Page 51 of Stealing Summer
"Sure," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt, trying to shake off the way I was feeling.
I let myself out, and I started to follow the path towards the cabin.
"Hey." His voice halted me mid-stride, and I turned to find him looking back at me, an unreadable expression on his face. "You coming?"
The invitation hung there, unexpected but not unwelcome.
"Okay," I found myself saying before I could even consider it because I didn’t want to be alone tonight.
He reached into the bed of his truck and pulled out a checkered blanket. "Here," he said simply, unfolding the fabric and placing it around me.
And just like that, we walked side by side, drawn together by something neither of us seemed to fully understand. But tonight, under the stars and surrounded by the lake, maybe we didn't need to.
We sat on the dock side by side, and I’m sure the view was beautiful but I wasn't looking at the lake. It was him I saw—the way the moonlight played across his features, the way there was always something comforting about him, even when he probably needed comforting too.
He must have sensed my stare because he turned toward me, his eyes meeting mine in a moment of silent understanding. Then, slowly, Boston draped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me into his embrace. I leaned into him, my head finding a natural resting place against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, a calming rhythm that somehow put me at ease.
We sat there, just watching the water together, letting the rest of the world fade away. There was no need for words; the silence spoke volumes. In his arms, I knew with absolute certainty—I had never felt as safe with anyone as I did right then with him.
twenty-seven
The longest week of the summer flew by and after doing nothing but reading and laying out, I figured it was finally time to leave the cabin. I walked up the driveway to Willow’s house. Red plastic cups and crumpled napkins littered the lawn while groups of kids laughed and chatted on the porch. I tossed my hair behind my shoulder and took a deep breath before stepping inside.
The air was hot and heavy with the smell of sweat and spilled beer. I wove my way through the crowded living room, scanning for familiar faces.
“Chandler!” Willow’s voice rang out from the kitchen. She skipped over to me and squeezed me tightly. “You made it! Get yourself a drink and come hang. I haven’t seen you since the ball. I’m excited to catch up with you!”
I followed her to the counter as she was throwing away bottles and helped myself to some punch. The sugary liquid courage eased my nerves. “Great party!”
Willow grinned. “Thanks! There’s more people here than I hoped for, but word always gets around quickly in Bayside.”
She tipped her cup towards me. “Jello shots are on the counter if you want one.”
“Thanks,” I said, grabbing a cup and throwing it back, relishing the sweet fruity taste.
Willow leaned against the counter, looking wistful. “Crazy how summer’s already over. Are you excited for another school year?”
“I guess so. It’ll be nice to get back in the swing of things,” I admitted. “But I’ll miss you.”
Willow smiled and squeezed my arm. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll be texting you every chance I get and you’re only a few hours away. I will definitely come visit.”
I laughed. “You’re right.”
We clicked our cups together in a cheers before heading to the party, determined to make the most of my last night of summer before heading back home tomorrow.
Out back, there were several people that surrounded a game of beer pong while others lounged on the patio furniture. Shirtless guys horsed around, tossing a football. And there was Boston, leaning against the wall, red solo cup in hand, surrounded by a group of girls. His blue eyes looked glazed and his words slurred as he entertained his admirers. His hair was tousled and his eyes distant in a way I’d never seen before. Something about him seemed off.
“Chandler! Over here!” Willow’s friend Paola waved at me from across the room. I gave Boston one last glance before making my way over to her. We chatted for a bit, but my eyes kept drifting back to Boston. He chugged his drink and then grabbed another.
I had known him for more years than I could count, but tonight I didn’t recognize him. The last time I saw him was the night of the ball on the dock. I thought things were good between us but he’s been avoiding me. I took a deep breath and headed his way—hoping maybe he’d let me in.
Before I could stop myself, I was pushing through the crowd toward him. “Boston!” I called out.
He turned, surprise flickering across his face. “Chandler! What’s up?”
“I have hardly seen you this week,” I said.
Boston shifted on his feet, glancing around uncomfortably. “Yeah, I have some of my own shit going on.”