Текст книги "Incumbent"

Автор книги: Joanne Schwehm

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

I grabbed my phone, looked up the bus schedule, and called a cab to take me to the terminal. Then I sent Mason a text, asking him to pick me up at the station. Knowing he’d be confused, I also told him Drake knew the truth.

Not wanting to discuss it right now, I turned off my phone and tossed it back in my bag. Mason would be calling, wanting to be sure I was okay, but I just couldn’t talk right now.

The only thing left to do was to pack my bag, which didn’t take long. I turned to look at the bed Drake and I shared in this beautiful oceanfront room. We might not have been here long, but I’d fallen in love with it. Knowing Drake would expect me to be here when he got back, I went to the desk next to the window, took out a notepad, and wrote him a letter. It was the hardest letter I’d ever written in my life.

When I was done, I placed the paper on my pillow, wiped my eyes, and headed downstairs to wait for the taxi.

Sounds from the TV were coming from the den, and I peeked in to see Drake’s brothers, father, and sister watching a baseball game. I felt horrible not saying good-bye to them, or at the very least thanking them for their hospitality, but I’d send a card later, once I got home.

My heart sank as I stepped out onto the porch. The night air was cool, and the salty breeze blew my hair into my eyes. A noise startled me, and I turned to find Drake’s mom sitting on the swing I’d admired when we first arrived.

“Lucy, sweetheart, is that your bag? Are you leaving?” Her posture straightened as she slid over and patted the seat next to her. “Come and sit with me.”

“Thank you, Tina, but I’m waiting for a cab. It should be here any minute.”

“Did something happen at home? Was there an emergency?” Then she looked behind me. “Where’s Drake?”

I shrugged and my eyes filled. “I had to tell him some things from my past that I’m not proud of. He may need to talk to someone, but he might think he needs to keep my secret. Please let him know that I told you it was okay for him to talk to you if he needs to.”

Sympathy filled her eyes. “You love my son, don’t you?”

“Yes, I believe I do.”

“Then why are you leaving? I’ve never seen my boy look at someone the way he does you. He’ll be back, I’m sure of it.” Tina stood and approached me.

I gave her a hug. “I’m sorry, Tina. He may need time, but I’m afraid this is one instance where time may not heal all wounds.” The sound of a horn grabbed my attention. “That’s my ride. Thank you so much for accepting me, even though you didn’t know who I was.”

I hurried down the steps, tossed my bag in the taxi’s backseat, and climbed in after it.

As we drove away, I looked back at the house, which was beyond anything I’d imagined. The wraparound porch was my favorite part of the home. It reminded me of a ribbon tied around the most gorgeous present, and the Prescotts were the gift.

My eyes stung as I thought of the type of people they were, and I knew I would miss them, but I couldn’t blame Drake if he decided not to be with me. All I could do was pray that one day he’d be able to understand.

CHAPTER 16

~ Drake ~

The sound of the waves generally calmed me, but I didn’t need that tonight. What I needed was guidance and answers.

A riot of emotions tied up my stomach as I stood in the moonlight, resting my forearms on the railing of the boat dock as I watched wave after wave roll in. All I could think of was how scared Lucy had to be when she found out she was pregnant, and then how devastated she must have been when her parents reacted the way they did.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

G

RETCHEN

: Where are you?

D

RAKE

: I’m on the dock. Tell Lucy I’ll be back in a few minutes.

My sister was probably worried about me, and truth be told, so was I. What did all of this mean?

I looked up to the starry sky and whispered to the heavens, “Please, help me help her.”

This wasn’t Lucy’s fault. Kids made mistakes all the time, and she happened to get pregnant. It wasn’t as if she set out to trap the guy; she’d wanted to protect him.

The thought of what she endured after that broke my heart. I couldn’t shake the thought of how terrified she must have been. What kind of parent did that to their child? It was no wonder she didn’t want anything to do with them.

Greg was in my thoughts as well. He’d served our country in a way I’d always wanted to, and now the poor guy was presumed dead. Lucy’s chest must have felt like an elephant had been sitting on it for years with the amount of guilt she’d been carrying around. I needed to lift that weight off her in some way.

“Hey!”

I turned to see Gretchen walking toward me, and I frowned. “I told you I’d be right in.”

“Don’t snap at me.” She came up to me and rested her back against the railing, her elbow brushing mine.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. Did you tell Lucy I’d be back soon?” I glanced behind her, but all I saw was wooden planks dimly lit by the dock lights.

