DAWN PAIGE GREY Young Adult Romance

Chapter 15 - Altercation

 “Welcome back Dawn.”

Dawn found herself looking up into James eyes, which were full of concern.

“What happened? I feel like I’ve been sleeping for ages.”

“Nothing serious, Hun, you just fainted.”

“Ohh, I’m sorry to be such a nuisance.”

“Hey, you’re not. I guess I’m sort of to blame for bringing my sailing buddy over to meet you.”

“Jace!”

“Yes, Jace. Didn’t realise you two knew each other. But it sure looked like it was a massive shock for you to see him.”

“Damn it James, he’s the reason I am here.”

“What! You knew he was going to be here?”

“No silly. I was trying to fathom out my ummm …..  Well it’s a long story.”

“Sounds like it’s quite a story too. You want to share?”

“Thanks, but I need to work this out myself.”

“You see these broad shoulders? Well I’m here if you need to unload.”

“Thanks James, I really appreciate your concern. Where is Andy? Jace?”

“Ohh, they got into some sort of altercation and went back to the boat to discuss things or so Andy said. Come to think of it, I didn’t realise Andy knew Jace either. Sailing is not Andy’s scene, he’s into speedboats.”

“Oh dear, I do hope they don’t get into a fight.”

“Dawn, don’t worry, Andy is capable of handling himself in any disagreement.  Look, see I told you, you had nothing to worry about, there comes Andy now.”

“And Jace?” Dawn asked.

"Nope, I don’t see him.” James responded.

“Andy is everything okay. I mean with you and Jace. I never meant for you to get involved. I am sorry.” Dawn said as she tried to stand up.

“Sweets, everything is just fine. Now sit down, before you fall over. You still look a little pale. And no I didn’t know Jace would be here, I didn’t even know him till now. I don’t socialise in James’ sailing circle, not my scene.”

“What did you say to Jace, Andy?”

“Nothing, Dawn, just told him to give you time and space to think. It’s a really big decision you need to make now.”

“I know Andy, I know.” Dawn said with emotions riding high and tears welling up in her eyes.

“Hey guys, let’s just enjoy the day and we can all sit down and thrash this out tonight, if Dawn feels up to it, or even wants too.” James said whilst giving Dawn a hug.

“Yes please, can we forget everything else and concentrate on the sailing today. I need the distraction please.”

“Great idea Dawn, pass the orange juice please, I think I need to overdose on fruit juice now, need a real sugar lift.”

Dawn smiled and the twins laughed.

After lunch James went to go meet Jace for their practice run and while on the water he tried hard to quiz Jace on what exactly was going on between him and Dawn. Jace filled him on the whole story, hoping he’d have an allies in James who’d help him convince Dawn she should not rush into marrying Luke right now.

“Jace, I honestly don’t know if I will be able to convince Dawn of anything. We only met today and I really don’t know her well enough to get involved.” James said frowning.

“James, I know she feels something for me. There was a definite connection when we kissed. If there is the slightest seed of doubt, I need to make it grow.  I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s me she should be with not Luke.”

“Do you love her Jace?”

“I think I do, but we’ve hardly had any time together to test our feelings for each other. I just know that since she pushed me away, my insides feel raw.”

“I honestly don’t know what to suggest Jace.”

Jace stood up in the boat and looked towards where Andy and Dawn sat; he could barely make them out in the distance. “Even if she marries Luke on Saturday, I won’t give up on her. I’ll keep chasing her till she realises she is with the wrong man.” He said as he stamped his foot on the deck.

An unexpected wave rocked the boat and Jace lost his balance and fell overboard.

“Man overboard!” James laughed as he threw Jace the lifebelt. After helping Jace back into the boat he slapped him on the back and said, “I was wondering when that would happen, you pacing up and down in that spot, I kinda knew it would only take a roll of waves to unbalance you and send you overboard.”

“Aaaaggg! I’m just so pissed, she is making a mistake and there’s nothing I can do. I promised both her and Andy I would stay away and let her decide without my influence. I wish now I hadn’t made that promise.”

Jace studied his friend’s face for a moment and then said, “Unless of course my shipmate intervenes where angels fear to tread.”

“Jace, don’t you dare put that on me. I know you’ve always got my back, but this is different. I don’t know Dawn and I don’t know the situation other than what you’ve told me. It wouldn’t be right, I can’t, sorry mate.”

“Do me one favour then please. Invite me over for a drink this evening and I’ll take it from there.  You can pretend you don’t know I promised to keep my distance.”

“Jace, man I don’t know. If Andy gets wind of any of this, that I’m helping you sway Dawn’s decision, he’ll drown both of us.”

“You can say you invited me over for a drink to apologise for knocking me overboard this afternoon. It’s a plausible reason for having me over tonight.”

“Well, maybe. I’ll think about it and give you a call later. No promises though.” James said rubbing his forehead. If his brother ever found out the truth, he didn’t even want to think about that scenario right now.