Page 18 of Kindred Lies
Chapter 11
Amethyst walked into the inn. Cooper was once again working behind the counter. She hadn't been gone that long. He must have decided to let Olivia have a break sooner than expected. He glanced up and smiled. “Did you have a good walk around town?”
His smile was infectious and she couldn't stop herself from returning it. “It had some high points. When did you get in?”
“About fifteen minutes ago. Olivia said your mom is coming in today?”
Amethyst nodded her head. “Oh, I'm glad you brought that up. I talked to her a little while ago. Her plans are delayed a bit. She isn't going to be here until sometime tomorrow evening.”
“I will make a note of it in case I'm not here when she arrives.” He clicked a few keys as he spoke. “Have you read any more of the journal?”
She frowned at his question. She had read more of it, but she didn't like the feelings the journal invoked in her. She knew she had to finish reading it for her research, but putting it off for the rest of the day seemed like a better idea. “I made some progress on it last night. I'm taking a bit of a break. The entries are a lot to take in at once. It started out so happy and it's spiraling down a tunnel of sadness.”
Cooper nodded his head in agreement. “I felt the same way the first time I read it. Take your time. Since you're not reading any more right now what are your plans for the day?”
“I just came back to change. I'm going out on a boat. Speaking of which I should go do that now. I'll be back down in a bit.” Amethyst rushed up the stairs not giving Cooper a chance to respond.
Once she got to her room she quickly changed into her swimsuit and a light sundress. She didn't know if she'd be able to swim in the lake, but she wanted to be prepared. She threw everything she needed into her tote bag and slipped her sandals on. Closing the door quickly behind her she ran back down the stairs just as Ben walked into the inn.
Cooper smiled at Ben and greeted him amicably. “What brings you by today?”
Ben looked over at Amethyst. “I'm only here briefly to pick up Amethyst for an outing on the lake.”
Cooper frowned at Ben. “I didn't realize you could get more time off to do fun stuff. You just told me yesterday that you have been working too much to enjoy the lake this summer.”
“That's still true. My dad gave me a couple of extra days off to unwind. He told me I was to wound up to be much use to him. I jumped at the opportunity. I need the break.”
Amethyst made her way over to the two of him. “I'm ready to leave if you are.” The tension in the room was so thick she found herself having difficulty breathing. She had no idea what Benn and Cooper had going on, but she wanted no part of it.
Cooper glanced at her. “You didn't mention that you were going out on Ben's boat.”
Amethyst shrugged. “I didn't think of it at the time. Does that matter?”
Cooper shook his head. “No, go have fun. I guess I'll see you later.”
Something about his attitude really bothered her. What was it with the males in this town? They all acted bizarre. First Nick and now Cooper and for a brief moment earlier Ben had acted strangely too. If they all behaved like this on a daily basis she didn't know how the female population put up with them. “Thanks I will.” She turned towards Ben. “Lead the way oh awesome one.”
He laughed and looped her arm with his. “My pleasure.” Looking back at Cooper with a devilish grin on his face.” See ya later buddy.”
Cooper had a grim expression on face as they exited. He sure didn't seem happy about her going out on the boat with Ben. Maybe he felt guilty because he couldn't spend time with his best friend. She wished she could have invited him along on the outing. “Cooper looks miserable. Maybe you should try spending some time with him later.”
“I probably will. He's as busy as I am these days. It's hard for us to find time to hang out. Don't worry we will make it work somehow. We've been friends for ages. I doubt that will change any time soon.” Ben shrugged nonchalantly. “It is what it is. Come on we're going to take this path. It's a short cut to where I have the boat docked.”
Amethyst frowned as she walked beside him. She wished she had even an ounce of a friendship that they appeared to have. “I really hope you two find the time. If you let something get between you that would be sad.” She couldn’t help thinking of Hannah and Marianne’s friendship at that moment. “I don't have a best friend, but if I did I'd do anything to make sure I never lost them.”
Ben just smiled at her. “Seriously, you don't need to worry about us. We're fine. Honestly. Nothing has ever gotten between us and I doubt anything ever will.”
“Good, because true friends are hard to come by. I know that more than anyone.”
“Why don't you have many friends?” Ben asked.
Amethyst sighed, “It's hard to explain. I hate that question. We moved a lot while I grew up. After so many different towns, I just figured it would be a waste of time to make friends. No matter what I always had to leave them behind.”
Ben stopped and stared at her. “That's terrible. Why did you move so much? I couldn't imagine being anywhere, but North Point. It's always been home.”
“And that is why I envy you and Cooper. What you have is something I've always felt cheated out of. I don't have roots. The only family I have is my mom.”
“Really? What happened to your dad?”
