by Shane Morgan
I never knew I was capable of breaking a guy’s body so vehemently, and having that much power feels incredible.
49
The next day flashes by with us immersed in each other. I lose time when I’m with Sydney. Every moment feels priceless, and I never want it to end.
Before our eyes are fully open Saturday morning, our lips lock, and our bodies interlace in searing heat. It’s a struggle to leave the bed. Eventually, we get up and shower together before eating breakfast.
Then we go swimming, goof around on the beach, have lunch, and talk for hours. As the sky darkens to indicate the end of another day, we order dinner and relax outside by the firepit. Cuddling on the loveseat and listening to the waves crash ashore.
“You know, we haven’t discussed it,” I mutter, caressing her arm.
She turns to me. “What?”
I trace her jawline. “What happens after we graduate. I know we’ve already talked about where we wanna go to college, but maybe we should make a solid plan.”
Sydney moves her legs from my lap, sitting up. “I applied to UW, USC, and UCLA. I was thinking, maybe I’ll go to whichever one you get accepted to.” She bites her lip while staring at me with a puppy look.
It does sound tempting. I’ll have my girl close.
But I feel guilty.
I reach for her hand. “Babe, as much as I want you close, I’ll feel crappy if you went to a college here because of me. I don’t want you to change your plans for me.”
She looks at our entwined fingers. “So, are you gonna be okay dating long distance?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes for us. We’ll be okay.” Placing a finger at her chin, I gently lift her head, so she meets my gaze. “I’m glad you believe we’ll be together even after Spencer.”
Sydney smiles in return. “I thought it was crazy at first. But the way I feel about you, Parker… I don’t wanna lose this.”
“We won’t.” I pull her closer. “We’ll make it work.”
She leans in for a kiss.
“Also, if there’s anything you need for college. Anything at all, tell me.”
“Parker, I don’t want—”
“I have an inheritance,” I confess. “My grandfather left me five million dollars.”
Her eyes widen in shock. “Shit! That’s a whole lot of money. No wonder your dad is wary of girls around you.”
“Yeah. I’ll have access to it once I turn eighteen.”
“Your birthday is in two weeks.” Sydney turns her head slowly in awe. “That’s incredible. You have quite a jump start in life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I would never take your money, Parker. It’s not me.”
I touch her neck and say sincerely, “I’d give you anything. Just say the word, and it’s yours.”
The sweet curl of her lips intensifies the spell she has on me. “Why do you love me so much?”
“Are you freaking kidding me?” I chortle. “Because you genuinely care, Sydney. You make me feel supported. You inspire me. You’re there when I need you. You’re…you. Should I keep going?”
I feel a prick in my chest as her eyes start to water, and she dips her head as the tears fall.
“Hey.” I cradle her face, raising her head again. “Why do you cry when I tell you stuff like that?”
Sydney shrugs and smiles for me. “It just sounds and feels really good. You make me feel these incredible emotions. I can’t help but want you.”
I wipe her cheeks with my hands and pull her into a comforting embrace. “You’re so in love with me, Sydney Rain Bell.”
She sniffles and takes a deep breath. “Damn right, I’m in love with you, Parker Prescott.”
I kiss her forehead.
We fall silent for a beat until she eases back.
“I should text Nia I’m staying until tomorrow. That way, she knows the plan in case my aunt calls.”
“All right.” I let her go, watching as she wanders inside to retrieve her phone.
Getting up, I put out the fire and head into the living room. Sydney finishes texting her cousin then sets the phone back on the coffee table.
She scans the place again, still amazed. “This is so nice. Penn’s parents rent it out during summer?”
“Yeah.” I close the gap and loop my arms around her waist. “You want it?”
A giggle sputters from her lips. “As if.”
“I could buy it for you,” I say, swaying with her. “Or get you one bigger and better someday.”
“A house, huh,” she murmurs.
“Mm-hmm.” I squeeze her tighter. “I’d spend my days and nights making you happy. Keeping you with me forever.”