“No, I didn’t, because she isn’t there.” Sadness washed over her face.

“What do you mean?”

“She left. Mom told me a cab came to pick her up.”

Frozen in place, I stared at Gretchen as I watched her lips move, thinking my ears didn’t hear her correctly.

“Mom said she seemed sad,” she said. “What happened?”

“FUCK!”

I took off running across the dock to get to the house. Gretchen’s feet pounded the wooden planks behind me, and she caught up with me at the front porch where the rest of my family stood waiting for us.

“Drake, honey.” My mom extended her hand.

“What did she say?”

I’d never seen my mom’s eyes so sad. She was normally such a cheerful person, and now she looked as unhappy as I felt.

“She’s fallen for you,” Mom said softly, and gave my hands a squeeze, “but she needed to give you space.”

My head bobbed in understanding. I glanced around at the rest of my family to find they all wore the same sympathetic expression as my mother.

Overwhelmed, I released my mom’s hands. “Please excuse me.”

I hurried upstairs, taking the steps two at a time, to see for myself whether her things were gone. Sure enough, they were. Lucy had left. How could she leave?

Then I saw it, a piece of paper on the bed. With trembling fingers, I picked it up and sat down to read what she wrote.

Dear Drake,

This isn’t a “Dear Drake” letter, even though that’s the way it started. I’m going home, but I’m only leaving because I want to give you space and time to digest everything I’ve told you.

I’d like to say I would’ve done things differently, but I don’t think I would have. Some people might say that I’ve been hiding from my past for the past ten years, and I guess on some levels that’s true. But in my mind and heart, Abigail is dead, and I never wanted to resurrect her.

I’m so ashamed of what I did, and for what I let my parents do to me. My only excuse is that I was young and afraid. All I can hope for is that in time you’ll understand.

When I first saw my picture in the paper, I was terrified, and when it happened again, I knew I needed to tell you. Your life is so public, I should have never started a relationship with you, but it was out of my hands. My heart wanted you when we met, and before long, my body and soul ached for you.

I won’t be calling, and not because I won’t want to but because I can’t. You need to be ready to accept everything that I’ve told you.

There’s one thing I haven’t told you, something I regret now that I hadn’t shared with you yet. I’ve fallen in love with you, and because of that, if you need me to, I’ll let you go.

Always,

Lucy

I must have read her letter at least five times, and my head spun with her words.

In love with me.

Let me go.

She ached for me.

This was an anomaly for me. In my profession and for the most of my adult life, I was the decision maker, the problem solver, the one people turned to. But now I was at a loss.

A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts, and when I looked up, my mom walked in and sat on the bed next to me.

Sliding an arm around my back, she asked softly, “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

I hung my head. “I don’t know, Mom. Is it wrong that I’m thirty-five and still need advice from you?” I gave her a tight smile, and she kissed me on the temple just like she did when I was a little boy.

“Drake, honey, you could be sixty-five and you could still talk to me.” Her gaze shifted to the paper clutched in my hand. “Is that from Lucy?”

“Yes. Did she tell you everything?”

“She said she fell in love with you, and if I know my son, you fell for her too.”

“I did. I know it’s fast, but now I just don’t know.”

“You don’t know if you love her?”

The thought of not loving Lucy made my heart hurt. “No, I know I love her. She told me about her past tonight, and I don’t hold any of it against her. Lucy’s parents are so different from you and Dad. I wish I could tell you everything, but it isn’t my story to tell.”

My mom placed her hand on my arm. “She told me if you needed to tell me, you could.”

I shook my head. “I don’t even know where to start.” All I could think was poor Lucy.

“Please don’t think less of her.”

My parents were devout Catholics, and I wasn’t sure how my mom was going to take the news. I knew she’d be very upset about what Lucy’s parents put her through, but I was nervous just the same.

“Drake, I promise you I’m here to listen and to give you any advice that you may need, but all decisions will be yours. I won’t judge Lucy; I happen to adore that girl. From the first day I met her, I could tell she’d be someone special not only to you, but to me. She fits in with our family, and I can see she makes you happy.”

“Very happy,” I said with a small smile.

I took a deep breath and told my mom Lucy’s story, from what happened with Greg to her parents’ threats. Then I handed Mom the letter.

Mom’s face flickered with one expression after another as she read Lucy’s words. Then her eyes filled, and I knew exactly how Mom felt and that she truly didn’t cast judgment on Lucy.

