Page 2 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

My cousin’s the same age as me but lives two hours away in Willow Branch Mountain. He’s also staying and working full-time for his parents, which has caused tension between him and Maisie since she’s moving to New York City to pursue a career in publishing. He swears they’ll make it work, though, so for his sake, I hope they do.

“This place would be the perfect romantic honeymoon,” Addie says, giving Rhett a knowing look.

Considering they’ve been practically attached to the hip for the past three years, I wouldn’t be shocked if they got engaged right after graduation.

“According to the thousands of reviews online, that’s what most couples come for. Or a romantic getaway without their kids,” Warren confirms.

For as long as I can remember, my parents would bring me and my four siblings up here every summer for a week of camping. Or rather “glamping” as it’s promoted. There’sno off-grid, tent-style suffering out here. It’s all glamourous accommodations with your choice of a nature immersive dome, two-story cabin, or their infamous modern-day treehouse. They get better Wi-Fi here than I do at home.

It’s a special place to visit and there’s no wonder why they’re always fully booked. While my family’s retreat is very kid-friendly, their resort focuses more on relaxation and helping couples reconnect with each other through outdoor and indoor activities.

While we’ve been here, we’ve taken full advantage of the fancy onsite restaurant and in-room massages. Yesterday, the guys and I went fishing while the girls relaxed in the hot tub and watched a Netflix movie on the large projector screen.

It’s been the best spring break ever.

And I’m sad that tomorrow’s our last day.

“How many times have you and Maisie snuck into one of the cabins for aromantic weekend?” I tease.

He smirks while Maisie’s cheeks burn pink. I already know he booked under fake names for their prom night and her birthday weekend last year. I’m only surprised his parents never found out.

“Can’t believe Aunt Lindsey hasn’t caught on.” She’s my dad’s sister and one of my mom’s best friends.

“That’s because I’m good at being sneaky.” Warren grins. “I also add in ano disturbancenote.”

Shaking my head, I laugh.

“Who’s next to jump?” Tuckers asks, wiping his face with a towel when he reappears.

“Talia!” Angela blurts. “She’s the only one who’s chickenin’ out…”

Glancing at Talia, her face heats from the unwanted attention. It’s obvious she doesn’t want to, but she’s on the shyside, which has always made me wonder how she’s even friends with Angela, who’s loud, obnoxious, and never shuts the hell up.

I used to like that about her. The way she’d party just as hard as I did and never complained about doing random wild shit on the weekends.

Now, hearing her voice is like a chainsaw cutting through metal.

I’d rather swallow a teaspoon of cinnamon and hot sauce than listen to her.

“C’mon, Talia. You don’t wanna be the only one who doesn’t jump, do you?” Angela taunts.

“You don’t have to, Talia,” I say, patting her shoulder and giving her a reassuring smile. “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable doing.”

Angela glares at me, but I ignore her.

I took a lifeguard training program when I was sixteen and have worked at the retreat’s pool during summer breaks. Although this is much more extreme than jumping into a ten-foot-deep pool, I can tell she’s uncomfortable about the idea.

“It’sfun, Talia! The adrenaline rush will be worth whatever fear of heights you have,” Angela adds, but Talia’s face goes pale as if she’s about to throw up. Her not liking heights makes sense as to why she hasn’t come close to the edge to watch like everyone else.

I stand next to Warren and Rhett, not wanting to be near Angela because the urge to push her off the ledge gets stronger each time she opens her mouth.

“Baby, it’s not that bad, I promise. But if you don’t wanna, we can go do something else,” Tucker tells Talia.

“What a loser,” Angela mutters to Addie, but when Addie doesn’t reciprocate the same thoughts, Angela laughs it off.

The sound makes my skin crawl.

She continues whispering to Talia as we contemplate what activity to do next.

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