by Jordan Ford
The lights will keep me safe.
Rolling my shoulders, I adjust my sweater and am about to step onto the sidewalk when someone jumps me from behind, landing with a thud against my back.
I gasp, my eyes rounding as a solid arm wraps around my throat. It freaking hurts, but I writhe to break free of the hold.
He snickers in my ear, “Yeah, nice try, fat ass.”
His hold on me grows tighter, his steely arm cutting into my air supply. I rasp, scratching at his arm and trying to pull it off me. I wish I knew karate or something. I’ve watched enough movies to know you’re supposed to flip them over your shoulder, but I don’t even know how to do that.
I try to lean forward, shaking my body to loosen his grip.
Staggering forward, my lungs scream for air, stars scattering my vision when headlights swerve in front of me. The brakes screech loudly and the killer vise around my neck disappears.
“Hey!” Jace yells, jumping out of the truck and sprinting right past me.
Pounding feet disappear into the darkness while I cradle my throat and gasp for air.
“You all right?” Griffin crouches down beside me, his hand on my shoulder.
I’m too busy breathing to speak, so I just have to nod.
There’s a grunt and some scuffling behind us. Looking over my shoulder, I’m pretty sure I hear a fist crunching into flesh and instantly worry for Jace.
But my fear is pointless, because the next minute, Jace is dragging this guy back toward us. Griffin gets to his feet and goes to help him. The guy is dressed in black, a ski mask covering his face, and his feet are kicking like crazy as he tries to break free of Jace’s hold on him.
“Stop struggling,” Jace barks. “I’m not letting your skinny ass go!”
Griffin captures the guy’s other arm when he tries to take a swing at him. He’s now locked in place by two furious-looking guys who force him to his knees.
“Jed, you want to do the honors?” Griffin tips his head at the guy and I rise to my feet, brushing my dirty hands on the sides of my jeans before reaching for the ski mask.
Ripping it off, I move aside so the headlights are shining full beam on a face I was hoping never to see again.
“Craig Malloy,” Griffin grits out. “You freaking asshole.” Smacking him on the back of the head, he pulls out his phone while I stare down at the guy who made my girlfriend cry.
I’m not a violent man by nature, but I’ll make an exception for the Malloys.
Stepping forward, I fist his collar and shake him. “Was it you? All of it? The board, the tires, the money…the rat?” I seethe.
Craig’s upper lip curls and he lets out this feral kind of growl. “The only thing I wanted to do with my spring break was screw up yours.”
I shake my head at him.
“She ruined my life! You have no idea the shit I’ve had to live with since she lied about my dad. He’s not the same person, and it’s her fault! He’s a depressed drunk now. She turned him into a drunken loser!”
“He did that to himself! And if he’s so innocent, then he wouldn’t have gone into hiding and started drinking. Ever thought about that?”
“Liar!” he thunders, trying to lunge toward me. “She’s a lying bitch. You’re all lying bitches, and you have to pay! I have to make you pay!”
He’s getting freaking wild, his face morphing into this ugly, monstrous thing that doesn’t even look human.
“Yeah, Marshall, it’s Griff. I think we’ve got our guy, the one who’s been causing all the trouble.”
Craig starts to lurch and writhe again. With Griffin on the phone, he nearly loses control of him, but before the rabid dog breaks free, I curl my fingers into a fist and punch him square in the face.
His head flops back, a surprised wail shooting out of his mouth, followed by a stream of blood from his nose.
“Dayum!” Jace starts to laugh. “Didn’t know you had it in you, man. That’s freaking awesome.” His last few words come out as laughter. My belly starts to rumble too, but the sound never leaves my lips.
Craig—the mighty guy who thought he ruled Walton Academy—has fallen pretty far. As I stare at him with blood streaming from his nose and listen to his pitiful little whimper, I wonder why I ever felt intimidated by him.
He’s a loser with no backbone.
I hate that Skylar wasted her time on this guy.
But I love that she’s mine now.
