by Amber Garza
“Yes. I promise this is okay. My parents won’t be back for hours.” Placing his hands on the couch on either side of me, he caged me in. Hovering me, his face sobered up. “I’m sorry about the bonfire. I never should’ve taken you there.”
“I’m the one who said I wanted to go. It’s my fault.”
“You didn’t know what it would be like. You’ve never even been to a party before, so I’m taking full responsibility on this one.”
“There’s no way you could’ve known I hadn’t been to a party.”
His lips pushed up in a slight smile. “I should’ve known. You’re innocent. That’s obvious.”
“Naïve is probably a better word.” I frowned.
“No,” he snapped harshly, and I flinched. “Sorry,” he murmured, his fingers brushing my arm. “Innocence is not a bad thing, and don’t let anyone ever tell you it is.”
I breathed in deeply through my nose and out through my mouth. Austin’s behavior had been puzzling all night, and I had to know why. “Austin, please tell me what happened with that guy at the party.”
He shoved off the couch and swung away from me. After running an agitated hand through his hair, he said, “The summer before I met you, my sister and I went to one of those bonfires. My sister was always the one befriending the locals. I preferred the summer kids. The locals rubbed me the wrong way.” I understood what he was saying. They definitely gave off a cliquish vibe whenever I saw them. “But not my sister. She liked the kids who lived here. I think part of it had to do with the fact that they could get her into local places, stuff like that. My sister uses people for what they can offer her.” He frowned. “Anyway, at the bonfire I lost track of my sister. I wasn’t doing anything bad, just tossing around a ball with another kid at the party.” I could picture a younger version of Austin turning the party into a sporting event, and it caused my lips to lift a little. “But then my sister found me, and she was crying and angry saying she wanted to leave.” Instantly I knew where this story was going, and nausea rolled over me. I held tightly to the couch as he continued, “On the way home, she told me that guy had tried to force her to do things she didn’t want to. Luckily, Krista had stepped in, had my sister’s back.” That explained why he was so nice to Krista. I felt even worse about how envious I’d been of her. “We agreed not to say anything to Mom and Dad, but I was too angry to let it go. A few days later I got in a fight with the guy. Broke his nose. Mom and Dad were livid. Alyssa wanted to tell them everything, but I wouldn’t let her. It was the least I could do since it was my fault it happened to her in the first place.”
His back was to me now, so I stepped forward and placed my hands on his tense shoulders. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“I wasn’t keeping an eye on her.”
“You’re her younger brother. It’s not your job. Besides, you can’t be around to protect everyone all the time.”
He spun around, sliding his hands down my arms. “But I want to protect you. I want to keep you pure and innocent, just like you are now.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
“It is while I’m around.”
TWENTY
This summer was flying by even faster than last summer did, days morphing into weeks. When the summer began I felt like I had so much time but now that time was slipping through my fingers like grains of sand, and it caused desperation to bloom in my chest. I was determined to savor every moment I had left with Austin.
“Mina,” Dad stopped me as I headed out one morning. “Where are you going?”
“Out with Austin. We’re gonna hit the gym.” Glancing down, I indicated the gym shorts and t-shirt I wore. “Remember? I told you last night.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I remember. I was just hoping you and I could have a little chat first.”
My stomach tightened. It was never good when Dad said that. I looked around for Luca. His absence made this even more suspicious.
“Have a seat.” Dad sat on the couch, patting the cushion next to him.
Yeah, this was bad.
Slowly, I made my way toward him. Then I hesitantly lowered down onto the couch. The cushion sank beneath me. “What’s up?” I attempted to sound as nonchalant as possible.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Austin this summer.”
“Not any more than last summer,” I said.
His gaze caught mine, his face serious. “But this is different than last summer, isn’t it?”
I opened my mouth, ready to spout off something sarcastic when his expression stopped me. In my sixteen years on this earth, I’d learned to gauge my dad, and it was never a good idea to joke with him when he was this serious. “Well…” I played with the hands in my lap, clasping and unclasping them in rapid succession. “I mean, our relationship has progressed, I guess.”
“I can tell,” Dad said, still studying me in a curious manner. “And you know I like Austin. I like him a lot.” I could tell a “but” was coming, so I sat perfectly still waiting for it. “I’m just not sure it’s smart for you two to get so serious.”
“Why? Is it because we don’t live near each other?” I knew from the beginning that this would be an issue. Austin had alluded to it as well. I was sure it was the main reason he always referred to me as his summer girl. That way we wouldn’t have to make a commitment to one another. That way we wouldn’t have to attempt to make a long distance relationship work. But I wanted to try. I didn’t mind dating someone far away. Austin was the only guy I wanted to be with, regardless of where he lived.
When Dad shook his head, it surprised me. “It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?” Now my stomach was in full-blown knots.
“I’m just…” he paused, averting his gaze. “I’m not sure Austin is who you think he is.”
I felt blindsided. Where was this coming from? Austin fit in here like part of the family. Dad seemed to genuinely like him. He even encouraged our friendship at first. “But you like Austin,” I reminded him.
