“See you tomorrow,” she says, waving.

  I practically skip down the path, buoyed up by the knowledge that she loves me as much as I love her.

  Malcolm picks me up at 6:00 a.m for our usual Saturday morning fishing trip. We started doing this just after Dad died. I don’t know if it was a conscious decision on Malcolm’s part, or if he simply thought it might be something I enjoy. Although Gil ribs me mercilessly for my ‘old man’ hobby, I’ve come to cherish these trips. Malcolm treats me like I’m one of his own, but I know he’s dying for the day when Ari’s brother, Deacon, joins us permanently. He sometimes comes with us, but at eight years of age, he gets bored easily. For now, it’s just the two of us, and I love the opportunity to spend this time alone with him.

  I shudder to think what my life would be like if he hadn’t taken such a strong interest in me.

  I can never thank him enough.

  My respect for Malcolm was a big factor in my decision not to make a move on Ari sooner. I hadn’t been sure how he would feel about it, especially considering Ari was only fourteen when we made it official. But he has readily accepted our relationship, and never once reverted to any form of ‘heavy’ conversation. I’d like to think he knows me well enough to understand that I have nothing but her best interests at heart and that I’d never do anything to hurt her.

  I’m still grinning from last night, and he glances at me knowingly, though, he remains tight-lipped. We travel in companionable silence until we reach the shores of Roseland Lake. Hopping out of the truck, I unpack the fishing gear from the trunk and we divvy up the load.

  Malcolm steers his boat out into the middle of the lake, and we set up and settle in. Fishing is normally a quiet, solitary affair, but we often have some of our best chats out on the lake. “Thank you for last night, Zane. I haven’t seen Ari that happy in ages.”

  “I’m glad she enjoyed it. I wanted to make it special for her.” I flip my wrist, and my line snakes out, slicing into the still water.

  “Anneka and I are still very worried about her.” Oh God, not this again.

  “She’s fine, Malcolm. I’m looking after her.” I glance sideways at him.

  “She’s not fine, Zane. Half the time, she’s withdrawn, and so sad … it breaks my heart. She wakes up during the night with recurring nightmares, often screaming. Her grades are slipping. And let’s not forget that drunken incident with Joy last month. I can’t bear to see her like this. I know you know what’s wrong, and I understand why you’re reluctant to confide in me. But I can’t help her if I don’t know what it’s about.”

  My hand grips the rod so rigidly that my knuckles bleach white. Of course, I know what’s wrong with her. But I’ve promised Ari that I will never breathe a word to another living soul, and especially not her dad. At the time it happened, I begged her to confide in her father, but she’s afraid of what the revelation will do to him. It was the same logic she used when I offered to take the blame. She won’t do anything to jeopardize my desired IT career. I’ve tried talking to her several times since it happened, but she refuses to budge, often refusing to discuss it, and all it does is drive a wedge between us.

  Instead, I try to help her forget, but I can tell she suffers with the guilt every single day. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place, because if I tell her dad, then I risk losing her forever. But if I don’t find some way of helping her through this, then she may be lost to me anyway. She has already changed so much, and sometimes I fear the sadness is what will define her for eternity. Ari used to be so carefree, so happy, but this has irrevocably changed her. As if, overnight, she’s developed this self-destruct streak and nothing or no one can stop her from spiralling out of control.

  Desperation to blot it all out is changing her into someone she’s not.

  There are moments when her look darkens, as if she’s a million miles away, and I know she’s thinking about it.

  A sharp ache lodges in my chest, and I feel heavy under the burden of the secret. Malcolm is staring at me expectantly. I hate being deceitful, but I can’t tell him. My eyes gaze directly into his, and my insides churn in turmoil. “It’s okay,” he says after a couple of minutes, placing his hand on my shoulder. “It’s not fair of me to continually put you on the spot. I’m just so worried about her. Do you think she would talk to someone? See a therapist? If she can’t tell us, then perhaps it would be easier to talk to a stranger?”

  I think Ari will be reluctant to talk to anyone, but it’s at least worth mentioning to her. This much I can promise. “I’m not sure, but I’ll talk to her.”

