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He quickly changed the subject “I found so for you”

“You did? Out there?”

He reached into the pocket of his board shorts “It made me think of you” He patted a piece of coral into my palm

“I’ve never seen one with so many colors Thank you”

He lad you like it It’s not a stolen dialasses

“What do you think your faly relaxed He had been the entire vacation

“Probably playing football, watching football, and talking about football”

“I’ football family”

“Yes Are you thinking about your family?” He rolled on his side to face me

“It’s hard not to It’s Thanksgiving It doesn’t feel like it We’re on a tropical island It’s hot and the sun is blistering But everywhere else but here that’s what people are doing They’re sitting doith a turkey and all of the sides They have on sweaters and boots Not bikinis and sunscreen”

“Do you miss them?” he asked

“I can’t believe it after everything that has happened with them this year, but yes—I do That’s what happens at the holidays, right?” I paused I didn’t want to hurt him I’d made my choice I chose him over them But at what point did what I share become too much?

“And you’re wondering if that will ever be us?” He cut right to the point I hadn’t been brave enough to make

I shrugged “I don’t know Will it?”

Was today the first break in traditions I had honored my entire life? How many times after this would I disappoint my mom or Garrett? Was every birthday or Christmas missed the last chip to unravel my brother?