“We’re almost there. I want to show you something.”
I humor him and follow, half treading water and half pulling my dress down as it floats up to my boobs. Nick notices, but averts his eyes, which surprises me. Tugging my wrist, he pulls me to the center of the reflection of the moon on the water. “Look at the shore.”
When I turn back, I gasp. It’s the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen. Although I’ve been here many times as a child, Sophie and I never came out here at night. We weren’t allowed to wander from the shore. As I move my arms back and forth over the top of the water, I gaze at the hotel and the rocks bathed in the palest moonlight you’ve ever seen. It looks like a painting. The way the soft light glitters off the water makes me think of old fairy tales and happier times.
My teeth chatter louder the longer we’re there. Nick waits a moment and then adds, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could get Sophie and Steven out here.”
“Yeah, but she won’t come. She doesn’t want to ruin her dress.”
“And here you are, in a beautiful dress and up to your neck in water.”
I glance at him for a second and tuck my damp hair behind my ear. “We’re not the same. I like this kind of thing and the memory that it makes is priceless. She doesn’t really get it, you know? There are some things that only come once in a lifetime, some places that are so pristine they seem like magic.” I smile wistfully. Shelter Island was my Neverland. This place was where I was a girl with no worries, where I slipped away from reality to be myself for a while.
Nick nods, as if he understands, but I doubt it. I shiver again and when he turns, our eyes lock. My stomach flips when he looks at me like that. The pull to his mouth is so hard, it’s as if we’re connected. Our bodies move closer as his lashes lower. His beautiful blue eyes fixate on my lips, drifting closer and closer, he tips his head to the side for a kiss.
One kiss. It won’t hurt anything. It means nothing.
His warm breath washes over my face and it aches to not close the gap between us. I want this, but I won’t do it. I can’t. He’s the enemy. I’d be a traitor to myself if I let him in. There can never be anything between us, ever. That’s just the way it is.
Just before our lips touch, I tuck my head and the kiss misses. Nick presses his lips together and inhales hard, while I fish something out of my pocket. It’s been there, in my pocket, since the first time I came to Shelter Island. I grab the little piece of metal attached to a necklace, take his hand, press it into his palm, and close his fingers around it. “This is the only kiss you’re getting from me.”
It’s symbolic to me. I’ve worn that thing forever, but I need to stop dreaming. It’s time for things to change. As I start to swim back to the rock, he looks down into his hand and sees an old thimble.
This island was my Neverland and everything about it offered freedom—at least, every visit until now. Now, it’s time to grow up, Sky. It’s time to make my own magic.
In order to survive, Nick and I can’t be friends. I have to make sure he’s not at that rehearsal tomorrow.
CHAPTER 11
I take my time getting back to the room, even though I’m frozen. Nick is asleep in the bed, but he’s made me a pallet on the floor from blankets and pillows. I jump in the shower, just standing there warming up, until my skin is scalded. Then I slip on a pair of sweats. I pad out of our room and down the hall to Sophie’s room. It’s after midnight. I leave my gear behind. I just want to talk to her and see if she’s all right.
I knock on her door and it swings open. “Sky!” She throws her arms around me and clobbers me in a bear hug before pulling me inside. “I’m so glad you stayed. I was afraid Nick Ferro would chase you off.”
“Oh, no. I’m staying—Ferro or not. Besides, I’m a better shooter than him, by far.”
One of the bridesmaids I don’t know scoffs. “A little arrogant there, aren’t you?”
My gaze cuts over to her. She has a pointy face and fake red hair. It looks like she went down on the Kool-Aid guy and he came in her hair. It’s, like, holy fuck R.E.D. “Just calling it like I see it. If he were better than me, he wouldn’t have to copy me. Besides, what do you know about it? Jack shit, that’s what. So keep your mouth shut.”
Kool Cum makes a face at Sophie and mutters, “Bitch.”
“Excuse me?” I’m crossing the room and standing in front of her. The girl is wearing purple PJs and sitting on the floor with a bottle of wine in her hand. It’s the little plastic kind the hotel sells downstairs.
“You heard me. You’re a bitch—a deranged one from what I’ve heard.” She smirks.