Changes in Latitudes by Jen Malone

Author:Jen Malone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-05-10T04:00:00+00:00

20

As quickly as we sailed into San Francisco, that’s how fast we leave it behind the next morning. If we had to get sidelined for days by a weather system, why couldn’t it be there, instead of in tiny anchorages that have zero amenities or signs of modern life.

The weather is the very opposite of my mood—blue skies and puffy clouds offering the perfect summery backdrop as we sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, all three of us craning our necks to take it in. I snap my daily “minus” picture for Dad—the bridge fading into the distance while we leave the city for good. We’re headed south to Half Moon Bay. Another day, another port of call.

At least checking them off the tally feels like progress.

And I’m more eager than ever to see them pass by, especially after the disaster I made of things with Jonah last night. The sooner I can retreat to the safety and comfort of Pleasant Hill, the happier I’ll be. Tara and Jess in person make a much better sounding board than they do via group text.

Not that I didn’t resort to that five seconds after Jonah walked off with my mother. Their take:

Tara: Just come clean about the grounding and tell him that’s why you lied about dinner.

Jess: Cosigned

Me: Meaning he’ll think I’m an immature high school kid. Who wants to hang out with one of those when you’re twenty and on your own?

Tara: Right. I see your point.

Me: Advice?

Tara: Basically you’re totally screwed.

Jess: Cosigned

Me: So happy I turned to you guys in my hour of need.

Jess: Can I ask something?

Me: . . .

Jess: Is this about not having someone to hang out with the rest of the trip? Or is this about not having *Jonah* to hang out with?

Tara: Ooh, good one. This is why we voted you president of E.A.T. Me.

Jess: YOU REMEMBERED!

Tara:

Jess: Just for that, when I get off work I’m bringing you the expired Milk Duds from the box office display case.

Tara: Um . . . thanks? Is anyone else noticing Cassie is suspiciously quiet?

Jess: Suspiciously

Me: He really opened up to me and I feel like I betrayed that by lying to him. What if he thinks I was rejecting him after everything he told me about his family? You guys, I would hate if I hurt him.

Tara: Oh. My. God.

Me: What?

Tara: You *like* him!

Jess: Cosigned

Me: I like him as a FRIEND!

Tara: Uh-huh. Sure. Screwed.

Jess: Cosigned

Me: NOT HELPFUL!

Jess: Fine. I say you put on your big girl panties and apologize. If you don’t, you actually *are* being the immature high school kid.

Me: Crap, you’re so right.

Jess: Madame President’s got your back, Rush Coordinator (that’s your new position. No need to thank me. I already know the depths of my awesome).

Me: I love you guys

Tara: All for one and one for all

Jess: Cosigned

I smile, rereading our conversation again now, snuggled under blankets in the cockpit. I should be working on my apology to Jonah, but my brain is still on my friends.

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