I stare at the water, my jaw slightly open. “How did you… have you done this before?”
“Not really,” River says with a shrug. “Beginner’s luck, I guess.”
I grab another stone, this time inspecting it more carefully for the perfect weight and flatness. “Let me try again. That first one definitely had a rough edge.”
I manage two pathetic skips before it sinks. Nothing like River’s perfect six-skip.
River picks up another stone and effortlessly sends it dancing across the water for what looks like eight skips.
“Okay, what’s your secret?” I ask, trying not to sound as frustrated as I feel.
“I honestly don’t know,” River says. “My dad used to take me to lakes when I was little. He could have taught me, and I’ve forgotten. Maybe muscle memory kicked in.”
Cricket is watching River closely, her eyes shining. “That’s amazing. I can barely get one skip.”
“Here, let me show you,” River says, moving closer to Cricket. He hands her a stone and positions himself behind her to guide her throwing motion.
I watch them, feeling increasingly useless. My one chance to show off my island skills, and this Hollywood pretty boy makes it look effortless. Plus I gave him the perfect reason to put his arms around Cricket. I’m anidiot.
CHAPTER 5
Cricket Jenkins
Monday, November 23
River guidesmy hand to show me how to throw the stone and make it skip. I’ve never had a guy this close to me before. Well, other than Micah… but he doesn’t count. He sees me as his sister.
River places a hand on my hip, and warmth spreads through me. I know he’s showing interest in me, and I have to admit, I love it. It’s a feeling I’m not used to. I could get used to it really quickly.
“Did you see that dolphin?” Micah asks, pointing out in a different direction.
“Sorry, no,” I say to Micah as I lean into River’s chest. “Show me again how to throw it.”
“Like this.” He brings my arm back and demonstrates how to flick my wrist as I toss the rock.
“I love that you know how to do this,” I say, followingthrough with the movement again, trying to get it right before I actually try to throw it.
“I think you’ve got it,” he says, stepping back. “Go ahead.”
I practice once more before I throw it. Once I let it go, it skips three times, and I clap with glee. “I did it!”
“Great job.” River holds up a hand, and I give him a high five.
“That was awesome, Cricket,” Micah says, and I can tell he’s really impressed.
He looks good today in his brown leather jacket. It’s my favorite. In the winter, it’s like a second skin on him, and it suits him well.
I feel a full-body blush coming on. I always react this way to Micah when he pays a little attention to me, and it’s embarrassing. “Thanks.”
“You guys hungry?” Micah shoves his hands into his jacket pockets. “We could go to SandWitchery then check out my brother’s bakery.”
“That sounds good. Is it far? Should we walk?” River looks down the street.
“It’s only a few blocks. This way.” I point in the general direction. As we walk, a strap on my sandal rubs against the back of my left foot. These are newer sandals I haven’t broken in yet. They’re cute, so that’s why I picked them. I wasn’t thinking about walking far. I try to adjust my gait so it doesn’t hurt so much.
When we get to SandWitchery, River holds the door open for me and Micah, and I make note of it. He’s such a gentleman. I’m sure I have hearts in my eyes. Micah, on the other hand, is totally channeling Oscar the Grouch.
River turns to me. “What’s the best sandwich here?”
