Page 39 of Tattered Tides


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I laugh, shaking my head, feeling like a child—in the best way. In a way I haven’t felt in a long, long while. It feels as if I’ve aged ten years in the past two months. I’m not even sure the last time I giggled before I met Weston.

We need to get back at them somehow.

I’ll begin brainstorming.

Also…you call Carter and Penelope your parents?

I don’t know why the reference caught me off guard. I suppose because I’m desperate to know every single detail about him. Every fragment that makes up who he is.

Weston:

They’re the closest thing I have to parents now.

Willow: I’m happy they found you. So…why are you afraid of the dark?

Weston:

I’m happy they found me too. And I’d tell you, but then you might become afraid of the dark too.

I scramble back into my bedroom, stopping at the lamp on my windowsill and flicking it on. I toss open my curtains before texting him back.

Look outside.

It’s difficult to see across the lawn, but I can just make out a dim light from the guesthouse bedroom behind its shut blinds. They flick open, and the light becomes brighter, Weston’s silhouette visible through the slits.

Hopefully it feels a little less dark now.

If you ever want to talk about it, I don’t scare easily.

If not, I’ll still leave the light on for you.

Weston:

Thanks, Wills.

Another truth: I misjudged you, and I’m sorry.

How so?

Weston:

I assumed you were spoiled and bratty. Maybe selfish. I think you're selfless instead.

I smile at my screen, biting my lip to hold back a schoolgirl laugh.

Lol. Truth: I am spoiled, and I can be bratty when the situation calls.

Weston: Truth: Maybe you deserve to be spoiled so it’s okay. And maybe I like a brat.

Damn. The fire he started in my belly spreads to my core.

Truth: Maybe I like broody surfers after all. My dad always told me to stay away from them.

Weston:

Truth: Your dad told me to stay away from you.

Truth: Maybe I like a rule breaker. Maybe I want to be one.