“What happened?”
“Same deal. I started to worry more about my status than about people. I didn't like the way my best friend was behaving, so I decided to break away and make my own group. But I didn't go about it the right way. I didn’t choose those friends very wisely. My big coup was throwing a skip-school party and not inviting her. She ended up sitting at lunch alone while we were sharing party pics. It didn’t even really affect her, but I screwed up a friendship that was important to me, caused one of my friends to get drugged, and became a bigger bitch than she was. And even after that, she still helped me.”
“We talked,” she says, referring to Whitney.
“How'd it go?”
“Okay. I apologized for being an ass all year. I know she's always held that stuff over my head, but it’s been a long time since she's threatened to use it. Probably just my own insecurities. I was shocked she did that to Chelsea. She’s never done something like that for anyone. It’s always been for herself.”
“I think it was her warped way of apologizing for all the mean stuff she did to me. And if it’s any consolation, she's just as screwed up as we are.”
“You never seem to screw up.” She looks at my hand still absentmindedly running through Aiden's hair. “Except maybe with him. He likes you.”
“I like him too.”
“If only it were still that easy,” she laughs. “Like in middle school. All you have to say is she will like you if you like her back.”
“That's funny.”
She sighs. “What do you think of Camden?”
“I think deep down he's a good guy.”
“I sometimes wonder what it’d be like to marry him. But I can't really picture it.”
“Then it’s probably not right,” I say, my mind immediately conjuring up a wedding to Aiden. A hillside overlooking the ocean at sunset. Close friends and family. Ribbons in the trees and big hurricane lanterns lighting the aisle. Dinner at a winery. Brick patio. Candles on every surface and twinkle lights strung above our heads. Me in a dress with golden embroidery. Gorgeous shoes. Then a party. Dance floor set in the trees. Lots of wine. Lots of dancing. Aiden in a black suit looking a little dangerous and totally delectable.
Peyton touches my arm, causing my daydream to evaporate. “I just want you to know that when we go back to school, things’ll be different. I'll be different.”
I gave her an understanding nod.
Peyton and I have different backgrounds but we’re alike in so many ways. I know with a little more time she could’ve been a lifelong friend.
Lifelong.
I know that once I start this showdown with Vincent my life might not be very long.
But, I guess, at least it will be mine.
“So, what are we gonna do on the island?” Peyton asks.
“Relax. It has everything you could possibly want. Aside from the ocean, sandy beach, and infinity pool, there is a two-lane bowling alley, gym, movie theater, and even a small nightclub.”
“You and Aiden could dance. He said you guys had fun at the club in New York City.”
“We did have fun. I loved the Empire State Building. Did he tell you we watched a couple get engaged?”
“He did. You know, he’s gotten romantic.”
“What do you mean gotten?”
“All the little things he’s done for you. He’s never really had to try with a girl, but your relationship is different. And what the hell was the dirt about?”
“You know how some relationships are kinda shallow? You like them because they're hot, or just for sex, or cuz you want to make someone jealous?”
“Yeah.”
“He wants a relationship that's deeper. One that has a strong foundation. The dirt is supposed to be the start of it.”
She sighs and clasps her hands together. “My parents have a relationship like that.”
“My grandma told me this morning that she believes fate brings people into your life but it's up to you to decide who stays.”
“I hope fate brings me a gorgeous, down-to-earth, soulful hottie.”
“So did you have a Thanksgiving break back-up plan? Like, for where you were going if I said no?”
“I had one. Aiden didn’t. Every time I brought it up, he told me no.”
He's good at that word, I think.
“He said he couldn't entertain the thought of you saying no. That he had to focus on the positive. He's been a wreck, Keatyn. I've never seen him like this. No one has.”
“It was a bad deal.”
“But he didn't really do anything wrong. I don't get why you’re still mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
“I know he's my brother and I'm biased, but he's a good guy. And I know that he’s dated a lot of girls and I can see why that would upset you, but—”
I hold my hand up. “We'll figure things out.”
“Fine. I’ll let you two handle it. But I have some stuff that I need to say. Stuff I need to say out loud.”
“Uh, okay.”
“I’ve been living my life with a chip on my shoulder and using what happened to my mom as an excuse to justify my behavior.”