“That poor girl. What I don’t understand is how this affects your job. This has nothing to do with you, regardless of her past. It’s hers, not yours.”

She handed me back the letter, and the paper felt like it weighed a ton in my hand.

“It doesn’t have anything to do with me, and I highly doubt my constituents would care, but my opponents will. They’ll expose her, which will mean her parents will find her, and she’s worked so hard to cut ties with her past so people won’t know what happened and judge her. There’s only one other person outside of this room that she’s confided in.” Glancing at her, I said, “Mom, I can’t be the one who will bring all of this to the surface and expose her. I just can’t do it.”

“Does that mean what I think it does?” She placed a hand on my forearm.

“If you think it means I’m going to pull out of the race, I’m thinking that’s my only option.” Frustrated, I closed my eyes and dropped my head back. “What other choice do I have?”

“You have the option of talking to her. Do you honestly think she’d want you to give up your dreams? Lucy feels as if she ruined her life, and that poor boy’s. How do you think she’ll feel if she believes she destroyed yours too?” My mom stood. “Please talk to her before you make any decisions.”

I shook my head. “If I talk to her, she’ll tell me not to drop out. That’s the type of unselfish person she is.”

“Son, follow your heart. You’re a wonderful politician who can do so much good for the world. Just be sure you do what will make you happy. If Lucy thinks she’s the reason you dropped out, that could hurt her too.” Resting a hand on my shoulder, she said, “You don’t need to make a decision right at this moment. Give yourself some time.”

My hand scrubbed the back of my neck in complete frustration. I knew she was right, and it wasn’t as if I hadn’t thought of that myself.

“I’ll think about it. I don’t want to hurt her, but people in my line of work are ruthless. If her name gets dragged through the mud, that would be worse. That leaves one more option.”

“What’s that, honey?”

“Let her go.”

Saying those three words saddened me more than I thought possible, but it was the only option I had left, and it wasn’t a good one.

“Promise me you’ll talk to her before you make any decisions.”

“Thanks, Mom. I need to call Ben and go over a few things. Please tell everyone that I’m okay and I’ll see them back home. I need to leave before the sun comes up.”

“I’m proud of you, Drake.”

The door closed softly behind my mom, and I knew what I had to do. First on the agenda was to call my pal who was pretty high up in the hierarchy at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• • •

The sunrise over the ocean was stunning, deep shades of purple that bled into warm orange hues as it slowly rose, appearing to break free from the water.

I wished Lucy was here to see it with me. I thought of taking a picture and texting it to her, but didn’t want to contact her yet. I wasn’t upset with her at all; I just needed to wait until I learned more.

Ben and I had agreed to meet at a diner when I got back. He told me he had some information he needed to share, but he didn’t want to do it over the phone. I could only imagine what had transpired in the two days I’d been away.

Unless Lucy went to him? No. I shook my head. There was no way in hell she’d talk to Ben about all of this.

The drive back was tedious, and my mind ran in circles the entire time I drove. All I could think about was Lucy. Was she alone? No, she was most likely with Mason. I was happy she had someone, but she was my someone and I felt a bit lost.

When I pulled over at the next stop, I decided to text her. All I needed to know is if she was okay.

D

RAKE

: Did you get home safely?

I waited about five minutes for a reply, but none came. I stowed my phone and continued my drive.

A couple of hours later, I was back in DC and on my way to meet Ben. I swore to myself if he started our conversation with I told you so, I was going to punch his lights out.

After I pulled into a spot in the lot, I grabbed my phone. My heart leaped when I saw her name.

L

UCY

: Yes, thank you.

D

RAKE

: I got your letter.

As soon as I hit SEND, I wanted to retract the message, but it was too late.

L

UCY

: Don’t hate me.

D

RAKE

: I could never hate you.

Because I love you is what I wanted to say, but didn’t. How could I? If she wanted me to let her go, that wasn’t going to help her. Instead she’d feel guilty for not being with me, and I refused to put her through any further anguish.

She didn’t text me back, and that was okay. I walked into the diner and grabbed a booth in the back. Music from the fifties played in the background, and the wait staff glided across the black-and-white checked floor on skates.

The bell on the door chimed, and Ben walked in carrying an oversized book. His posture was a bit slumped, not his regular straight-spine confident stride. He slid into the vinyl booth across from me.

“Ben.”

“Drake, thank you for meeting me.” He placed the large green hardcover book on the table.

“Did you bring me your yearbook to sign?” Sarcasm laced my words.

