Page 96 of The All-Inclusive

Contorting his face, he snarls like a bear with its paw in a trap. “Who the fuck you think you’re talking to like that?”

The answer comes to me easily. “No one I care about.”

Shoving my dad through the door, I kick the keys out after him. Slamming the door shut, I ram home the deadbolt.

Turning to Beck, I feel the knot release in my chest. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” One edge of his mouth tips up. “Way to grow a pair.”

“Thanks.” I glance out the window to make sure my dad gets into his car. He stomps around it a bit, but eventually slings himself in and drives away.

Turning back to face Beck, I clear my throat. “I know we don’t talk much about feelings?—”

“Jesus, dude.” Beck drags a hand over his head. “We doing this now?”

“Doing what?”

Shaking his head, he looks at me like I’ve just licked the lid of a paint can. “I don’t care who you’re fucking. Who you’re in love with or whatever.”

“I—” How the hell did he know?

Or maybe he doesn’t. Maybe that’s all that needs to be said.

Maybe Beck’s the wrong person to say it to.

But maybe I still need to say it out loud. To practice one time before I go back to do what I should have done days ago.

“Sara’s my soulmate,” I say slowly. “But so is a man I just met, this former Marine named Logan. It’s messy and complicated and I’m not sure where things are going, but I’m done being ashamed. I’m through with denying what I want because I’mafraid of other people’s judgment. It’s my fucking life and I’ll love who I love and that’s all there is to it.”

By the time I’m done speaking, I’m breathless. Beck stares for a moment, then shakes his head with a look of disgust.

“A fuckingjarhead?” Fighting a smile, he starts for the door, pausing to punch me in the shoulder. “I thought you were better than that.”

He strides out the door, slamming it behind him. I watch as he heads down the sidewalk, marching toward the small cottage he’s rented. It’s lit up inside and I see Cam and the kids playing some kind of video game in the living room. They look up when Beck enters, and Cam says a few words. Then they go back to playing their game.

It's real life, right there on display. A normal fucking family, just like any other. Is what I’m wishing for so much different?

“Honey?”

I turn and there’s Mom at the edge of the hall. I didn’t even hear her come out. “He’s gone,” I say unnecessarily. “Dad left and so did Beck.”

“I know.” With her bright purple cast and white hair, she looks fragile and pale, the lamp from her bedroom slinging shadows on the wall behind her. She moves into the living room to rest a light hand on my arm. “Thank you for handling that.”

“You’re welcome.” I need to give my cousin the credit he’s due. “Beck handled most of it.”

“He’s good at that.” I hear her throat click as she swallows. “I’ve written him a letter. I’ll read it out loud to him tomorrow. I—I’m not very good with words.”

“What does your letter say?” I’m holding my breath, holding out hope as it starts to unfurl in my chest.

Mom takes a shuddery breath “I need to tell him I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For not standing up for him. For not treating him betterwhen he told us about—” She breaks off there, looking down at the carpet. “I hope it’s not too late.”

“It’s not.” I know for a fact Beck isn’t one for holding a grudge. “It’s never too late.”

“Okay.” Her eyes lift to mine and she gives me a wobbly smile. “I’m going to bed now. Just wanted to say good night and I love you.”

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