Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“So, yeah, I just assume that I’m on my own with most things. Luna and Sarah are my best friends, and I know I can call on them for the little things like what outfit to wear or if I want company. But for the big things? It’s all me.”
He shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his heels, watching me.
“Say something.”
“Do you know where your mom is now?”
“She died.” I shrug and go back to walking my imaginary tightrope. “Grandma told us it was cancer. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know, but I did some research a couple of years ago, which confirmed she had actually passed away, just not how.”
“Why would Annabelle lie about how her daughter died?”
“Because she didn’t want to hurt us or to avoid rumors swirling around town from getting back to us. It doesn’t really matter how she died, anyway.”
“I need you to know something,” he says, his voice calm as can be. “I know that we agreed that what this is should stay between us for now, and I’ll stick to that until you tell me otherwise, but you need to believe that it’s not just you anymore, Juniper. I’m here, and I’m sticking. You actually have a whole community of people around you who care about you and would help you at the drop of a hat, no questions asked.”
“I know—”
“No, obviously, you don’t. Don’t insult the people who love you by shutting them out when you need them the most.”
“That’s not what I mean to do.”
“No, but that’s exactly what happens. I’ve watched you do it for years, but back then, it was none of my business. It’s my business now.”
“Why, because I’m sleeping with you?”
His eyes flash, and I immediately regret that snarky outburst.
“I’m sorry, that was uncalled for, even for me. I get what you’re trying to say. I do, and I appreciate it. I’m going to accept the help from Rob and the other guys, and that’s a big step for me, Apollo.”
“I know, and I’m proud of you for taking it.” He crosses to where I’m standing and takes my hand again. This time, he leans in and kisses my forehead. “I’m always here for you, June, no matter what.”
We’ll see.
What if I piss him off badly enough, and he simply leaves?
“Thanks.” I squeeze his hand. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Thanks for confiding in me about your mom. I didn’t know that story.”
“I made Sarah and Luna pinkie swear that they’d never tell anyone.” I shrug. “Cullen, Lauren, and I legally changed our last names to Snow right after Mom died because we wanted Grandma’s name. We’d been using it for years anyway. Grandma made sure our teachers used Snow for us in front of the other kids, and because she’s Annabelle Snow, and we live in such a tiny town, they complied. But we wanted it to be legally changed, so we did.”
“I’m sure that made Annabelle very happy.”
“We had a little party,” I say with a smile, remembering back to that day. “She got takeout from Gordy’s, and she put balloons and streamers in the house. We got to stay up as late as we wanted to watch movies together. She made it a lot of fun. She makes everything fun, and I love her a lot.”
“I know you do.” He drags his fingers down my cheek. “You have the biggest heart, June.”
I snort at that, but he doesn’t laugh with me.
“I don’t think anyone would describe me that way.”
“I would. I see it. I see you.”
I take a deep breath, unable to look away from his gorgeous dark eyes.
“If you break your promise and go away,” I whisper, half-afraid to admit this out loud, “it will really hurt me.”
He cups my face, and I hold on to his waist.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby. You can count on it.”
February 14, 2008
* * *
Dear Diary,
Sarah’s gone. That asshole that decided to sweep her off of her feet succeeded and talked her into moving to his place in California. They already got married. She only knew him for a month. I mean, I get that she was sad after Tanner broke up with her, but she jumped at the first opportunity that came her way. I want to run after her and talk some sense into her, but Grandma says that we should wait it out. That it won’t last long, and Sarah will come back home.
I hope she’s right. She’s been gone for a couple of weeks now, and there’s been no word from her, even though she promised to call every day. No call, no letter, nothing.
Even her brother, Scott, hasn’t heard from her, and that’s not like her at all. She’s such a mother hen when it comes to her brother. I’m telling you something isn’t right.