More Than A Secret (More Than Best Friends Book 3)

by Sally Henson

  The meeting Miss Braun set with my parents is after school. When Tobi dropped me off last night, Dad was already in bed and I didn’t have to deal with him. But I seriously have no doubt my parents will say no to the camp. I just hope I don’t get grounded over it.

  I put my books away and shut the door. “Thanks. I can’t believe you’re leaving already.” She and Haylee are skipping the rest of school to leave for their trip to Florida.

  “Hey, I have a good feeling about this,” she says, ignoring my comment. “Your mom will kick your dad’s butt if he says no.”

  I picture Mom in Wonder Woman’s gear. That image and Tobi’s “kick butt” comment gets a reward of laughter from me. “I love the visual but don’t think that will happen.”

  “Positive vibes, girl.” She holds her hands high, wiggling her fingers, as if the vibes came directly from God.

  I shake my head and laugh again. Even though I’ve tried not to hold out hope my parents will allow me to go, thanks to my brother and friends, a tiny flame continues to burn inside. “Yeah, okay.” I snicker. “I’ll try to send you a message on the way home if I can.”

  She nods. “I’ll be waiting.”

  “I feel the good vibes too,” Cam says as he comes up beside Tobi and kisses his stupid good-luck charm wave necklace. “But if it goes wrong and you end up needing a place to stay, call me. I’ll come get you.” He smirks and adds, “You think your dad would ground you from Lane?”

  I roll my eyes at him. But then I wonder how far Dad would go. Spring Break starts tomorrow, and I can’t take being stuck at home all week. Especially with Lane gone.

  The possibility of being grounded from Lane has my stomach feeling like I’ve been on one too many spinney fair rides. I scrunch my nose and rub my belly.

  “You gonna puke?” Cam asks.

  I shake my head, though the surge of saliva in my mouth agrees with him. But then I think about a summer with Lane, and the nausea goes away. “I’m okay with not going.” Lane and I promised our summer would be spent together. Eckerd may be out of my reach, but he’s not. And I have plans to be closer with him this summer. Lane is what I want.

  My friends stare at me as if I’d just told them grass is red.

  “Regan?” Haylee comes up behind me.

  I turn around and see her let go of Joey’s hand, opening her arms. “Good luck.” She squeezes me. “I hope your dad gets amnesia about marine science or something and says what an awesome idea going to Florida is.”

  I snicker. “Thanks,” I say as she pulls away.

  Tobi must have told her what was going on because Haylee hasn’t hung out with us much lately. She and Joey are always together. Always.

  “I hope you guys have a blast on the beach.” I glance back and forth between her and Tobi. “Send me some pics, okay?”

  “Oh, we will,” Tobi says. “We need to take off. Mom’s waiting for us.”

  She hugs first me and then Cam. “Don’t kill each other next week.” She wags a finger at us.

  Haylee grabs Joey’s hand and tugs him in motion. “Bye, guys.” She waves, her chocolate drop eyes dancing with excitement.

  Cam and I both wave.

  “Hope she doesn’t have withdrawals being away from Joey that long,” Cam mumbles. He looks down at me with a smirk and hooks his arm around the back of my neck.

  At first, I think he’s going to put me into a headlock, but he doesn’t.

  “Let’s get some lunch.” We head down the hallway. “We’ll probably be the only two in there. Everyone else left on vacation.” His words come out a little on the bitter side.

  REGAN

  I wish I’d taken Cam’s offer to wait for me after school. He said I could help him get things ready for the morning, use him as an excuse not to go home. What was I thinking, riding home with Mom? Even the bus would have been a pleasant experience compared to the thick silence in this car.

  Another stomach muscle clenches. At least Dad didn’t show. I send Lane a message first.

  Me: Hey.

  Lane: How did it go?

  Regan: Dad didn’t show. Call you later?

  Lane: I might not be able to answer…tight quarters in this SUV.

