Page 60 of Treacherous
“I shouldn’t, though, not with Willow,” I mumble. “Besides, she is–” I stop, huffing out a breath. Or maybe it’s a laugh, I don’t know. “Everything about Willow is treacherous, yet I can’t help but like it. She isn’t afraid to yell at me and give me a piece of her mind. To be honest, it’s hot when she does.”
My mum laughs and I blanch. Shit. I forgot I was talking to my mother and not a friend. My phone buzzes against my leg. I pull it out, seeing a message from Jaz.
Jazmine Allen:
Everyone is meeting at Mae’s if you’re coming.
Me:
I’ll be there in ten minutes.
“Everyone is heading to Books & Brews, but we can continue our conversation later.”
“Oh, we definitely will be continuing.”
Is it possible to avoid being alone with my mother for two weeks? Probably not, but I might try.
Chapter 22
Willow Rogers
The salty breeze slams into me, a shiver running down my spine.
The sun slides beneath the waves, leaving the sky painted pink and orange. Meadow Beach became my reluctant home when we moved after my fifth birthday. In my mind, the world was ending because I couldn’t see my friends anymore.
Then on my first day of elementary school, I met Jazmine, and I forgot all about Nevada and its scorching, dry heat. Deciding to move back to Nevada was–well, if I’m honest with myself, a mistake.
Sure, it forced me to learn some hard truths about myself and life, but it didn’t come without its scars.
I smile, leaning against the wooden fence that protects the flowers and scrubs from foot traffic. An arm threads through mine, pulling my attention to my sister.
“You okay?” Cami asks.
“Yeah.” I sigh. “Just remembering how much I love this place.”
My sister smiles before we follow the footpath leading toward the condensed main street of Meadow Beach.
The small coastal town epitomises beach vacation, yet the original features of the town remain despite standing for centuries, making it the perfect combination of picturesque views and quaint infrastructure. The shop fronts in the main street are from two hundred years ago, a characteristic giving Meadow Beach an edge on other vacation spots.
A squeal falls from my lips at the sight of Books & Brew. Jaz and I frequented this shop the most, as one of our best friends, Maeve Ellis, owns it. Mae has always been an older sister to Jaz and I, dishing out advice on school, boys, and life.
Books & Brew is a cafe and bookshop, providing a cozy atmosphere that is great if you’re needing to feel productive. Or if you need a break from the harshness of reality, waltz in, grab a book, and escape into a world of your own choosing.
A bell chimes as we enter Books & Brew, cinnamon and caffeine rushing into my nostrils. I welcome the familiar scent, relishing in the comfort Mae’s shop has always given me.
The walls are lined with overflowing bookshelves, and an island bench sits in the middle of the shop. On top is a coffee machine, while my favourite chocolate chip cookies are in a glass jar next to the register.
Adorable giggles float to my ears, a small girl with her blonde hair in pigtails, denim jeans, and a pink t-shirt that reads ‘I’m a princess’ runs straight into my arms.
Daisy Ellis is the cutest four-year-old I’ve ever known. Sure, I might be a little biased, but I can’t help it.
“Willow,” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Hey Daisy girl, how is my little princess going?”
“Good. I’m hanging out with Mummy today.”
I smile, meeting Mae’s eyes. Even though it’s been four years–five if you include the months when Mae was pregnant–and guilt clings to her like a second skin.
