Page 19

6

I woketo see the nightstands at the foot of the bed. That is, until I realized I was actually lying backwards and upside down. I groaned at the heaviness of my body and hoisted myself into a sitting position. It felt like I had just run a marathon instead of sleeping, because my body was sore and my brain addled.

“What time is it?” I asked, pressing a hand to my head.

“It is 9:26 a.m.,” reported Candice’s disembodied voice.

I was about to crawl back under the covers the right way and go back to sleep when I heard a sharp knock at the door.

“Go away,” I said, falling face-first back onto the bed.

The knocks came harder.

“Dr. Meadows is at the door,” announced the computer. I decided that Candice’s voice sounded even more annoying when it wasn’t coming from her actual person.

I guessed if it was Dad I should probably get it. He was no doubt wondering how I was after reading the letter. Resentment cleared my mind as I wrapped myself in a silk bathrobe hanging on the bedroom wall.

“Come in,” I said, “Just stop knocking.”

The door opened to admit not my father, but Jackson. My brother’s six-pack showed beneath his open shirt. He wore trunks and flip flops.

“You going swimming?” I asked, wondering why he was so hell-bent on getting in my room if that was the case.

“Yes. A bunch of people are meeting at the pool, and you’re coming. We have a whole day planned.” He strode in and tugged at my arm.

“Hell no,” I said, pulling free. “I never agreed to those terms. Besides this is my vacation, and I want to sleep in.”

“Look.” Jackson took my arms in his and waited until I looked him in the eye. “I promised Mom I wouldn’t let you wallow here alone.”

Low blow, bro. I bit my lip to keep my eyes from tearing up as I was reminded of the letter. He got one too. Is that what she asked in his? I deflated.

“I’m fine. I actually have plans already,” I lied. “I’m going to explore the grounds with someone I met.”

Jackson quirked an eyebrow at me, indicating his suspicion. “Oh yeah? Who?”

“Travis,” I said. The only other non-family members I knew the names of were the Bennets and Tasha Graves, who I assumed would be at the pool. Mason would create more conversation than I wanted. But I was pretty sure Travis wasn’t the social butterfly type, based on the enormous chip on his shoulder.

“Travis eh? Fine. Just be careful. I don’t want some guy taking advantage of my sister when she’s emotionally distracted.”

“Thanks, but I’m a big girl. Now go swim with the piranhas.” I pushed him playfully away and out the door.

I couldn’t stay there. He was right. I’d only cry all day. A quick shower, jean shorts, my favorite teal shirt, and some makeup, and I was out the door. I doubted I’d ever stop sucking in that breath when stepping “outside,” no matter how many times I realized the air was the same.

This time I chose a different path, one that headed away from the pool area, the tubes, and the museum. The grounds were beautiful, and the temperature was perfect, but it still just didn’t feel right. I slid my fingers along the communicator on my wrist and toyed with the idea of calling Mason. Company would be a nice distraction, and I was already missing him. While the Travis excuse had worked, it had only been an out. I didn’t really plan on hanging out with him, even if he was deliciously ripped.

When something brushed my elbow, I jumped and spun around to find Travis grinning at me as if my thoughts had conjured him.

“Planning on calling your new boyfriend?”

“What are you, my official stalker now?” I asked, stepping back.

“Sorry.” He lifted both hands, which I noticed held steaming cups of coffee. “Will you accept a peace offering?” He held one out to me.

I hesitated. I didn’t like how jealous he seemed when he found me with Mason, or the barely controlled anger he’d displayed yesterday. We’d only known each other two days. Then again, he also seemed to be a loner like me and felt the same about this whole scenario. I couldn’t blame him for being so upset about his parents being in serious danger. He also had coffee that smelled very much like a caramel macchiato.

My stomach growled, winning out, and I snatched the proffered cup from his hand. “I’ll consider it.”

“What if I get a pastry to go with it?” he asked before taking a sip of his own and stepping closer.