“Hailey,” CeeCee hums. “What’s wrong? Why are you mad?”
Without Brandon nearby, I feel able to say what I need to. “Why the hell didn’t you warn me that Kristen was there? It was really unfair of you to just throw me into that situation, knowing what I’m dealing with.”
CeeCee places her hand against her chest, aghast at the accusation. “Do you think I would purposefully let you walk into that? I didn’t know she was going to be there. I didn’t even know she was in town. Caiden just showed up with her. He didn’t warn any of us, probably because he knew we would have told him to fuck off.”
CeeCee doesn’t cuss often, but I love it when she does. “You promise?”
“I can spit in my palm, and we can pinky promise like we did in the third grade if that helps convince you.”
My head falls into my hands, and I let out a sigh of relief. I walk over to the couch, taking a seat, trying to focus on my breathing.
CeeCee is at my side, wrapping an arm around me. I won’t let myself cry in front of her. The realization that she didn’t just forget about my well-being makes me feel ten times better.
“You handled last night really well, though. You have to know that. She’s nice, but she’s not my best friend. She’s not you.”
I shake my head, lifting my stare to hers. “I didn’t have a choice. I never have a choice.”
Gabe Samuels suddenly comes to mind, and my head spins.
“You’ve always been good at handling whatever the world throws at you, Hails. That’s why moving away to chase your dream would only make sense when it’s you.”
I smile. “Thanks, Cee.”
“What else is on your mind?”
“You don’t even want to know. Tons of things. Like that oaf of a boyfriend of yours.”
She goes wild as she rises from the couch, hands flying to her hips with a sway. “He is not my boyfriend!”
“Whatever,” I laugh.
“I don’t want to talk about Brandon and me right now. He’s pissing me off and getting too clingy, like he always does. What has he done to you?”
“I was talking to Gabe Samuels and—”
“He’s in town?”
I shrug. “I guess.”
“What were you doing talking to Gabe? He’s like our archnemesis.”
I laugh. “Cee, we don’t have an archnemesis.”
“Uh, yeah we do. Brandon and Caiden have hated his guts since freshman year.”
I roll my eyes. “We’re out of high school now. Isn’t it time we let those grudges go? And he was nice to me. Did you know he’s a writer? Well, a journalist, but still.”
A tiny ‘v’ appears between CeeCee’s eyes as she stares at me curiously. “Are you crushing on Gabe?”
“Maybe. He gave me his number. He’s in town for a short time, and so am I. Might be nice. I don’t have anything to lose, right? Plus, Caiden is messing with my head.” I rub at my temples.
“I think this is a fantastic idea.”
My head perks up as I watch CeeCee pace my living room, tripping over my suitcase on her second round.
“Wait, you just scolded me for talking to him.”
“I know, but…” She strums her pretty fingers over her pointed chin. “This might knock some sense into Caiden. I can see he’s crossing lines when he’s around you. He keeps staring at you, and he needs to know his place. I think this is a great way to make him jealous.”
I shake my head. “No, no. You’re missing the point. This isn’t about Caiden; this is about me. I should be the one allowed to live and have fun.”
“Of course. I hate to admit it, but Gabe is pretty cute. Plus, you’re right, he’s in town for who knows what, but a nice fling tonight might be perfect.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh yeah.” She wiggles her fingers at me. “Two things. Get up. We’re going to the lake for the day. Shore day.” She grins. “Tanning, drinks, and friends. It’s exactly what you need.”
“But you just said something about tonight?”
“Oh—oh, party tonight. Bonfire like the good ol’ days. Your favorite. John Walden still hosts them on his property on the north side of the lake. He took over his dad’s ranch and likes bringing everyone together a few times each summer to hang out. They’ve become staple get-togethers for everyone now. Also, John’s been trying to get into my pants since senior year.”
I giggle. “You never?”
“Good God no, but I like to make Brandon jealous. Anyway, you should tell Gabe to meet you at the party tonight.”
I nod. “This sounds like a solid plan.”
“Now go get a bathing suit on.”
I grunt, “Do I have to go? I mean, I’m still really cranky over yesterday. The way Brandon handled the Gabe thing—”
“These boys don’t know when to quit, trust me. He does it because he cares, even if it’s misplaced. It’s always been that way, Hails. You know this. I’ll allow you to be cranky on the shore. Fair? Also, you need some sun. You’re starting to look pale, and I’d hate for the Californians to get a bad impression of Colorado when you go back looking like a ghost. Or you could stay, of course?” She wiggles her brows.
I release a nervous laugh, rising from the couch. I don’t know how to respond and choose to just agree to go rather than face the fact I’m not sure when I’m leaving, because unfortunately, it’s all a matter of when, not if.
Brandon is surprisingly quiet on the drive to the lake, which has me thinking their arguing lies deeper than CeeCee sending him to the car. I try not to break the tension since that’s none of my business.
Instead, my eyes are glued to the scenery as CeeCee’s Jeep careens off the main road, hitting a dirt path toward our group’s favorite shore spot since we were preteens. I love that these things haven’t changed, including the mention of the bonfire tonight.