“I wish that’s what this was, but it isn’t.” He spun it to show me the cover. The Lions Den, Class of 2003. “I know you told me not to, but I did it anyway.”

Then a memory played in my head. Something Lucy said to me while we were at the park. “The Lions sucked.” This must be her yearbook.

“You know, don’t you, Ben?”

He flipped the yearbook open to a page he had marked with a yellow Post-It note. I looked at the picture of a young Lucy. Her hair was a bit longer, but her dark brown eyes were the same. They were a bit sad, as was her smile. Then I saw the freckle that I’d kissed so many times.

Naturally, the name under the picture was Abigail Winston, but it was her. I knew it was, and now Ben did as well. He was bound to ask questions.

Her senior quote caught my attention. “Life can be altered at the drop of a dime. Be sure to carry spare change.”

To think about how altered her life was and what she did to change it struck a chord deep in my heart. All I could do was stare at the brown-eyed girl looking back at me. How could I alter it more?

“Drake?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I know about this. I just found out, and I planned on discussing this with you.”

A crease formed between Ben’s eyes. “What does this all mean?”

“First, tell me how you found out.”

“Like I said, even though you told me not to look into her, I did. It wasn’t because I thought I would find something, but because I didn’t want to. Even more, I didn’t want anyone else to. I made a few calls and found out she’d legally changed her name. Since two people can’t use the same Social Security number, she filed for a new one, and it was approved. This isn’t something that can be easily found, but I have connections.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “When I ran the original one, Abigail Winston came up as the result. At first I was relieved, but then I dug deeper, looking for answers, and found information on her parents, which led me to her high school. I called the school and was able to obtain this yearbook. Believe me, I didn’t want to find anything. Once I saw her picture, I knew it was the same person.”

My heart began to race. How far did he dig?

“What else did you find?”

Ben started fidgeting, which was very unlike him. “I didn’t find anything on her, but her parents are very prominent in their community, if you didn’t know that.”

“Go on.”

“I went back to the only lead I had, which was school. After acquiring her transcripts that included her attendance history, I saw she was the ideal student, never missed a day until early in her junior year when she missed two weeks due to an illness. That’s as far as I got. As you know, HIPAA laws would come into play, so I don’t know why she was sick for so long.”

He looked down at the Formica table before looking back at me. In a low voice he asked, “She wasn’t abused, was she?”

“No, not in that way. Ben, I’m not comfortable saying anything else. But now you know that Lucy went to great lengths to get away from her past and start fresh. I care very deeply for her, and I’m not sure if I’ll seek reelection.” His mouth opened, and I held up a hand. “I know this will affect you as well, and that’s why I’m being honest with you. I have two choices—I can either drop out and keep her out of the spotlight so no one will recognize her, or I can let her go.”

Ben remained silent, frowning at me.

“I’m sorry, Ben. I don’t know if I can lose her.”

He nodded. “I understand. Please don’t factor me in. I can find work elsewhere. Granted, I made you feel like shit when you first started dating her, but I can see how torn you are. Look, you’re my friend first and my boss second. You tell me what you need me to do, and I’ll do it.”

It was a huge relief to have Ben on my side. He could be a real son of a bitch at times, but he was loyal. And that was exactly the kind of person I needed in my camp.

“Thank you. Right now, let’s stay on course. I do need you to handle things for me for a few days. I have some things I need to take care of.”

“Whatever you need.”

With that, I stood with the yearbook under my arm and shook his hand. “Thank you.”

After I went home and showered and changed clothes, I saw I had a missed call. My buddy from the VA had apparently come through for me. After I listened to his message, I packed a bag and headed to Reagan International.

CHAPTER 17

~ Lucy ~

I couldn’t determine which hurt more, my head or my heart. If I had to guess, I’d say my heart, but my head had been pounding for days.

It had been a little more than two weeks since I last spoke with Drake. Two weeks since I told him I loved him, albeit in a letter, but the words were still there.

Mason had tried to help me cope with everything from having to dredge up my past to possibly getting over Drake if I wanted. Of course I didn’t want to get over Drake; that much I knew. Having him in my life, even for such a short time, made me feel complete. Now I had a void that I didn’t want to be filled. Not unless Drake was the one to fill it.

“Luce, why don’t you reach out to him?” Mason called out from my living room.

Today was the last day of school. Hallelujah! After the last bell rang, he and I headed for my place so I could change clothes. The end of the school year was definitely time to go out and celebrate, no matter how horrible I felt about the rest of my life.

