“So, he deserves to drown because he punched someone once?” I snap.
This was a mistake. A huge, huge mistake. I had known it would be before I called. My grandfather might love his family, in his own twisted way, but he earned the ruthless reputation that still follows him around. You don’t become as feared as he is by playing nice.
“I had a background check run. Father in prison, mother investigated for neglect, domestic abuse allegations, atrocious grades?—”
“Goodbye, Grandpa.”
He speaks before I can actually hang up. “This boy must matter a great deal to you, if you’re asking me for help.”
I say nothing because he already knows the answer.
And becauseduhis unlikely to make him more sympathetic.
“I don’t do favors, Wren. They’re messy and uneven, especially within families. But I will make a deal with you. I will hang up with you and call a dozen people who could help in this situation and ensure that every single one of them prioritizes this. In exchange, you will do two things for me. One, you will stay away from this boy in the future. Two, you will select a different university—one worthy of you.”
I huff a disbelieving laugh, but he’s serious. I know he is. Grandpa doesn’t know what a joke is.
Fear battles logic. I don’t believe Dusty will abandon Sawyer and Wade. But I do know he doesn’t have the influence my grandfather does. What if the longer time it takes him to mobilize anyone matters? What if they can’t do anything and I could have done something?
I don’t want to go to UCLA, not really. Does it matter where Igo to college instead? And how long would Sawyer and I last once I leave anyway? However I can protect him—from this storm, from my grandfather interfering with his life—I will.
I need Sawyer Bennett to exist. I don’t need him to love me. I don’t need to see him every day. But his existence is nonnegotiable. It’s necessary that he be alive, even if he’s distant or distanced.
“Okay,” I whisper. “Deal.”
“I’ll update you soon,” Grandpa says, hanging up immediately.
Some part of me appreciates the efficiency. The lack of smugness for getting his way. The rest of me is preoccupied with,What the hell did I just do?
I stare at the background of my phone. We look so happy. So unburdened. What I wouldn’t give to be back there now.
Sawyer did everything that day. Knew what to do with everything that day. I have to believe Gus is right—that he’ll know what to do until help arrives.
“Dusty’s calling everyone he can,” Gus announces, returning to the same spot beside me a few minutes later. “But he’s having trouble getting through to the nearest Coast Guard station. They must be getting a lot of calls tonight. People often panic when storms turn worse than predicted. They issued a wind warning, but a little late.” He glances at the flagpole next to the yacht club, where the red, white, and blue is basically a blur of color. “Cap’s mom is in New Hampshire, but he’s trying to reach her too.”
I nod.
My phone lights up with a text. I peer at it hopefully, thinking it might be my grandfather—although I’m not even sure he knows how to text—but it’s Gia, asking if I’ll come back to the city next weekend to go to a concert with her.
“He made his background the same photo, you know,” Gus comments.
I manage a small smile. “I know. I mean, I saw.”
“I’m glad for you guys. You … work.”
My smile slips. “Not all stories have happy endings, Gus.”
My phone buzzes again, this time with a call from my grandfather.
I answer immediately. “Yes?”
“They’ve sent out two response boats and a cutter. Air assets should be off the ground shortly.”
“Air assets? Like a helicopter? They sent a helicopter out inthis?”
“They’re unable to reach the vessel by radio. Based on the size and origin, they established a search area for where the boat is most likely to be. They’ll sweep that first, then fan out if necessary. I’ll let you know when the boat has been located.”
Again, Grandpa hangs up without saying goodbye.
