Page 89 of Resting Beach Face
“Real nice, Dad,” I said caustically.
I left him swearing and followed Kat to her room, where she was screaming into a pillow. She tossed it down when she saw me.
“I’m sorry, Kat. I didn’t handle that well.”
“I can’t stand this anymore, Cash! I’d ratherdiethan live like this one more day.”
She was fifteen. She was dramatic. I knew she wasn’t really suicidal, but the pain in her eyes? That was real. I knew because it was my pain, too. Dad had only gotten worse in the past couple of years. There was no light at the end of this tunnel.
I had an escape route anytime I wanted it. I’d chosen to stay for Mom and Kat. But my sister was trapped for at least three more years, and it wasn’t fair. And maybe I couldn’t fix that for her, but I could do something right now.
“Pack a bag,” I said. “We’re getting out of here.”
Her eyes widened. “And goingwhere?”
“I’ll figure something out.”
I pulled out my phone and texted Declan, Skylar, and Sawyer. One of them would have a place for us. I hated to ask them, but I knew they’d come through.
I went to my room and threw shorts and tees into a duffel, then added my shampoo, body wash, razor, and shaving cream. By the time I finished packing, I had three replies.
Skylar:
We can book you rooms if you need them. Just let me know what you want to do.
Sawyer:
Ash just moved out of the houseboat, but I’m sure Hudson would let you stay there, man. I’m sorry things are so shitty at home right now. Hang in there.
Declan:
Come back to the B&B. Both of you. Stay as long as you want.
I paused over the messages, but I already knew which offer I wanted to take. I clicked into Declan’s text stream.
Cash:
Does this mean I’m sleeping in your bed again?
Declan:
As long as it’s where you want to be, you’re welcome. There’s another room opening up if you’d rather have your own space.
I’d never typed so quickly.
Cash:
Your bed is the only place I want to be, but I’ve got other offers.
Declan:
Don’t you dare take them. Come back to me.
Despite everything, I smiled. I didn’t know where this thing with Declan was going—or where it evencouldgo. But he wanted me with him, and that made this situation just a little easier to take.
I returned to Katelyn’s room to find her working on her third bag. “Come on. That’s enough. We’re not moving out forever.”
“I wish we were,” she muttered, but she zipped her bag closed, and I picked up two of them to carry along with mine. Katelyn shouldered the remaining bag, staggering under its weight.
