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Cove breaks the silence. “What’s been going on, Mai-Tai?”
I hesitate for a moment before deciding to confide in him. “I just feel stuck, you know? Like I’m not moving forward in my life. And to make things worse, I still don’t have answers.”
Cove nods understandingly. “I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe a change of scenery will do you some good.”
We continue walking, the sound of the waves lulling me into a sense of peace. Before I know it, Cove has led me to a secluded area of the beach, away from the house but in the opposite direction to the caves Reef took me to. We sit together on the sand, watching the sun set.
“I’m worried about Summer,” I tell him after several minutes of silence. “She’s not been online at all, which isn’t like her. And she’s ignoring all of my calls and messages.”
“Maybe she feels guilty about what she did?” he suggests.
“Maybe. But…I’m worried something more serious might have happened to her. Are girls still disappearing?”
“There hasn’t been any disappearances in a while,” he admits.
“Oh, since when?” Cove looks uncomfortable and my heart falls. “Since I stopped going to class, right?”
“It might just be a coincidence, Malia. But it’s part of the reason we want to keep you away from there. I know you’re frustrated about being stuck with us, and worried for your friend. But I need you to promise me that no matter how fed up you get, you won’t go back to campus.”
“I won’t,” I promise, meaning every word. I have no desire to repeat my time in police custody, and I don’t want to be responsible for more missing – or worse, dead – girls.
“Good. We’d do anything to keep you safe, you know?”
“I know. And I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I probably don’t say it enough, but thank you.”
“You never have to thank us, Malia.”
“Because you’re just doing your job?”
“Because we’re all crazy about you and want to keep you safe.”
His words make me feel warm inside.
As the sun sets, the sky turns to shades of pink and orange, casting a warm glow on our faces. Cove looks at me with intense eyes, and for a moment, my heart races and my worries slip away. I can’t deny the attraction between us, but I also know that now is not the time.
Cove seems to sense my thoughts because he clears his throat and stands up. “We should probably head back now. Don’t want the others to worry about us.”
I nod in agreement and stand up too.
As we walk back to the house, I can’t shake off the feeling that Cove wants to say something more. But he remains silent, and I don’t push him.
When we reach the house, he gives me a small smile and pats my shoulder. “Get some rest, Mai-Tai.”
“Actually I wondered if you wanted to cook together?”
Cove blinks at me and then smiles - a genuine one this time. “That would be great. Did you have anything in mind? The fridge is pretty well stocked.”
“Umm, I was thinking maybe tacos?”
“Great choice. I’ll text the professor.”
“Why?” I squeak.
“Tacos are his favourite. There’s no way he’ll miss this.”
“Ummm, okay.” My stomach flips at the thought of seeing him again. “Shall I tell the others?”
“Yeah, you can do. They’re in the basement.”
