In a strange way, Ronnie reminded him of Megan. She was an oddball, a freethinker, and stubbornly independent, too. On the surface, she was unlike anyone he could ever imagine finding attractive, but her dad was great, her brother was a hoot, and she was just about as smart and caring as anyone hed ever met. Who else would camp out all night to protect a turtle nest? Who else would stop a fight to help a little kid? Who else read Tolstoy in her spare time?
And who else, at least in this town, would fall for Will before knowing anything about his family?
That, he had to admit, was important to him, too, as much as he wished it werent. He loved his dad and his family name, and he was proud of the business his dad had built. He appreciated the advantages that his life had brought him, but he wanted to be his own person, too. He wanted people to know him first as Will, not Will Blakelee, and there wasnt another person in the world he could talk to about it, other than his sister. It wasnt as if he lived in Los Angeles, where celebrity kids could be found in every school, or was at a place like Andover, where practically everyone knew someone who came from a famous family. It wasnt so easy in a place like this, where everyone knew everybody, and as hed grown older, hed grown somewhat cautious about his friendships. He was willing to talk to almost anyone, but hed learned to put up an invisible wall, at least until he was certain his family had nothing to do with the new acquaintance or was the reason a girl seemed to be interested in him. And if he hadnt known for certain that Ronnie knew nothing about his family, hed been convinced when hed pulled up in front of his house.
What are you thinking about? he heard her ask. A light breeze rippled through her hair, and she tried in vain to collect the strands into a loose ponytail. Youve been kind of quiet.
I was thinking about how much I enjoyed coming over.
To our little house? Its a bit different from what youre used to.
Your house is great, he insisted. And so is your dad and Jonah. Even though he crushed me in liars poker.
He always wins, but dont ask me how. I mean, ever since he was little. I think he cheats, but I havent figured out how.
Maybe you just need to lie better.
Oh, you mean like you telling me you work for your dad?
I do work for my dad, Will said.
You know what I mean.
Like I told you, I didnt think it mattered. He stopped walking and turned to her. Does it?
She seemed to choose her words carefully. Its interesting and it helps explain a few things about you, but if I told you that my mom worked as a paralegal at a Wall Street law firm, would you feel any different about me?
This, he knew, he could answer with complete honesty. No. But its different.
Why? she asked. Because your family is rich? A statement like that only makes sense to someone who thinks that money is all that matters.
I didnt say that.
Well, what did you mean? she challenged, then shook her head. Look, lets get one thing straight. I dont care if your dad is the sultan of Brunei. You happened to be born into a privileged family. What you do with that truth is completely up to you. Im here because I want to be with you. But if I didnt, all the money in the world wouldnt have changed my feelings about you.
As she spoke, he watched her growing more animated. Why do I get the feeling youve given that speech before?
Because I have said it before. She stopped walking and turned to face him. Come to New York, and youll understand why Ive learned to say what I mean. In some clubs, all you meet are snobs, and theyre so into who their family is or how much their family makes it bores me. I stand there, and all I want to say is, Its great that others in your family have done something, but what have you done? But I dont, because they dont get it. They think theyre the chosen ones. Its not even worth getting mad about, because the whole idea is so ridiculous. But if you think I invited you over because of who your family is
I didnt, he said, cutting her off. I never thought that for a second.
In the darkness, he knew she was considering whether he was telling the truth or simply saying what she wanted to hear. Hoping to put an end to the discussion, he turned and motioned behind them, toward the workshop near the house.
Whats that place? he asked.
She didnt answer right away, and he sensed she was still trying to decide whether she believed him.
It came with the house, she said at last. My dad and Jonah are making a stained-glass window this summer.
Your dad makes stained-glass windows?
He does now.
Is that what hes always done?
No, she answered. Like he told you at dinner, he used to teach piano. She paused to brush something from her feet, then changed the subject. Whats next for you? Are you going to keep working for your dad?
He swallowed, resisting the temptation to kiss her again. I will until the end of August. Im going to Vanderbilt in the fall.
From one of the houses up the beach drifted the faint strains of music; squinting into the distance, Will could see a group congregated on the back deck. The song was something from the eighties, though he couldnt pinpoint it.
That should be fun.
I guess.
You dont sound very excited.
Will took her hand and they began to stroll again. Its a great school, and the campus is beautiful, he recited a little awkwardly.
She studied him. But you dont want to go there?
