Oh, he knew shed make a scene, but hed just ignore her and have Teddy or Lance kick her out.
He knew shed come back. She always came back, begging and crying.
She was so damn predictable. And she whined all the damn time.
Not like Miss Tight Little Body just down the beach.
Hed been trying hard not to think about Ronnie. So she didnt like him, so she wanted to spend time with Richie Rich, the brake shop prince. She probably wasnt going to put out anyway. She was probably a frigid little tease. Even so, he couldnt figure out where hed gone wrong with her or how shed seemed to see right through him.
He was better off without her. He didnt need her. He didnt need anyone, which made him wonder why he continued to watch her or cared in the slightest that she was hanging out with Will.
Of course, that made the whole thing a little more interesting, if only because he knew all about Wills weak spot.
He could have some fun with that. Just like he was going to have fun tonight.
23Will
For Will, the summer was passing way too quickly. Between working at the garage and spending most of his remaining free time with Ronnie, the days seem to fly by. As August approached, he found himself growing increasingly anxious at the thought that in a few weeks shed be heading back to New York and hed be off to Vanderbilt.
Shed become part of his lifein many ways, the best part. Even though he didnt always understand her, their differences somehow seemed to make their relationship stronger. They had argued over his request to accompany her to court, which she had adamantly refused, but he remembered her surprise when she found him waiting for her outside the courthouse with a bouquet of flowers. He knew she was upset that the charges had not been droppedher next court appearance was scheduled on August 28, three days after hed leave for collegebut knew hed done the right thing by showing up when she accepted the bouquet with a shy kiss.
She surprised him by getting a part-time job at the aquarium. She didnt tell him about her plans beforehand or ask if he could put in a good word for her. Frankly, he hadnt even realized shed wanted a job. When hed asked her about it afterward, shed explained, Youre working during the day, and my dad and Jonah are making a stained-glass window. I needed something to do, and besides, I want to pay for the lawyer myself. Its not like my dad has a lot of money.
When he picked her up after her first day of work, however, he noticed her skin had an almost greenish tint to it. I had to feed the otters, she confessed. Have you ever stuck your hand into a bucket of dead, slimy fish? Its disgusting!
They talked, endlessly. There didnt seem to be enough time in the world to share everything they wanted to. Sometimes it was simply talk to fill the quiet momentswhen they debated their favorite movies, for instance, or when she told him that even though she was a vegetarian, she still hadnt decided whether eggs or milk counted. But at other times the conversation turned serious. She told him more about her memories of playing the piano and her relationship with her dad; he admitted that he sometimes resented the fact that he felt a responsibility to be the kind of person his mom insisted he be. They talked about her brother, Jonah, and his sister, Megan, and speculated and dreamed about where theyd end up in life. For him, the future seemed tidily planned: Four years at Vanderbilt, and after graduation hed gain some experience working for another firm before coming back to run his dads business. Yet even as he recited the plan, he could hear his moms voice whispering her approval, and he found himself wondering whether it was what he really wanted. As for Ronnie, she admitted that she wasnt sure what the following year or two would bring. The uncertainty didnt seem to frighten her, though, which made him admire her even more. Later, when he reflected on their respective plans, he was struck by the realization that of the two of them, she was more in charge of her own destiny than he was.
Despite the cages that had been built to guard the turtle nests up and down the beach, raccoons had burrowed beneath the wire mesh and destroyed six nests. As soon as Ronnie learned what happened, she insisted they take turns guarding the nest behind her house. There was no reason for both of them to be there all night, but they spent most nights holding each other, kissing, and talking quietly until long after midnight.
Scott, of course, couldnt understand it at all. More than once, Will was late for practice and hed arrive to see Scott pacing in agitation, wondering what had gotten into his friend. At work, in the rare instances that Scott asked how things were going with Ronnie, Will didnt volunteer muchhe knew Scott wasnt asking because he was truly interested. Scott did his best to keep Wills attention focused on the upcoming beach volleyball tournament, usually pretending either that Will would come to his senses soon or that Ronnie didnt exist.
