The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

Author:Sarah Ockler
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Chapter 20

“Me time, or just starin’-at-the-wall-’cause-there’s-nothin’-else-to-do time?” Vanessa asked.

She and Kirby stood in my doorway after dinner a few nights later, Kirby freshly showered and robed, Vanessa wearing black skinny jeans and a silver off-the-shoulder top, her long hair woven into a loose side braid.

Monday. Reggae night at the club.

I waved them in and plucked out the earbuds, offering what I hoped was a warm smile.

Vanessa flopped onto my bed, picked up the iPod. “Oboe ­concertos? Oh, honey bun. Looks like we got here just in time. Don’t worry. We have a plan.”

“She has a plan,” Kirby said. “For the record, I told her you wouldn’t be into it.”

“Let the woman speak for herself,” Vanessa said.

“But she—” Can’t speak. That’s what Kirby almost said. She let out a breath, met my eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“She knows that, Kirby.” Vanessa plowed on. “We haven’t even given her a chance to make up her own mind.” She grabbed my foot, gave it a shake. “Here’s the deal. We’re going to Shipwreck and you’re coming with. Get dressed.”

Kirby laughed. “That’s letting her make up her own mind?”

“It’s motivational,” Vanessa said. “Positive thinking.”

“It’s a wonder you don’t have a book deal.”

“I’m sayin’. Anyway, come on. Decisions to be made.” Vanessa rose from the bed and attacked the closet, whipping through the hangers like a woman on a mission. She found a cute red mini with a fringed hem, one I’d worn on nights out back home. I wasn’t even sure why I’d brought it, but I hadn’t been thinking clearly at the time. That night in Tobago, plane ticket in hand, packing was the very last thing that stood between me and my escape.

“I need a certain kind of top for this,” Vanessa said. “But I’m onto something here.” She disappeared into Kirby’s room, and while she was gone, Kirby filled in the silence.

“Shipwreck,” she said. “The club? There’s a deejay from Portland spinning tonight. Everyone’s going. And it’s under-over, so you don’t need ID. After the club we can stop at the Black Pearl for pancakes or eggs. Late night breakfast is an after-dancing tradition. So. Um. I know you don’t like going out and everything, but . . . please come?”

“No one’s gonna force you to do anything,” Vanessa said, returning from Kirby’s room with a handful of wardrobe options. “I mean, other than forcing you to come with us. Once we’re there, you can mope on a velvet couch all night for all I care. But I’m gettin’ you out of this house and off this rocky-ass beach if it’s the last thing I do. You feelin’ me?”

Kirby giggled. “Elyse doesn’t swing that way. But Christian’ll probably take you up on that offer.”

Vanessa closed her eyes, sighed through her nose. “For a girl who’s never been naked with a boy, you sure have a lot to say on the matter. Here, put this on.” From the pile in her arms she tossed Kirby a slinky, forest-green number.

“That’s a slip!” Kirby said.

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