Dont be a snob, he chided her. Believe it or not, the South is great. We have indoor plumbing and everything. And on weekends, we get to go mudding.
Mudding?
We drive our trucks in the mud.
Ronnie faked a dreamy expression. That sounds so intellectual.
He nudged her playfully. Yeah, tease me if you want. But its fun. Muddy water spraying all over the windshield, getting stuck, spinning your wheels to soak the guy behind you.
Believe me, Im giddy just thinking about it, Ronnie said, deadpan.
I take it thats not how you spend your weekends in the city.
She shook her head. Uh no. Not exactly.
Ill bet you never even leave the city, do you?
Of course I leave the city. Im here, arent I?
You know what I mean. On the weekends.
Why would I want to leave the city?
Maybe just to be alone now and then?
I can be alone in my room.
Where would you go if you wanted to sit beneath a tree and read?
Id go to Central Park, she countered easily. Theres this great knoll behind Tavern on the Green. And I can buy a latte just around the corner.
He shook his head in mock lament. Youre such a city girl. Do you even know how to fish?
Its not that hard. Bait the hook, cast the line, then hold the pole. How am I doing so far?
Okay, if thats all there was to it. But you have to know where to cast and be good enough to cast exactly where you want. You have to know what bait and lures to use, and those depend on everything from the type of fish to the weather to the clarity of the water. And then, of course, you have to set the hook. If youre too early or too late, youll miss the fish.
Ronnie seemed to consider his comment. So why did you choose to use shrimp?
Because it was on sale, he answered.
She giggled, then brushed lightly against him. Cute, she said. But I guess I deserved that.
He could still feel the warmth of her touch on his shoulder. You deserve worse, he said.
Believe me, fishing is like a religion to some folks around here.
You included?
No. Fishing is contemplative. Gives me time to think without interruption. And besides, I enjoy watching the clouds while I wear my NASCAR hat and chew tobacco.
She wrinkled her nose. You dont really chew tobacco, do you?
No. I kind of like the idea of not losing my lips to mouth cancer.
Good, she said. She swung her legs back and forth. Id never date anyone who chewed tobacco.
Are you saying were on a date?
No. This definitely isnt a date. This is fishing.
Youve got so much to learn. I mean, this is what lifes all about.
She picked at a sliver of wood on the dock. You sound like a beer commercial.
An osprey glided over them just as the line ducked once and then a second time. Will jerked the rod upward as the line went tight. He scrambled to his feet as he began to reel it in, the rod already bending. It happened so fast that Ronnie barely had time to figure out what was happening.
Did you get one? she asked, jumping up.
Come closer, he urged, continuing to reel. He forced the rod toward her. Here! he shouted. Take it!
I cant! she squealed, backing away.
Its not hard! Just take it and continue to turn the reel!
I dont know what to do!
I just told you! he said. Ronnie edged forward, and he practically forced the rod into her hands. Now keep turning the reel!
She watched the rod bob lower as she began to turn the crank.
Hold it up! Keep the line tight!
Im trying! she cried.
Youre doing great!
The fish splashed near the surfacea small red drum, he noticedand Ronnie screamed, making a scene. When he burst out laughing, she started laughing, too, hopping on one foot.
When the fish splashed again, she screamed a second time, jumping even higher, but this time with an expression of fierce determination.
It was, he thought, one of the funniest things hed seen in a long time.
Just keep doing what youre doing, he encouraged. Get it closer to the dock and Ill take care of the rest. Holding the net, he got down on his belly, stretching his arm over the water as Ronnie continued to reel. With a quick motion, he was able to scoop the fish into the net, then he stood. As he inverted the net, the fish dropped onto the dock, flopping as it hit the surface.
Ronnie continued to hold the reel, dancing around the fish as Will grabbed for the line.
What are you doing? she shrieked. Youve got to put it back into the water!
Itll be fine
Its dying!
He squatted and grabbed the fish, pinning it to the dock. No, it isnt!
Youve got to get the hook out! she shrieked again.
He reached for the hook and began to pry it out. Im trying! Just give me a second!
Its bleeding! You hurt it! She danced around him frantically.
Ignoring her, he began to work the hook out. He could feel the tail moving back and forth, flopping against the back of his hand. It was small, maybe three or four pounds, but surprisingly strong.
Youre taking too long! Ronnie fretted.
He carefully freed the hook but held the fish pinned against the dock. You sure you dont want to bring it home for dinner? You should be able to get a couple of fillets out of it.