Ronnie had been right about his mom, though. While she hadnt said anything directly to him about his new relationship, he read her disapproval in the way she had to force a smile at the mention of Ronnies name and in the almost formal demeanor she adopted when he brought Ronnie to the house. She never asked about Ronnie, and when he said something about herabout how much fun theyd had or how smart she was or how she understood him better than anyonehis mom would say things like, Youre going to be at Vanderbilt soon, and long-distance relationships are hard or would even wonder aloud if he thought they were spending too much time together. He hated when she said those things. It was all he could do not to snap at her, because he knew she was being unfair. Unlike practically everyone else Will knew, Ronnie didnt drink or curse or gossip, and they hadnt gone any further than kissing, but he knew intuitively those things wouldnt matter to his mom. She was locked into her prejudices, so any attempt to change her opinion of Ronnie would be pointless. Frustrated, he started making excuses to stay away from the house as much as possible. Not only because of the way his mom felt about Ronnie, but because of the way he was beginning to feel about his mom.
And about himself, of course, for failing to call her on it.
Other than Ronnies preoccupation with her upcoming court appearance, the only blemish on their largely idyllic summer was the continuing presence of Marcus. Though theyd mostly been able to avoid him, it was sometimes impossible. When they did run into him, Marcus always seemed to find a way to provoke Will, usually with a reference to Scott. Will felt paralyzed. If he overreacted, Marcus might go to the police; if he did nothing, he felt ashamed.
Here he was, dating a girl whod stood in court and admitted her guilt, and the fact that he couldnt summon the courage to do the same had started to torment him. Hed tried talking to Scott about coming clean and going to the police, but Scott had rejected the idea. And in his own indirect way, he never let Will forget what hed done for him and his family that horrible day when Mikey died. Will admitted Scott been heroic, but as the summer wore on, he began to wonder whether a previous good deed meant a later bad one should be completely overlookedand, in his darkest moments, whether he could bear the true cost of Scotts friendship.
One night in early August, Will agreed to take Ronnie out to the beach to hunt for spider crabs.
I told you I dont like crabs! Ronnie squealed, grabbing hold of Wills arm.
He laughed. Theyre just spider crabs. They wont hurt you.
She squinched up her nose. Theyre like creepy, crawly bugs from outer space.
Youre forgetting that doing this was your idea.
No, it was Jonahs idea. He said it was fun. Which serves me right for listening to someone who learns about life by watching cartoons.
I would think someone who feeds slimy fish to otters wouldnt be bothered by a few harmless crabs on the beach. He swept his flashlight across the ground, illuminating the fast-moving creatures.
She scanned the sand frantically, lest another crab dart near her foot. First off, there arent a few harmless crabs. There are hundreds of them. Second, if Id known that this is what happens to the beach at night, I would have made you sleep by the turtle nest every night. So Im a little angry at you for hiding this fact. And third, even though I work at the aquarium, it doesnt mean that I enjoy having crabs run over my feet.
He did his best to keep a straight face, but it was too hard. When she looked up, she caught his expression.
Stop smirking. Its not funny.
Yes, it is I mean, there must be twenty little kids and their parents out here, doing the same thing we are.
Its not my fault if their parents lack common sense.
Do you want to go back?
No, its fine, she said. Youve already lured me out here into the middle of the infestation. I might as well put up with it.
You do know weve been walking the beach a lot lately.
I know. So again, thank you for bringing the flashlight and ruining the memories.
Fine, he said, turning it off.
She dug her nails into his arm. What are you doing? Turn it back on!
Youve made it perfectly clear you dont like the flashlight.
But if you turn it off, then I wont see them!
Right.
Which means they might be surrounding me right now. Turn it back on, she pleaded.
He did, and as they started down the beach, he laughed. One day, Im going to figure you out.
I dont think so. If you havent done it yet, it just might be beyond you.
That could be true, he admitted. He draped an arm around her. You still havent told me if youre going to come to my sisters wedding.
Thats because I havent decided yet.
I want you to meet Megan. Shes great.
Its not your sister Im worried about. I just dont think your mom wants me to come.
So? Its not her wedding. My sister wants you there.
Youve talked to her about me?
Of course.
What did you say?
The truth.
That you think Im pasty?
He squinted at her. Are you still thinking about that?
No. Ive forgotten all about it.
He snorted. Okay, to answer your question. No, I didnt say you were pasty. I said you used to be pasty.
She elbowed him in the ribs, and he pretended to beg for mercy. Im kidding, Im kidding I would never say that.
What did you tell her, then?
He stopped, turning her to face him. Like I said, I told her the truth. That youre smart and funny and easy to be with and beautiful.
Oh, well, thats okay, then.
Youre not going to say that you love me, too?
