Page 123 of Anyone But Her

"And you kept it going?" Cal asks. "You guys have been together since spring break?"

"No," Taylor says. "After that we agreed we couldn't see each other again. Luke didn't want to ruin his friendship with you so we ended things. But we still talked on the phone. Only for a few weeks and then we realized it was just making us closer so we stopped talking. But even after we stopped talking I couldn't stop thinking about him. I didn't even date anyone after that kiss Luke and I had. I didn't want to. I only wanted him. I loved him...even back then."

She looks up at me and smiles. I smile back.

"Shit," Cal mutters.

"What?" Taylor asks. "What's wrong?"

"You two." He points at us. "You really are in love. I can see it. On both of you. Honestly I saw it weeks ago but I kept telling myself I was wrong. This wasn't supposed to happen."

"But why? Why is it so horrible if Luke and I are together? Why does it have to change anything? I mean, you already like Luke, and wouldn't you rather have me be with a guy you know and like than with some guy you've never met?"

Cal shrugs. "Maybe. But you lied about it. Both of you lied. That's the part that really pisses me off. You both lied to my face this whole time."

"Because we knew you'd tell Dad," Taylor says. "Please, Cal. Please don't tell him."

"I won't. But you will, Taylor. You have to."

"Cal, no. I can't. If I do, he'll kick Luke out of the guest house. He doesn't have anywhere to go. And why does Dad even have to know? I'm an adult. I can date whoever I want. Dad's rule was stupid to begin with. He never should've made it."

"I know you're pissed we didn't tell you," I say to Cal, "but if we could just keep this quiet for a little longer. Until I can find a new place to live."

Cal looks at us both, then sighs. "Okay, fine. I'll keep it quiet."

"Thank you." Taylor hugs him.

"What's going on in here?" a voice asks.

We all turn and see Birdie at the door, holding a beach towel. She has a sundress on, the straps of her swimsuit showing underneath.

"Cal knows," Taylor says.

Birdie runs over to us. "You told Cal?"

Cal huffs and points at Birdie. "You told her and not me?"

"Yeah, but only because I—"

"You can't trust Cal!" Birdie says, interrupting Taylor. "Are you crazy?"

"He promised he wouldn't tell Dad."

"I never promised," Cal says. "I said I'd keep quiet but I reserve the right to change my mind."

"See?" Birdie scoffs. "I told you you can't trust him. Why'd you tell him?"

"He walked in on us," Taylor says.

Birdie's eyes widen. "When you guys were..." She doesn't finish her sentence.

"You had sex with my sister?" Cal yells, his arm aimed and ready to punch me.

"Cal, stop it!" Taylor yanks his arm down. "I'm an adult. I can do what I want. Stop trying to protect me. I don't need your protection."

There's a knock on the door, which is still open. Barb is standing there. "Everything okay in here? I heard yelling."

Taylor answers. "Cal was just telling one of his stories. You know how loud he gets."

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