Page 117 of Wanted You More

I’m getting a tan while relaxing, so I’d say it could be a lot worse. “I am. Today was a good idea.”

There’s a slight wiggle to his foot. He used to do that when he was nervous about something. Wolfe has the same tell. “I’m sorry that Noah couldn’t be here.”

It was sweet of him to offer to extend the invite since Sue and Raven are here, but it doesn’t bother me that I’m on my own. “It’s okay. He’s still settling into his new job anyway. Maybe another time.”

Dad nods, looking out toward the water where people are swimming, splashing, and laughing in their little groups.

He wants to talk about something. “Is everything okay?”

His chuckle is soft as his shoulders drop a fraction. “You’ve always been observant.”

I don’t know about that, but I don’t argue.

“I did want to talk to you about something,” he says cautiously. “Do you remember the group that did a marathon in benefit for gun control last summer? The one they dedicated to the victims of the Shakespeare Park shooting?”

How could I forget about them? I still had the contact information for Britta somewhere. I don’t know why I didn’t get rid of it other than laziness. “Yeah, I do. They raised a bunch of money, but I still don’t like it.”

Dad looks a little nervous.

I frown. “What?”

“They’re doing it again this summer.”

Blinking, I let that sink in.

As if that’s not bad enough, Dad says, “I think we need to go. As a family. You didn’t attend last year, but maybe this is a sign to be part of it this time. They raised a good amount for a good cause.”

My lips twitch. “Dad…”

“We’ve been avoiding this for far too long, Austen. That’s on me.” Rubbing one of his legs, he loosens a sigh. “There were so many people, so many families, impacted by the shooting and continue to be. I’ve let us ignore it like it would just go away, but it never will. The least we could do is show up to support the cause, especially because of the funds that we were given that are paying for your education now. Don’t you think that’s worth being thankful for?”

“Now I have to be thankful that my mother was killed? I’d rather be in debt for the rest of my life,” I reply tartly. Whose idea was this? “Why do you care about this now? You weren’t pressuring me to go last year. You said it was my choice.”

He doesn’t answer right away.

I look to Sue, who’s shaking some older man’s hand by the stand as she waits for her drink. “Is it because of her?”

“Austen—”

“I’m trying to understand,” I tell him, cutting him off. My voice is hard, so I have to take a deep breath. “I want to understand the reason. That’s all.”

Dad shakes his head. “Sue and I talked about it, but this is inevitably my choice. You’re in college now. You’re an adult who can make up her own mind like I told you last summer. I won’t force you to come, but I do believe it’d be a good idea. Maybe you could write about it. The local paper picks up stories that people submit. It could go to a future portfolio now that you’ve decided on a major.”

I told Dad that I submitted my official form to claim journalism as my course of study. He seemed excited for me, albeit a little surprised. But he read every one of my assignments and seemed impressed. It made me feel good—like I was figuring things out for myself.

“Plus, Wolfe already agreed.”

My head whips over to my brother, who’s been eavesdropping. He looks guilty as soon as we lock eyes, sheepishly glancing away.

I’m the last to know, as always.

Because I’m the wildcard.

“Just look up the event to learn about it,” he suggests, lifting his shoulders. “They’re going to have some media there to try getting more attention for them. Maybe get more runners this year to break last year’s record. Sue, Wolfe, and I will be there, and you know you’re always welcome. I’m sure your boyfriend and his family will come support you if you ask him to. Marybelle too, as long as she doesn’t have anything up her sleeve.”

Hearing Dad say the word “boyfriend” makes me feel strange. “He’s not…” I stop myself from denying us. It’s obvious we’re something, so why shut it down. “I’ll think about it, but I’m not promising to go.”

He dips his chin, knowing that’s the best he’s going to get from me.

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