Ronnie seemed to intuit his every feeling and thought, which was both disconcerting and a source of relief. At least he could tell her the truth.
I wanted to go somewhere else, and I got accepted at a school that has this incredible environmental science program, but my mom really wanted me to go to Vanderbilt. He could feel the sand sliding between his toes as he walked.
Do you always do what your mom wants?
You dont understand, he said, shaking his head. Its a family tradition. My grandparents went there, my parents went there, my sister went there. My mom is on the board of trustees, and she
He struggled to find the right words. Beside him, he could sense Ronnie watching him, but he couldnt meet her gaze.
I know that she can be kind of distant when people meet her for the first time. But once you get to know her, shes the truest person in the world. She would do anythingI mean anythingfor me. But the last few years have been really hard for her.
He stopped to pick out a seashell from the sand. After examining it, he sent it arcing toward the waves. Do you remember when you asked about the bracelet?
Ronnie nodded, waiting for him to go on.
My sister and I wear the bracelets in honor of our little brother. His name was Mike, and he was a great little guy the kind of kid who was happiest when he was with other people. He had this real infectious laugh, and you couldnt help but laugh along with him when something funny happened. He paused, looking over the water. Anyway, four years ago, Scott and I had a basketball game and it was my moms turn to drive, so like always, Mike came along with us. It had been raining all day, and a lot of the roads were slick. I should have been paying more attention, but Scott and I started playing mercy in the backseat. You know that game? Where you try to bend each others wrists in the wrong direction until one of you gives in?
He hesitated, trying to summon his strength for the rest of what he had to say.
We were really trying to get each otherwiggling and kicking the back of the seatand my mom kept telling us to stop, but we ignored her. In the end, I got Scott just where I wanted and I really gave it my all and I made him scream. My mom turned around to see what happened, and that was all it took. She lost control of the car. And He swallowed, feeling the words choke him. Anyway, Mike didnt make it. Hell, without Scott, my mom and I probably wouldnt have made it either. We went through the guardrail and into the water. The thing is, Scotts an amazing swimmer, grew up at the beach and all thatand he managed to pull the three of us out, even though he was only twelve at the time. But Mikey Will pinched the bridge of his nose. Mikey died on impact. He hadnt even finished his first year of kindergarten.
Ronnie reached for his hand. Im so sorry.
Me, too. He blinked back the tears that still came when he thought of that day.
You know it was an accident, right?
Yeah, I know. And my mom does, too. But even so, she blames herself for losing control of the car, just like I know theres a part of her that blames me, too. He shook his head.
Anyway, after that, shes always felt the need to control things. Including me. I know shes just trying to keep me safe, to keep bad things from happening, and I think part of me believes that, too. I mean, look what happened. My mom just completely lost it at the funeral, and I hated myself for doing that to her. I felt responsible. And I promised myself I would try to somehow make it up to her. Even though I knew that I couldnt.
As he spoke, he began to twist the macramé bracelet.
What do the letters mean? IMTF?
In my thoughts forever. It was my sisters idea, as a way to remember him. She told me about it right after the funeral, but I barely heard her. I mean, it was just so awful to be in the church that day. With my mom screaming and my little brother in the casket, and my dad and sister crying I swore that Id never go to another funeral.
For once, Ronnie seemed at a loss for words. Will straightened up, knowing it was a lot to take in and wondering why hed even told her. Im sorry. I shouldnt have told you all that.
Its okay, she said quickly, squeezing his hand. Im glad you did.
Its not the perfect life you probably imagined, is it.
I never assumed your life was perfect.
He said nothing, and Ronnie impulsively leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. I wish you didnt have to go through all that.
He drew a long breath and resumed walking down the beach. Anyway, it was important to my mom that I go to Vanderbilt. So thats where Im going.
Im sure youll have fun. Ive heard its a great school.
He laced his fingers through hers, thinking how soft they felt next to his callused skin.
Now its your turn. What dont I know about you?
Theres nothing like what you just told me, she said, shaking her head. It doesnt even compare.
It doesnt have to be important. It just has to explain who you are.
She glanced back at the house. Well I didnt talk to my dad for three years. Actually, I started talking to him only a couple of days ago. After he and my mom separated, I was angry with him. I honestly never wanted to see him again, and the last thing I wanted was to spend the summer down here.
How about now? He noticed the moonlight shining in her eyes. Are you glad you came?
Maybe, she answered.
He laughed and gave her a playful nudge. What were you like when you were a kid?