“I do like him,” he said. “But I don’t know how much we really know about him. I mean, we only see him a couple of months in the summer. We have no idea what he’s like the rest of the year.”
“And he doesn’t know what I’m like the rest of the year,” I pointed out.
Dad smiled. “You’re the same all year long, Mina.”
“Right. So Austin probably is too.”
“I don’t think so.” Dad bit his lip.
I froze. This wasn’t merely a fishing expedition. “Okay, Dad. Why don’t you tell me what you know?” I wondered if he was going to bring up the fight Austin was in a few years back. Even though I couldn’t tell him why it had happened, at least I could ease his mind. Let him know that it’s not as bad as it sounded.
“Austin’s been in some trouble back home.”
My body went hot. “What kind of trouble?”
“I don’t know all the details.”
None of this made any sense. Troublemakers didn’t shield a girl from harm. They didn’t remain a perfect gentlemen even when they had a girl alone in their house. But I couldn’t say that to Dad, because I never told him we were at Austin’s house alone that night. “How do you know any of this?”
“Penny’s friends with Austin’s mom, and--”
I cut him off. “This whole thing is ridiculous.” Standing, I threw my arms up in exasperation. “You don’t know Austin’s parents. Penny may think his mom is great, but she’s not. Trust me. You would be appalled if you saw the way she treats her son.”
I expected Dad to say something sympathetic, something in defense of Austin. Instead, he said, “Haven’t you ever wondered why she’s like that with him?”
Irritation rose inside of me. Penny had really gotten to him. “Yeah, I have wondered. I have often wondered how a woman could treat her child like that.” Shaking my head, I backed away from Dad. “You can think what you want about Austin, but I know him. He’s not a bad guy. He’s the nices
t guy I know.”
Dad stood and took a step toward me. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just looking out for you. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“He’s not gonna hurt me, Dad.”
“You don’t know that,” Dad answered. “People hurt each other all the time without even meaning to.”
“Like you did when you left us,” I said without thinking.
Dad’s eyes widened. He was silent a moment before leaning forward. “I thought we’d moved past this.”
I thought we had too. Groaning inwardly, I wondered why I’d said that. I had no desire to rehash things with Dad again. Besides, I needed to focus on the conversation at hand. “Sorry,” I mumbled. “I guess I was just upset about what you were saying about Austin.” I sighed. “Trust me, Dad. Penny is wrong about him.” Whirling around, I headed toward the door. “And I’m actually really late to pick him up now.”
“Why doesn’t he drive, Mina?”
I paused, my shoulders stiffening. Without turning around, I answered, “Um…I don’t know the whole story, but his parents won’t let him drive right now.”
“Don’t you think you should know the whole story?”
“Fine,” I spoke through gritted teeth. “I’ll find out. Okay?” Blowing out a breath, I stepped forward.
“Maybe just stay home today. Hang out with Luca and me.”
Panic seized me, and I spun around. “Are you saying I can’t hang out with Austin anymore?”
He was quiet a minute, and my insides churned. “No,” he finally said, and the relief I felt was palpable. “I’m not. I just wanna spend some time with you.”
Shame washed over me. “Fair enough. I’ll go to the gym with Austin like I planned, and then I’ll have dinner tonight with you and Luca. Just the three of us. Okay?”
Dad’s lips curved upward slightly. “Looking forward to it.”
When I reached the door, Dad added, “And, Mina, I really do think you should have a talk with Austin. Make sure he really is who you think he is.”
Nodding, I hurriedly opened the front door and stepped outside. When I closed the door behind me, I wished I could close the door on Dad’s words just as easily.
***
I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t ask him about his life back home. Maybe it was because I was a coward and scared of the answer. I knew Austin wasn’t perfect. He’d told me about the fight a few summers ago, and I got the impression at the bonfire that he’d been to plenty of parties before. He’d probably even drank at them. And he always acted like my innocence was such a novel thing. Therefore, I was certain he had some skeletons in his closet, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out what they were.
But most likely it was because seeing Austin shirtless had rendered me useless. All rational thought had been tossed aside with his shirt that was now lying on the ground near his feet. As he hit the punching bag, sweat coating his skin, I couldn’t think of anything other than how good he looked.
However, when my gaze landed on his face, scrunched up and serious, I knew he was wrestling with his demons.
“How is Daniel?” I asked him. It was a question I’d only asked a couple of times since that night up at Serenity Point, but I knew his friend weighed heavily on his mind.
Grunting, he struck the bag again. “Same. Struggling. But he’s strong. The whole family is. They’ll get through it.”
I nodded, knowing I wouldn’t get any more out of him today.
“Your turn.” Austin hopped away from the punching bag. After peeling off his gloves, he reached down and plucked up his water bottle. Swallowing hard, I watched as he took a couple of large gulps.
I stepped toward the bag and got in position. After taking a deep breath, I threw out my first punch. Then another. And another.
“Whoa. Someone’s got some stuff they’re working through,” Austin spoke from over my shoulder. Warm hands landed on my waist, and my body melted beneath his touch. “What’s goin’ on, summer girl?”
I shrugged, not wishing to tell him the reason I was agitated. “Just the usual.”