  I didn’t think he cared what the guys thought about us. My shoulders slump. I miss him already.

  Regan: Okay.

  I promised Tobi I’d let her know what happened. Which is nothing, but she’ll be ticked if I don’t.

  Regan: Mom was there. No decision. Doesn’t look promising.

  My chest shakes with a silent, bitter laugh. As if it was ever possible.

  “What do you think about that camp?” Mom asks, startling me from my silent thoughts.

  I close the screen on the phone and stare out the passenger window at the empty fields and new grass. “Does it matter?”

  “Of course, it matters,” she says with a conviction that I don’t believe.

  I hold my scoff in. What I think hasn’t mattered for months. Maybe it never did, and it never occurred to me before. Well, if she wants to know what I think, I’ll tell her. “It sounds perfect. But even saying the words Eckerd or marine science in front of Dad will get me grounded. So…” I flick my hand in the air as if dismissing any idea of going.

  “It has a hefty price tag,” she says.

  Another check mark against it. It’s not like my family has the money Tobi or Cam’s do. Tobi probably spent that much on her little vacation with Rex over Christmas. Who knows what her parents are spending on their Spring Break trip to the beach.

  “Regan.”

  I wait for her to tell me she wishes I could have this opportunity, but it’s just not going to happen.

  “Regan, look at me.”

  I huff out an exasperated breath. Why do I need to look at her to get rejected? I peel my eyes from the signs of spring and look at my mom.

  Her watery gaze tosses guilt in my face. “I was so worried about you. When you were…” She stops mid-sentence.

  We haven’t talked about the dark days. We haven’t talked much at all. Christmas, when Lincoln was home, it was better. Almost normal with her. But as soon as he left, everything went back to the way it was. The only thing that changed was that Dad stopped getting on my case about changing my career and college goals. But that was only because I gave up the idea.

  I fold my arms and look back out my window.

  “I’m so glad Lane’s been there for you,” she says, her voice wavering.

  Me too. If it weren’t for Lane, I’m not sure what I would be.

  She pats my arm and says, “We’ll talk to your dad about this camp tonight.”

  Not sure I’m ready for that. “I know what he’s going to say, and I don’t want to get grounded over it.”

  “You won’t be grounded.”

  I hope she’s right.

  28

  REGAN

  Mom gives thanks for our food. The music I gave her for Christmas plays in the background. Did she put it on to cut the tension that was sure to be thick while all three of us sit at the table?

  Doubt it affects Dad. Especially since the only thing I’ve heard him say was a grunt of “Amen.”

  I glance at him and then my mom as I pour ranch dressing on my salad. Dad has said little since I came out of my room for supper tonight.

  Mom clears her throat and says, “Miss Braun found a summer camp that she thought would be great for Regan.”

  I clamp my jaw shut, halting my breathing. She’s really bringing it up?

  Dad glances at me before turning to Mom. “What kind of camp?”

  “She said it’s hard to get into. They have an application process with only a select few who get in.” She dances around the words that will end this conversation in seconds.

  Dad forks another bite of roast beef and puts it in his mouth. He may not even ask any more about it.

  Mom swallows her food and adds, “Regan’s been accepted.”

  The way Dad is shoveling the meat and potatoes
into his mouth, you’d think he hasn’t eaten in days. But that comment gets his attention. And it’s all directed on me.

  “Oh? I didn’t know you were applying to a camp.” He takes a drink, waiting for me to answer.

  I won’t answer though. The risk of losing Lane is not worth a summer of sandy beaches at my former dream college. I fork a huge bite of salad and stuff it in my mouth, keeping my gaze on my plate.

  Grandma’s old clock hanging on the wall next to the door echoes with every tick of the second hand. I keep chewing until the lettuce disintegrates in my mouth. Forks scrape against plates and I wait for the boom to drop.

  “Regan?” Dad calls my attention.

  I lift my gaze to him and pretend I’m still chewing my salad.

