"There's a word I found recently. Evanescence. It made me think of you. It made me think of us. Were we just a dream, Sebastian?"
TW : Key themes of suicide and trauma.
WARNING: This is Book Two. Please read "affluenza" first to avoid any spoilers...
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"UGH, I NEEDED this," Robyn groans out, laid face down against a beach towel, her bikini top long since discarded. It was the Fourth of July, and we'd decided to spend most of it lounging around on the beach and catching some sun. As if there wasn't enough of that in California. "School has been so stressful. You'd think that a school in LA would be just partying and drinking but no. They expect me to study."
I laugh, leaning back and watching the waves roll over one another. "Robs, don't act like you didn't have straight A's the entire year."
"Well, duh! That's why I'm so exhausted," she remarks, craning her neck to look over at me. "You okay?" she asks.
I frown. "Yeah, why?"
"I dunno," Robyn murmurs. "Something about you seems different. Off. My Braydar is pointing in a bad direction."
I chuckle softly. "Well, your Braydar is down. I am doing just fine."
There's a cheerful yell from the right of me, one that sounds far too familiar. I turn to see Roman, Hunter, Hayley, and Devin laughing over beach volleyball. The wind ripples through Roman's shirt—the same one he had on this morning—as he spikes the ball over the net. Hunter cheers and slaps Roman on the back, causing him to tense up for just a second before returning the gesture.
"No way," Robyn says. "You totally had sex with him!"
I turn back to her, feigning ignorance. "Who, Hunter? He's nowhere near my type and I wouldn't do that to Hayl—"
"Not Hunter, you idiot. Roman!" she yells.
I reach forward and clamp my hand over her mouth, shooting daggers at her. "Jesus, are you trying to flag him from across the beach?"
"I knew it, I knew you liked this guy!" Robyn exclaims from between my fingers. "Is he good in bed?"
"I wouldn't know because we're not having sex. Get your mind out of the gutter, woman," I groan, dropping my hand from her mouth. "I was just watching them play volleyball. God."
Robyn makes a face. "Sure," she says, drawing out the word. "Don't freak out, he's coming over right now!"
"What?" I hiss, turning my head to see Roman running up to us. Devin, Hunter, and Hayley had disappeared into the ocean, splashing water at one another and laughing loudly.
"Hey," Roman says, sliding onto the sand beside me. "You guys alright?"
"Just peachy," Robyn coos, grinning up at Roman. "Where did you get that French Toast recipe? It was quite literally the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. Devin included."
I groan but Roman only laughs. "Uh, it's my own recipe. I can send it to you if you'd like."
"You're the bestest, De Carlo!" Robyn exclaims, before sitting up, her hands cupping her chest.