“Forever sure is a long time.” She crinkles her brows. “Are you gonna love me that long, Parker?”
I swallow and tell her seriously, “You never have to wonder, babe.”
Our mouths collide. We lower to the soft area rug, kissing voraciously.
Sydney heaves off my shirt and her blouse. I quicken out of my jeans, pull down her shorts and underwear. I trail kisses all over her body until reaching below her belly button.
She quivers from the overwhelming pleasure. I get a boost to my ego and turn greedy for more when she grips my hair. Voice bouncing off the walls as she continuously screams my name.
50
My boyfriend had me locked inside a passion cocoon for the weekend. I didn’t want to leave. But I had to.
Parker brings me back to school Sunday morning, and I head home with Nia. She seems a bit unhappy.
“Everything okay?” I ask a minute into the drive.
Nia releases a heavy sigh. “Nothing happened with Kawan. The mood didn’t feel right.” She snorts. “It was too awkward.”
“Sorry.”
“It’ll happen when the time’s right. We’re both okay with waiting.”
I rub her arm. “That’s cool. No rush.”
She shrugs. “How was your weekend with Parker?”
“Great. But, I don’t wanna worsen your mood.”
“It’s fine.” Nia looks at me briefly with a smile. “I’m happy for you guys. I was mad at him for what happened with Aubrey. But seeing how much he loves you changed my mind about him again.”
Her words settle me. “I’m glad. Parker’s a good guy, cuz. I was so wrong about him in the beginning.”
She chuckles softly. “You warmed up to him and fell in love.”
I gaze out the window, lips curving as I think back to the moment we first met, leading to now.
“Hm. I sure did.”
Parker stops by Monday evening. We sit on the patio for privacy.
“I won’t keep you up since your flight’s early. But before I head out...” He slides a small gift box from his pocket. “This is your Christmas present.”
“Aw, Parker.” I smile while accepting it. “I have something for you, too.”
I hurry to my room to retrieve his gift from my dresser. He smiles in gratitude when I hand him the box.
“Let’s wait until Christmas to open these,” I suggest.
He smirks. “Sure.”
“Promise me. Not until Christmas morning.”
“Okay. I promise.” He leans over to kiss my lips. “Thank you. Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll love it.”
Clenching the gift box to my chest, I mutter, “Me too. I’ll FaceTime you the morning of.”
“Cool.” Parker stands and motions to leave. “Call me when you get to Seattle. Tell your dad, hey.”
“I will.” He wraps his arms around me and kisses the side of my head. “Happy holidays, babe.”
“You too. I’ll surely miss you these two weeks we’re apart.”
“Shit. It’ll be rough for sure.” He groans jokingly.
I walk with him to the front door, we share another kiss, and I wave as he leaves in his car.
Dad and I spend Christmas eve at his aunt’s house with other relatives. Returning to our duplex that night, I stay up late texting Parker and we FaceTi
me each other on Christmas morning. I set the phone on my dresser, so he’ll see when I open his gift.
“Ready?”
“Geez. Open it,” Parker urges, chuckling.
I untie the ribbon and lift the cover. My jaw drops when I see the sparkly rose gold diamond bracelet.
“Oh, wow.” My voice hitches in surprise. “Parker, this is beautiful. It looks expensive, I don’t think—”
“Just say thanks and put it on,” he quips before I protest about accepting such a lavish gift.
“Okay. Thank you.” I take the bracelet from the box and wrap it around my wrist. The rose gold details are stunning. It looks so good against my brown skin. “Gosh, it’s lovely.”
“A pretty bracelet for a pretty girl,” he remarks. “Like it?”
“I love it,” exudes from my lips on a giggle. “Thank you.” I pick up the phone and tell him, “Your turn.”
Parker sets the phone by his bed. He reaches for my gift. My heart races as he rips the wrapper and a flood of relief falls over me at the grin on his face.
