Page 22 of One of Six

"Thank Essex for loaning me the clothes," I say to Atilio. "And thank you all for everything."

Atilio approaches me with a grin and says, "Hey, firecracker, you can't leave without eating some pizza."

I take the slice he offers, embarrassed by all the eyes on me. I'm sure they're expecting me to take a small bite, but I don't. I smile and take as much as I can fit in my mouth. The flavor bursts on my tongue and I close my eyes, wanting to savor this moment. Tomatoes and herbs hit me first, followed by chorizo, pepperoni, chicken, and onion, and as I swallow, I get a hit of chili. I groan and open my eyes. For a second there is silence in the room and then the men dig into the pizza.

Maggie frowns, as does Evelyn. When I catch Evelyn's eye, she snaps out of it. "We have to go. Maggie, I'll call you and let you know how things go."

Evelyn takes my hand in a chorus of goodbyes, and then we're outside. I take another bite of the pizza, enjoying my first taste of fully loaded meat.

"We have to hurry," Evelyn says.

The dock is at the end of the Redds front walk, and now there are two boats. We hurry close to Mr. Gleeson's boat, but I stop. "I have to thank Essex. I'll be quick."

Without giving Evelyn time to refuse, I dash to the Redds boat. I climb aboard and scurry to the side where I caught Essex climbing up.

The rungs of the man-made ladder have large gaps between them, so I hitch my dress to my thighs and climb.

"I wondered how long it would take you," Essex says, his face turned in my direction.

"I'm leaving, and I wanted to thank you." My eyes sweep over the man stretched out before me, wearing only shorts. I feel my cheeks heat, but I can't help it. Something about him is calling to me.

He rolls towards me and removes the last piece of pizza from my grasp. He smiles while my eyes follow his mouth as he chews. When he's finished, he grabs my wrist and sucks my fingers into his mouth.

I feel like I can't breathe with the heat coursing through me. "You won't forget me now," he whispers, releasing my fingers. "You'd better go before I decide to keep you."

My mouth falls open in shock. Essex reaches out and strokes my jaw, tilting it upward. "Until next time, Mermaid Girl." He rolls away and continues to stare at the sky.

I shake off the urge to crawl up and lie next to him, and scramble down and off the boat.

Evelyn gives me a strange look as I join her. I don't pay it much mind, my attention focused on the Redds boat, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who makes my heart pound.

12

BEATRICE

Evelyn sawmy exchange with Essex and she's worried. She hasn't said anything, but I know. The looks she passes between me, and the Redds boat say it all. A frown has been creasing her brow ever since. It's hard to ignore because Evelyn means something to me. What can I say to her to explain the new feelings inside me? I don't even know what they mean.

Each of the Redds were nice to me, but it was Atilio who claimed me in front of the others. I felt safe with him. With Essex I felt wild, as if I could lose myself in him forever. My young heart had soared during the time I spent with them. Sadly, it's coming to an end now.

The lights of the town grow larger the closer we get, and my stomach is full of nerves. It will be my word against Jason's. The bruise on my face where my father hit me is darker, thanks to Jason hitting me in the same spot.

Evelyn goes into the wheelhouse and crouches down so that she cannot be seen. It won't do her any good to get caught here with me. But Mr. Gleeson should be all right. He turns and catches my eye as we approach the marina. I swallow hard when I see the sheriff's boat. Damn, this is not good.

Dad is standing with Judge at his side, which makes me feel even more terrified. Jason is there too. I don't know why he bothered.

As soon as the boat slides into its slot, the ropes are tied, and the show begins. Or it would if I could figure out how to get off the boat without flashing everyone.

Finally, Jason moves to the side of the boat and holds out his hands. "I'll catch you."

"I don't trust you."

"What do you think I'm going to do with your father watching?"

He has a point.

Sitting on the side of the boat, I swing my legs over and jump. He catches me. “They’re really mad," he whispers.

Feeling naked and uncomfortable without underwear is embarrassing. I wish I knew where my panties went.

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