perfect.”
“No miracle. She’s got a great big brother.”
“Thanks.” He gives his head a shake. “Anyway, didn’t mean to bring the mood down.”
I squeeze his arm. “That’s okay. Any time you want to talk, feel free. I’m a great listener, and I don’t repeat secrets.”
“You know what? I could tell that.”
“Oh?”
“I don’t normally ‘unload’ on people.”
I know the feeling for secrecy. I don’t “unload” on people, either.
“Same goes,” he offers. “Any time you want an ear, feel free.”
The sweetness in his tone brings a curve to my lips. “Thanks.” But I don’t intend on telling anyone around this place about me. God, Riel would hate me if he ever found out.
Mar comes up beside us. “Anybody want to go swimming?”
Riel and I share a glance.
“I’m game if you are,” I say.
He takes in my runner’s clothes. “In those?”
“Why not?” I push up out of the sand, toe my shoes off, strip my socks, and take off in a run.
Mar’s squeal follows me, and we both plunge into the water at the same time. Riel plows in after us, and diving under, he grabs Mar and tosses her into the air.
She comes up for a breath, lunges for me, and we both hit the surf head on.
Through gurgled laughs another wave hits us, and on the other side stands Riel, water sliding over his muscles.
Mar pops up beside me. “Toss Viola!”
Shaking my head, I back up. “That’s okay.”
“Don’t be a party pooper,” Riel says, diving toward me.
With a yelp I jump back and he comes up under me. He wraps his hands around my hips and slowly tugs me toward him until our bodies are completely flush. The ocean waves past, and our bodies sway with it. I breathe in as I look up into his eyes that seem more green than amber. Amusement flashes through them and a second later he propels me into the air, and I go head first into an oncoming wave.
Emerging on the other side, I wipe my eyes and spin around. “This means war!”
With a whoop we all charge each other at the exact same time.
I don’t know how much time passed, but as I trudge soaking wet back to my dorm, I can’t recall the last time I’ve played so hard.
Grinning like a goof, I let myself into my room.
“Hey.” Gillian takes one look at my sandy self. “Yuck. Where you been?”
“Playing.” I grab my toiletry bag. “Shower.”
“Cafeteria’s serving up blueberry pancakes. You in?”
“Sure. Meet you there.”
She heads out. “Heard your phone ding.”
“Thanks.” I wipe my hand on my towel and then run it over my phone to see a message from Levi.
To my text MANNY’S IN JAIL?! He’s responded YES, I THOUGHT YOU KNEW .
I quickly type WHY?
A few seconds later he types back RAPE .
Chapter Twenty-Four
Stalker
Look at her out there playing in the water.
How can she let him grab her like that?
I watched her walk to the beach. Watched her run.
I followed her back, too.
I like watching…
Chapter Twenty-Five
I spend the next day in a haze. Rape? I can’t quite wrap my brain around the word. In the year we’d dated, he’d been emotionally controlling, sure, but physically abusive? No.
He never forced me into sex, and even though I participated out of obligation, I did it willingly.
I call Levi to see if he knows details but end up leaving a message. The next night he finally calls me back.
“Tell me everything you know,” I say by way of answer.
“Sorry I didn’t call you right back. My schedule’s been crazy busy.”
I blow out a frustrated breath. “It’s okay. So what’s going on? Who did he rape?”
“This is what I know. He’s been hanging around the high school’s football games on Friday nights.”
“That’s how we met.”
“I know. Dude’s twenty years old, and he’s scoping out the virgins. It’s gross.”
I shake my head. “Sad to say I fell for the whole older guy act.”
“All you girls seem to. Well
, anyway, guess he’s been messing around with a sophomore. I’ve heard she wouldn’t put out and he forced her. I’ve also heard she put out, her dad caught them, and slapped Manny with statutory. Don’t know which story’s true though.”
The first time we had sex, he completely talked me into it. Convinced me we were in love and that’s what naturally came next.
How stupid I’d been. Me—smart, definitely not naive, and yet I’d still fallen for the whole ridiculous routine. Talk about being an idiot. Well, not again. “At least he’s in jail.”
“Actually, he’s out. He made bail.”
“How the hell did he make bail?”
“Who knows? One of his redneck friends. Listen, I’m back on the road, and Mom’s keeping me updated. When I hear anything else I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, bye. Love you.”
“Love ya, too. Talk soon.”
Someone knocks on my dorm door, and I go to open it.
“Well, thanks a lot,” Abbie snides as she lets herself in.
I resist the urge to sigh. “What’s wrong?”
She lets out a heavy breath, like the entire world and then some weighs her down. “Daddy’s coming this weekend. He talked to Mr. Hamns about deep sea fishing, and Mr. Hamns mentioned how much I wanted to go with my new friend, Viola. Of course Daddy loves the idea since you’re the scholarship recipient.”
Remind me again why I thought Abbie and I might be friends?
“Um.” I try to come up with a reason not to do this.
“Oh no.” She waves her finger in my face. “If I’m going, you’re going.”
I do want to go, just not with Abbie. “When? Saturday?”
“At the ass-crack of dawn.”
With that, she storms out of my room.
…
Saturday at dawn, I meet Abbie at her car in front of the academy. She doesn’t talk to me the whole way to the marina and instead downs an extra-large coffee that smells more vanilla than coffee.
“You’ve been talking to Riel.” She pulls into the marina.
“Yeah, we’re friends.”
“Hm,” is her comment as she tugs her emergency break into place.
I know she likes Riel. What, is she jealous or something about him and me talking? Well, that’s just stupid. It’s not like I stole him from her or anything. They’ve never even dated. Plus, Riel and I are just friends.
Watching You Page 7