Im not sure I can love such a needy guy, she teased. She slipped her arms around him.
Or you can take that comment as payback for letting crabs run over my toes. Of course I love you.
They kissed before resuming their walk. Theyd almost reached the pier and were about to turn around when they saw Scott, Ashley, and Cassie approaching from the other direction.
Ronnie tensed under his arm as Scott veered off to intercept them.
There you are, man, Scott called out when he was close. He stopped in front of them.
Ive been texting you all night.
Will drew his arm tighter around Ronnie. Sorry. I left my phone at Ronnies. Whats up?
As he answered, he could feel Ashley staring at Ronnie from a distance.
I got calls from five of the teams that are going to be in the tournament, and they want to do some pre-tournament scrimmaging. Theyre all pretty good, and they want to put a miniboot camp together to get everyone ready to face Landry and Tyson. Lots of practice, lots of drills, lots of games. Were even thinking about switching up the teams now and then to improve our reaction times, since we all have different styles.
When are they coming?
Whenever were ready, but we were thinking this week.
How long are they going to be here?
I dont know. Three or four days? Pretty much right up until the tournament. I know youve got wedding stuff and rehearsals, but we can work around all that.
He thought again about the fact that his time with Ronnie would soon be coming to an end.
Three or four days?
Scott frowned. Come on, man. This is just what we need to do to get ready.
Dont you think were ready now?
Whats gotten into you? You know how many coaches from the West Coast are coming to watch the tournament. He pointed a finger at Will. You might not need a volleyball scholarship to go to college, but I do. And this is the only chance theyll get to see me play.
Will hesitated. Let me think about it, okay?
You want to think about it?
I have to talk to my dad first. I cant just agree to take off work for four days on such short notice without asking him. And I dont think you can, either.
Scott glanced at Ronnie. Are you sure that work is what this is all about?
Will recognized the challenge but didnt want to get into it with Scott right then. Scott, too, seemed to think better of it and took a step back. All right, fine. Talk to your dad. Whatever,
he said. Maybe youll find a way to squeeze it into your schedule.
With that he turned away, walking off without a backward glance. Will, unsure what else to do, started leading Ronnie back to her house. They were out of earshot of Scott when Ronnie wrapped her arm around his waist and asked, Was he talking about the tournament you told me about?
Will nodded. Next weekend. The day after my sisters wedding.
On a Sunday?
He nodded. Its a two-day tournament, but the women play on Saturday.
Ronnie thought about that. And he needs a volleyball scholarship to go to college?
It would definitely help.
She pulled him to a stop. Then make time for this boot camp thing. Practice and drill. Do whatever you have to do to get ready. Hes your friend, right? Well still find time to be together.
Even if both of us have to sit out by the turtle nest. I can go to work tired.
As she spoke, Will could only think how beautiful she was and how much he was going to miss her.
Whats going to happen to us, Ronnie? At the end of the summer? He searched her face.
Youre going to go to college, Ronnie answered, looking away. And Ill go back to New York.
He tilted her face up to his. You know what I mean.
Yes, she said, I know perfectly what you mean. But I dont know what you want me to say. I dont know what either of us can say.
How about, I dont want it to end?
Her eyes were sea green, tender in apology. I dont want it to end, she repeated softly.
Though it was what hed wanted to hear and she obviously meant it, he realized what shed already known: that speaking the words, even if true, had little power to change the inevitable or even make him feel much better.
Im going to come to New York to visit, he promised.
I hope you do.
And I want you to come to Tennessee.
I suppose I could handle another trip down south if I had a good reason to go.
He smiled as they began moving down the beach. Ill tell you what. Ill do everything Scott wants to get ready for the tournament if you agree to come with me to my sisters wedding.
In other words, youre going to do what you should be doing anyway, and in exchange, you get what you want.
It wasnt quite the way he would have phrased it. But she had a point. Yeah, he said, I guess thats it.
Anything else? Since youre driving such a hard bargain?
Now that you mention it, there is. I want you to try to talk some sense into Blaze.
Ive already tried to talk to her.
I know, but that was what? Six weeks ago? Shes seen us together, so she knows youre not interested in Marcus. And shes had time to get over it.
Shes not going to tell the truth, Ronnie countered. That means shed get in trouble.
How? What would she be charged with? The point is, I dont want you to get in trouble for something you didnt do. The owner isnt listening, the DA isnt listening, and Im not saying that Blaze is going to listen, either, but I dont see what other choice you have if you want to get out from under this thing.