Boring, she said. All I did was play the piano.
Id like to hear you play.
I dont play anymore, she said quickly, a stubborn edge to her voice.
Ever?
She shook her head, and though he knew there was more, she clearly didnt want to talk about it. Instead, he listened as she went on to describe her friends in New York and how she usually spent her weekends, smiling at her stories about Jonah. It felt so natural to spend time with her, so easy and true. Hed told her things hed never discussed even with Ashley. He supposed he wanted her to know the real him, and somehow he trusted shed know how to respond.
She wasnt like anyone hed met before. He was sure he wanted never to let go of her hand; their fingers seemed to fit together in just the right wayeffortlessly clasped, like perfect complements.
Aside from the house that was hosting the party, they were completely alone. The strains of music were soft and distant, and when he looked up, he caught the brief flash of a shooting star passing overhead. When he turned to Ronnie, he knew by her expression that shed seen it as well.
What did you wish for? she asked, her voice a whisper. But he couldnt answer. Instead, he raised her hand and slipped his other arm around her back. He stared at her, knowing with certainty that he was falling in love. He pulled her close and kissed her beneath a blanket of stars, wondering how on earth hed been lucky enough to find her.
21Ronnie
Okay, she admitted that she could get used to living like this: lounging on the diving board in the backyard pool, an ice cold glass of sweet tea by her side, a fruit tray in the cabana, which had been served by the chef, along with real silverware and a fancy mint garnish.
Still, she couldnt imagine what it must have been like for Will to grow up in a world like this. Then again, since hed never known anything different, he probably didnt notice it anymore. As she sunned herself on the diving board, she took in the sight of him standing on the roof of the cabana, getting ready to jump. Hed climbed it like a gymnast, and even from a distance, she could see the muscles flexing in his arms and stomach.
Hey, he shouted. Watch me do a flip.
A flip? Thats it? You climb all the way up there and youre only going to do one flip?
Whats wrong with doing a flip? he demanded.
Im just saying that anyone can do one flip, she taunted. Even I could do one flip.
Id like to see that. He sounded skeptical.
I dont want to get wet.
But I invited you over here to swim!
This is how girls like me swim. Its also known as tanning.
He laughed. Actually, its probably a good idea youre getting some sun. I guess the sun doesnt shine in New York, huh?
Are you saying Im pale? She frowned.
No, he said, shaking his head. Thats not the word Id use. I think pasty is a bit more accurate.
Wow, what a charmer. It makes me wonder what I used to see in you.
Used to?
Yes, and I must say that if you keep using words like pasty when it comes to describing me, Im not seeing much of a future for us, either.
He seemed to evaluate her. How about if I do two flips? Will you forgive me?
Only if you end the flips with a perfect dive. But if two flips and a big clumsy entry is all you can do, Ill pretend to be amazed, as long as you dont get me wet.
He raised an eyebrow before retreating a few steps and then taking one big step to launch himself in the air. He pulled himself into a tight tuck, spun twice, and went into the water arms first and body straight, almost without a ripple.
Now that, she thought, was impressive, if not completely surprising, given the graceful way he moved on the volleyball court. When he surfaced at the edge of the diving board, treading water, she knew he was pleased with himself.
That was okay, she said.
Just okay?
Id give it a four point six.
Out of five?
Out of ten, she said.
That was at least an eight!
Of course you think that. Thats why Im the judge.
How do I appeal? he said, reaching up to latch on to the edge of the board.
You cant. Its official.
What if Im not happy?
Then maybe youll think twice about using the word pasty.
He laughed and began to pull himself up. Ronnie gripped the diving board.
Hey stop dont do that, she warned.
You mean this? he said, pulling down even harder.
I told you I dont want to get wet! she shrieked.
And I want you to come swimming with me! Without warning, he seized her arm and gave a tug. Squealing, she plunged into the water. As soon as she came up for air, he tried to kiss her, but she backed away.
No! she cried out, laughing, relishing the briskness of the water and the silky sensation of his skin against hers. I dont forgive you!
As she struggled playfully with him, she noticed Susan watching from the veranda. From the expression on her face, she was definitely not happy.
Later that afternoon, as they were heading back to the beach to check on the turtle nest, they stopped for ice cream. Ronnie walked beside Will, licking her fast-melting ice-cream cone, thinking how amazing it was that theyd kissed for the first time only yesterday. If last night had been almost perfect, then today had been even better. She loved how easily they shifted from serious to lighthearted and that he was as good at teasing her as he was at being teased.
