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“That was our first kiss, and it was only to anger my mother.”
“Maybe it started out that way. And the way you looked at her afterward. Your eyes remained on her until she closed the door. Then you followed her.”
She’s misreading the situation. I was there and… I don’t know. “It doesn’t matter what you think I think, or how it happened, because Jan would never allow anyone to hurt her sister. Plus, Journi and I being together would not only hurt you, but also Jan’s friendship with me and Journi.”
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say because Larissa slowly shakes her head as if in disbelief, and then she lies back down. “Journi’s friendship with Jan is what you’re concerned about. She getting hurt is what you’re focused on. Not Jan. Not me. Not even your relationship with any of us.”
“No—”
“Go.”
“Lar—”
She picks up her tanning lotion bottle and chunks it at me. “I said go! I accept your damn apology…now leave!”
“Hey, what’s going on?” Fuck. It’s Jan.
“Cruz was just going to catch up with you on the boat,” Larissa says.
Jan stares back and forth between us. “What apology?”
“For last night,” I say as Larissa speaks at the same time.
“For having the hots for your bestie.”
Jan charges toward me. “Journi has had a string of horrible relationships. She needs time to regroup. Don’t go messing with her head.”
Offended, I take a step back. “I’m not that kind of guy.”
“No, but she doesn’t need you clouding her head. This is supposed to be a time of relaxation for her. New environment. Fresh air. You’re both my best friends and I don’t want either of you hurt.”
Larissa stands up and grabs her towel. “I’m so glad everyone is concerned about Journi getting hurt.”
“You don’t even like me! You think you do only because our moms have been saying it all your life.”
Jan gives me a pointed look and I return it with one that clearly asks What? She turns to her sister. “Of course, we’re all concerned with you getting hurt in all this. Let’s all take a deep breath and chill.”
Larissa rolls her eyes. “Nobody says chill.”
As she walks back into the cabin, I mumble. “Everybody still says chill. Netflix and chill, duh.”
Jan pinches her lips, fighting back a smile. “Nobody says duh anymore.”
The ER has been fairly quiet tonight. A few minor incidents, but for the most part, nothing. My cell beeps and it’s Jan.
JAN: ON OUR WAY! JOURNI FELL! I THINK HER ARM IS BROKEN!
Before I can respond, I hear a commotion. I hurry to the entrance and find Jan and Journi. My heart tightens in my chest. She’s cradling her wrist to her chest and there’s a few leaves and tiny twigs poking out of her hair.
Jan is calling my name, but that’s not why I’m running. I wrap my arms around Journi and rush her through. The need to fix her, make her better, take away her pain, is so strong. This goes past my typical desires to heal with being a doctor. I’m beside myself and can’t focus rationally.
“It’s a sprain, I’m sure.” Journi’s voice cracks slightly.
“Don’t worry. How bad is the pain? I’m going to get you fixed in no time. What happened? There’s no reason to be alarmed. Are you sure you don’t need medicine? You don’t have to be brave. Not here. Let me know.”
I realize everyone has gone silent and is staring at me. I swallow and go back to examining her wrist. There’s a few scratches and it doesn’t feel like the bone is broken. I should X-ray it to be certain.
“I’ve sprained and I’ve broken my wrist before. This is a sprain. I knew better than to try swinging from that rope.”