Its not going to work, Ronnie insisted.
Maybe not. But I think its worth a try. Ive known her a long time, and she wasnt always like this. Maybe theres still something deep down inside her that knows shes doing the wrong thing and all she needs is a good reason to try to make it better.
Though she didnt agree, she didnt disagree, either, and they walked back toward the house in relative silence. When they got close, Will could see light flooding out the open door of the workshop.
Is your dad still working on the window tonight?
It looks that way, she said.
May I see it?
Why not?
Together, they headed toward the ramshackle building. Once inside, Will saw a bare light bulb dangling from an extension cord, over a large worktable in the center of the room.
I guess hes not here, Ronnie said, looking around.
Is that the window? Will asked, approaching the worktable. Its huge.
Ronnie moved to his side. Its amazing, isnt it? Its for the church theyre rebuilding down the street.
You didnt tell me that. His voice sounded strained, even to his own ears.
I didnt think it was important, she said automatically. Why? Is it important?
Will forced his mind away from images of Scott and the fire. Not really, he said quickly, pretending to inspect the glass. I just didnt realize your dad had the ability to make something so intricate.
I didnt either. Neither did he, until he started, anyway. But he told me it was important to him, so maybe that has something to do with it.
Why was it so important to him?
As Ronnie related the story her dad had told her, Will stared at the window, remembering what Scott had done. And, of course, what he hadnt done. She must have seen something in his face because when she finished, she seemed to be studying him.
What are you thinking about?
He ran his hand over the glass before he answered. Do you ever wonder what it means to be a friend?
Im not sure what you mean.
He looked over at her. How far would you go to protect a friend?
She hesitated. I suppose that depends on what the friend did. And how serious it was. She put a hand on his back. What arent you telling me?
When he didnt answer, she scooted closer to him. In the end, you should always do the right thing, even if its hard. I know that might not help you and that the right thing isnt always so easy to figure out. At least on the surface, anyway. But even when I was justifying to myself that stealing was no big deal, I knew it was wrong. It was making me feel dark inside. She brought her face close to his, and he caught the scent of sand and sea on her skin. I didnt fight the charges because something inside me knew that what Id been doing was wrong. Some people can live with that, as long as they get away with it. They see shades of gray where I see black and white. But Im not that kind of person and I dont think you are, either.
Wills gaze slid away from hers. He wanted to tell her, longed to tell her everything since he knew she was right, but he couldnt seem to find the words. She understood him in ways that no one else ever had. He could learn from her, he thought. He would be a better person with her by his side. In many ways, he needed her. When he forced himself to nod, she rested her head against his shoulder.
When they finally left the shed, he reached out to stop her before she headed back to her house. He pulled her close and began to kiss her. First her lips, then her cheek, and then her neck. Her skin was like fire, as if shed been lying in the sun for hours, and when he kissed her lips again, he felt her fold her body into his. He buried his hands in her hair, continuing to kiss her as he slowly backed her against the wall of the workshop. He loved her, he wanted her, and as they continued to kiss, he could feel her arms moving over his back and shoulders. Her touch was electric against his skin, her breath hot against his, and he felt himself slipping away to a place governed only by his senses.
His hands were roving over her back and stomach when he finally felt Ronnie place her hands on his chest and push him away.
Please, she breathed, weve got to stop.
Why?
Because I dont want my dad to catch us. He might be watching us from the window right now.
Were just kissing.
Yeah. And we just sort of like each other, too. She laughed.
A languid smile spread over his face. What? We werent just kissing?
Im just saying that it felt like what we were doing was leading up to something more,
she said, straightening her shirt.
And the problem is?
Her expression told him to stop playing games, and he knew she had a point, even if it wasnt what he wanted. Youre right. He sighed, dropping his hands into a loose circle around her waist. Ill try to control myself.
She kissed him on the cheek. I have complete confidence in you.
Gee, thanks, he groaned.
She winked. Im going to go check on my dad, okay?
Okay. Ive got to be at work early tomorrow anyway.
She smiled. Too bad. I dont have to be at work until ten.
Are they still having you feed the otters?
Theyd starve without me. Im pretty much indispensable now.
He laughed. Have I told you that I think youre a keeper?
I dont think anyones ever said that to me. But just so you know, youre not so bad to have around, either.