Her mouth opened and closed in disbelief, but before she could say anything, Will tossed the fish back into the water. With a splash, it dove and vanished. Will reached for a hand towel and wiped the blood from his fingers.
Ronnie continued to stare at him accusingly, her cheeks flushed with excitement. You would have eaten it, wouldnt you? If I werent here?
I would have thrown it back.
Why dont I believe you?
Because youre probably right. He smiled at her before reaching for the rod. Now, do you want to bait the next hook or should I?
So Moms been going crazy trying to plan my sisters wedding and make the whole thing perfect, Will said. Its been a little tense at the house.
Whens the wedding?
August ninth. It doesnt help matters that my sister wants to have it at our house. Which, of course, only adds to my moms stress.
Ronnie smiled. Whats your sister like?
Smart. Lives in New York. A bit of a free spirit. Pretty much like another older sister I know.
That seemed to please her. As they strolled the beach, the sun was setting and Will could tell that Ronnie was feeling more relaxed. Theyd ended up catching and releasing three more fish before he drove her to downtown Wilmington, where theyd enjoyed lunch on a deck that overlooked the Cape Fear River. Drawing her eyes to a spot on the opposite bank, hed pointed out the USS North Carolina, a decommissioned battleship from World War II. Watching Ronnie inspect it, Will was struck by how easy it was to spend time with her. Unlike other girls he knew, she said what she meant and didnt play stupid games. She had a quirky sense of humor that he liked, even when it was directed at him. In fact, he liked everything about her.
As they approached her house, Ronnie ran ahead to check on the nest tucked into the base of the dune. She paused at the cageit was made of chicken wire and secured into the sandy dune by extralong stakesand when he joined her at the dune, she turned to him doubtfully.
This is going to keep the raccoon away?
Thats what they say.
She studied it. How do the turtles get out? They cant fit through the holes, can they?
Will shook his head. The aquarium volunteers remove the cage before the eggs hatch.
How do they know when theyll hatch?
Theyve got it down to a science. The eggs take around sixty days to incubate before they hatch, but that can vary slightly depending on the weather. The hotter the temperature is all summer, the quicker theyll hatch. And keep in mind that this isnt the only nest on the beach, and it wasnt the first one, either. Once the first nest clears, the others usually follow within a week or so.
Have you ever seen a nest hatch?
He nodded. Four times.
Whats it like?
Its a little crazy, actually. As the time approaches, we remove the cages, and then we dig a shallow trench from the nest to the waters edge, making it as smooth as possible, but high enough on the sides so the turtles can only go in one direction. And its weird, because at first only a couple of eggs are moving, but its like their movement is enough to set the whole nest going, and before you know it, the nest is like a crazy beehive on steroids. The turtles are climbing over each other to get out of the hole, and then they hit the sand and head toward the water in this little crablike parade. Its amazing.
As he described it, he got the sense Ronnie was trying to picture the scene. Then she noticed her dad stepping onto the back porch, and she waved.
Will motioned to the house. I take it thats your dad? he asked.
Yup.
Dont you want to introduce me?
Nope.
I promise to have good manners.
Thatd be good.
So why wont you introduce me?
Because you havent taken me to meet your parents yet.
Why do you have to meet my parents?
Exactly, she said.
Im not sure I follow what you mean.
Then how on earth did you ever make it through Tolstoy?
If he wasnt confused before, he was completely baffled now. She started walking slowly down the beach, and he took a few quick steps to catch up with her.
Youre not exactly easy to figure out.
And?
And nothing. Just noting it for the record.
She smiled to herself, glancing toward the horizon. In the distance, a shrimp trawler was making its way to port. I want to be here when it happens, she offered.
When what happens?
When the turtles hatch. What did you think I was talking about?
He shook his head. Oh, were back to that. Well, okay, when do you leave for New York?
Late August.
Thats cutting it close. Just hope for a long hot summer.
Its off to a good start. Im boiling.
Thats because youre wearing black. And jeans.
I didnt realize Id be spending most of the day outside.
Otherwise you would have worn a bikini, right?
I dont think so, she said.
You dont like bikinis?
Of course I do.
Just not around me?
She tossed her head. Not today.
What if I promise to take you fishing again?
Youre not helping yourself.
Duck hunting?
That stopped her. When she finally found her voice, it was disapproving. Tell me you dont really kill ducks?
When Will said nothing, Ronnie went on, Cute, sweet little feathered creatures, flying toward their little duck pond, just minding their own business? And you blow them out of the sky?
