Page 52 of Halstead House

It took me a solid twenty minutes of smooth harbor cruising to relax. I started to notice how many other boats were around. If ours went down, certainly help could arrive quickly. This was an active, busy harbor. I knew from swimming that the water was warm, not the rough and freezing waters of the north Atlantic that had claimed Father. In fact, the waves were gentle, almost non-existent. Everyone else was relaxed, pointing out marine life and sipping their drinks. I was the only one missing out.

I slowly released one hand and put it in my lap. Releasing the other arm took another ten minutes. In the meantime, I tried to focus on the dolphins, seagulls, pelicans, and nameless fish jumping out of the water. The sun had fallen from its peak, and the feeling was tranquil as it began to descend.

My second arm finally released the railing, and I focused on breathing deep, soothing breaths. This was good. I was okay. Everyone was having fun. I wasn’t having fun, but the terror had seeped out and I was no longer in danger of screaming. For now.

As we hit the hour mark, I finally became brave enough to stand and walk to where the others had discovered a pod of dolphins following a shrimping boat that was coming in. They laughed in amusement at the hoard of seagulls that were also following the boat, diving and trying to steal the precious cargo. The shirtless men aboard seemed immune to their attackers and just kept busily tugging in the nets.

“Is that a couch on top of the pilot house?” Ana asked, squinting toward the boat.

“I’m not sure I’d call it a couch, but it might have started life as one.” Steven laughed.

“I’ve seen a lot of strange things on boats in my day,” Marshall replied, “but a boat with a couch up top is new.”

“This is much better than a movie,” his date—I think her name was Olivia—said.

Everyone cheerfully agreed and went back to their food. I hadn’t made it to the point where I thought eating would be a good idea. There was still the danger of fear purging, and I didn’t want to tempt the fates.

“What do you think of our little harbor?” Lucas came up beside me. At least, I think that’s what he asked. I was only functioning at 30 percent brain capacity.

“I’ve never been anywhere like Lavender Island.” I smiled up at him, grateful my lips had unfrozen. “You’re very lucky to call it home.”

Lucas’s eyes moved from mine to gaze out. “I am.” After a small pause he said, “I think everyone’s enjoying the evening.”

“Mmm,” I managed.

“I’ve been boating in these waters since I was born,” he went on. “I love to be on the water.” He turned back to me. “Do you enjoy boats, Grace?”

I gulped. “Oh,” I faked a chuckle, “sure.” Because lying to Lucas always went so well for me.

He nodded. “Good. So, you’re having fun?”

I didn’t want to outright lie... for the second time. It seemed like I should spread the lies out a little more than once per sentence. Fun was a little strong for how I was feeling, but what harm could it do to let him think it? So, I offered a smile in reply.

Ana walked up just then and patted me on the shoulder. “As if you even needed to ask. Who wouldn’t be having fun?”

I tried to remember to smile, but just then a huge cargo freighter came past, pushing a mammoth wave toward us. I wasn’t at all surprised, because that’s what happens to fibbers. I’d brought it on myself.

Everyone who knew what to expect calmly spread their legs for balance and found a hand hold until the wave passed. I, Grace Natalie Burke, panicked. I was standing in the middle of the boat watching what felt like a tsunami coming to consume us, and I had nothing to grab onto. Oh, wait, I did. Lucas.

Without conscious thought I let out a squeal, closed my eyes tightly, and turned to him. I forcefully wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest with my eyes tightly closed. His arms were both above his head, holding on to some stabilizing handles that hung from the ceiling. I, very unfortunately, hadn’t noticed them before I reacted, and was now unable to release my survive-at-all-costs grip and reach for them. I pressed my face closer to him and fought to take normal breaths.

When the wave hit, the boat tipped sideways, and my hands dug deeper into the muscles around his spine. I was terrified. This was it. The boat was going to tip over and I’d be trapped underneath it and it would be the end of Grace Burke, the lying liar. One of his hands dropped down to press against my upper back and steady me through the rocking. He said nothing as I smothered my squeals in his shirt.

Before long—really, it was probably no more than ten seconds total—the boat righted itself. I still held on. Seconds passed as I counted my breaths and held my eyes shut. Thankfully Lucas didn’t push me away. Instead, he dropped his other hand and placed it on my back as well. It wasn’t exactly an embrace meant for comfort, but I felt the stability of his hold. I gradually noticed the silence, followed by an awareness of how tense his body was under my grip. His hands felt large and warm on my back, and I could hear his heartbeat under my ear. What I couldn’t hear was any conversation.

“Well,” someone whispered, “that was...”

“Grace?” Ana’s voice nearby pulled me fully back to reality. “The wave has passed. It’s no big deal.”

I wanted to hide away, but I forced my arms to let go as ripple after ripple of humiliation poured over me. Lucas’s hands fell to his sides. I kept my eyes glued to the floor, unable to bear looking at anyone. I still hadn’t taken a step away from him, and even though my arms weren’t holding onto him anymore, we were so close I could feel the heat and unease coming off of him.

“Do you want to sit down, Grace?” Marshall’s voice was near.

I nodded my head and risked a glance up at Lucas. His light eyes were distant and cold. Gone were the sparks of friendliness I’d seen earlier that evening. I stepped clumsily away.

“I... ” I looked around at everyone. Lucas took several steps back while I stuttered out, “I’m not afraid of water. I’m afraid of boats.” There was a difference.

There were a few intelligible mumbles from the group as I let Marshall lead me to a seat, followed by Ana. She sat next to me, one of her small arms draped around my back in a comforting way. We fell silent as the boat began to turn around and head back to the pier. Was Lucas cutting the cruise short?

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