  We arrive back at two, and Anneka insists I stay for lunch. Ari bounds down the stairs and flings herself into my arms. She doesn’t normally indulge in PDAs in front of her parents, so I’m somewhat caught off guard. Not that you’ll ever hear me complaining. I don’t miss the look that passes between Anneka and Malcolm, though I’m unsure what to make of it.

  Gil phones just after lunch, as Ari and I lounge on the rattan loveseat in the back garden. The sun shines high in the sky and there’s a pleasant warmth intermingling with the cool breeze. However, we still huddle under the plaid blanket her mom gave us. Ari’s fingers roll back and forth over the locket hanging around her neck, and I feel a strong surge of emotion. “Do you fancy catching a movie at the Sturbridge Theater tonight? That new Robert Pattinson movie is showing,” I ask her, the phone cradled against my chest.

  “Definitely sign me up for that!” Ari replies, chuckling as I mock scowl. Her easy laugh warms my soul.

  “We’re in,” I tell Gil, arranging to meet him and his date in the diner later.

  “So, who is it this time?” Ari asks, resting her chin in her hands. “Anyone we know?”

  Considering I can count the girls on one hand who have enjoyed more than one date with Gil, I doubt it’ll be someone familiar. “I didn’t ask; guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Five bucks says it’s a blonde,” Ari quips.

  “That’s one bet I’m not taking,” I admit, twirling a lock of her hair around my finger. “Gil’s penchant for blondes is world-renowned.” Ari leans in toward me and kisses me deeply. “What’s that for?” I ask when we finally come up for air.

  “Because I love you.” She smiles sweetly, and I’m amazed at the difference in her since I uttered those three words. If I’d known it would have this effect, I most definitely would have told her sooner.

  “I will never tire of hearing you say that.” Clasping her face in my hands, I brush my lips against hers. It was only supposed to be a gentle kiss, but I can’t help taking it there. Soon, we’re stretched out on the seat, locked around each other, our lips welded together.

  A loud cough startles us apart. I straighten and Ari pulls herself upright.

  “Take a walk with me?” Malcolm asks, gesturing to us both. Ari’s eyebrows rise as my jaw clenches tight. Damn, I suspect I’m finally about to get ‘the talk.’ We follow Malcolm down through the garden, out the small gate, and onto the narrow access path that leads to the woodland. I feel Ari tense at my side, and I grip her hand tightly. Her fingers wrap around mine, and she leans into me, clinging on like I’m a life support machine. Malcolm stops abruptly, and we almost plow into him. Leaning back against the trunk of the nearest tree, he looks from one of us to the other. “Things seem to be getting serious with you two.”

  A look of wide-eyed panic crosses Ari’s face. “Crappers. He’s really going there, isn’t he?” Ari silently asks me. Sometimes our mutual ability to communicate through our minds comes in nice and handy. Like now.

  “Looks that way. At least you’re not alone in it,” I silently reply.

  “I’m not sure if that’s better or worse.” She groans quietly, and I have to bite back the laugh bubbling up my throat. “Ah crap, Dad. Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is.” The red flush is already creeping up her skin.

  “Language, Ariana,” Malcolm says. Ari rolls her eyes. “Your mom and I are very happy for you, Ari,” he continues, “but you’re still only fifteen.” Then he pins me with a serious look. “That’s far too young to take things to the next level.”

  I’m sweating buckets, but it’s time to put him straight. “Malcolm, you don’t need to convince me, I’m already there. I understand that Ari is too young, and I would never pressure her into anything. I thought you trusted me?”

  “I do trust you, Zane. I trust both of you,” he says, glancing at Ari. Her skin is the color of an over-ripe tomato. “Hard as it might be to believe, I still remember what it’s like to be a teenager, and I know that it doesn’t take much for things to escalate. If things develop, I want to ensure that you’re both being responsible.” Hell, I think even I’ve gone puce at that. This is awkward on so many different levels.

  “Okay, Dad. We done now?” Ari stares at Malcolm, a grimace contorting her beautiful face.

  “One more thing. Displays like that one in the backyard can’t continue. Your brother and sister are far too young.” Turning his head, he directs his next comment at me. “I’m very happy that Ari has you in her life, but I don’t want things to get out of control.”

