“Oh, um, right,” she sniffles. “I was in town to get you those peaches and I ran right into Gilbert Manning. Isn’t this such a small world?”
“Oh wow, yes. It is. That’s so crazy.”
“He said he’s here on vacation with some family. His grandma or something. They have a boat docked at the port.
“He invited us to dinner. I kind of think the invitation was meant for you more than me, but I want to see this yacht.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Come on, Zah. I know you’ve only ever had eyes for Bentley. Don’t ask me why or how I didn’t see it sooner, but Gilbert has always had a crush on you.”
“We’re just friends. I really don’t see him like that. He’s not bad looking, but he’s not my type.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Decent guy, but I think his money does a lot of talking for him. Rumor is, he’s not packing either.”
“What is it with you? Why are you so obsessed with penis size?” I burst out laughing.
She scoffs. “I’ve had way more experience than you, but not with the luxury you’ve had. Trust me, size matters and some of us aren’t receiving the gift you are … were.”
“Why do I bother?” I giggle. “I don’t really care what Gilbert is packing. I’ll never see it. That just sounds weird to even think about.”
“I’m not telling you to jump his bones, but it might be nice to get out for more than footage. Let’s go and have some fun.”
“Do I get a nap before we leave?”
“Yes, you and AC can have a nap.” She runs over and places her hand on my bump. “Auntie E loves you, Aaron. I can’t wait to meet you.”
She then kisses my cheek. “I love you too. I’ll wake you up to get ready.”
Bentley
“Hello,”I say into the phone as I sit at my locker.
“Great fucking game, man. You’re amazing, brother.”
“What’s up, Fred? You don’t call me to congratulate me on games. How is she? Is she in trouble?”
He pauses for a moment. “I know where she is. I know you said you didn’t want to know, but I thought I’d call anyway.”
“Thanks, man. Just keep her safe. Whatever it costs, I’ll pay. Call me if she needs me.”
“Coswell, I?—”
“I don’t want to know. Later, Fred.”
I hang up and close my eyes. I do want to know. I want to know so fucking bad.
Every time I talk to Erica, I hope that miraculously Zah will appear behind her. Erica swears she’s traveling alone this time. Zah doesn’t post those cute little video vlogs to her channel anymore.
I miss seeing her face. I’ll admit that I watch the old videos every night before bed just to hear her voice. Maybe it’s good she doesn’t post anymore for me to know where she is.
“Fuck, I could go to her. The season is almost over,” I murmur to myself.
Let it go, Bent. You don’t have the time.
CHAPTER 30
Old Friends
