Page 9 of Never Letting Go

It was the perfect weekend for all — nobody had reason to feel left out. And there were so many new friends to be made. Ariana had met a bunch of people already, it was hard to keep everyone straight.

Grayson put on some upbeat music and announced a cooler full of drinks.

“Anyone planning on actually swimming?” Maya asked. “Or are we just going to stand around talking?”

Ariana twisted some hair around her finger. “I don’t know. The chlorine is so strong, I’m worried about my hair. I’d have to use an entire bottle of conditioner just to replace the moisture.”

“That’s what tomorrow’s spa day is for.” Olivia nudged her. “Forget about your hair and have fun swimming!”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Spa day?” Lia asked.

Ari exchanged a worried glance with the twins.

Olivia gave Lia a bright smile. “The spa is open all day tomorrow, isn’t that great?”

“Rita’s taking you all because you’re her bridesmaids. You don’t have to hide the fact from me. I get it. It’s fine. I’m hardly close with Rita, even though I’ve known her the longest, so it makes complete sense that she’d pick you three.”

Awkward.

“Oh, there’s Charles,” Lia said. “I’ll catch you girls later.” She gave a little wave before making her way over to her husband.

Olivia frowned. “I shouldn’t have brought up the spa in front of her.”

“You’re fine,” Ariana assured her. “And you also make a good point about my hair.” She dunked herself under the water and pushed herself out. “Is anyone up for some Marco Polo?”

Maya and Olivia laughed, then Maya pointed toward the kids. “I think they have a rousing game going. But I’m more interested in what’s in the cooler. Looks like some fun drinks.”

Olivia groaned as she glanced over. “And Tweedledee and Tweedledum are both on their second beers.”

Sure enough, Mateo and Javier were shoving each other as they dug into the enormous cooler.

“Those two drinking and a pool seems like a bad combination,” Ariana said.

“They’re Grayson’s problem.” Maya rolled her eyes dramatically. “He’s the one who thought it was a good idea to have them as groomsmen. I just hope we don’t have to interact with them much.”

“If they’re going to be drunk all weekend, we can refuse to be around them.”

“You can,” Ariana said. “As maid of honor, I have to make sure Rita’s having a good time. Speaking of her, I should go see if she needs anything.”

“You aren’t her servant,” Maya said.

“I know.” Ariana made her way toward the stairs then climbed out of the pool, the water leaving a path behind her. She sat in the seat next to the bride. “Don’t want to swim?”

Rita smiled at her. “I’m pacing myself. We had a second dessert before coming here. I’m stuffed.”

“Do you need anything?”

“I’m happy just sitting here. My—”

Shrieks sounded. Gasps erupted.

Ariana jumped up. “What’s going on?”

“Who knows? Grayson thought swimming and alcohol were a good combination.” She shook her head.

More worried cries sounded. People started gathering on the deck near the deep end of the pool.

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