Of course, he had pulled her into the pool, which was why she needed to time her reaction perfectly. It wasnt that hard since he didnt know it was coming, but as soon as he raised his own ice-cream cone to his lips, she gave the cone a sharp nudge, smearing ice cream on his face.
Giggling, she skipped off around the corner directly into the arms of Marcus.
Blaze was with him, as were Teddy and Lance.
Well, isnt this a nice surprise, Marcus drawled, tightening his grip.
Let me go! she cried, hating the sudden panic in her voice.
Let her go, Will added from behind her. His voice was unwavering. Serious. Now.
Marcus seemed almost amused. You should watch where youre going, Ronnie.
Now! Will demanded, sounding angry, moving into view.
Take it easy, Richie Rich. She slammed into meI was just keeping her from falling. And by the way, hows Scott doing? Has he been playing with any bottle rockets lately?
To Ronnies surprise, Will froze. Smirking, Marcus turned his gaze back to her. He squeezed her arms harder before finally releasing her. As Ronnie took a quick step back, Blaze lit a fireball, her expression nonchalant.
Im glad I was able to keep you from stumbling, Marcus said. It wouldnt look good to be all bruised when you go to court on Tuesday, would it? You dont want the judge to think youre violent, in addition to being a thief.
Ronnie could only stare at him, speechless, until Marcus turned away. As they walked off, she saw Blaze toss him the fireball, which he caught with ease and threw back to her.
Seated on the dune outside her house, Will remained quiet as she recounted everything that had happened since she arrived, including the events at the music store. When she finished, she twisted her hands together in her lap.
And thats all of it. As for the shoplifting I did back in New York, I dont even know why I took that stuff. It wasnt like I needed it. It was just something to do because my friends were doing it. When I went to court, I admitted everything because I knew I was wrong and that I wasnt ever going to do it again. And I didntnot there, and not here. But unless the charges are dropped or Blaze admits what she did, Im not only going to get in big trouble here, but Im going to be in trouble back home, too. I know it sounds crazy and Im sure you dont believe me, but I swear Im not lying.
He covered her clasped hands with his own. I believe you, he said. And trust menothing surprises me about Marcus. Hes been crazy since he was a kid. My sister had him in a class and she told me that the teacher once found a dead rat in her drawer. Everyone knew who did it, even the principal, but they couldnt prove anything, you know? And hes still up to his usual tricks, but now he has Teddy and Lance to do his bidding. Ive heard some scary things about him. But Galadriel she used to be the nicest girl. Ive known her since I was a little kid, and I dont know whats been going on with her lately. I know her mom and dad got divorced, and I heard she took it really hard. I dont know what she sees in Marcus, though, or why shes so intent on ruining her life. I used to feel bad for her, but what shes doing to you is wrong.
Ronnie suddenly felt tired. I have to go to court next week.
Do you want me to come?
No. I dont want you to see me standing in front of the judge.
It doesnt matter
It will if your mom finds out. Im pretty sure she doesnt like me.
Why do you say that?
Because I saw the way she was looking at me earlier, she could have said. Its just a feeling.
Everyone feels like that when they first meet her, he assured her. Like I said, once you get to know her, shell loosen up.
Ronnie wasnt so sure. Behind her, the sun was dropping, turning the sky a bright shade of orange. Whats going on with Scott and Marcus? she asked.
Will stiffened. What do you mean?
Do you remember that night at the festival? After he did his show, Marcus seemed all hyped up about something, so I tried to keep my distance from him. It was like he was scanning the crowd, and when he spotted Scott, he got this weird look on his face, like he found what he needed. Next thing I know, he had balled up his cup of French fries and hurled it at him.
I was there, too, remember?
But remember what he said? It was odd. He asked if Scott was going to shoot a bottle rocket at him. And when he said almost the same thing to you just a little while ago, you sort of froze.
Will looked away. Its nothing, he insisted, squeezing her hands. And I wouldnt have let anything happen to you. He leaned back, propping himself on his elbows. May I ask you a question? Totally different subject?
Ronnie lifted an eyebrow, unsatisfied by his answer but deciding to let it go.
Why is there a piano behind a plywood wall at your house? When she seemed surprised, he shrugged. You can see it through the window, and the plywood wall doesnt exactly match the rest of the interior.
It was Ronnies turn to look away. She disengaged her hands and buried them in the sand.
