Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 94012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“What the heck?” She covered her mouth as she looked down at the image of herself. I’d dressed her in an evening gown featuring a sash that read Miss Whaite’s Island. Instead of a normal bouquet, in the drawing, Noelle held a giant penis bursting with flowers at the tip. In the bubble above her head, it said, The Seven Ps of Public Speaking.
• • •
The following night, Noelle wasn’t at dinner with our parents. I knew she was getting ready for her date with James, but I asked her mother where she was to seem nonchalant about it. When Amy told me her daughter had a date tonight, I acted like I was surprised.
I decided to go bug Noelle upstairs after I left the dining room. The door to her bedroom was open, and I looked in as she stood in front of the mirror.
Once again I decided to play dumb. “Where are you off to? You weren’t at dinner.”
She turned, looking surprised that I was so clueless. “I have that date with James, remember?”
When I got a full look at her, it took my breath away for a moment. Noelle wore a form-fitting shirt that displayed a little cleavage, along with a black leather miniskirt. There was no denying how freaking hot she looked.
But I pretended not to notice. “Oh, that’s right. Where’s he taking you again?”
She resumed brushing her long, brown hair. “Some fish and chips place.”
“Ah. Nothing sexier on a first date than greasy food seeping out your pores.”
“I suppose you take Bree to the fancy places?”
I lay back on her bed. “Bree and I don’t really go anywhere. We’re not dating.”
“That’s right. You’re just hooking up.”
I sat up. “You say that like there’s something wrong with it.”
“There’s not.”
“I don’t believe you. I feel judged. Do I need to transform into Fred right now?”
She laughed. “I swear I’m not judging you.”
“I don’t believe in leading people on,” I said. “I can’t have a girlfriend over the summer and break up with her before I go back to school. There’s no way in hell I’m doing a long-distance relationship, either. So, it’s either be alone for the summer or have an agreement with someone that we’re just hooking up.”
She stopped brushing for a moment and turned around to face me. “Have you ever had a serious girlfriend?”
Again, I tried not to admire how beautiful Noelle looked tonight. “Once. In high school.”
“What happened?”
I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth. “She cheated on me with my friend, actually.”
“Wow. Okay. I can see why you’re turned off by relationships, then.”
“I’m long over that. But I don’t have time for a girlfriend. I’ve got too much to worry about. Bree’s not the type of girl who cares.”
“Well, lucky you.”
“She says with sarcasm.”
“No, truly. I’m happy for you.”
I mocked her. “‘I’m happy for you and that little floozie, Archie.’ Is that what you mean to say?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I can read your face.” I took her in again. She’d put on makeup, which made her look older than her eighteen years. “You clean up nice, by the way.”
“Too bad I’ll have grease coming out of my pores later.”
“You should have him take you to the beach after. Jump in the water and get clean.”
“Maybe I will.” She rolled her eyes. “You’ll be there tonight, I take it?”
I placed my hands behind my head. “Is there anything else to do on this island?”
“I’m learning there really isn’t.” She smiled and changed the subject. “Have you been doing your homework?”
“You mean Googling my father so I don’t have to talk to him about his background? Yes.”
“Well, good. Whatever it takes.” She sighed. “Have you been feeling okay?”
“You’re worried I’m gonna freak out and have another panic attack?” I pointed my index finger. “Hey, there’s another P to add to your public speaking list. Panic!”
Her expression remained serious. She didn’t seem to appreciate my humor. “Seriously, have you had any more?”
I shook my head.
Noelle nodded and lowered her voice. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what you told me about your mom. I’m just…really sorry it’s happening.”
“Me, too, Noelle.” My voice softened. “Me, too.”
She looked down at her shoes. “And I promise to keep it to myself. I wish there was something I could do.”
“Just having you here this summer is helping,” I said, surprised at my admission. But it was true. “I’d been dreading coming to the island this year. School is my escape. I wanted to stay in California and not join my parents here for the summer. But I couldn’t do that to Mom. Believe me, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have come.” I exhaled. “But…I was wrong about how things would be. I thought I was gonna have to keep pretending everything was fine a hundred percent of the time, that I wouldn’t have anyone to talk to. But I don’t feel like I have to pretend when I’m with you. And that feels good.”