says thoughtfully.
I return my eyes to hers, her expression serious. “Me, too.” Treading water, I swim closer to her, placing my hand on her back to help support her since it appears she’s struggling a bit. The reflection of the moon on the water behind her makes her appear almost ethereal.
“Let’s not fight anymore.” Her brows scrunch together. “I don’t like having to walk on eggshells around you. We only have a few weeks left before you go off to college. We should enjoy them…as the friends we are.”
Although it’s lackluster, I smile. She’s right. We shouldn’t squander these last few weeks. Before I made the mistake of almost kissing her, I genuinely enjoyed spending time with her, seeing her at the house. She’s always been a part of my life. And I hope she always will be.
“I’d like that.”
Chapter Seven
BROOKLYN
Now that Drew and I have cleared the air between us, the next few weeks pass quickly. After seeing him and Mindy at the theater, I had thought it best if I steered clear of him the remainder of the summer. It wouldn’t have been too hard, considering that Molly seems to be permanently attached to Brody Carmichael these days, despite her assurances it’s not serious, that they’re just having a little fun. Now I’m grateful for her current preoccupation. It allows me plenty of time to hang out with Drew.
Things are like they were when we were younger. We hang around the café and people-watch. I go to his street hockey games, cheering enthusiastically for every goal he makes. I expect to see Mindy at some of his games, but she never shows. He stops by the movie theater on a regular basis to visit me during my shifts. I’ve even clued him in on the guessing game Spencer and I play. Turns out, Drew’s a lot more perceptive than I originally thought. He can’t beat my record, but he gets pretty damn close.
Everything’s been great. Better than great. Until today. It’s August twenty-fifth. Tomorrow afternoon, Drew will board a plane for Minnesota to start the next phase of his life. This has loomed over us the past several weeks, but we haven’t addressed it. It’s not like it really matters. Drew’s just a friend, like a brother. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling like I’m about to say goodbye to a piece of myself.
As I sit on the brick wall separating the parking lot from the shoreline, I steal a glimpse at him. He’s staring at the ocean, lost in thought, just like he has been since we got here earlier this afternoon. “Brody’s parents are out of town until Monday. He’s throwing a big party. The entire school’s going. I was even able to convince my dad to let me go since he doesn’t have to work until tomorrow morning. Will you be there?”
He looks down, avoiding my eyes. “I can’t. I have plans with Mindy.”
“Oh.” I try not to sound disappointed, failing miserably. He’s been seeing her throughout the summer, but he never talks about her much. She’s always just been someone in the background who never entered the little world we’ve created for ourselves. I guess I’ve simply allowed myself to be blissfully ignorant of the fact that on the nights I don’t see Drew, he’s with her.
“It’s just…” He licks his lips. “It’s my last night here and I promised—”
My hand shoots up, interrupting him. “Say no more.” I jump off the wall, tossing the remnants of my half-eaten ice cream into the trash. “I should get going. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow morning before you take off for the airport.”
Drew clambers after me before I can get too far, his hand wrapping around my forearm. “Brooklyn…”
His tone is heartfelt. It takes every ounce of effort I possess not to break down in tears over the idea that this may be the last time I see Drew.
My Drew.
I’m not ignorant enough to think he won’t change. Big things are about to happen for him. He’s been selected for the World Junior Championship hockey team. Many of the players chosen eventually go on to make the Olympic team. This puts his name on a lot of important people’s radars. He won’t have time for anything or anyone else.
“It’s okay.” My voice catches and I take a minute to reel in my nerves. “You should spend your last night here with someone you care about, not at some stupid party. Lord knows, you’ll probably have your fill