“I’m sorry. It was a low blow,” I say.
Her heavy sigh fills the air between us. “It’s fine. I just thought this party might help get you out of that shell of yours. Loosen up a bit. Be free. But I understand why you wouldn’t want to go. It’s still too soon. I’m a terrible friend for even thinking it would help. So…I’m sorry.”
Be free. Logan’s words repeat in my head. It’s more than just that. It’s a chance to escape, to be free.
I want that. I really do, more than anything. I need a chance to just clear my mind, to relax without a worry in the world. A chance to break away from any thoughts of my mother, from any memories of Brooke. For just one day, at least, I want to be free.
“You’re not a terrible friend, far from it. You’re just looking out. And you know what? You’re actually right. I need to let go a bit, be able to have some fun. I’m entitled to have fun. So all right, Charlie. Let’s go.” I can’t believe I just said that out loud.
Charlie instantly sits herself up on her elbows. “All right?”
“Yes. All right.”
“Eeeek! All right!” she squeals. Charlie jumps to her feet and starts bouncing happily on the bed.
The rest of the morning, Charlie and I shopped. Somehow she managed to drag me to the mall, much to my dismay. When she texted Santino to ask if we should bring anything to the party, he seemed extremely excited to hear that she was going. I’m sure he expects her to give him a little extra attention tonight.
After our shopping, she packed her luggage, and then we were on the road. Santino told her the guys were only working a half day and should be at the lake house by two this afternoon. She’s been in la-la land all morning since I agreed to go. Now that we’re actually on our way, my anxiety wants me to tell her to turn the car back around, that I’ve changed my mind. But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for taking away her excitement. To be fair, she hasn’t been out since Brooke’s been gone. It didn’t occur to me until now that Charlie needs this as much as she thinks I do.
“You look cute, by the way,” she says, taking a peek at me from the driver seat.
I look down, examining my attire. “I’m wearing jean shorts and a black cami. There’s nothing cute about it.”
She continues to smile brightly. Not even my depressing mood swings can bring her down. “Still, your hair and makeup are done. I’ve always said it’s not the wardrobe but the hair and makeup that should always be stunning. So, like I said, you look cute.”
“You insisted I do them. I’m not sure why I listened.”
Charlie turns to look at me again, and her eyes pop wide in warning. What did I do? She reaches out and swats at my hand, which is pressed against my cheek. “Stop biting the inside of your cheek. You do that when you’re nervous. Are you nervous right now?”
I didn’t realize I was doing it. I unclamp my teeth from the hold on my inner cheek. “No. I’m just…I don’t know.” I slam my head back twice in frustration. “I’m thinking, that’s all.”
“About what?” She looks straight ahead as she steers.
“About what you said, about Logan and me. For some reason I feel uncomfortable when he’s around me.”
“A bad uncomfortable or good uncomfortable?”
I adjust in the seat, admiring her profile. Charlie is beautiful, yes, but she’s also so strong, so confident. I wish I had at least an ounce of the courage she has. “What does it matter? I’m just uncomfortable.”
“Well, a good comfortable means you’re just a bit nervous around him because maybe you feel something for him—more than knowing that he’s just the guy who’s working for your parents. A bad uncomfortable means you’re afraid to be around him, that he makes you nervous in a bad way, like he could possibly harm you.”
I take in what she just said. “No. I don’t get the feeling he’d harm me.”
“Okay. Good. Because if you felt that way, I’d turn this car around and go back home.”
I smile. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. I would never place you in a dangerous situation. You know that, right?” She glances over, waiting for me to agree. I nod. “Good.” Charlie focuses back on the road. I know she wouldn’t put me in harm’s way. I lean my head back against the headrest, feeling a bit more at ease, and listen to Charlie chat away for the rest of the ride.
Two hours later, according to our navigation system, we’ve reached our destination. I straighten in the passenger seat. Charlie drives down a long dirt path, which is supposed to lead us to the lake house. I look around, taking in the beauty of the outdoors. Who knew nature could create such perfection? It’s like a work of art. Trees of all different colors and textures surround us, and the sun shines down in patches on the leaves and plants covering the forest floor. It’s stunning, peaceful. I roll down the passenger window and lean my head out to catch the warm breeze on my skin and in my hair. Breathing feels effortless here. It doesn’t feel like a task or a struggle.
Light strokes of the wind brush my face. I shut my eyes and continue to just…breathe, letting the alluring sounds of nature fill my ears. It’s quiet, like the only sounds in the world are the ones around me: leaves lightly rustling against one another in the breeze, buzzing of early summer insects, and birds chirping merrily. I haven’t even seen the house or the lake yet, but right now, at this very moment, I feel at peace. I feel safe. It’s the strangest sensation. So much time has passed since I’ve experienced it, it feels abnormal, yet right at the same time. I wish I could freeze this moment and stay here forever.
“We’re here!” Charlie lets out a squeal. Her car comes to an abrupt stop, jerking me forward in my seat. I flash my eyes open as I throw my arms out against the dash. Wow. The lake house is much more than I pictured. I expected a tiny cottage—which would be fine—but I didn’t expect this. A large two-story cabin sits proudly in a grassy clearing before us. The tall glass windows, wrapped around both the lower and upper levels, provide a perfect view of the inside. Just behind the home is the lake, encircled by tall trees.
Charlie and I exit the car. I stand just outside the passenger side with the door wide open, taking it all in. I hear the trunk open and close before Charlie interrupts my reverie. “Hey, want to help me out over here?” I turn around and see her struggling to roll both pieces of our luggage on the dirt driveway.
“We’ll help out with those,” Bryson calls out as he and Santino jog over.
“See you guys found your way,” Santino says with a smile as he grabs a suitcase. Bryson grabs the other.
“Yeah. The GPS took us the long route, but we eventually made it,” Charlie says, stretching her limbs. We’re both a little achy from the three-hour drive.
Bryson smiles modestly. “I should have told you there was construction on the main road so it would reroute you a different way. Sorry.”
Charlie waves her hand. “No worries. It was great bonding time. Wasn’t it, Jenna?”
“Yeah.” I shut the car door.
Bryson jerks his head toward the house. “Well, let me show you guys where you’ll be staying.”
Charlie runs up between Santino and Bryson and starts chatting away as I follow closely behind. We reach the front porch and enter the home. It’s exactly what you’d hope a lake house would be like: open, airy, and bright. The oversized sectional and two recliners in the living area give the space a more masculine look. There’s no art on the wall, but there are a few large collage frames hanging over to one side, which I’m guessing are filled with family photos.
We follow the guys up the stairs and into one of the five bedrooms with two twin beds. They place our luggage down. “This is where you girls will be staying. I hope it’s okay?” Bryson asks.