Page 94 of We Thought We Were Invincible
“You're right.” She tapped her finger against her chin. “It's graduation. You should wear something that's screams you.”
I laughed. “Well, that'd be a wetsuit.”
Her smile widened.
“No.” I stood. “I can't wear a wetsuit to my high school graduation.”
“You said yourself that no one would know. Come on. I need some entertainment.”
“Okay, the Morgan I know would never let me go to a ceremony looking anything but my best.”
For just a second, it was like the shades lifted from her eyes and the shine was back. It was so short, I thought I imagined it.
She pursed her lips. “Maybe I've learned that you only look your best when you look like you.” Putting a hand on each shoulder, she looked me in the eye. “I'm like a proud momma right now.” I would have laughed if she didn't look so damn serious. “We've been through a lot this year and changed quite a bit. You, my dear, have changed the most. I know you're scared, but the truth of the matter is that you don't need any of us. You never did. But we sure as hell needed you.”
Winding my arms around her back, I pulled her into a hug, my chin barely reaching her shoulder. “I'm glad we're friends too, Morgan. Despite the fact that you're a total sap.”
Morgan hiccupped a laugh, and it was only then I realized she was crying.
“I don't know what I'm going to do without you, Colby, and Jay around,” I said, leaving out the one person I still couldn't think about.
“You're going to kick ass,” she said, pulling back. “That's what you're going to do.”
* * *
I didn't wear a wetsuit.It was May in Florida. There was no way I'd survive the ceremony in that, especially since it was outside.
But I'd heard what Morgan said and looking like myself was important even if I was the only one who would see. My favorite pair of boardshorts sat snug on my hips, the white and yellow pattern hanging to just above my knees. I wore a yellow bikini top and saw no reason to put a shirt over that.
I slid my white robe on over my shoulders and bent to zip it from floor to neck. It hung like a bag, loose and boxy, but the silky fabric felt good on my skin.
I left my hair loose on my shoulders, the sun highlights shifting with every movement. I'd just finished my make-up when Colby barged into my room and swept me up into his arms.
“Colby,” I yelled, laughing. “Put me down.”
“Yes, ma'am.” He threw me and I landed on the bed, still laughing and out of breath.
“How do I look?” Colby spun, his robe fanning out as he did. He'd slicked his hair to the side. It was so stylish it almost made me laugh seeing it on my brother. He narrowed his eyes behind his glasses.
“Just wonderful.” I stifled a giggle.
“Why thank you.” He bowed. “You ready to go? Kat is in the living room with that camera she bought for the new photography job and is just dying to take a million unnecessary pictures.”
I grabbed my purse and followed him out. Kat stood talking with Noah and someone else whose back I'd recognize anywhere.
I sucked in a breath and Colby spoke in a low tone beside me. “I didn't want him having to go to the ceremony with his family.” He looked at me in apology.
“No.” I patted his hand. “It's good that he's with us.Thisis his family.”
I hadn't spoken to Jamie since that day on his front porch. The day we finally said what we should have known all along. We were heading in different directions. We had to do what we had to do. All of that would help if only my heart didn't jump whenever I saw him in the halls at school or when my brother mentioned his name. It'd be easier to accept if I didn't love him so stupidly much.
Jamie turned, his gaze landing on me, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Hi,” I said, ignoring that we weren't the only ones in the room.
“Hey.” His teeth flashed and I couldn't breathe.
“Callie took so long we're going to be late,” Kat said. “Pictures afterwards.”