  I smooth a hand over my hair and try to stem my growing anger. I’ve never given Malcolm any reason to doubt my intentions were honorable, and I’ve done nothing but treat Ari with respect. I’m pissed that he feels the need to verbalize this, but I’m trying to put myself in his shoes. Ari and he share the closest relationship, and there’s no denying she’s the apple of her father’s eye. I know he speaks from a good place. My sudden angry streak ebbs away. “We have things under control, Malcolm. I love Ari with all my heart, and I plan on sticking around. I would never do anything to hurt her, or disrespect her.”

  “I know, Zane. I just wanted to ensure we were all on the same page.” He pats me on the back.

  “Oh holy hell! I can’t believe he just said all that! I’d sooo happily erase the last five minutes from my life,” Ari says. I half-laugh and half-cough. “Super. So now that you’ve gotten that out of your system, can we please finish this convo because my cringe-o-meter is cranked to the max,” Ari deadpans.

  Malcolm’s lips curve up at the corners, and I know he’s suppressing the urge to laugh. “We’re good here. Come on, let’s head back.”

  “OMG, I thought I was going to die,” Ari says, from the passenger side of my Jeep. We’re en route to the diner to meet Gil and his latest date.

  “I was actually pretty pissed with your dad,” I admit. “But I suppose I’d feel the same if it was my little girl.”

  “I’m not a little girl,” Ari retorts instantly, pinning me with a look.

  “You know that’s not what I meant,” I say, my eyes automatically roaming over her far-from-girlish curves. Though Ari is only fifteen, she could easily pass for seventeen or eighteen. And it’s not just because of how she looks; she has always been mature beyond her years. I suspect that’s partly due to her position as the eldest in the family, and in part, due to the events of the last year, which have forced her to grow up too fast. I toss the thought instantly from my mind before it sours my good mood.

  I pull up in front of the diner and park quickly. Running around, I open the door for Ari and help her out. “You know, I am capable of getting out of a car all by myself.”

  “I know, but I’m old school, and I’m not apologizing.” I grip her hand as she snatches her purse off the seat, and we stride toward the diner. A gentle vibration at my chest diverts my attention. Reaching into my jacket pocket, I retrieve my cell and quickly scan the screen.

  “You’re such a dork.” She sighs. “I think you love your gadgets more than you love me.” My head jerks up at that. I instantly spot her wide grin.

  “Not even remotely possible,” I admit, leaning over and planting a wet one on her lips. I discreetly pocket the cell as I push open the door. Quickly scanning the room for Gil’s distinctive blond head, I locate him easily. Settled in a booth at the back, he is head and shoulders above everyone else in the place. I can’t help grinning when I spot the back of a blonde head sitting across from him. “Thank God, I didn’t take that bet,” I mutter.

  “Ha! I knew it!” Ari smirks, until we pull up at the booth, and her expression instantly darkens. “You have got to be kidding me,” Ari mumbles under her breath, fists clenching at her side.

  “It’s only one night, Ari. And I’m with you.” I grip her hand more firmly and force her gaze to mine. “Always and forever, remember?” I lean over and kiss her gently on the lips. I slide into the booth first and tug Ari into my side, my hand resting on the tabletop. Only then do I glance up at Gil’s date.

  Her long blonde hair falls straight to her shoulders, glossy and smooth. It’s the perfect accompaniment to her peaches and cream complexion. I used to think her blue eyes were pretty, but they have nothing on Ari’s stunners. Emily is every bit as gorgeous as I remember her to be. Until she opens her mouth, that is.

  “Hey, Zane. So good to see you again. It’s been far too long.” Reaching over the table, she plants her hand on top of mine, her fingers caressing my skin. I jerk back, as if electrocuted. Her smile is tight.

  I feel Ari’s nails dig into my side. “Emily,” I acknowledge her coolly. “You know my girlfriend, Ariana, right?” I drape my arm across Ari’s shoulders and pull her in even closer.

  Emily looks at Ari for a fleeting second, her eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Of course,” she says, instantly dismissing her. “Nice to meet you again,” she says through gritted teeth. She tosses a momentary fake smile Ari’s way, and I feel her body stiffen beside me. With my thumb, I trace circular motions on the back of Ari’s hand.

