Secrets (Sea Crest Book 3)
Page 6
I smile seeing their faces full of sheer joy, remembering when all it would take was an ice-cream to be happy.
Taking my helmet off, I shake my hair out and pull my phone from the back pocket of my denim shorts. There’s no missed calls and no texts from Ryan.
This isn’t like him at all.
I snap a few pics of me and JD and send them to him, wanting him to see what he’s missing.
JD and I stroll through the park, across the lawn to an empty patch of thick grass. It’s a perfect spot to watch the waves break on the massive rocks below.
JD turns to me, “So… how are you really? We haven’t talked much lately, but Barron filled me in on a few things on our way up here.”
I pick a blade of grass, tearing it with my fingers.
I let it flutter to the ground.
Snapping a few pics on my phone of the ocean stretching out across the sky, I post them to my Facebook and Instagram pages.
“I don’t know. Things are moving so fast while the start of summer was slow. Each day was the same. The routine was simple… wake up, drink coffee, go to work. But ever since that weekend on Block Island, my days seem shorter and the weeks are going by faster. I’m scared. As much as I want to tart our senior year so it ca be over—I never want this summer to end.”
“That’s not what I was alluding to and you know it.”
“I know. I guess I’m just embarrassed. But I’m not pregnant. I’ve made a lot of mistakes lately and I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I knew what I wanted—where my life was going. Then bam, I meet Ryan. Now, I’m not so sure about anything.”
“It’ll be okay. Things have a way of working out,” he says rubbing my shoulder.
“I hope so. For once, I hope so. I’m in love with him JD. I couldn’t stop myself. But I’m scared at how it’ll work when Ryan has his life in Boston…hours away.”
“Has he ever invited you there?”
“No.”
“Hmm…”
“I know what you are thinking but I trust him completely. He wants to get out of the cramped city on the weekends and visit his best friend on the Majesty. After seeing Barron’s lifestyle, can you blame him?”
“I wish you the best. I hope you know that. Since I’ve gotten to know Ryan this summer, I believe he likes you too, no games. But whatever happens, you’ll always have me.”
“Thanks, JD. I love you—you know.”
“I know.” He hunches over, hugging his knees, his eyes downcast.
“What’s going on with you?”
He shrugs, “Nothing much, I still don’t know which college to go to or how I’m going to afford it. I’m not dating anyone right now.”
“Whatever happened to the girl you met at the beginning of summer?”
“She wasn’t for me. She couldn’t hold an intelligent conversation. I got bored.”
“That sucks.”
“We should probably go, before Gabby freaks out that we have gone missing on her birthday weekend,” he groans dramatically.
***
“Shots on yachts!” Gabby exclaims as Jen carries out a tray.
“I think you should slow down.”
But there’s no stopping her—she downs her fifth lemon drop and grabs the control to the Majesty’s sound system from Jen’s pocket.
Ride plays at full volume.
My chair shakes from the vibration.
“Gimme that!” I try snatching the controller.
“Loosen up,” she yells like a petulant child.
“I’m taking my time on my riddeeeee...” Gabby sings at the top of her lungs. She knocks into the table and I have to reach out and catch a glass from falling and shattering.
I’m ruining her fun, but I don’t want to get drunk and stumble back in high heels. Besides, I need to make sure she has a good time safely.
As much as Barron’s a great boyfriend, I can’t picture him holding her hair back if she pukes and I’m sure she will, later on.
Actually, I’d bet money on that happening.
Barron joins us on the aft deck dressed in a navy-blue blazer and white shirt. The top buttons are undone giving us a peek of his hairless golden and chiseled chest. Khaki shorts and boat shoes finish his look.
I can tell he’s pissed.
“What the hell is going on?” he yells, taking the remote from Gabby and turning the music down.
“Thank God. I think I burst an eardrum. What’s up with the sport coat? Isn’t it a little hot for that?” I ask.
“It’s a yacht club thing. All members of the Newport Yacht Club dress in these colors. This navy-blue blazer embroidered with this distinct emblem can only be worn by members, purchased by members,” he points to the patterned insignia on the pocket.
“Oh. I forgot you belong to two yacht clubs,” I say.
“I belong to at least a dozen. It’s a tax write off for work purposes, networking and such.”
“I’ve heard enough about yacht clubs already. I want to party,” Gabby demands.
I roll my eyes at her, “Alright, birthday girl, let’s give you the night you’ve been waiting for.”
***
I’m miserable.
It sucks being the only one sober in the middle of a dance floor.
I’ve had at least four drinks spilled in my hair, dress, and feet.
This probably happened to me a dozens of times before, but I never even noticed or cared.
But now, the scene feels old.
I’m tired and I want to leave.
I’m hoping Gabby will sweat out all the alcohol she’s been downing. Her new diamond tennis bracelet catches the light every time she moves. Barron’s definitely a generous guy.
The bar’s not closing for another forty-five minutes and I’m not sure if I’m going to survive.
“I’m so hungry. I want pizza and then I want to party in the hot tub,” Gabby says, slurring slightly.
“Gross.”
“Shut up, I’m hungry.”
