Page 164 of Headstrong Like Us
“So would Vada,” Maximoff realizes, voice tight.
Jane leans over Thatcher to speak to us. “My sister would join them in solidarity.”
“Everyone, we’re staying together,” Akara declares. “We’ll go cove by cove, then hit the restaurants.”
No one argues.
Once the parking lot and bus stop come into view, Thatcher and Jane roll into a spot and switch off the ignition. Car doors shutting, they join us quickly, and our walk becomes a sprint.
Stairs descend to flat rock, and we spread out on the sleek surface. I see remnants of sunbathers: tanning lotion, old sunblock, a crumpled soda. Looks like an aluminum can of Fizz Life.
All the way in Capri. Puts into perspective how many billions that company is worth.
I listen carefully, straining to hear voices.
We swing our flashlights at the dark water. Mist spraying us.
“Kinney!” Maximoff yells over the wind. “Vada!”
“Audrey!” Jane screams and stumbles a little on wet rock. Thatcher places two hands on her wide hips, steadying her.
“Winona!” Sulli shines her light at the swim ladders bolted to the rocky cliffside. Water splashes against those steps.
It’s better if they aren’t here and just hitting up bars or late-night restaurants. So I’m hoping we don’t find them.
At night, the sea is dark and empty.
Maximoff and I trek ahead and follow the flat rocky terrace to the second cove.
I aim my flashlight to my right.
Fucking hell.
Four heads bob above the water, hanging onto a swim ladder. “Maximoff.”
“I see them.” He bolts, and I’m right beside him as he yells, “KINNEY!”
37
MAXIMOFF HALE
“Moffy!”Kinney shouts. “Don’t come any closer!”
Farrow shines a beam of light on the girls, and I go still.
They’re naked.
Or at least, itlookslike they’re probably naked. Bare shoulders, collarbones—and thankfully water shrouds them chest-down. Because I don’t listen to Kinney.
I reach the edge and squat to the ladder. I count four bobbing heads in the water. 1. Jet-black hair, bangs, and running mascara—that’s my sister.2. Carrot-orange hair, fair skin, and sopping pink bow—there’s Audrey.3. Dishwater-blonde hair in a messy top-bun—obviously Winona. And 4. braided sandy-blonde hair and gap-teeth—clearly Vada.
“Are any of you hurt?” Farrow asks, squatting beside me.
“Oh my God, they’re all here,” Audrey gasps in painful horror, clutching onto the ladder and staring at the rest of the search party who approach.
Vada hangs onto Audrey’s back and peeks over her shoulder. “Even the hot ones?”
“They’re all hot,” Winona adds, the only one treading water, not touching a thing. Kinney squeezes the ladder, nearest us.
