Since 1998

Chapter 8

Family business, the words hung between them like a tripwire.

Allison felt the blood drain from her face.

Think, Ali. Think.

"It’s just some boring real estate thing," Anna cut in, her voice as smooth as glass. "That’s why we’re here. We needed a break from all the suits. Right, Lisa?"

Anna didn't wait for an answer. She stood up, kicking sand off her legs. "Actually, I’m melting. Sam, you said the water was perfect. Are you a man of your word or what?"

"Always," Sam said, jumping up.

He sprinted toward the turquoise shoreline, leaving a trail of kicked-up sand. Anna didn't hesitate; she shed her cover-up and dove into the waves. Seconds later, she surfaced, splashing Sam and laughing.

Allison watched them, feeling like she was on an island. What are you doing, Anna? She wondered. Are you really leaving me here alone with him?

Devin remained anchored to his spot. He looked like he was watching the horizon, but his gaze kept sliding back to "Lisa." He was tracking the line of her jaw, the way her hair caught the light—searching for a ghost he couldn't name.

"Come on, Lisa!" Anna called out, waving frantically. "The water’s amazing!"

Allison shook her head, her back stiff. "No. I’m fine."

In the surf, Anna leaned toward Sam, her voice a low conspiratorial whisper. "Look at them. What do you see?"

Sam squinted back at the shore. "I see two people who don't know how to have fun. Why are they being so weird?"

Anna chuckled, her arms looping around his neck to keep his attention. "They’re weird because I’m the only one who knows the truth. Sam, can you keep a secret?"

Sam’s focus narrowed entirely onto her. "Stop touching me, or I might kiss you right now if you don't."

Anna had planned to tell him everything—that "Lisa" was actually Allison. But as she looked at Sam, her heart did a strange skip. The "game" was starting to feel a lot more real than she’d expected.

Back on the sand, the tension finally snapped. Allison was tired of the cold shoulder. She hadn't crossed the Atlantic to be treated like a nuisance. She stood up abruptly, brushing grit off her palms.

"Devin," she said, her voice steady even if her heart wasn't.

"Now what?" Devin didn't even look up. The coldness in his tone was a wall.

"I'm just… wondering why you’re being so intimidating. We’re just sitting on a beach."

"Because you're annoying."

"Annoying? Me?"

In the water, Anna’s eyes went wide. "Oh boy," she breathed. "She’s finally going for it."

"I don't have time for games," Devin said, finally looking at her. His eyes were hard. "Back at school, girls pull this act all the time. I didn't care then, and I don't care now."

"Are you insane? I never said I liked you!"

"Good. Keep it that way," Devin countered. "I know where this goes. I’m already committed to someone. She’s the only one I have eyes for."

"Oh, shut up! I don't even care, you… you lunatic! You creep!"

"A lunatic?" Devin sighed, sounding exhausted. "Look, I came here to relax, and you two showed up and ruined my peace."

"Ruined your peace? Oh, right, sorry. It's your friend who invited us, not our fault, boy. I'm out."

A few feet away, Anna was losing her battle with a fit of giggles.

"What is happening?" Sam asked, completely bewildered. "Are they actually fighting?"

"Sam, listen carefully," Anna whispered, clutching his arm. "Promise you won't tell Devin. Just act natural."

"I’m lost. Spill it, babe."

Anna leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "I’m Anna. And she… she’s Allison. Devin’s pen pal."

Sam’s jaw actually dropped. "Wait—what?"

"Shhh!" Anna laughed, pulling him down. "We’re pretending. We just got in from Spain yesterday and wanted to see if he’d recognize her."

A slow, lopsided grin spread across Sam’s face. "Well, that explains why I’m so into you."

"Stop it, you're crazy," Anna teased, a flush creeping up her neck.

The moment was cut short. A thoroughly fuming Allison was already marching toward the parking lot.

"You see? They’re at each other’s throats," Anna said, standing up. "Remember: don't say a word. Only Allison gets to tell him. Bye, Sam!"

"Wait, hold on." Sam caught her hand. "Number. Now."

Anna laughed, gestured at her wet swimsuit, and then ran to her bag. She punched her number into his phone, flashed one last brilliant smile, and ran to catch up with a steaming Allison.

The drive back was filled with Anna’s hysterical laughter while Allison stared out the window in a murderous silence.

Across town, Sam collapsed onto his bed with a goofy grin, replaying Anna’s laugh in his head.

Devin, however, was oblivious. He trudged into his room, exhausted by the "weird energy" of the day, and fell face-first onto his pillow—completely unaware that he’d just rejected the girl of his dreams.

Back in their room, Allison flopped onto the bed. Anna crawled in beside her. "Hey. Talk to me. You okay?"

Suddenly, a bright, bubbly laugh burst out of Allison.

"I know I was mad," Allison admitted, rolling over with a huge grin. "But now? I feel honored. He rejected me because of me. He just didn't know it was the same person." She dissolved into happy giggles. "He really stayed faithful, Anna."

"See?" Anna laughed, hugging her. "I told you it went well!"

In his own room, Sam’s phone illuminated the dark. A new contact: Anna. He hovered over the keys. Was it too soon? He didn't care.

Hey, it's Sam. Just making sure my girl made it home safe.

He hit send and tossed the phone onto his chest, waiting for the screen to light up.