Will considered the question. Only in the winter.
When I was a little girl, my favorite stuffed animal was a duck. I had duck wallpaper. I had a hamster named Daffy. I love ducks.
I do, too. he said.
She didnt bother to hide her skepticism. Will responded by counting on the tips of his fingers as he continued, I love them fried, roasted, broiled, with a side of sweet-and-sour sauce
She gave him a shove, knocking him off balance for a step or two. Thats terrible!
Its funny!
Youre just a mean man.
Sometimes, he said. He motioned toward the house. So if you dont want to go home yet, do you want to come with me?
Why? Are you planning to show or tell me about yet another way you kill small animals?
Ive got a volleyball game soon and I want you to come. Its fun.
Are you going to spill soda on me again?
Only if you bring a soda.
She debated for an instant, then fell into step with him in the direction of the pier. He nudged her and she nudged him back.
I think you have problems, she told him.
What problems?
Well, for starters, youre an evil duck killer.
He laughed before catching her eye. She looked down at the sand, then up the beach, then finally toward him. She shook her head, unable to suppress a smile, as if marveling at what was happening between them and enjoying every moment.
14Ronnie
If he werent so damn cute, none of this would have happened.
As she watched Will and Scott scramble around the court, she reflected on the series of events that had brought her here. Had she really gone fishing earlier today? And watched a wounded turtle swim around a tank at eight oclock in the morning?
She shook her head, trying not to focus on Wills lean body and visible muscles as he chased the ball across the sand. Tough to ignore, since he wasnt wearing a shirt.
Maybe the rest of the summer wouldnt be so terrible after all.
Of course, shed thought the same thing after meeting Blaze, and look how that had turned out.
He wasnt really her type, but as she watched him play, she began to wonder whether that was such a bad thing. She hadnt had the best luck when it came to choosing guys in the past, Rick being the prime example. Lord knows Will was smarter than any of the other guys shed dated, and more than that, he seemed to be doing something with his life. He worked, he volunteered, he was a pretty good athlete; he even got along with his family. And even though he liked to play things off in an aw, shucks sort of way, he wasnt a pushover. When she tested him, he called her on itmore than once, in factand she had to admit she sort of liked it.
If there was one thing about him that gave her pause, it was this: She didnt know why he liked her. She wasnt anything like the girls shed seen him with the night of the carnivaland in all honesty, she wasnt even sure hed want to see her again after today. She watched him jog back to the service line, then glance in her direction, obviously pleased shed come. He moved easily through the sand, and when he got ready to serve the ball, he signaled something to Scott, who seemed to play the game as though his life depended on it. As soon as Scott turned toward the net, Will rolled his eyes, making it plain that he found his friends intensity a bit over the top.
Its only a game, he seemed to say, and she found that heartening. Then, after tossing the ball in the air and serving hard, he raced toward the side of the court to keep the volley going. When he sacrificed his body by diving for the ball and sending a plume of sand in the air, she wondered whether what shed seen a moment earlier had been only an illusionbut after his shot went wide and Scott threw up his hands in frustration with an angry glare, Will ignored him. After winking at Ronnie, he readied himself for the next shot.
You and Will, huh?
Mesmerized, Ronnie hadnt realized someone had taken a seat beside her. Turning, she recognized the blonde who had been hanging out with Will and Scott on the night of the carnival.
Excuse me?
The blonde ran a hand through her hair and flashed her perfect teeth. You and Will. I saw the two of you walk up.
Oh, Ronnie said. Her instincts told her that it was best not to say much.
If the blonde took notice of Ronnies wary reaction, she didnt show it. Tossing her head with practiced skill, she flashed those teeth again. She definitely had to be a bleacher, Ronnie decided. Im Ashley. And youre
Ronnie.
Ashley continued to stare at her. And youre on vacation? When Ronnie glanced at her, she smiled again. I would have known if you were from around here. Ive known Will since we were kids.
Uh-huh, Ronnie said again, trying to sound noncommittal.
I guess you two met when he made you spill your soda, huh? Knowing him, he probably did it on purpose.
Ronnie blinked. What?
Its not the first time Ive seen him do it. And let me guess. He just took you fishing, right?
On that little dock on the other side of the island?
This time, Ronnie couldnt mask her surprise.
Thats what he always does when he starts getting to know a girl. Well, either that or he brings her to the aquarium.
As Ashley went on, Ronnie stared at her in disbelief, feeling the world around her suddenly begin to narrow.
What are you talking about? she croaked out, her voice deserting her.