24Ronnie
Ronnie watched Will walk off before making her way back to the house, thinking about the things hed said and wondering if he was right about Blaze. The upcoming court date had been weighing on her all summer: She sometimes wondered whether the anticipation of the possible punishment was worse than the punishment itself. As the weeks had rolled by, shed been waking up in the middle of the night and finding it impossible to go back to sleep. It wasnt that she was terrified of going to prisonshe doubted that shed be locked upbut she fretted that these crimes would follow her forever. Would she have to reveal her history to a college she might attend? Did she have to tell her future employers? Would she be able to get a job teaching? She didnt know whether shed attend college or even wanted to become a teacher, but the fear remained. Would this haunt her forever?
Her lawyer didnt think so, but she wouldnt promise anything.
And the wedding. It was easy for Will to ask her to come, to assume it was no big deal. But she knew that Susan didnt want her there, and the last thing she wanted was to be some sort of distraction. This was supposed to be Megans day.
Reaching the back porch, she was about to step inside when she heard the rocking chair squeak. She jumped back in terror, only to see Jonah watching her.
That. Was. So. Gross.
What are you doing out here? she demanded, her heart still racing.
Watching you and Will. Like I said, that was really gross. He made a point to shiver.
You were spying on us?
It was kind of hard not to. You were right there by the workshop with Will. It looked like he was practically squishing you to death.
He wasnt, Ronnie assured him.
Im just saying how it looked.
She smiled. Youll understand when youre a little older.
Jonah shook his head. I understand exactly what you were doing. Ive seen movies. I just think its gross.
Youve already said that, she pointed out.
That seemed to stop him for a second. Wheres he going?
Home. Hes got to work tomorrow.
Are you going to watch the turtle nest tonight? Because you dont have to. Dad said that we could watch it tonight.
You convinced Dad to sleep outside?
He wants to. He thinks itll be fun.
I doubt it, she thought. Its fine with me.
Ive already got my stuff ready. Sleeping bag, lantern, juices, sandwiches, a box of Ritz crackers, marshmallows, potato chips, cookies, and a tennis racket.
Youre going to play tennis?
In case the raccoon comes. You know. If it tries to attack us.
Its not going to attack you.
Really? He sounded almost disappointed.
Well, maybe it is a good idea, Ronnie agreed. Just in case. You never know.
He scratched his head. Thats what I thought, too.
She pointed toward the workshop. The window looks beautiful, by the way.
Thanks, Jonah said. Dad wants to make sure every single piece is perfect. He makes me do some pieces two or three times. But Im getting pretty good.
It looks like it.
But it gets hot. Especially when he runs the kiln. Its like an oven.
It is an oven, she thought. But she didnt correct him. Thats too bad. Hows the whole cookie war going?
Its fine. I just have to eat them when hes napping.
Dad doesnt nap.
He does now. Every afternoon, for a couple of hours. Sometimes I have to shake him pretty hard to wake him up.
She stared at her brother before peering through the window into the house. Where is Dad, by the way?
Hes at the church. Pastor Harris came by earlier. Hes been coming by a lot lately. Him and Dad like to talk.
Theyre friends.
I know. But I think he just used that as an excuse. I think Dad went to play the piano.
What piano? Ronnie asked, puzzled.
It got delivered to the church last week. Dads been going over there to play.
He has, huh?
Hold on, he said. Im not sure I was supposed to tell you that. Maybe you should forget I said it.
Why shouldnt you tell me?
Because you might yell at him again.
Im not going to yell at him, Ronnie protested. When was the last time I yelled at him?
When he was playing the piano. Remember?
Oh, yeah, she thought. The kid had an amazing memory. Well, Im not going to yell at him.
Good. Because I dont want you to yell at him. Were supposed to go to Fort Fisher tomorrow, and I want him to be in a good mood.
How long has he been at the church?
I dont know. It feels like hours. Thats why I was out here. I was waiting for him. And then you showed up with Will and started making out.
We were just kissing!
No, I dont think so. You were definitely making out, Jonah said with conviction.
Have you had any dinner yet? she asked, eager to change the subject.
I was waiting for Dad.
Do you want me to make you a couple of hot dogs?
With ketchup only? he pressed.
She sighed. Sure.
I thought you didnt even like to touch them.
You know, its funny, but Ive been handling a lot of dead fish lately, so a hot dog doesnt strike me as all that disgusting anymore.