Page 65 of The Perils of Pretending
“It was delicious and definitely worth it.” Michelle passes Brody two ten dollar bills. “Most importantly, we checked off an item on Sadie’s list.”
And had fun, which we all needed after this afternoon. A break from my newfound feelings toward Sadie, no family to protect her from, just pure fun with people who feel like family. (Well, Sadie no longer feels like that; she’s morphed into something more.)
The waitress congratulates us on how many crabs we pounded down and takes our payment.
“Let’s go for a walk and then do the bonfire at the beach,” Michelle says, standing.
Sadie stands, then pushes in her chair. “Sounds perfect.”
I fling an arm over Sadie’s shoulder as we leave the restaurant. “Any consolation prizes for the loser?”
“You did that to yourself. You get to live with the consequences.”
I laugh, liking how Sadie makes me do it so easily. “Ouch.”
She puts her arm around my waist. “Welcome to the ‘ate too much good Alaskan food’ club. I’ll tell you what. If you get sick, I’ll share the stomach medicine with you too.”
I squeeze her shoulder. “Aw, thanks, Princess,” I say sarcastically. “You’re so nice.”
“I know.”
I laugh harder. The fun, easygoing Sadie I first met is back. And just like seven years ago, I’m drawn to her smile. After our kiss today and dinner just now, I don’t think I see Sadie as just a friend anymore.
But how do I tell Brody that?
Chapter 25
Sadie
It’smidnight,andIcan’t sleep despite how tired I am. I was the first one to leave the bonfire tonight because I could barely keep my eyes open. Despite what my physical body needs, my head is going a bajillion miles an hour and won’t shut off.
Max doesn’t snore, so I can’t tell if he’s sleeping or not, but he hasn’t stirred in a while. Grabbing my blanket off the bed, I tiptoe out of our bedroom, down the stairs, and out the front door. I sit on the wooden chair on the porch of our cabin.
I’m the tiniest bit worried Dorian will magically show up, but I have a feeling if he did, Captain Big Rack would sense it and would also magically come to my rescue.
I wrap myself in the comforter, staring out at the bay. The sky is a deep orangish blue, with a streak of light on the horizon—Alaska’s midnight sun. Just like every other part of Alaska I’ve seen, it’s stunning. And I’m still having a hard time getting used to the fact that it’s so late and not pitch black out.
I need the scenery to distract me. My head won’t stop spinning about my kiss with Max and the fear that I actually like him.
“Hey.”
My heart thrums. I jump, completely startled by Max. I didn’t even hear the door open. “Hey.” My voice cracks. I clear my throat as heat burns my cheeks.
“Couldn’t sleep?” he asks, pulling a chair right next to mine and sitting.
“Nope. Did I wake you?” I stand, taking the blanket from being cocooned around me and drape it over the front of us.
“Thank you, and no. I had a lot on my mind. Are you okay? It’s been an interesting few days.”
I bark out a laugh. “You can say that again.”
“Want to talk about it?”
Which part? Dorian? The kiss? My messed-up grandma? Missing Dad? My complicated feelings? The list? I’m not ready to reveal to Max how confused I am about him because I don’t even know it myself. It’s nice talking without an audience though, and I don’t mind keeping Max here. He’s being sweet and I don’t want to push him away. I pick the safest subject even though it causes a dull ache in my chest.
“I miss my dad,” I admit. “I love doing my list, but it’s also hard because he’s not here, you know?”
Max reaches over, putting his hand on my forearm. “I only met him two times before he passed. Tell me more about him.”