Ashley roped her arms around her legs. New girl, new conquest? Dont be mad at him,
she said. Its just the way he is. He cant help it.
Ronnie felt the blood drain from her face. She told herself not to listen, not to believe it, that Will wasnt that way. But the words kept echoing in her mind
Let me guess. He took you fishing, right?
Either that or he brings her to the aquarium
Had she really misjudged him? It seemed like she was wrong about everyone shed met down here. Which made sense, considering shed never wanted to come down here at all. When she drew a long breath, she noticed that Ashley was studying her.
Are you okay? she asked, her perfectly shaped eyebrows knitted together in concern.
Did I say something to upset you?
Im fine.
Because you looked like you were about to get sick.
I said Im fine, Ronnie snapped.
Ashleys mouth opened and closed before her expression softened. Oh, no. Dont tell me you were actually falling for it?
New girl, new conquest? Its just the way he is
The words kept ringing through her head, and Ronnie still didnt answercouldnt answer.
In the silence, Ashley went on, her voice sympathetic. Well, dont feel too bad, because hes pretty much the most charming guy in the world when he wants to be. Trust me, I know, because I fell for it, too. She nodded at the crowd. And so have half the other girls you see around here.
Ronnie instinctively surveyed the crowd, taking in the sight of half a dozen pretty girls in bikinis, all of their gazes fixed on Will. She felt incapable of speech. Meanwhile, Ashley was going on.
I just figured youd be able to see through it I mean, you seem a little more sophisticated than the other girls around here. I guess I thought
Ive got to go, Ronnie announced, her tone steadier than her nerves. She felt her legs shaking slightly as she stood. On the court, Will must have seen her stand because he turned toward her, smiling, acting
Like the most charming guy in the world
She turned away, angry at him, but even angrier at herself for being so stupid. She wanted nothing more than to get the hell out of this place.
In her bedroom, she tossed the suitcase on the bed and was shoving clothes inside when the door opened behind her. Over her shoulder, she saw her dad standing in the doorway. She hesitated only briefly before crossing to the dresser and grabbing more of her things.
Tough day? her dad asked. His voice was soft, but he didnt wait for an answer. I was in the workshop with Jonah when I saw you come up the beach. You looked pretty mad.
I dont want to talk about it.
Her dad stayed in place, keeping his distance. Going somewhere?
She drew a furious breath as she continued to pack. Im out of here, okay? Im calling Mom and Im going home.
That bad, huh?
She turned toward him. Please dont make me stay. I dont like it here. I dont like the people here. I dont fit in here. I dont belong here. I want to go home.
Her dad said nothing, but she saw the disappointment in his face.
Im sorry, she added. And its not you, okay? If you call, Ill talk to you. And you can come see me in New York and well spend time together, okay?
Her dad continued to watch her in silence, which made her feel even worse. She surveyed the contents of her suitcase before adding the rest of her things.
Im not sure I can let you go.
She knew this was coming, and inwardly she tensed. Dad
He raised his hands. Its not for the reason you think. Id let you go if I could. Id call your mom right now. But given what happened the other day at the music store
With Blaze, she heard herself answer. And the arrest
Her shoulders sagged. In her anger, shed forgotten about the stolen goods.
Of course shed forgotten about them. She hadnt stolen them in the first place! Her energy suddenly evaporated and she turned around, plopping down on the bed. This wasnt fair. None of this was fair.
Her dad still hadnt moved into the room.
I can try to reach PeteOfficer Johnsonand see if it would be okay. I might not be able to reach him until tomorrow, though, and I dont want you to get into any more trouble. But if he says its okay and you still want to go, I wont make you stay.
Do you promise?
Yeah, he said. Even though Id rather you stay, I promise.
She nodded, pressing her lips together. Will you come to New York to see me?
If I can, he said.
What does that mean?
Before her dad could answer, there was a sudden knocking on the door, loud and insistent.
Her dad glanced over his shoulder. I think thats probably the boy you were with today. She wondered how he knew, and reading her expression, he added, I saw him heading this way when I came in the house to find you. Do you want me to handle it?
Dont be mad at him. Its just the way he is. He cant help it.
No, she said. Ill handle it.
Her dad smiled, and for an instant, she thought he looked older than he had just the day before. As though her request had somehow aged him.
But even so, she didnt belong here. This was his place, not hers.
The knocking at the door sounded again.
Hey, Dad?
Yeah?
Thanks, she said. I know you really want me to stay, but I cant.
