Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“Shy!” someone calls, and in the distance I see the swim coach coming out of the gym.
“This isn’t over,” I growl as I take a step toward him. Shy doesn't back down and raises his chin in challenge.
“Your dad has ruined enough women in this town. I won’t let you do the same to Celeste.” He backs away as the coach gets closer. “You let her go, or I’ll blow your whole fucking world apart.”
Everything he’s saying is bullshit, but something about it has gotten under my skin. Shy has never said more than a handful of words to me before, so why now? Why doesn’t he want me to be with Celeste other than because he wants her? And what kind of shit was he talking about my dad? I need to talk to him and put this to rest, if only for my own peace of mind.
I know my dad wouldn’t lie to me, but would he keep something from me to protect me? The fact that I don’t have an answer for that right away makes my stomach hurt.
“You know what, Shy? If you’ve got something to say about my dad, why don’t you just go say it to him? I’m sure he’d be happy to explain the bullshit you think you know.”
“Maybe I will,” he says.
With that, his coach comes over and gets between us. I don’t say a word as I get in my car and peel out of the parking lot.
Chapter Nine
Celeste
“So you think it’s a good idea to have the school band do the music?”
“It would save money, I suppose,” I respond, only half listening to what Emerson is saying. I don’t see Apollo’s car anywhere. This wasn’t a test really. I only want him to get used to us not being together all the time and knowing everything will be fine. Not that I don’t love spending every second with him, but that’s not how the world will always work for us.
He’s not stupid either. If he wanted to spy on me, he’d go home and get another car. I peeked into his dad’s garage once, and there were too many cars to remember them all. He could be in any of them in the darkening parking lot right this second. He could have also hired someone else to watch me like a bodyguard. I pull my attention away from the parking lot and onto the people inside the diner with us.
“Yo, Celeste. Are you with me?” Emerson snaps his fingers in front of my face.
“School band.” I spit out the last few words I can recall him saying.
“You think the school band should do the music for prom?”
“Wait, no. That’s a terrible idea.” It’s a good thing he asked me to help with planning this prom.
“I know it is, but it’s clear you’re not paying attention.” He closes a couple of the folders in front of him.
“I’m sorry. I swear, I’m here.” I try to open the folders again.
“It’s fine. I’m only teasing you. Honestly, I just wanted a little alone time with you. I was worried.” Emerson stopped by a few times, but Apollo hovered the whole time.
“Emerson.” I reach out and put my hand on top of his. “I’m good, really. If anything I’m stronger. I lost time with Apollo because I ran away from him. Life’s too short for that.”
“I know Amber has her demons, but this I didn’t see coming.”
“Is it terrible I’m not mad at her for what she did to me?” I ask. I know this is something I could never say to Apollo. At least not at this point.
“No, I’m not surprised to hear you say that. You’re a soft-hearted person. People don’t need to know you to see that.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” I squeeze his hand before I release it. “But I’m not all innocent. I have a lot of anger about it.”
“Let me guess,” he cuts me off. “Because of what this did to Apollo. Yeah, I noticed you said you weren't mad about what she did to you.”
“Caught that, did you?” I didn’t even catch it, and I said it. “You and my mom in a room together would be fun.”
“That woman has Rory Crew wrapped around her finger. I’ve got tons to learn from her.” I burst out laughing, which feels really good. “But listen, this lingering shit with Apollo is something you two have to fix. What Amber did is done. It’s what you allow her to keep doing to the two of you that counts.”
“Wow.” I don’t know how I got so lucky when I came to Craven Cove. Not only did I find the best boyfriend in the world, but I landed an amazing best friend too. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“I’m always here to lay some truth on you.” He smirks. “Now tell your man to come get you and put you both out of your misery.”