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“Amara,” I whispered, “What is going on with you? You’re never mean like this.”
She set the plates back on the table, and when she looked into my eyes, I could see the regret in them. “I’m scared, Summer. You don’t know how it’s been. My parents are threatening to kick me out if I don’t get an abortion.”
I swallowed hard, not surprised. Her parents were—n’t the best. “Looks like I’m not the only one keeping things.”
“Because I…” she gave me a hapless look, “I felt stupid. And weak. You’re always the strong one, and I was embarrassed.”
“Babe,” I gripped her hand, “I’m not strong. I’m scared out of my wits. Sometimes I feel like I can’t even move. Or think. I’ve only found an ounce of strength because of Callie. She gives me a reason to do what I need to do. I have no other choice. And you’ll get that too,” I nodded towards her belly, “the baby will give you what you need. And, now that I know, you’ll have me too. Screw your parents—they’ve always been assholes. I’ll support you any way I can. Just tell me how.”
“Really?” Her eyes were glossy with unshed tears.
“Of course! I would’ve found a way to fly you down here a week ago, if you’d have told me.”
“I didn’t want to be a burden on you. You have enough to worry about.”
“Well missy,” I bumped my hip to hers playfully, trying to lighten the mood, though we were both still feeling emotional. “What are best friends for if not to terrorize you.” My smile faded. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m not getting an abortion.” There was a fire to her words, and she placed her hand on her stomach. “But I…” she glanced away, as if ashamed, “I may give it up. For adoption. I haven’t decided.”
“Sweetie,” I cupped her face, forcing her to look into my eyes, “You’ll do the right thing. For you, for the baby. Whatever you decide.”
“Are you sure?” Her lower lip wobbled, showing a vulnerability I wasn’t used to seeing in Amara—she always exuded confidence and happiness. But I guess getting pregnant so young would make anyone doubt herself.
“Yes.”
“Okay,” she nodded, a tear making her eye shine, but she brushed it away.
“And, we have each other.”
“What about him?” She nodded towards the house.
“I—” I cut off. I didn’t know how to explain. How deeply I was falling for him. Everything he’d done for me. And yet, he wasn’t willing to commit long term. “This is just temporary.”
“You sure, sweetheart?” There was concern in her gaze. “It doesn’t look temporary.”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. But I…think so.”
She waited for me to explain, but when I didn’t, because I couldn’t, she nodded, pulling me in for a hug. “And I’m sorry for what I said. I just… I don’t want you to end up like me. But I shouldn’t have judged. It was wrong.”
“I know,” I held her close, “We’ll take care of each other. And Callie. And your baby. Okay?” I felt like a hypocrite—knowing that I wouldn’t ever tell Amara everything, but it was the only way to protect her from the Magnolia.
“Okay,” she mumbled into my hair, then pulled back, all the seriousness gone from her face, “Did he seriously give you a black card?”
“I think so…?”
She grabbed it from where I’d placed it on the table. “Uh, yeah girl. Let’s go buy a boat!”
“A boat? Seriously. Who’s going to drive it.”
She shrugged. “Actually,” she leaned in, a mischievous gleam in her eyes, "But I know something even better."
CHAPTER 41
Rook
The night was pitch black, with only the colorful lights of the yacht ahead to guide us. The small excursion boat crashed through the waves of the ocean sea, making us rock from side to side. I clutched the handles tight, trusting Fallon to navigate us through the rocky sea waters.
The wind whipped at my hair, the salty sea air infiltrating my nose, mouth, and eyes.
