Page 47 of Romantic

“He did not!” I put my face in my hands to shield my tears. “He doesn’t love me. I heard him. He didn’t know I was there, and he told Pepper that I’m not good enough for him and he doesn’t want to date me.”

“That doesn’t sound like Brandon.”

“Well, I’m not good enough for him. That’s the truth.” And then my tears fully overtake me. Elinor wraps her arms around me and lets me cry. When I’ve calmed down some, she says, “Maybe it’s just that I don’t want to see you leave.”

“But you have Edward.”

“I do . . .” My sister says with a shy smile. “And he’s really great, but he’s not my little sister. I’ll miss you.” She puts her hand over mine.

“I’ll miss you too.”

“Don’t go.” Elinor pleads. I give her a fierce hug, but I’ve made up my mind. I am going with Jack. There’s only one person who could get me to stay. And he will never ask. Brandon’s probably counting down the days.

***

The next day Jack is still busy doing something important to get ready for our trip. He promises we can go as soon as Monday. That means I have only a couple of days to get ready. I’m going around the park refreshing the flowerboxes when Pepper finds me.

“Want to go kayaking with my dad and me?” she asks with an anxious smile. I really don’t have time for an outing; I have so much to do before I leave. But there’s no way I’m going to say no to Pepper. She could ask me if I wanted to shave my head, and I would say yes. I feel so guilty where she’s concerned.

“That sounds wonderful,” I say as I deadhead the flowers. “Are you sure your dad’s okay with me coming?”

“Yeah, it was his idea. He said you’re leaving soon, and we should do something to say goodbye.”

“I . . . think that’s a really good idea. When were you thinking?”

“Can you go tomorrow? You don’t normally have concerts on Saturday, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Great, so we’ll have plenty of time.”

“Yeah, well, I’m going to check with your dad.” I take out my phone and text Brandon.

Annie

Are you really okay with me going kayaking with you tomorrow?

Brandon

Yes. It was my idea. This is not a parent trap. I think it will help Pepper.

Annie

Then I’m in

Brandon

Good.

It’s not much, but that one word makes me feel so much lighter. Something in my chest loosens. Brandon’s not angry at me anymore. We’re going kayaking tomorrow. All is right in the world.

“What did he say?” Pepper asks with a hopeful look in her eye. I realize I’m smiling.

“It’s all good. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I want to say more. I want to apologize for leaving. I want to tell her that I don’t really want to leave. And as true as that all is, I know that would only make things harder for them both. So all I say is, “I really hope we see some otters.”

***

The water is smooth and silky, reflecting the overcast sky, gray with occasional ribbons of blue. The perfect day for sea kayaking.