“Is this about Penny again?”
Nodding, I realized it wasn’t exactly a lie.
“Don’t worry about her.” His hands slid up my sides, and I leaned against him until my back was flush with his chest. Lowering his head, heat crept up my neck. Soft lips pressed against my cheek, and I closed my eyes. When his arms encased me, holding me tightly, I lost myself in the moment.
It didn’t matter to me whether Dad was right or not. Perhaps Austin was different back home. But all I cared about was who he was with me. And with me he was gentle and kind, caring even. That was the Austin I was interested in knowing more about.
TWENTY-ONE
I should’ve known Dad wouldn’t let this go. In the weeks after our talk, he acted strange around Austin. Not only that, but he put more emphasis on family time than he had before. I tried to be understanding about it, but mostly it made me angry. Summer was almost over, and then I wouldn’t see Austin again for another nine months. I would see Dad multiple times throughout the year. He’d visit for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break.
But the summer was all Austin and I had.
When Dad insisted I forego my time with Austin to be with him, he was taking that away from me.
“When are you gonna be straight with me, summer girl?” Austin asked one night as we sat on the beach near my house. He’d been over for dinner earlier. Originally, Dad had demanded that it only be the three of us, but I’d worn him down, insistently begging for Austin to come over. It was the last week of summer, after all.
“What are you talking about?” Drawing my legs up to my chest, I rested my chin on my knees and peered up at him. The moonlight sliced across his chiseled face.
“C’mon, I know something’s up with your dad. Things have changed between the two of you…and the way he is around me…well, it’s not like it was. Did you tell him about being alone at my house the night of the bonfire?”
Anger simmered in my veins. I had hoped Austin hadn’t noticed how strange Dad was being. Dropping my arm, I swirled my fingers in the sand as I mulled over how to respond. The last thing I wanted to do was tell him about my dad’s suspicions or about what Penny said. My anger escalated thinking about how mean Austin’s parents were to him. I knew that coming over here was an escape for Austin. Why did Penny have to ruin that with her poisonous gossip? And why did Dad have to buy into it?
“Hey.” Austin’s hand clamped over my arm, stilling it. “You can tell me. I won’t be angry. I know you and your dad have a very open and honest relationship. I wish I had that with my own dad.”
My fingers suspended over the sand. Raising my head, I looked into his eyes. This side of Austin always got to me. When he was serious, it cracked open my heart, split it in two. Sure, I preferred the fun-loving, easy going side. However, that side was easy to challenge. It was this side that I couldn’t say no to. It was this side that could talk me into anything.
“No, I didn’t tell my dad about being alone at your house. There was nothing to tell. You were a complete gentlemen.” A slow sigh filtered through my lips. “But Penny told my dad some things, and it got him kind of worried about…” I bit my lip, wondering the best way to say this next part. “About how close we’re getting.”
His hand slipped from my arm, his gaze dropping to his lap. “I see.”
“I’m sure none of it is true. It’s just…you know…my dad worries.” He still wasn’t looking at me. His gaze was fixated on something in front of him. My heart pinched, and I wished I’d never said anything.
“What did Penny tell him?”
I stared out at the waves as they crashed into the sand, leaving a filmy foam along the edges. When it curled over, it looked like the sea was lined in dish soap. “Just that you’ve been in trouble back home.” I shook my head. “Like I said, I’m sure it’s not true. It was probably a misunderstanding like what happened with that guy a
few summers ago.”
Silence blanketed us. I swallowed hard, listening to the sound of the waves, of the wind, of people in the distance.
“It isn’t like that,” he finally said, his voice so quiet it was like the wind as it whisked through the branches of a tree.
My head whipped in his direction. A slight breeze kicked up, a few strands of his hair flapping over his forehead. He didn’t attempt to smooth it back, and with it tousled like that, he looked even more ruggedly handsome than usual.
“What?” I asked, sure I’d misheard. Or maybe I’d misunderstood. Either way, I longed for clarification.
“What Penny said is true.” His eyes locked with mine. “I have been in trouble back home, and it hasn’t been a misunderstanding like the one I told you about.”
Reaching out, I gently touched his face. “It doesn’t matter.”
He drew back. “It should.”
I knew he was right, and usually it would. I was never the kind of girl to go for the bad boy. In the past, I always liked boys that were similar to me. Boys that followed the rules, got good grades, played sports. But I didn’t need all that from Austin, because I knew who he was in his heart where it counted. I’d been around Austin’s family enough to know there were issues there. In that way it wasn’t surprising that he’d had problems. But Austin was a good guy. That was a truth I’d stake my life on. I’d dated guys before who were like that guy at the bonfire. Guys who seemed good on the outside – maintained good grades, worked hard, played sports, ran for student council – but when they got me alone, they only wanted one thing. Austin had never been like that with me. He respected me more than any other boy ever had.
“It doesn’t,” I said more firmly.
Hoisting himself up, he stood and then brushed sand from the back of his pants. I blinked as it flew in my direction.
“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching down to wipe it from my face.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, I snatched up his hand. “You’re a good guy, Austin.”