“Because I told him I’d give him time,” I shouted back from my bedroom as I buttoned my jeans and leaned toward the mirror to fluff my hair. “It’s been so hard; you know that. But what am I supposed to do? He must still need space, because he hasn’t reached out to me either.”

“He was out of town.” Mason’s voice was soft, but I heard him loud and clear.

“What? Where? How do you know?” I ran into the living room as panic set in.

Drake left town? What about the primary?

“Gretchen told me.” Mason raised his hands, palms up. “Before you yell at me, I ran into her at a bar near the Metro the other night. She was waiting for her boyfriend—who never showed up, by the way—so we had a couple drinks together. That’s when she told me Drake had to go away for a bit.”

“Does she know?” The thought of Drake’s entire family knowing my story saddened me. They were such wonderful people.

“I don’t think so,” he said as he shook his head, and then he turned pleading eyes on me. “I’ve been thinking about all of this, Lucy. Is it really that big of a deal?”

Frustrated, I threw my hands up in the air. “You don’t think it’s a big deal that my past could destroy the future of the man I love?”

“No, I’m sorry but I don’t.” Mason ran a hand through his hair. “This has nothing to do with him and everything to do with you.” When I glared at him, he said, “Don’t look at me that way. I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was, well, Gretchen told me Drake will do anything to protect you.”

“I’d do the same,” I said sadly. “That’s why I think I need to end this so he can go on and do great things.” Just saying that tore my insides to shreds, but I knew it was true.

“What happened to you was unfair and borderline criminal, in my mind. When I think about how alone you must have felt all those years ago, it infuriates me. The thing is, it was years ago. You were a kid, and no one can hold you accountable for that.” His face tightened as he added, “Your parents are a different story.”

“I just feel so guilty,” I said, blinking back tears. “Do you realize how many lives I’ve affected? My boyfriend didn’t even have a say in the matter, but he probably would have chosen prison. Now he’s gone, and his family doesn’t even have a grandchild to remind them of him, because of the choice I made. In hindsight, I should have run away, but I was so terrified at the time, I just stayed.”

Then it dawned on me—I did run away. I just ran too late.

Sighing, I said, “Maybe the best thing to do is to let him go forever.”

“You’re wrong, Luce. But whatever you decide to do, you’ll always have me.”

“Thank you, but you need to live your own life.”

Mason was a great guy; he deserved all the good things life had to offer. Babysitting me for the rest of his life wasn’t what I wanted for him.

“Well,” he said warily, “I do have something to tell you. I wasn’t going to, but I need your advice.”

“Thank God, because I’m tired of talking about myself.” I wiped my tears away and straightened my spine. I needed to be there for him just as he’d always been there for me.

Mason smiled. “I’ve been offered an assistant coaching position at a Division One college.”

I squealed and clapped my hands. “Oh my God, Mason! Congratulations!”

His face lit up. “If I take it, I’ll be leaving in July, so we’ll have to postpone our camping trip because I’ll be moving.”

My elation was short-lived. “You’re moving?”

“It’s UCLA, Luce. I’ll be moving to California.”

Sadness swamped me, but I forced it back. There was no way in hell I’d make him feel bad about this. How could I when deep down, I was so happy for him.

“I’ll miss you.”

His head bobbed slowly in acknowledgment. “I’ll miss you too. But we can Skype, and I want you to come out to visit me once I get settled.”

“I will. I promise.” A thought struck me, and I smirked. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me with those bitchy women at school.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, sorry about that. Can’t say I’ll miss them. But I have a feeling you’ll be just fine. Follow your heart, and it will lead you exactly where you need to be.”

• • •

Once I’d pulled myself together and touched up my makeup, Mason and I headed over to Juno’s, which we considered our place. The happy-hour crowd was there, and cocktails were flowing. I hadn’t been sleeping well since Memorial Day and had been so stressed out, I needed this to try to take my mind off my situation with Drake.

Mason and I had just sat down in a booth when I heard my name. Startled, I glanced around to see Gretchen and Jack walk over to join us.

Gretchen looked beautiful in a cute summer white dress and wedge sandals. Jack was in a suit and tie. He was ruggedly handsome, and a number of female patrons who stared at him didn’t go unnoticed.

“Lucy!” Gretchen pulled me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you.” She looked at Mason and smiled.