He’s not going to touch her again. He’s not going to hurt her. I’m gonna make sure of it.
26
SKYLAR
AS I STAND outside Jed’s house, watching the police cruiser pull away, I can’t help a shiver. I couldn’t believe it when we got the call. We had already congregated down on the beach and were wondering what was taking the guys so long.
Having updated Lettie on everything, she was stressing about Jace, and then that got me worried about Jed. I was about to call him when Savannah’s phone started ringing. We leaned in, listening in on her conversation with Griffin. About a minute in, she put it on speaker so we could all hear Griffin say, “It was Craig. He said we all needed to pay for what we did to his dad.”
My stomach wound into a tight, unbearable knot and I rested my hand across it.
“Marshall’s on his way, and so are the police.”
“Is everyone all right?”
“Yeah, we showed up just in time. The guy was trying to choke Jed.”
I gasped. “Tell me he’s okay!”
“He’s fine, Sky. Don’t stress. Just before I called you, Jed decked him one. I’m talking full fist to the face. Craig’s now on his knees whimpering. And Jace can’t stop laughing about it.”
Lettie giggled beside me and I shared a quick look with her, hysterical laughter bubbling up in me too.
“We’ll be there in a minute!” Savannah hung up the call and we all piled into Aidan’s car. It was a tight squeeze; I had to sit on Savvy’s knee. Everyone was talking at once, obviously trying to process their shock of Craig coming back to Ryder Bay and trying to wreak havoc.
Part of me wanted to know all the details and another part didn’t care.
As the police cruiser disappears out of sight, I turn back to my boyfriend, touching his face with a tender smile. “I’m so relieved you’re okay.”
“I’m fine.” His smile kisses my lips and I wrap my arms around him, holding on for a second longer. I love how cuddly and big he is. I don’t know how I’m going to survive without him in New York.
I mean, I will.
I have to.
I just wish I didn’t have to.
“Come on, you guys. The beach is waiting. Let’s go.” Harley gets us all moving, and we head back to the sand, all pitching in to get a small bonfire going.
We sit around it, snuggled up with our partners and roasting marshmallows on sticks.
I pick at the gooey white mess, licking some off my fingers before gathering everyone’s attention.
“I have to tell you guys something.” Everyone goes quiet and looks over at me. Nerves suddenly take over and it takes Jed’s arm gliding around my back for me to find my voice. “After graduation, I’ve decided to move to New York. I got into Pratt. It’s this really amazing design school.”
“Wow,” Lettie’s the first to whisper. “Um…congratulations.” She shoots her big sister an uncertain look.
“It’s okay. I already knew.” Savannah gives me a sad smile. “Now that Craig’s been busted, I guess I was kind of hoping you might change your mind?”
The look on her face is so pleading, so adorable, but I have to shake my head. “This is something I need to do, for me. It’s not just about Ryder Bay. I love you guys and I’ll come back to visit, but…I want a fresh start, and New York is so appealing to me. I’ve always wanted to live in a bustling city. I think I’ll really like it there.” They all nod their understanding, but it doesn’t kill the sadness drifting around us. My chin quivers as my eyes start to fill with tears.
“I’m really going to miss you guys, though.”
Jed gives me a squeeze, resting his forehead against mine. I think he’s about to say something, but Savannah opens her mouth first.
“I’ve changed up my plans too.” She nods. “I’ve decided to put college off for a year or two. I mean, Dad’s hating that idea and will no doubt spend the next few months trying to talk me out of it, but…I just want a break from studying for a while.”
“You’re staying?” Lettie’s voice pitches.
Savannah grins across the fire at her. “Yep.”
“Yes!” She punches her arms in the air, then wraps them around Jace and kisses his cheek.
He grins. “I’m staying too.”
“Awesome!” Savannah looks so relieved, patting her chest. “I was prepping myself for miserable Lettie and didn’t know if I would cope.”
“Hey!” A small pebble comes flying across the circle.
