One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,20

a rollercoaster, Hudson turned the boat one hundred and eighty degrees into the wind where they immediately slowed down. Without the friction of the wind, the sails hung loose like deflated balloons, the boat rocking with the motion of the waves.

“Should we go below deck or eat up here?” Margot asked as she glanced up at the sky. Luna followed her trail of vision. Clouds were obscuring the sun. It was hard to tell if bad weather was setting in or if it would blow over. A shiver ran down Luna’s spine. She couldn’t imagine being out on the ocean with raging waves. Part of her was tempted to ask if they should go back, but she didn’t want to be a party pooper.

“Better eat up here,” Hudson said. “I’m not going to put the anchor down, and we don’t want to drift too far off course.”

That sounded like a wise idea to Luna. She noticed when she was at the wheel that the boat had a sophisticated-looking built-in GPS tracking system. That was comforting.

“Ava, would you mind going below deck and getting our picnic basket?” Hudson asked. “You’ll find some extra plates, napkins, and silverware in the cupboards.”

“Sure,” Luna said as she stood.

“I’ll go with,” Margot chirped.

Luna had to fight the urge to scowl. “It’s okay. I’ve got it.”

A frown formed over Margot’s full lips before she forced a smile. “If you must know, I need to go to the restroom,” she explained.

It seemed there would be no getting away from Margot. She ducked into the cubby and went down the stairs with Margot following close behind. The second they were below, Margot got up in her face. “Why’re you being so catty?”

Luna drew back, her voice going into an outraged whisper. “I’m being catty? I’m not the one who forced herself onto the boat!”

Margot’s face reddened. “I thought I was doing you a favor.”

A high-pitched chortle rose in Luna’s throat. “You can’t be serious! I told you on the phone last night that I wanted to make a go of it with Hudson and that it wasn’t a good idea for you to come today. Then, you show up with Mr. Fancy Pants.”

Margot’s face fell. “You’re serious about going through with the engagement.”

“Yes,” Luna shot back as loudly as she dared. “I thought I made that clear last night.”

Confusion circled in Margot’s eyes. Her voice held a panicked edge. “B—but you said you didn’t have feelings for Hudson … that you were trying to figure out a way to get out of the engagement. That’s why you and your mom have been at each other’s throats.”

“That may have been true in the past,” Luna said quietly, “but my feelings have changed. I care a great deal about Hudson, and I want our relationship to move forward.” She lifted her chin. “From here on out, I’m going to do everything I can to show him how much I care.”

“I can’t believe this.” Margot rattled out a humorless laugh as she rubbed a hand across her forehead.

“You can’t believe what?” Luna was getting tired of Margot’s theatrics.

Fire flashed in Margot’s dark eyes. “You are so selfish,” she seethed.

Luna’s hand went to her hip. “Excuse me?”

“You could have any guy on the planet, and yet you try and take away the only man I’ve ever loved.” Tears gathered in her eyes. “How could you do this to me?” she asked hoarsely, her expression pleading. “I’m your best friend.”

This was all so mixed up. “Look, I’m sorry. This has nothing to do with you.” Luna pushed away the guilt attempting to steamroll over her. She felt for Margot, she really did, but now was her chance to fight for something she really wanted. She wasn’t about to back down.

Margot’s head snapped up, her dark hair falling back over her shoulders. “The heck it doesn’t,” she snarled. “This is a game to you. You only want Hudson because you know that I want him.”

Luna swallowed the hysterical laugh trying to break through her throat. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. My feelings for Hudson have nothing to do with anyone else, least of all you.”

They stood glaring at one another, their chests heaving in anger, until a spiteful smile twisted over Margot’s lips. “Okay, if this is how you wanna play it, sister, game on.”

Foreboding trickled down Luna’s spine. “I thought we were supposed to be best friends.”

“So did I,” Margot fired back.

“Is everything okay down there,” Dustin called.

“Yep,” Margot answered