“I can’t believe it,” Mom hums. “Our little gal is all grown up.”
“And definitely not in a relationship with two boys at once?” Dad double checks.
“Just Wilder,” I assure him.
“Well,” Mom exhales. “We’ll just have to make the most of the next two months, won’t we?”
I smile at them. “I can’t wait.”
“Just jump out of the damn tree!” Wilder yells at Cash as I lay in the warm sun, soaking up the summer air as the boys swim in the creek.
“Why are you always in such a hurry?” Cash hollers back. “I just—”
But Cash loses his footing and slips right off the tree branch. He hits the water, a belly flop that echoes through the trees.
I sit straight up as Wilder slaps a hand to his forehead.
“I’m okay,” Cash sputters as soon as his head shoots out of the water. “Almost pooped myself, but I’m fine.”
“We were really worried about you,” Wilder deadpans.
Cash glances my way. “Super worried,” I say.
He rolls his blue eyes. “You two suck at lying.”
“Isn’t your dad a plastic surgeon?” Wilder teases.
Cash sits on the edge of the creek, running his hand through his hair. “He is.”
“He can always fix your nose,” I say as I stand and gently brush small pebbles of sand from my legs.
“Like we’ve never heard that one before,” Cash grimaces.
Wilder meets me at the water’s edge, his smile warm and wide. Something inside me melts a little as my fingers run along my lightning bolt tattoo.
“I have something I want to talk to you guys about,” Cash begins.
“You’re not bailing on us, are you?” Wilder groans.
Cash shakes his head. “No.”
“What’s up?” I ask him.
“My dad is giving me my college fund to move to New York with,” he tells us.
Wilder’s eyebrows shoot up. “Dude, that’s amazing. You’ll be able to get an apartment and check out schools. I’m so happy for you.”
“That’s great,” I add. “You deserve a fresh start after everything.”
“I’m not getting my own apartment, you idiots,” Cash says with a groan. “We’re getting an apartment.”
“No,” Wilder firmly argues. “You’re not paying our way, too. That money is for you.”
“I’m also paying for NYU,” Cash announces.
Wilder’s face turns red. “No, you’re not.”
“I am,” Cash returns.