  Gil chuckles, and I shoot him a thunderous look. I’m going to frigging kill him! He knows my history with Emily, and a heads-up was most definitely in order. Emily was the last girl I dated before Ari. Though we only hung out for a couple of months, Ari has always had an intense dislike of her. No matter how many times I tell her that it wasn’t serious with Emily, she tends to morph into a ten-headed monster every time we come into contact with her. I suspect she’s jealous of Emily’s looks and the fact that she’s also a junior, though she has zilch to worry about.

  Emily is no competition.

  Ari is beautiful beyond comparison, and she has my heart and my soul for eternity.

  I thought I made that abundantly clear last night, but it appears I have further work to do. Emily certainly doesn’t help my cause, going out of her way to antagonize Ari by openly flirting with me in front of her. I suspect she’s still sore that I hooked up with Ari so soon after finishing with her, and she doesn’t understand how I could choose a freshman over her. However, that’s no excuse for her behavior. Emily is a nice girl—I wouldn’t date anyone who isn’t—but she and Ari always seem to bring the worst out in each other.

  I bite back a sigh; it’s going to be a long night.

  We place our orders quickly, and once our drinks arrive, we settle down to a tense conversation. “So, Ari, did you like your surprise last night?” Gil asks, winking suggestively. I almost spit my Coke all over the place. I glare at Gil, and he grins mischeviously. For a guy that spends all his time with girls, sometimes he really doesn’t have a clue.

  “I loved it,” Ari replies, turning to face me. “It was the best surprise ever.”

  “Oh, do enlighten me,” Emily says, tossing her glossy mane over her shoulder.

  Before I can open my mouth, Gil has spit the words out. “Zane organized a surprise beach dinner for Ari’s birthday last night out in Westport. Sand, sea, starry night … plenty of opportunity for …” Gil stops when he notices my fierce expression. “Or not,” he adds. My glare turns icy. Seriously, sometimes I wonder if his excessive partying hasn’t killed off all his brain cells.

  “Ah, how wholesome,” Emily says, pinning Ari with one of her sugary sweet smiles. I can almost hear Ari’s claws sharpening.

  “I’m surprised you know the meaning of the word,” Ari replies, taking a quick gulp of her drink. “It was so romantic, but then that’s Zane all over. He’s constantly suprising me with little romantic gestures.” She shoots a superior look her way.

  Even Stevens.

  “I remember how romantic Zane is, and damn sexy too. Though I doubt you’ve seen that side of him.” She smiles smugly, and I feel an uncharacteristic violent urge simmer under my skin. This crap is the last thing Ari needs.

  Ari’s face pales, and I really feel like swinging for Emily. She sure knows how to press all the right buttons. Ari recovers quickly. “I’ve known Zane for years. I know exactly what he’s about. Tell me again? How long did you two date before he grew tired of you?”

  “Girls, please.” I pin them both with a stern look as Gil chuckles to himself. My uncharacteristic violent urge is back.

  “I need to go to the bathroom,” Ari says suddenly. Rising swiftly, she glances at me briefly, a sullen look on her face.

  I watch her stalk off with her shoulders slumped forward. “I don’t think this was such a good idea,” I tell Gil, scrubbing a hand over my jaw.

  “Why ever not?” Emily asks, all fake sweetness and light.

  “You know why not.”

  “Ah, do you miss me, baby?” Her baby blues widen as she stares at me.

  “Like a hole in the head.” I continue glaring at Gil.

  “Ouch. That wounds, Zane,” she says, placing a hand over her heart. “How old is she now? Like twelve or something?” A dour note creeps into her tone.

  “Fuck off, Emily.” My eyes narrow into slits.

  “I think we’ll pass on the movie,” I tell Gil, just as Ari slides back in beside me.

  “What? Why?” she asks, her eyebrows raised.

  “I didn’t think you’d be up for it anymore.”

  Her face is perfectly composed, but I sense the anger bubbling under the surface. “I’m not passing up the opportunity to gorge on R-Patz, and she is not going to ruin our night.”

 

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