Page 60 of Backstroke

“Geez, I didn’t see you there. Trying to give me a heart attack?” My hand covers my heart, feeling it drum against my chest.

“Sorry, Fal. What has you so jumpy?” she asks, eyeing me suspiciously. I’m sure she knows that I went home with Remy. He was the last person she saw me with, and I didn’t come back to the bonfire. I grab a bottle of water and the medicine before I plop down at the table next to her.

I avoid her gaze, focusing on opening the bottle. “It’s nothing. Just didn’t sleep well,” I lie, hoping to deflect the conversation.

Rowyn’s eyes narrow. “You sure that’s all? I saw you leave with Remy last night. You two didn’t... I mean, everything’s alright, right?” I can’t keep this up. Rowyn and Lyndsy have been nothing but nice to me. They don’t deserve my dishonesty.

Taking a deep breath, I know what I have to do. “Rowyn,” I begin, my voice wavering slightly. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

She looks up from her phone, curiosity and concern mingling in her eyes. “What is it, Fal?”

I hesitate for a moment, then plunge ahead. “I haven’t been entirely honest with you and Lyndsy about Remy. Things have been... complicated.”

Rowyn sets her phone down, giving me her full attention. “Complicated how?” she asks gently.

“We’ve been spending more time together, and it’s gotten... intense. I didn’t know how to tell you because I didn’t want you to worry. But after last night and this morning... I can’t keep it from you anymore.”

Rowyn’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t interrupt. “What happened?”

I take another deep breath, feeling the weight of my emotions. “Well last night…” I trail off. “Remember how I said I was dealing with family stuff?” She nods, urging me to continue.“Well, it’s even crazier than I led on.” I take a gulp of water, taking a moment to get my thoughts together.

“Okay?”

“My mom called last week and invited me to dinner. She said that she needed to tell me something, which is totally weird for her to begin with. Normally she would have just said what it was. But anyways, I got to the restaurant,” I pause, knowing she’s going to freak out. “And it wasn’t just my mom there. She was actually introducing me to her new husband.” My hands cover my face, needing the coolness over my fevered skin.

“Wow, that was kinda spur of the moment right? Did you know she was dating someone?” Rowyn asks.

I shake my head. “No, but that’s not even the worst part. Remy was at the table when I walked up and so was his father.” I look down, picking at the label on the water bottle, not wanting to see her face as she realizes what I’m saying.

“Wait! Your mom married–”

“Yep.”

“And you two…”

“Yep.”

Rowyn’s eyes widen in shock as the realization dawns on her. “Holy crap, Fal! This is insane. So your mom is married to Remy’s dad? That means…”

I nod, unable to meet her gaze. “Yep. Remy and I are now... step siblings.”

Rowyn leans back in her chair, processing the information. “No wonder you didn’t want to tell anyone. This is seriously fucked up.”

I bark out a laugh. “You’re telling me. That’s not even everything,” I sigh, letting out a deep breath.

“Oh! He came to the beach looking for you last night,” she murmurs like she’s just remembering. Here we go.

My heart sinks as I brace myself for the next part. “Yeah, he found me,” I confirm softly. “Whatever this is between us…I thought after that news Remy wouldn’t want anything to do with me.”Man, I was sorely mistaken.

“I thought the game night was a one time thing?” she asks, looking confused.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of my own secrecy. “It was supposed to be. But then... things escalated. Remy and I, we... we got closer. I didn’t want to admit it, not even to myself.”

Rowyn’s expression softens, a mix of understanding and concern. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

I shrug, the guilt pressing down on me. “I’ve never been good at this friend thing. I’ve always kept everything close to my chest, never letting anyone in. And now it’s all blowing up in my face.”

Rowyn reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “We’re here for you, Fal. Even if you didn’t tell us everything, we’re still your friends. We want to help.” My heart squeezes at her concern. I don’t deserve it but if everything with Remy falls apart then they’re all I have left.

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