Aria chats the whole way through and is constantly shushed to the point she ends up coming to hang out with me, helping me pick out something to wear. After letting me know that all my clothes suck and that I need some new jeans because mine have holes in them, we settle for a white loose tank that won’t rub against my skin, leather jacket, and a pair of ripped jeans because that’s something I simply won’t budge on. Then I sit on the edge of my bed letting Aria brush through my hair so she thinks she’s being helpful despite how bad it hurts and before long, I’m ready.
When eight o’clock comes around, Aria forces Noah to complete her bedtime routine and after reading six books and singing four songs, he comes striding out of her room half an hour later, proud as ever for getting the kid asleep. I should probably tell him that if you just tell her to lay down, give her a goodnight kiss, and switch off the light that she’ll go to sleep in about three seconds, but listening to him bonding with my sister is too good. Besides, it gives me and dad a good laugh hearing her get away with it.
“Ready to go?” Noah questions as he appears back in the living room.
I smile at him and get up from the couch before turning to dad. “Do I need to worry about you while I’m gone?”
“Oh, please,” he scoffs. “Get out of here. Just be home at a decent hour.”
With that sorted, Noah and I scram.
We get into his Camaro as he’s decided that he’s somehow able to tolerate the pain between his legs, but don’t get me wrong, I have a feeling it’s going to be an early night.
We pull up at Broken Hill lake not long after and I gawk at the sight. I’ve been here a handful of times but never when Jesse Ryder is hosting the party. The place is packed. It’s standing room only.
Speakers have been brought in, there are strings of fairy lights hanging between the trees creating a canopy over the party, and not to mention, someone went to the effort to blow up a shitload of pool floaty things that people are lounging in on the lake.
It’s only a few months until summer and I’m vibing hard. This is a taste of what my summer is going to be like and I can’t wait. It’s going to be incredible. I have a feeling most of my time will be spent with Tully and Noah on the beach or chilling at their place while Noah works on his car. I’m assuming Maxen’s racetrack will be open by then so our nights will most likely consist of fast cars and alcohol.
As I said, it’s going to be incredible. This summer is going to be my best one yet. You know, considering I get accepted into the scholarship program and have something to look forward to; otherwise I’d probably be pretty bummed. I’m really looking forward to the idea of spending the next few years of my life working towards a rewarding future.
Noah takes my hand as we walk around the party. The whole world has shown up. Nearly all of Haven Falls is here and of course, everyone from Broken Hill. Well, at least from what I can see; this year’s seniors. I haven’t seen Nate and Tora making their way around but I wouldn’t be surprised if they showed their pretty faces later on.
“Where the hell have you been all day?” a stern voice demands from behind me, pinching my waist and forcing me to whip around in surprise.
“Ah, there you are,” I grin, throwing my arms around Tully and pulling her in as she gives her twin brother the look of death. “I’ve been with Noah at the tattoo parlor.”
Tully gapes at Noah. “You got another tattoo?”
He gives her a hard stare. “Hi to you too, sis. I’ve been great, thanks for asking.”
“There’s no need to be an ass.”
“Apparently, there is,” he tells her. “You’ve been avoiding all my calls and texts.”
“Yeah, because you’re a douchebag who involved my baby sister with a guy like Anton Mathers.”
“Are you really going to hold something against me that I did when I was eleven?” he snaps at her. “I was a fucking kid who made a mistake and don’t start acting as though the money that working for him brings in isn’t helpful. You seemed to be pretty fucking thrilled when I bought you that Jeep.”
“Don’t bring that shit into it. I never once said I wasn’t grateful for everything you’ve done for our family. My issue is that you’ve kept this from me for seven years.”
Noah lets out a deep sigh. “Come on, Tullz. Can’t we just forget about this? I fucked up. I’ve already lost mom; I can’t have you hating on me too.”