¥showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks¥
In which Jackie Routledge and her group of friends from the south side of Outer Banks try to have the summer of their lives, but end up it being filled with mystery, tragedy, risks, adventure...
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{Bonefire}
The bonfire — an Outer Banks tradition. It's the same weekend every year, and everyone shows up. And I mean everyone. I've never missed one, and despite everything that's happened with the Pogues and me, it felt good to be back.
"I'm just saying, if you talk to your parents and actually listen to what they have to say, maybe they'll let you back," Pope says to Kie as they walk off, leaving JJ, John B, and me behind. JJ drapes his arm around both of us as we move through the crowd of people dancing, drinking, and making out. John B seems off about the whole Sarah situation, and JJ isn't having it.
"I know, but dude, her dad blew up in front of her. Just give her a minute, alright?" JJ tells John B. "In the meantime, shotgun with us. Like old times," he adds, leading us to a table surrounded by familiar faces.
"Hey, derelicts!" a girl calls, tossing a can at us.
We all glance over and see her sitting on a rock, making eyes at John B.
"Hey, there she is," JJ says, pointing at John B. "We're gonna head somewhere else," he winks at me and pulls me away.
"Should we leave him alone with her?" I ask.
"He's a grown man. He'll be fine," JJ assures me, guiding me away. I glance back at my brother and sigh.
JJ leads me toward the center of the party, where everyone is dancing.
"Wanna dance?" he asks, spinning me around. I laugh, the music playing loudly as we sway together.
"You know, it's so much more fun at the bonfire when you're taken. Now, I have you all to myself—for the rest of our lives," he murmurs in my ear, his voice soft.
I chuckle, "Yeah, it was so annoying when all the boys kept coming up to Kie and me."
JJ rolls his eyes, and I laugh harder.
"I can't believe this might be our last bonfire," I sigh.
"It is?" JJ asks, eyebrows furrowed.
"Well, next year we'll have another human to take care of. We won't have time for partying, drinking, and doing that much weed anymore," I explain. "It'll all be thrown out the window."
JJ pauses, taking a deep breath. "Are you willing to sacrifice some of those things?"
I meet his gaze seriously. "Of course," he says with a soft smile.
"All the bad stuff will be gone," he whispers, and I rest my head against his chest.
"You're amazing, J. I love you," I tell him.
"I love you too," he replies. He kisses me, moving down to my neck. I tilt my head back, giving him more access.
