Page 34 of Count My Lies

“Considering what?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Her family has always had money. Her dad is some hotshot lawyer—Violet worked for his firm in San Francisco—but they have generational wealth. Her grandmother left a trust for her when she died.”

I frown, confused. She’s never mentioned money. Or a trust. But it makes sense: the big brownstone, the expensive clothes, the ease with which she glides. Still, I’m surprised it never came up.

He sees the look on my face. “She doesn’t usually talk about it. She thinks people will look at her differently if they know she comes from money. Even in Brooklyn, where everyone comes from money. I think she likes people thinking that we’re self-made, but I’m not sure why. No one here is impressed by new money.” There’s a hint of resentment in his voice. “It’s funny, I grew up wishing I had the kind of money she did, and all she wants to do is hide it.”

“Unless you’re a member of the Poor Kid Club, you just don’t get it, do you?” I give a little laugh. “No dues required, thank god.”

Jay laughs, too. “I’m glad you came today. I like you.”

I grin at him. “I like you, too.” And I mean it. I mean it more than I could ever tell him.

Then, “Oh—!” I say in surprise, “—that moved. The direction thing.”

“Good eye! Okay, grab the mainsheet, there. Right, you got it. And pull a little. Exactly, nice! You’re a fast learner,” he says appreciatively.

I shrug modestly, though inside I am giddy.He likes me.

Jay sits down on the bench beside me and clasps his hands behind his head, leaning back, eyes closed, face toward the wind. It ruffles his hair, leaving it standing on end. He’s so handsome it almost hurts. I look away, back to the water, before he opens his eyes and catches me staring.

I spend the next hour with him as he shows me how to speed up and slow down, change directions, maneuver the sails. I listen attentively, eager to please. He moves my hands, my body, into the right positions, demonstrating the proper techniques. When he touches me, I feel like I’m on fire. The air is warm and wet, sea spray misting our faces, dampening our skin. Once, just once, I allow myself to imagine him lowering his mouth to mine, the taste of salt on his lips, his tongue.

Finally, Jay glances down at his watch. “Are you hungry?” he asks. “We can take a break.”

I don’t want to, not really—it’s too easy to pretend that it’s just me and Jay on this boat—but I nod. “Sure, sounds good.”

He cups his hands around his mouth and yells, loudly, so his voice carries, “Here okay for lunch?”

From the front of the boat, Violet gives us a thumbs-up.

He turns to me. “I can take over from here. I’m just going to anchor us. I’ll meet you up there in a few minutes.”

I start to leave, then turn back toward him. “Thank you,” I say.

“For what?” Jay cocks his head.

“For teaching me. For letting me sail the boat with you.”

“You’re welcome.” A mischievous smile plays at his lips. “Maybe next time you can teach me a few things.” He’s trying to make me blush again. It works.

“Stop!” I say, giving his shoulder a soft shove. There’s a familiarity between us now, a closeness that wasn’t there before.

“Stop what?” He laughs. It sends a warm feeling through my limbs.

I shake my head, laughing, too. “You’re terrible.”

“I’m kidding,” he says. “Really, I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

We stand there, smiling at each other, until finally, I thumb toward Violet and Harper. “Well, I guess I’ll head back now. See you in a bit.”Cool, Sloane. Très cool.

I turn and carefully make my way back up to the bow, the boat rocking over the waves. I hold on to the rail to steady myself.

“How was it?” Violet asks as I take my seat across from her.

“Really fun,” I say. “Just like you said.”

Violet beams at me. “I knew you’d like it.” She drains her glass, as if in a private cheers with herself for a job well done. She seems looser than she normally does, more relaxed. She sees me staring and raises up her red plastic sunglasses, winking at me.

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