A man wearing chinos and a golf shirt buttoned up to his collar walked up to us. He looked very uptight, and Jack tensed as he joined our group. When the man linked his hand with Gretchen’s, I assumed he must be the elusive boyfriend.

Gretchen made the introductions. “Lucy and Mason, this is Scott. Can we join you?”

We nodded, and Mason and I murmured polite greetings as we shook hands with Scott, although Mason’s seemed even less welcoming than mine.

We scooted into our booth to make room. Jack sat next to me and placed his arm on the back of the booth behind my shoulders. His cologne wafted by me, but it wasn’t Drake’s, and that made me miss him more. They looked a lot alike, but there was only one Prescott who made my pulse beat faster.

Gretchen sat between Mason and Scott, and she seemed a little subdued, almost sad.

“How have you been?” Her voice was sweet, filled with genuine concern for me.

“I’m really sorry I left North Carolina without saying good-bye to you or your family. I just couldn’t stay any longer. I hope you understand.” I glanced at them both, and Gretchen nodded her understanding.

Jack, on the other hand, frowned at me. “My brother is a mess.”

I didn’t expect him to say that, and by the gasp his sister let out, she was just as surprised.

“I don’t want to make you feel worse about things,” he added, “but I’ve never seen Drake so lost and confused. He’s a take-charge guy and doesn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment, but right now my big brother has a storm raging in his head.”

“Lucy.” Gretchen’s voice was compassionate, the opposite of her brother’s. “I don’t know the entire story, but I want you to know if you need anything, I’ll be here for you. We all will, won’t we, Jack?” She gave him a pointed look, and even I could see her nudge him under the table.

“Yes, of course.” He took a swig from his drink, but I wasn’t convinced that he was totally on board.

Scott glanced at his watch. “Gretch, I can’t stay long. I have work to do.”

His voice wasn’t as deep as I expected, nor was his demeanor. Gretchen was so outgoing and bubbly, but Scott was a dud. All she did was nod, and Jack shifted in his seat, frowning.

“You can leave now if you’d like to. I’ll take my sister home.”

When I looked up to who said that, Dane was standing at the end of the table.

Is this a Prescott reunion or something?

Scott slid out of the booth and leaned over to kiss Gretchen on the cheek. “I’ll catch you later.”

Dane took his spot and shook his head as he watched Scott hurry away. “He’s such an asshole, Gretch. I really think you need to reevaluate your standards.”

Mason chuckled as he tried to flag down a waitress. “Are there any other Prescotts lurking around?”

I automatically looked up toward the door, half expecting Drake to walk in, but found myself disappointed when Dane shook his head.

“Where’s Drake?” The question came out before I could stop it.

Dane motioned to a passing waiter and asked him to bring us a pitcher of beer and five glasses. Glancing at me, he said, “He’s on his way back home. I just talked to him.”

My phone buzzed, and my eyes widened when I saw it was a text from Drake.

D

RAKE

: I’d like to see you tomorrow.

I glanced around the table before typing out a response. Thankfully, our pitcher had arrived and everyone was too busy pouring glasses to notice.

L

UCY

: Okay. When and where?

D

RAKE

: Can you meet me at the National Harbor around six? The dock near the Capital Wheel?

What an odd place to meet. Maybe he wanted a neutral meeting place. Whether he meant to tell me his decision or wanted to hear mine, I wasn’t sure, but I’d be there regardless.

L

UCY

: Okay. I’ll see you then.

I didn’t bother to tell anyone at the table Drake had texted me. The only one who noticed I was texting was Mason, and he knew I’d tell him about it later.

“So, Dane. What’s next for you?” I asked, deciding to focus on others rather than myself. It didn’t hurt as much.

“I have a few qualifiers before I try for my PGA card.” He smiled and took a sip of his beer.

“Well, I wish you all the best.”

“Thank you.” He leaned over the table, took my hand in his, and brought it to his lips to kiss it. “Don’t give up on my brother,” he said in a low voice, his eyes never leaving mine.

Biting my lip, I just nodded.

When Dane looked at me, there was something in his eyes that made me feel for him. I loved all the Prescotts, but there was something about Dane I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was as if he had so much more to say, but held it back. He joked and teased his family incessantly, but something was off.

It was a shame that he wasn’t home very often. I was sure that whatever was bothering him—if anything—wouldn’t seem so bad if he was with his family.

• • •

The next day, I decided to head to the harbor early since I didn’t want to get caught in rush-hour traffic. It was a beautiful day, and I was sure the area would be filled with families since school was over.