Page 43 of Rise of the Melody
“Whoa, whoa!” Teague, Chrystamos, and the other guy Declan all stepped in and pulled us apart. CooShee was suddenly there, growling at Mairi, who had the good sense to step back.
“What the hell is going on?” Shani said, running up with Nora, pushing through the crowd. Oh, gods. Everyone on the beach was staring at me.
I was angry and humiliated. If I stayed here, I was going to keep fighting. I stomped over to my things, grabbing them, and rushed for the path. I could hear the others arguing still.
Clare and CooShee caught up with me and followed me until we were over the hill, out of sight. I was in tears now, and I hated to cry when I was mad. Thank Gaia for waterproof mascara.
“It’s okay,” Clare said. “She’s such a bitch sometimes.”
“It’s not okay,” I said. “I lost my parents too.”
“Oh, Letty.” Clare pulled me in for a hug, and I felt CooShee sidle close to my side. I sniffed once and wiped under my eyes.
“I’m okay. I just need to go home.”
“But you just got here.” She pouted, and my heart squeezed.
“I’m sorry.”
“I wish I had a car,” she said. “But I’m not the best driver.”
“Don’t feel bad. I’ve never even driven once. I’ll call Ron.” I started digging through my bag when Teague jogged up the hill toward us.
“Can I talk to her?” he asked Clare. She gave me a nod and left us, going back to the party.
I felt so stupid. I couldn’t even look at him, opting to shove my feet back into the boots.
“Hey,” he said gently, touching my shoulder. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said, standing tall to face him. “I shouldn’t have pushed her. It’s been a long time since I let someone get under my skin.”
“She was out of line.” He watched me, and I felt silly and embarrassed. “Will you come back?”
“No,” I said. “I need to cool down and go home.”
“Can I take you?”
I peered down at the sand. “I think that will cause even more issues. I’m going to call Ron.”
“No.” He took my cold fingers in his warm ones. “Please?”
“I hate drama,” I admitted.
“Me too.”
I thought about what Clare had said, about how Teague had been looking for a way out. I wasn’t going to be the way out for him. He needed to be strong enough to tell her it was over and stick to it. But I also didn’t want to push him away.
“I’ll take a ride if you’re sober.”
“One hundred percent,” he promised.
“And if you don’t tell your uncle.”
“Why?” He tilted his head.
“Just trust me. He’s not a fan of me or my aunt and I would prefer if he didn’t know we hung out.”
He heaved out a breath and put his hands on his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with everyone. I’ll keep it quiet and meet you at the end of the path.”