“Oh shit,” he says, excited as he takes out the Da Vinci Code Cryptex.
“You like it? I figured it’d be way cooler than the costume from Scream.”
He chuckles. “It is. I love it, babe. Thanks. It’s a really great gift.”
“Glad you think so.”
Parker messes with the cryptex.
I lie on the bed. “Tell your parents Merry Christmas for me.”
“Sure.” He smiles. “Same with your dad. Let me pick you up at the airport next week.”
“So bossy,” I playfully scold. “Sure. I’ll let my aunt know. I’m sure she won’t mind since it’s your birthday. What do you want, by the way?”
He smirks. “I already got what I wanted.”
“Hm.” I purse my lips and squint at him. “I wonder what that is.”
Parker goes quiet while staring into the phone at me in a profound way. Heat floats across my skin. Butterflies crowd my tummy. Geez. The effect he has on me is out of this world.
“I miss you,” he says, tone bathed in desire. “I wanna kiss you. Make love to you.”
I gulp, lick my lips, and reply in a flirty way, “Show me how much next time we’re together.”
He winks. “Believe me, babe, I plan to.”
“Sydney!” Dad hollers from the passage, startling me out of my dirty thoughts. “Are you awake?”
Parker chuckles, realizing.
I roll my eyes at him and harrumph, yelling back, “Yeah, Dad!” Then I refocus on my phone. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Text me before you go to sleep. Love you.”
“Love you more,” I reply.
He shakes his head and says firmly, “Not possible.”
We end the video call, and I compose myself before stepping out of my room.
Dad’s sitting in his armchair. I lower to the area rug beside the tree when he hands me my gift.
“Merry Christmas, love,” he says sweetly.
“Thanks, Daddy.” I reach my box to him as well.
We open them at the same time. I gush at the large knit scarf. “This is really pretty. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, girlie. Thanks for this, too.” He wiggles his wallet. “I sure did need a new one.”
Then he hands me hot chocolate with near-melted marshmallows floating on top. We carefully knock our holiday mugs before sipping.
Dad glances at the tree and dispels a weighty sigh while observing the ornaments purchased or made by Mom. We decorated together when I came home. It was hard, but his joy carried him through the process.
Wanting to keep his spirits high, I set the mug on the coffee table and reach for the remote on the sofa.
“Movie time,” I gleefully announce.
He brightens. “Saved some to the Netflix list the other day.” He leans back in the chair, getting comfortable as I play the first of the holiday movies.
This time of year is always hard for us without Mom. But all we can do is move on and be grateful that we still have each other.
51
It’s been tradition since middle school to hang out on New Year’s Day with Davidson. Coleman and Nunez joined after freshman year.
We chill in the sand, drink, and share at least one goal. I hope we’ll do this even after graduating and going our separate ways to different colleges.
I don’t consume too much beer, wanting to have a clear head when I FaceTime Sydney later.
It’s nightfall by the time I reach home. Uncle Dylan’s Lamborghini is parked out front. This is surprising. He’s usually away for New Year’s, celebrating with supermodels on a yacht in Ibiza.
Walking to the door, I hear arguing coming from inside the house. Uncle Dylan’s shouting something.
“I deserved to know!”
They don’t even hear me enter.
Dad yells back, “Like hell you do! You slept with my wife!”
“What?” I blurt, freezing in the archway of the living room.
All three turn, looking guilty as sin.
Mom covers her mouth with a trembling hand. Gray eyes wide with horror.
“What did you just say?” I ask, blinking from Dad to Uncle Dylan.
Their expressions are grim. Full of secrets. Dad wipes his face and looks away.
Uncle Dylan clears his throat. He has a sheet of paper in his hand.
“Hey, kid,” he mutters, sounding nervous. He’s staring at me weird as if seeing me for the first time.
“Did you and Mom really...” I can’t even get the words out. He would flirt with her, but I always thought he was kidding around.