Griffin catches it with a soft chuckle. “I’m sticking around too, although I’m gonna be commuting to Saddleback College. It’s only a forty-minute drive. I’ve already registered and will start my coursework in the new school year.”
“Good job, man.” Aidan lightly punches his arm.
We all know he and Harley are doing the San Diego thing, although they’re hoping to only come back on the weekends. Apparently, Harley’s looking into financial aid, which means she’ll be able to live in San Diego while studying, as long as she gets a part-time job.
My cousin shares a meaningful look with his girlfriend, and I smile when they thread their fingers together. Harley must have told him. She catches me looking at her and gives me a little wink before resting her head on Aidan’s shoulder.
“So…” I glance around at everyone. “Anybody else got news?”
“I do,” Jed whispers beside me.
I go still, my lips slightly parting when he takes my hands and smiles at me.
“I’m going to New York too.”
I know he said he wanted to, but how?
My forehead wrinkles with confusion.
“I’ve got some cousins who live in Brooklyn. They called before I left to come here and said I can stay with them. I’ve just got to find me a community college I can enroll in and I’m there.”
I forget to breathe for a second. “You’re coming with me?”
“I told you I would.”
A scream pops out of my mouth and I wrap my arms around him, yanking him against me so hard that we nearly topple over. He catches himself before he can squish me and tries to pull us back up, but I’m too busy kissing his entire face.
He’s coming with me.
He’s coming with me!
A snicker comes from behind Jed, followed by a little giggle. I ignore the sound, grinning up at my man before finding his mouth again. Closing my eyes, I revel in the fact that I won’t be leaving Ryder Bay alone.
I was willing to do it, but the fact that I don’t have to fills me with an unspeakable joy.
I don’t have to say goodbye.
If I’m lucky, I’ll never have to say goodbye to Jed. Not ever.
27
HARLEY
I WATCH my best friend get it on with the girl I used to consider my worst enemy.
It’s so weird how life can flip you on your head sometimes.
Glancing at my boyfriend, I study the contours of his face as he chats with Griffin about the classes they’re both hoping to sign up for at college. I can’t help wondering if they hope to be lifeguarding side by side one day. That’s the ultimate goal, but they’re both aware how competitive it can be, so Aidan’s parents have kind of insisted that he gets a college degree for backup. It’s a good idea, although I hope the lifeguarding thing works out for both of them.
I can just picture it.
The idea fills me with a warmth I never thought I’d feel.
Letting people close has always been so hard, especially after getting burned so heinously by “that guy.”
But he can’t hurt me anymore.
I didn’t let him rob me of Aidan. And I won’t let him keep holding me back.
I don’t need a victory board. I don’t even care if I get that one back anymore. I’m assuming Craig has it hidden away somewhere. Or maybe he destroyed it.
But it doesn’t even matter.
A thoughtful smile stretches over my face as I contemplate what lies ahead. Change is always hard, but it can be exciting too. I want to be fearless and take every good chance I can get from this life. My past will no longer dictate my future…which means I’ve gotta do something.
Squeezing Aidan’s elbow, I silently grab his attention.
“You okay?” He brushes his finger down my cheek, and I’m overwhelmed with love for him.
Wrinkling my nose, I bite my bottom lip and murmur, “I just need to ask you something.”
He swivels on the log to face me. “Sure. Anything.”
I love his smile.
His little wink.
The way he looks at me like I’m precious.
“Um… Will…will you go to prom with me?”
He blinks, kind of stunned by my question. “Prom?”
“Yeah, my high school prom. I was just wondering if you wanted to go. With me. I think it’s like the weekend after yours, and as long as I can wear the same dress to both, then…”
“Wait. Both?” His eyebrows disappear behind his hair.
I give him a nervous smile and nod.
He tips his head, really studying me.
“It’s okay,” he whispers. “We don’t have to. I understand now, and we seriously do not have to.”
“I know.” I shrug. “But you want to, and I love you, and it’s your last one and my last one and…” I pause, making sure he’s looking right into my eyes, so he knows how much I mean it. “And I trust you.”