I told my dad that I didnt want to see the piano anymore, so he put up the wall.
Will blinked. You hate the piano that much?
Yes, she answered.
Because your dad was your teacher? She looked up in surprise as Will went on. He used to teach at Juilliard, right? It only makes sense that hed teach you to play. And Id be willing to bet that you were great at it, if only because you have to love something before you can hate it.
For a grease monkey slash volleyball player, he was pretty perceptive. Ronnie dug her fingers deeper into the sand, where the layers felt cool and heavy.
He taught me to play from the time I was able to walk. I played for hours, seven days a week, for years. We even did some composing together. Its what we shared, you know? It was something for just the two of us, and when he moved out of the apartment I felt like he hadnt only betrayed the family. I felt like hed betrayed me personally, and I was just so angry about all of it that I swore Id never play or write another song again. So when I first got down here and saw the piano and heard him playing it every time I was around, I couldnt help feeling that he was trying to pretend that what hed done didnt matter. Like he thought we could just start over. But we couldnt. You cant undo the past.
You seemed friendly with him the other night, Will observed.
Ronnie slowly pulled her hands from the sand. Yeah, weve been getting along better in the last few days. But that doesnt mean I want to play again, she said.
Its not my business, but if you were that good, then youre only hurting yourself. Its a gift, right? And who knows? Maybe you could go to Juilliard.
I know I could. They still write me. Theyve promised me theyll make room if I change my mind. She felt a surge of irritation.
Then why dont you go?
Does it matter that much to you? She glared at him. That Im not just who you thought I was? That I have some special talent? Does that make me good enough for you?
Not at all, he said. Youre still the person I thought you were. From the first moment we met. And theres no way you could ever be a better fit for me.
As soon as hed said it, she felt ashamed of her outburst. She heard the sincerity in his tone and knew he meant what hed said.
She reminded herself that theyd known each other for only a few days, and yet he was kind and smart and she already knew he loved her. As if sensing her thoughts, he sat up and scooted closer. Leaning in, he kissed her softly on lips, and she was suddenly certain that she wanted nothing more than to spend hours and hours wrapped in his arms, just like this.
22Marcus
Marcus watched them from a distance. So thats the way its going to be, huh?
Screw it. Screw her. It was time to party.
Teddy and Lance had picked up the booze, and people were already arriving. Earlier, hed seen a family of vacationers packing up their piece-of-crap minivan with their ugly dog and even uglier kids at one of the houses not three or four down from Ronnies own piece-of-crap house.
Hed been around long enough to know that the next rental wouldnt start until tomorrow, after the cleaners came, which meant that all he had to do was get inside and the place would be theirs for the night.
Not so hard, considering he had the key and the security code. Vacationers never locked the door when they went to the beach. Why should they? Its not like they ever brought anything but food and maybe a few video games to the beach, since most of them stayed for only a week. And the out-of-town ownersprobably from someplace like Charlotte and tired of fielding calls from the security company when the idiots who rented the place set off the alarm in the middle of the nighthad been kind enough to post the code right above the security pad in the kitchen. Smart.
Real smart. With enough patience, hed always been able to find a house or two to host a party, but the secret was not to abuse their opportunities. Teddy and Lance always wanted to party in these kinds of places, but Marcus knew that if he did it too often, the management companies would get suspicious. Theyd send the managers by to check things out, theyd tell the police to make frequent rounds, and theyd warn the vacationers and owners. Then where would they be?
Stuck down at Bowers Point, like they usually were.
Once a year. Once a summer. That was his rule, and that was enough, unless he burned the house down afterward. He smiled. Do that and the problem was solved. No one would even suspect thered been a party at all. There was nothing like a big fire, because fires were alive.
Fires, especially big ones, moved and danced and destroyed and devoured. He remembered setting fire to a barn when he was twelve and watching it burn for hours, thinking hed never seen anything more incredible. So hed lit another one, this time at an abandoned warehouse.
Over the years, hed set a bunch of them. There was nothing better; nothing made him higher than the power he felt with a lighter in his hands.
But he wouldnt do that. Not tonight, because his past wasnt something he wanted either Teddy or Lance to know about. Besides, the party was going to be something. Booze and drugs and music. And girls. Drunk girls. Hed have Blaze first and then maybe a couple of others after that, if he got Blaze ripped enough to pass out. Or maybe hed hook up with some dumb little hottie, even if Blaze was sober enough to realize what was happening. That might be fun, too.