Uncle Dylan’s light blue eyes droop with regret. He swallows and parts his lips to speak, but Mom finds the courage. “Honey, it was a mistake. It happened a long time ago before you were born. We were both really drunk.”
I look at Dad. He huffs. “We’ve moved past it.”
“That’s still…” My head’s pounding. “What’s going on?” I glance at Uncle Dylan again for answers. He’s always been honest with me.
“Listen, Par—”
“—It’s none of your concern,” Dad interrupts, waving me away like he always does.
Uncle Dylan glares at him. “He deserves to know the truth, Eric; it’s not fair you kept it from the both of us.” He’s seething as he tosses a look between my parents.
“What are you talking about?” I snap, frustrated with them. “One of you tell me.”
Mom seems terrified. “Parker, sweetheart—”
“You’re my son!” Uncle Dylan declares firmly. “Mine. They kept it a secret for eighteen years.”
“Wh-what?” I stutter in shock. My stomach plunges. I clench my fists and grunt, “Is that true?”
Dad stares angrily at his brother before looking at me. “Parker—”
“Is it?” I yell, causing him to cringe.
Tears stream down my mom’s face. She touches her heart and whimpers out, “I didn’t know. I thought you were Eric’s.”
My eyes burn. Fury ripples through me.
Wheels start spinning in my head. I tighten my jaw and ask through gritted teeth, “When did you find out?”
“Your grandfather put it into my head,” Dad explains. “I decided to get a DNA test.”
“When?” I bark. “That’s all I wanna know.”
He releases a deep sigh before replying, “You were ten.”
I nod slowly, beyond pissed. “So that’s why you changed. You’ve been treating me differently since.”
Dad steps forward, hands and voice pleading when he says, “Let’s talk about this.”
“Stay the hell away from me!” I snap. “All of you!”
Smacking a family photo from the wall, I turn and march back to the front door.
I hear Mom’s sobs from the entry. Ignoring her, I storm outside.
“Parker, wait!” Uncle Dylan calls after me.
I flail my hands as I pivot. “How could you sleep
with your brother’s wife? What does that say about you?”
He combs over his hair. “There’s no excuse for that. You have every right to be upset. But can we please talk?”
“Why? What do you want now?”
“Just...don’t leave. I’m sorry you had to find out like this.”
A short laugh sputters from my lips. “Well, was there a better way? I wouldn’t even have found out if you hadn’t come here tonight.”
Uncle Dylan waves the paper. “Your grandfather left a copy of the results in a box he gave me. I’ve been avoiding going through his things all these years because I was so angry with him. So it’s my fault, too. If I’d checked it sooner—”
“What?” I throw my hand up. “What the hell would you have done?” Tears are running down my face now. “Would you have taken me? Kept me from a life of constant ridicule, of never feeling enough? What exactly would you have given me instead? You’re never here!”
Uncle Dylan comes closer and grips my arm. “Parker, I would’ve been here had I known. My brother kept my son and made him feel less than. That hurts. We’ve lost so many years.”
“Gimme a break.” I pull away from him. “Maybe he kept me because he knew you wouldn’t.”
“That’s not true, Parker,” he argues. “I’ve always…” He pauses, swallows hard. “I wished you were mine.”
“Whatever,” I scoff. “I don’t even care. Right now, I just wanna get away from all of you.” I walk around to the driver’s side of my car.
“Where are you going?” Uncle Dylan shouts. “Don’t drive like this!”
I get in and speed off, slamming my fists on the steering wheel while the tears rush like a river. I drive until reaching Shaw’s Cove, pull into the parking area, and lean over the steering wheel, breaking apart.
My life’s been one huge lie. All the shit my dad put me through is because I’m not his son.
Evan’s my half-brother. Does he know the truth?
My phone starts to ring in my pocket. I yank it out to power it off but glimpse Sydney’s picture on the screen. She’s Facetiming me.
Wiping my tears, I swipe across to answer.
“Hey,” she says, waving. Concern replaces her cheerful smile instantly. “What’s wrong?”