“What about that Gregory boy?”
I drop my hands. “What about him?”
Her eye twitches again. “I just thought it seemed like he liked you, that’s all.”
I chew on my lip and glance away. Then I shrug, because I’mnot really sure what to say to that. She might be right, and I might have liked him. Maybe I still do. But I like Myles, too. And Myles asked me out and kissed me, and I may have lost my best friend for him. I want to give things with him a chance, at least. “He’s moving back to Arizona for the school year.”
My mom nods slightly, even though it’s not really a direct response to her question. “Well, I’m glad you had a good time tonight. And Myles seems like a nice boy. Just make sure you’re being smart, and if it goes on for much longer, we’d like you to invite him over for dinner. With us.”
I groan. “Fine.”
She smiles and stands, then leans down to kiss the top of my head. “Good night, sweetheart.”
“Night, Mom.”
It’s official: Summer’s over.
I’ve worked my last shift at Pearl’s. Most of the tourists are gone, and Gregory’s heading back to Arizona soon. School starts next week—something that’s going to be super weird without Kat. Does her new school start the same day? We never talked about that before, and obviously I won’t ask her now. I can’t, actually, seeing how she blocked me.
A twinge of sadness and remorse pinches inside my chest. I’ve spent the summer learning how to live without her by my side, but I never thought I’d be completely without access to her.
I miss her.
I also miss Gregory. It’s been over a week since I spoke tohim last. Probably because I’m with Myles almost every day now, and word has gotten around that we’re together. It feels like I’ve been swept up with the tide, and my decision was basically made for me.
Sometimes I wonder if I ever really had two choices in the first place.
On the Sunday before Labor Day, I wake up abnormally early. Myles and I went to a party behind the dunes last night, the last big one of the summer. Gregory was there too, and even though I tried not to think about him too much, it’s like my body has this hyperawareness when it comes to him. Every time I caught a glimpse of him, Jade Frederick was by his side.
“Are they hooking up?” Myles asked at one point, and I looked over to see Gregory’s hand on her back.
I just shrugged and shivered, wrapping my arms around my middle. Myles asked if I was okay, and when I brushed it off as just being cold, he took off his hoodie and gave it to me. I told him, at this point he should just let me keep it, and he laughed and agreed.
I slept in it and am still wearing it this morning. I lie in bed for a good half hour, trying to go back to sleep, and finally give up and go downstairs.
My parents aren’t even awake yet.
Margarine follows me when I step onto the back porch. I settle onto the couch and tuck my hands into the pouch of Myles’s sweatshirt, breathing in the scent of his laundry detergent. I inhale the cool morning air and let the sound of the crashing waves wash over me, soothing me in a way nothing else ever will.
I smile a little when the first dog-human pair walks past, remembering my mom’s comment about the morning dog parade. I start counting them and think maybe I should get up early more often.
It’s just after I hit double digits when a tall, lone form meandering along the sand catches my attention. He’s in black athletic shorts and that navy-blue zip-up hoodie he wears all the time. His hair is long enough now that it’s curling over the edges of his baseball cap, and I know that if I was closer, I’d see the silver chain around his neck. He’s walking slowly, eyes down, as if he’s deep in thought. He wants to be alone, probably, but before I even register what I’m doing, I’m on my feet, tucking Margarine back into the house and walking down the path in his direction.
I’m almost on top of him before he notices me.
Gregory’s brown eyes meet mine in quiet surprise. He frowns. “What are you doing up?”
I shrug. “Couldn’t sleep.”
He studies me for a long moment, gaze taking in the hoodie I’m wearing, then nods.
“When are you leaving?” I ask.
“Tonight.”
“Can I walk with you?” I ask.
He reaches up and turns his hat backward. The move is familiar and leaves an ache in my chest. “If you want to.”
