We have no answers, just that her mom received a vague text that she was alive and not to worry. But telling someone not to worry, especially when they have no information, is like telling someone not to look down while on the edge of a cliff.
Today is the big Fourth of July cookout at the Jacobses’ house, although I guess it’s not that big anymore—it’s just them and us. Mr. Adam decided not to extend the massive invitation to the neighbors and coworkers and their family who were typically invited in hopes of avoiding questions to both of our families.
There’s honestly not much else to do here besides work on my tan, so that’s what I’m going to do. Zach had texted earlier that he was bringing a friend home with him: his new roommate, Kyler. All I know about him is that they met this past semester and they hit it off great. He was looking for a new place to live, and Zach had an open room. Zach and I had talked about it one night; he was worried about someone else moving in there, but I know he was lonely even if he didn’t want to admit it. From what Zach has shared about him, he seems like a cool guy.
I’m sitting in a lounge chair, lost in the memories of playing chicken in the pool with my brother, Dani, and Zach. Oh, if this pool could talk. Between the pool and the front porch swing, I’m not which would have the better stories. I laugh at the thought.
“What’s so funny over there?”
I turn to see Zach standing there in board shorts, a black wifebeater tank, and a hat worn backward.
“Yeah, I saw you out of the corner of my eye, and your face alone made me laugh.”
I stand, not caring that I’m only in a bikini, and walk toward Zach to hug him.
“You’re a bitch. You know that right, Hails?” He lets out a loud laugh.
“Yep, I’d be worried about my personality if you didn’t think that. It might mean I’ve lost my touch.” I wink and smile at Zach before noticing the guy standing behind him.
This must be Kyler. Tall, dark-haired, and very handsome.
I push Zach to the side. “Didn’t your mother teach you any manners, asshole?” I direct my attention to the stranger. “Hi, I’m Haylee. Maybe you should have your head examined for being friends with this guy.” I tilt my head in Zach’s direction and extend my hand to Kyler.
“Hey, I’m Kyler. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I frown at his words and give Zach the evil eye.
Zach throws his head back in laughter and puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. “All good things, of course, Hails. All good things.”
His laughter continues, and it’s almost as if I’ve channeled my brother from wherever he is because I find the perfect opportunity where Zach isn’t paying attention and push him into the pool. Emmett was always notorious for pushing folks into the pool. It was usually Dani, but I think he would only use that as an excuse to touch her. Gross!
Kyler and I are both laughing by the time Zach emerges from the water and starts to chase me around the pool to give me a wet hug or possibly to drag me into the pool with him.
“Really? What are you guys, ten? No running by the pool,” my dad yells which make us laugh harder.
I stop in front of Zach and put my hand out. “Okay, okay, how ’bout a truce?”
He looks down at my hand as if contemplating it, and I instantly regret being vulnerable in front of him. With that damn Jacobs smirk, he reaches down, then throws me over his shoulder and sprints to the pool.
“Zach! Put me down. Zachary Brian Jacobs, put me down now!”
Of course, Zach does not listen and jumps right in with me in tow.
Later that evening, with full bellies, the three of us lounge in the pool chairs, waiting for the fireworks to start over the river. I wonder where Dani is and if she’s doing the same thing. I wonder if wherever Emmett is now, he can see fireworks. Is that weird to think?
“Hey, why don’t you come to Philly for the weekend and hang out? It’ll be good to get away from here, I’m sure. You can stay in my room, and I’ll sleep on the couch. Ky and I can even show you around.”
“No, I don’t want to be anywhere near your bed.” I make a face. “I’d rather be in the small percentage of women who haven’t seen you naked, thank you very much!”
Zach holds up a finger to speak, but I quickly interrupt him.
“And no, taking baths as kids doesn’t count.”
Kyler lets out a deep belly laugh. “Damn, I like her. She’s hilarious. I’m going to look forward to having you around in the fall.”
“I’m serious. Think about it, okay?” Zach asks, the playfulness in his voice gone.
I give him a forced smile, knowing he won’t drop the subject otherwise, but in all honesty, I’m not sure I can handle being in that apartment. I hope I made the right call going to UPenn in the fall. How am I supposed to go to school there—the same place Emmett spent the last of his days—if I can’t even visit, surrounded by the ghost of my brother?