A Lie for a Lie by Robin Merrow MacCready

Author:Robin Merrow MacCready
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

CHAPTER 11

Just as I pulled into my driveway, I got a text.

Jenn: we want to meet you and Will on the island—sort of a double date.

It was bizarre to see her type out we and mean Doug and her, not her and me. Now I was practically part of a we and I could text back.

Me: Will has to work, but he’ll be there later.

Instead of my usual all-natural style, I used the hair dryer and then the flat iron and gave my hair a shine with some gloss. Not bad, I thought as I added a touch of makeup to my eyes. I look good, I thought, so why do I have a knot in my gut, the one I get before an anxiety attack? Easy answer. Dad, Mom, Bo. As long as I could keep them from creeping into my mind, my summer plans would be on target.

Later, when I pulled into the parking lot, it was half tide, and I didn’t even flinch at the sight of the water lapping at the rocks. The scent of salt and seaweed was strong, but it was okay because I had a way to cope, the same as last time—I thought of Will. I practiced things I could say to him as I climbed over tide pools and sidestepped slippery stones, camera around my neck and my bag slung across my body, messenger style.

Before I knew it, I had crossed the entire causeway and was hiking up the stone steps to the fire pit. I scanned the circle, looking for Will, but he wasn’t there yet. Sam and Dory were setting up the music and the cooking area.

Jenn and Doug had rebuilt the bar so it was closer to the fire circle, but out of the direction of the northwest wind that kicked up so often. Jenn had picked some wild roses and beach peas and put them in a water bottle, and Doug was burying beers in a cooler of ice.

“Hey,” I said, joining Jenn at the bar.

She rushed to me and flung her arms around my neck.

“You’re happy to see me, I guess,” I said, patting her arm.

The hug was over quickly, and she gazed at Doug as he shook the ice down in the chest to make room for more beer.

“He’s so amazing,” she said, as if he actually was amazing. When I didn’t respond, she looked at me. “What?”

“Nothing. Yeah, he’s great,” I said, but I couldn’t fake the enthusiasm.

She sighed and looked back at him.

“Something’s different.” As soon as I said it, she smiled and I knew.

“You did it with Doug,” I whispered.

“How’d you know?”

“You’re kidding, right?” I fished around for my camera.

“I know. I can’t stop smiling.” She grinned, pink-faced and shy.

This needed to be documented. I snapped a couple of pictures while she posed, and then I got next to her for a shot.

“And what about you and Will?” she said, taking the camera from me and snapping one. “Did he break up with Nicole?”

“He says he’s working on it.

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