  Mom breaks in, placing her hand on Dad’s. “I think it would be good for Regan to get away for a little while. Don’t you?”

  The rigidness of Dad’s shoulders soften. He looks down at his plate and then turns his focus on her. “Maybe. What kind of camp is it?”

  “They cover fisheries, wild-life, and the marine sciences.” Dad pulls his hand out from underneath Mom’s. She pauses for a minute at his action but continues. “It’s in Florida. At Eckerd College.”

  Dad’s face turns red so fast, flames might shoot out of his nostrils. “Sarah, I’m not encouraging marine science by letting her go to a camp in Florida. This is out of the question. I can’t believe you would even consider something like this.”

  The food in my stomach hardens. It’s not like I expected anything less, so I’m not sure why I’m disappointed. Linc, Miss Braun, Cam, Tobi, Haylee…the spark of hope I held on to came from them. I gave it up months ago.

  “Tim.” Mom uses a harsh tone that rarely comes out of her mouth. “This has gone on long enough. You can’t keep holding the kids back because you didn’t get what you wanted from life.”

  I gulp. My eyes widen with every word of the argument unfolding in front of me.

  Dad narrows his eyes. If looks could kill, Mom might be lying on the floor right now. “I’m not having this discussion.” He points at me and says, “I’ve given you plenty of options, and you’re doing this behind my back?”

  I shake my head. “I didn’t a—”

  Dad shoves away from the table, towers over us, and gives me the final words on the subject. “You’re grounded.”

  I don’t finish my sentence or even try to argue that this wasn’t my idea as he crosses the room and slips his shoes on. What’s the point? It’s not like he would believe me.

  Dad grabs the keys to his car and thunders outside, letting the screen door bang behind him.

  Mom lets out a heavy sigh.

  Silent tears trickle down my face. Even when I don’t pursue marine science, I get grounded for it.

  29

  LANE

  Ross’ dad paid for our breakfast during our band meeting this morning. We got in a few hours ago, so the other guys went back to their rooms to sleep before we meet with Mr. West. Maybe I should sleep too, but I think I’ll be better off going for a jog.

  Ross and his dad are talking about this week’s itinerary when I come out of the bathroom. The three of us will be rooming together on this trip. Two beds and a sofa. Guess who gets one of the beds? Not me.

  “Where you headed?” Mr. Steiger asks.

  “Just going for a jog.” I take a seat on the sofa and slip on my running shoes. “I could use it after being cramped in the car for that long.”

  Ross pops off a smart-alec comment. “Don’t get lost.”

  “I’ll do my best.” I put my ear buds in and step outside into the warm humid air. Even though spring was making a show back in Illinois, it’s not near this warm. I follow the concrete path and start my workout playlist.

  By the time I work up a good sweat, I get my first message from Regan.

  Regan: Morning. Dad said I’m grounded. Mom said I could work. Cam picked me up before they were up this morning.

  Well, Mr. Stone reacted like I thought he would. Until Regan and I started dating, I thought he was a nice guy. Strict with his daughter, but we got along. With marine science being brought up again, it’s probably better that I’m not around this week. He might suggest I wasn’t pulling my weight to get Regan to drop marine science. A sharp stab twists my stomach. I wish I’d explained to her what was going on with him.

  Regan: Where are you playing? Do they have a website? Maybe I can look at it on Cam’s computer.

  Regan: I think I’ll be doing a lot of sitting in the truck waiting…

  Regan: Boring.

  Regan: I need to bring a book tomorrow.

  Cam’s not with her. That’s good. Maybe this is going to be a great trip after all.

  I finish my run and do a few stretches before answering her.

  Me: I’m sorry you’re grounded. You get to go to Cam’s every day?

  Regan: I guess. Mom said it would be okay…

  Me: Bet I know what book you are going to read…for the hundredth time.

  Regan: I’ll never tell. LOL.

  My phone buzzes with a message from Ross.

  Ross: We need to go in earlier. You nearby?