“I meant the hot tub part,” I tell her.
“Oh, Tess. It gets drained and cleaned daily. It only takes twenty minutes for the fresh water to pump in,” she says, unfazed.
Looking over to Barron and JD, I notice that they are equally wasted, having given in to Gabby’s demands to drink with her. Shaking my head at them all, I suggest we get the diva her food.
“Why don’t JD and I head back to the Majesty, and start getting the hot tub prepped,” Barron tells us.
“Sounds good, man,” JD says, slapping him on the back.
I guide Gabby out into the night toward the Greek pizza place we passed earlier. A sign in the window advertised that they stay open until two A.M. for late night pizza emergencies.
Gabby orders three large slices with cheese.
She savors each one. By the time she’s finished and swigs her Diet Coke, a full hour has passed.
I snap a pic of her burping and text it to Barron before she can stop me.
“Bitch,” she says trying to grab my phone.
She’s a hot mess and her hand to eye coordination is way off.
She knocks over the Coke bottle and I clean up her mess. She stumbles out, holding onto me, and we slowly make our way toward the docks passing groups of drunks.
Any other time I would find this hysterical, but I’m just not in the mood.
“Tonight, was so much fun,” she says as I help her out of her heels before we board. The Majesty’s silent and no lights are on inside the main salon.
“I don’t feel like going in the hot tub. I’m tired,” I tell her.
“Okay, can you just help me get changed?”
“Sure.”
I take her down and help her get out of her dress and find her bikini. I hand her a bottle of water and hug her goodnight.
“Ugh, I have to pee so bad. Good night,” she tells me as I close the door.
I decide to head up to the aft deck and call Ryan. It’s eerily quiet out here. Ther
e’s no sign of Barron or JD. Barefoot, I climb the stairs to the main deck, stopping short.
I freeze not sure exactly what I’m seeing.
Soft moans and the sound of kissing lips speak softly in the wind. Two tanned, hard bodies are linked together in passion.
The water from the hot tub spills over its side as the jets pump more in.
Barron’s head is thrown back in ecstasy and it’s suddenly clear the sound I was hearing wasn’t kissing, as JD’s head bobs up and down in the water.
I can’t move.
Everything is in slow motion; my brain numbs… not fully processing what my eyes are seeing.
The two of them are oblivious and fully engaged in the passion they are sharing. Barron’s hands are on the top of JD’s head. He’s moaning, urging JD to take him in deeper as he watches through half-closed eyes.
I can’t look away.
My first coherent thought is to get to Gabby, to stop her from coming up here.
But it’s too late.
“What the fuck is going on?”
I’m not sure who to look at— the boys who just got busted or Gabby shaking with fear and rage.
Barron’s amber skin has turned white. His face is pale, his eyes are wide with fear and shock. JD straightens up with his massive dick rising out of the water.
“Oh, my God!” I scream, covering my eyes.
Seeing him naked is too much.
I start shaking and crying as the full implication of what’s happening hits me.
But Gabby’s not moving.
She’s silent.
My fear of what she might do propels me forward. I take control of the situation and throw JD a towel, yelling, “Get out. Get the hell out!”
“Tessa—”
“GET FUCKED JD! JUST LEAVE.”
He finally complies, scrambling out of the hot tub.
Gabby’s shaking her head slowly, backing away.
“Nothing happened, right, Tessa? We both saw nothing,” she looks at Barron, “it’s okay, baby. This is my fault. I was too drunk earlier. I know you have a high libido. It’s not like you paid a hooker or anything.”
I stare at her in disbelief and empathy. She desperately wants to cling to the illusion of her perfect relationship.
“I know you love me. This doesn’t change a thing,” she moves toward him.
But he puts his hand up, “I can’t do this anymore Gabby. Please stop.”
Tears fall from this golden man just as broken in the hot tub as Gabby’s heart is about to be.
“No, shush, baby, don’t say it,” she whispers putting her fingers to his lips trying to stop more words from spilling out.
“I’m sorry. I tried. I really, tried, please know that I never meant to hurt you. I thought I could turn it off, but it’s always been there. I can’t lie and pretend anymore with my close friends. Gabby sweetheart look at me. I’m gay. I always have been.”
She reels back shaking her head in denial.
“No, no. Ooooh, Cristo. My God. Madre de Dios,” she cries, alternating between Spanish and English.
She’s in a state of disbelief and shock. Her keening cries ring out as she tries to process what we both witnessed.
Barron gets out of the hot tub and puts his bathing suit back on, unashamed of his own nakedness.
“I can’t change who I am. I’m sorry. I’ve been faking it for so long. The pressure’s too much and I lost control,” he starts to choke on his words, “you—for these last few months, being with you… was the closest I could ever come to having a real relationship with a woman. I’m sorry. I tried. I thought maybe—I’m just not wired that way.”
His words seem to wake up the fury that I know must have been waiting under the surface, the Gabby I know awakens as if he physically slapped her.
“What the fuck, Barron? I was your scapegoat? You used me? Banged me all night long, locking eyes, whispering words of tenderness and it was all bullshit?”
