Page 74 of Hearts Adrift
Only for now.
Somewhere between sandwiches and virgin drinks by the large back windows overlooking the water, I make the decision that I’m going to be fine with letting him go. He’s given me an amazing escape from the humbling torment of being “Theo’s ex-boyfriend” for too long. He’s helped me see how big the world is outside of this beach town. I owe River Wolfe more than I can say.
And I’ll force myself to be content with his departure.
Happy for him, even.
Wingless Angels Part 2—or whatever it’s called—will be a total blockbuster. I might even go and watch the first film, then make a whole thing out of it and hit the movie theater for the release of the second one.
Assuming I can get through either without breaking down and crying.
Heather hears back from Theo, who is hiding at some friend’s dormitory at the art college inland until the news people and crazy fans learn the full truth about the scandal. It’ll only be a matter of time before the crowds rush back to Dreamwood for a word on River’s take of the story, though it’s far more likely the attention has focused to hunting for Lexi and her full story—which she of course anticipated and is ready to deliver. I’m so glad that she and River have reconnected. It’s like a light switching back on in his eyes. These past few weeks have likely seemed quite dark.
It’s early evening when River decides to head back to the bungalow—but not alone. “I was thinking of taking a more … scenic route,” he tells me. “Wanna come with? To make sure I don’tslipon someslipperystones?”
That’s how River and I end up traversing the uneven, rocky beach once again, but with a little more sunlight than before, helping guide our way. River figured this route isn’t just about being more fun and “rule-breaking”, but because walking down the street runs the risk of being spotted by any lingering eyes or cameras. He and I have decidedly had our fill of both.
“You have a really sweet family,” he tells me.
I shrug. “They have their moments.”
“It’s amazing, how quickly I felt at home with them.” He nudges my side. “Even Heather likes me.”
“Better enjoy it while it lasts,” I tease halfheartedly.
“Is there something on your mind?”
I shrug again. “No.” I slip a bit on my next step, right myself, then add, “I mean, other than everything.”
“I know, right?” He chuckles lightly. “It’s been a huge rollercoaster of a day, hasn’t it? Lots of big rises, and then fast and unexpected—”
He missteps on the next stone and goes tumbling.
I reach out and grab hold of him by the shirt, then yank to keep him from falling.
Our bodies stay in place, his suspended by the fistful of his shirt I’ve grabbed, which brings our faces close, as the Gulf waves rage and hiss around us.
“—falls,” he finishes, peering into my eyes.
“I don’t want you to go,” I blurt out.
His face twists. “What?”
Then my grip on him slips.
I adjust my footing to keep a good hold on him, then lose my own footing, too.
I guess we were closer down to the water than either of us realized, because after the most serendipitously painless tumble a few feet off the slippery rocks, River and I crash into the water like it was there to gracefully catch our falls the whole time.
I burst out of the water with a gasp. River, too, beads of water flying from his hair like gems in the sunset as he searches for my eyes through the haze.
“What the fuck just happened?” he shouts with a laugh.
“I don’t want you to go,” I cry out over the water.
“Finn!” He comes close to me, gripping my body, legs kicking under the water. “Who said anything about going?”
“As soon as they replace the director. That could be in a few days.”