  Me: Yeah. Be there in a few.

  I send Regan another message.

  Me: I thought I’d get to talk longer, but our schedule changed.

  Regan: Oh.

  Me: What’s Cam doing?

  Regan: He’s in the tractor. Planting.

  Me: We’re meeting Mr. West. Don’t know what to expect.

  Regan: You’ll be great. You always are.

  A smile takes over. This is one reason why I love her. She doesn’t gripe and tear me down like the guys talk about other girls.

  Regan: I gotta go. Cam needs me to bring more seed to him.

  My smile drops. I have a feeling that’s why Cam likes being around her so much too.

  Me: ILY

  I wait for her to respond, but she doesn’t.

  30

  REGAN

  Cam turns off the engine of the tractor and climbs down to the field he’s been planting. The sun’s setting and he’s ready to call it a night. After he checks a few things on the planter, he heads my direction and gets in the truck.

  “Ready?” I ask, closing the second book in the series I started Sunday. Yeah, I’ve read Twilight at least five times. But I love to get lost in it.

  “Ready for a shower.” He chuckles. “You’d think sitting in a tractor cab all day, I’d stay clean, but—” he sniffs himself— “I kind of stink.”

  I glance at him as I back out of the field onto the road. “I’ll take your word for it.”

  We’re just down the road from his house, so it only takes us a few minutes before I’m pulling into his driveway.

  I stop near his second-floor stairs. “What time do you want me to be here in the morning?” I’ve been helping him move equipment, run for parts, get more seed, bring lunch, or whatever he or his dad need.

  “Five-thirty. You’re hanging out, right?”

  I nod, turning the engine off. “I have been for the last two days, haven’t I?” That’s exactly why I’m “working” for him while we’re on Spring Break. Spend as much time away from home as possible. Earning some cash is a bonus. With everyone else in various Florida locations, who else am I going to hang out with?

  We both get out and I follow him up the steps. He slides the door open and steps through, heading straight for his dresser. “I’m going to take a quick shower. You’re welcome to take one too.” He glances back at me, wearing a smirk.

  I roll my eyes. “No thanks. I’ll just sit outside for a while.”

  He slides the drawer closed and steps towards me with his arms open, giving me a hug.

  “Ew, gross.” I shove him away. “Get off. You stink!”

  He backs away, laughing. “That’s so you’ll appreciate me taking a shower.”

  “Whatever.”

  He chuckles, crosses to the bathroom, and calls over his sho
ulder, “Help yourself to whatever is in the mini-fridge.” He pulls the bathroom door closed and I search out a drink. He’s had the upstairs to himself since freshman year. He is so lucky.

  After I make it back outside, I settle in one of the folded chairs on his deck.

  What I’ve been doing isn’t usually hard work, but relaxing like this feels a lot like laying on a raft after jumping off the cliffs so many times, my muscles refuse the climb back up. I kick back and rest my eyes, listening to the tree frogs that have come out of hibernation.

  My chair shakes.

  “You asleep?” Cam asks.

  “I don’t know.” I open my eyes and straighten in my chair. “I didn’t hear you come out.”

  He takes a seat and opens a soda.

  I breathe in the cool air and look up at the light-polluted sky. Orion is barely visible. “Thanks for letting me drive your truck home every day.”

  “As long as you don’t hot rod it. I know you have a lead foot.”

  I ignore him. The tree frogs make me think of summer, and it makes me sigh. “I’ve missed hearing the frogs at night.”

  We sit in silence for a few minutes. My mind wanders to Lane. What’s he doing right now? Probably playing—having fun. I know Tobi and Haylee are. Cam showed me some pictures they posted.

  “Have you heard from him?” Cam asks.

  No need to ask who he’s talking about. Lane. “Not today.” He says they’re busier that he thought they’d be, but I don’t want to talk about it with Cam.

  He exhales loud enough, I can hear him. I suppose that was on purpose. “Did you make your first payment to Eckerd?”