Her words are loud and explosive, while her body is slow and deliberate. She’s a cobra about to strike as she inches forward.
Backing away, I press my body into the cold fiberglass wall behind me, wondering how I didn’t see it.
Were there any clues?
I need to call Ryan, but my phone is on the deck by the hot tub. I must’ve dropped it in my hurry to get a towel to cover JD.
“Gabby. I tried. For you, I did. I—love you. I just can’t fall in love with you.”
“Hijo de puta, eres un joto, puto!”
She unleashes hellfire on him in Spanish cursing him while springing forward and slapping him silly. Her hands are lightning quick, hitting him all over. Barron just stands there silently taking the punishment.
I can’t stop watching the trainwreck.
It’s as if I’m watching a movie, but finally I snap out of it knowing someone needs to intervene.
Hooking her arms from behind, I grab her as she struggles to reach out and slap him some more.
“Gabby…please, I want to still be friends with you. This summer meant something to me. I do love you—I just can’t be with you like that anymore.”
“Did you love me when you had sex with me this morning?”
I hear a shocked gasp, turning around to find JD standing behind us. His eyes are full of hurt and betrayal.
Barron gives him a wistful look of apology.
“I don’t ever want to see either of you again.”
Gabby turns to JD and points her finger at him, “Eres un pendejo,” she hurls.
“Come on, let’s go. I’ll get us out of here,” I tell her pulling her by the elbow and guiding her to the stairs.
“Wait! Please! My father can’t know about this. Both of you need to keep your mouths shut. He’ll kill me…please.”
We don’t acknowledge him and keep moving.
“Gabby! You can’t tell anyone about this. I need you both to swear to it. Do you understand? Not one, not one word or I’ll have my father fire you.”
“Do you think I give a flying fuck about my job right now? I just walked in on JD, on his knees sucking you, my boyfriend—off, on my birthday. For fuck’s sake!”
“Yes, Gabby, we all know it’s your birthday, sweetie,” JD says with a finger wave.
“Pinche idiota,” she screams back at him.
“I’ll deal with you later,” I say to JD with conviction.
Gabby continues with a string of curses in Spanish and I realize I need to get her out of here before someone loses their nuts.
“How could you do this to me? I loved you both,” she screams falling to her knees sobbing. Barron seems to have regained control. His mask is back on, firmly in place.
“Come on, Gabby. You knew my rep. Did you really think that…you could change me? The biggest player up and down the coast? That I would change for you? Even if I weren’t gay that might be a stretch. But don’t be so hard on yourself. You never had a chance. Do you know how hard it was for me, pretending to enjoy being with a woman? You reminded me of someone that I met in Miami last year…why did you think I only liked it from behind? I could look at your ass with its mocha skin and pretend you were him as I slid in and out,” he finishes.
With his arms draped back bracing himself against the side of the hot tub…he’s still the King.
“Fuck you Barron Foster!” I rush him, cracking him hard across the cheek.
My hand stings from the slap and his face is red where my fingers marked his perfect skin.
I don’t regret my actions for a second.
Gabby’s curled up in a ball sobbing profusely on the deck. Her keening cries sound like a sick coyote. Jen rushes up to the deck, “Is everything alright?”
“Get back to bed, Jen. This is nothing you need to worry about.”
“They finally know then.
“What? You’re fucking fired! Get off my boat now! I pay you to keep your mouth shut!”
Stunned, I look at Jen. That bitch knew this whole time?
“You promised me that you’d stop sleeping with her. How could you?” JD fires.
“No, I told you I would break up with her after her birthday. I didn’t want to spoil it.”
“My God, that’s rich. You arrogant, self-entitled prick,” I tell Barron.
I turn to JD, “How could you? After all the lectures you gave warning me and Gabby about them? How ironic that you’re the one who betrayed us. Does Ryan know about any of this?” I gesture between him and JD.
“No. Of course not. And you need to let me tell him. He has to hear this from me.” Barron sighs finally caring about someone else’s feelings.
“He’s my boyfriend and I need him, right now!”
“He was my best friend long before he was your boyfriend and I need him first, Tessa.”
Barron steals my phone before I can get to it.
“Seriously Barron? You’re only making this worse for yourself. Snap out of it, ass wipe, and think about someone else for a change. I never would’ve figured you to be gay, but I guess you are the self-absorbed prick that I always took you for.”
I look back for Gabby, but she’s gone.
“I have a lot to lose. Inheriting my father’s business and my status at the yacht club could be at stake. I need to divulge this on my own time.”
“What you’ve just lost is much more valuable than any of that. Now give me my phone. I’m taking Gabby and getting the fuck out of here.”
“It’s almost three in the morning. Where are you going to go?”
“Let me worry about that JD—you’ve lost that right.”
“I’m warning you Tessa, keep your snarky mouth shut or I’ll sink your relationship with Ryan,” Barron finally hands over my phone.
“I was a fool. I thought you were good for her. You have no idea how much this will crush her. Why did you let her fall in love with you? You’re a loser. As for Ryan, I’ll give you fifteen minutes before I call him, starting now. I can’t believe you hid behind your secret like a coward.”