His expression turns my heart to this gooey sweet honey that runs through my entire body, warming my core and strengthening me in ways I never thought possible.
Wrapping his arms around me, he pulls me close and whispers in my ear. “I’d love to go to prom with you. And I don’t care what you wear. Show up in a wetsuit if that’s what makes you most comfortable.”
I giggle against him and kiss his neck.
I don’t have the guts to say this out loud, but I’m not settling for anything less than beautiful. I’ll get Savvy and Sky to help me. It’ll be painful but worth it. Dressing up for two nights of my life won’t kill me, and it’ll make Aidan happy. And knowing how life does that head-flipping thing, I’ll probably end up having the time of my life.
28
GRIFFIN
LETTIE’S HUMMING to herself in the back seat while I drive the girls home.
Jace left with Jed to make sure he got back safely. Now that Craig’s been busted, we probably don’t have anything to worry about, but Skylar looked kind of nervous when we started to part ways, and Jace promised to walk him home.
The bonfire tonight was perfect. Sitting around with people I care about, who care about me. I never thought I’d get so lucky.
Glancing at my girlfriend, I try to get a vibe of how she might be feeling. She’s going to be sad about Skylar leaving, and I’m guessing she’s still carrying a lot of tension over her immediate future. Until her dad gives her his blessing, I’m guessing the delaying college thing is going to be a weight around her neck.
I reach over and rest my hand on her knee. She starts tracing lines between my knuckles with her index finger. It kind of tickles, but I don’t want her to stop. Driving the rest of the way one-handed, I pull into the Greens’ driveway and cut the engine.
“Thanks for the ride, Griff.” Lettie jumps out the back while Savannah stays put.
“I’ll walk you in, if you like.”
She gives me a grateful smile and opens her door. I run around to close it for her once she’s out, then thread our fingers together and amble up the front walk. I’m trying to ooze calm and peacefulness. She needs
both right now, in bucketloads. I wish I could do more to give it to her.
Stopping by the front door, I turn her to face me and am about to kiss her good night when Kevin calls out to us.
“Come in, you two. We need to talk!”
Savannah’s face drains of color. I peck her nose and try to smile. “It’ll be okay.”
She doesn’t believe me, but I pull her into the house anyway. Her father’s a reasonable guy. He may not be buying into her wishes right now, but I’m sure we can talk him around.
“Take a seat.” He points at the chairs when we reach the dining room table.
Without a word, we both settle down opposite him, and it suddenly feels like we’re in the principal’s office about to get a lecture.
The expression on Kevin’s face isn’t exactly promising.
Lettie’s humming passes us as she walks out of the kitchen with a water bottle. She jerks to a stop when she sees us. “What’s going on?”
Her dad sighs. “We’re about to have a serious conversation about Savannah’s future.”
Lettie’s lips twitch. “Can I sit in?”
“Of course,” Savannah answers quickly, smiling at her sister when she slips into the chair beside her. I can’t see it, but I think they’re holding hands under the table.
Kevin’s face bunches with unrest as he looks between his two daughters and then announces, “Savannah wants to stay in Ryder Bay.”
“I know, I’m so relieved. I was wondering how crappy things were gonna get when she left.”
“Lettie!” her dad barks.
“Oh, come on, Dad. You know this house will fall apart without her.”
“I…” Kevin frowns and snaps his finger at his youngest daughter. “You’re not helping!”
“Dad.” Savannah rests her hand on the table, tapping it to get his attention. “Please. I know what I want. Don’t force me off to college when I don’t have a clue yet as to what I want to pursue.”
“That’s what college is for, so you can figure it out.”
“I don’t want you pouring money into my education right now. I’m just asking for a year off studying. I’m so over exams and assignments. I just want to get a job, earn some of my own money. Live for a while. Let me experience life without the pressure of school.” She smiles, but it falters at her dad’s unsettled expression.