Its okay, sweetheart. Though he smiled, the words came out wounded. I understand.
She tugged at the seam on her jeans before rising from the bed. As she reached the door, he placed a hand on her back and she paused. Then, steeling herself, she went to the door and pulled it open, noting that Wills hand was hanging in the air. He seemed surprised that shed opened it.
She stared at him, wondering how she could have been so stupid to trust him. She should have listened to her instincts.
Oh, hey, he said, lowering his hand. Youre here. For a second there
She slammed the door, only to hear him immediately begin knocking again, his voice pleading.
Cmon, Ronnie! Wait! I just want to know what happened! Whyd you leave?
Go away! she shouted back.
What did I do?
She swung the door open again. Im not going to play your game!
What game? What are you talking about?
Im not stupid. And I dont have anything to say to you.
Again, she slammed the door. Will began pounding on it.
Im not leaving until you talk to me!
Her dad motioned to the door. Trouble in paradise?
Its not paradise.
So it seems, he said. Do you want me to take care of it? he offered again.
The pounding started up again.
He wont stay long. Its better to just ignore him.
After a moment, he seemed to accept that and motioned to the kitchen. Are you hungry?
No, she said automatically. Then, putting her hands on her stomach, she changed her mind. Well, maybe a little.
I found another good recipe online. This one has onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes cooked in olive oil, served over pasta, and tossed with Parmesan cheese. Does that sound okay?
I dont think Jonah will like it.
He wanted a hot dog.
Now theres a surprise.
He smiled just as the knocking sounded again. When it continued, he must have seen something in her face because he opened his arms.
Without thinking, Ronnie walked toward him and felt him hold her close. There was something gentle and forgiving in his embrace, something shed missed for years. It was all she could do to stop the tears from coming before she pulled back.
How about I give you a hand with dinner?
Ronnie tried once again to absorb the contents of the page shed just read. The sun had set an hour ago, and after surfing restlessly through a handful of channels on her dads TV, she had shut it off and picked up her book. But try as she might, she couldnt seem to make it through a single chapter, because Jonah had been standing near the window for almost an hour which forced her to think about what was outside the window, or rather who was outside.
Will. It had been four hours, and the guy still hadnt left. Hed stopped knocking a long time ago and simply perched himself just beyond the crest of the dune, his back to the house.
Technically, he was on the public beach, so neither she nor her father could do anything except ignore him. Which was what she and her dadwho, oddly, was reading the Bible againwere trying to do.
Jonah, on the other hand, simply couldnt ignore him. He seemed to find Wills vigil transfixing, like a UFO landing near the pier or Bigfoot trudging through the sand. Though he was wearing his Transformers pajamas and should have gone to bed half an hour earlier, hed begged his dad to let him stay up for a little while, because, in his words, if I go to bed too early, I might wet the bed.
Right.
He hadnt wet his bed since he was a toddler, and she knew her dad didnt believe a word of it. His acquiescence probably had to do with the fact that it was the first full evening theyd all spent together since shed arrived anddepending on what Officer Johnson told them tomorrowmaybe their last. She figured her dad simply wanted to prolong the experience.
Which was understandable, of course, and sort of made her feel bad about the whole wanting-to-leave thing. Making dinner with him had been more fun than shed thought it would be, since he hadnt laced his questions with insinuations the way her mom did lately. Still, she had no intention of staying any longer than she had to, even if it was hard on her dad. The least she could do was try to make tonight enjoyable.
Which was impossible, of course.
How long do you think hes going to sit out there? Jonah mumbled. By her reckoning, hed asked the same question at least five times, even though neither she nor her dad had answered. This time, however, her dad set aside his Bible.
Why dont you go ask him, he suggested.
Yeah, right, Jonah snorted. Hes not my boyfriend.
Hes not my boyfriend, either, Ronnie added.
Hes acting like your boyfriend.
Hes not, okay? She flipped to a new page.
Then why is he sitting out there? He cocked his head, trying to solve the riddle. I mean, its just weird, dont you think? Sitting out there for hours, waiting for you to talk to him. I mean, were talking about my sister. My sister.
I can hear you, Ronnie said. In the last twenty minutes, she figured she had reread the same paragraph six times.
Im just saying its weird, Jonah mused, sounding like a baffled scientist. Why would he wait outside for my sister?
Ronnie glanced up, watching as her dad tried and failed to stifle a smile.
She returned to her book and began working through the same paragraph with renewed determination, and for the next couple of minutes there was silence in the room.