Chapter Thirteen
Kenzie
I had never felt as lonely as I did on that flight. The seat next to me was empty, like me, and all I could think about was the first time that I met Wyatt. The rude and arrogant man in the seat beside mine, complaining that the milk wasn’t hot. I still heard his voice in my head, even though I tried so hard not to think about him. I was grateful that we were on our way to Virginia because I didn't have the strength to not answer my door when he was knocking on it. I didn't have the strength to ignore him and walk away if he had to approach me at the gym, and I truly didn't have the courage to walk away from him if he had to stand in front of me. I was broken, and I never wanted to feel this way again. I didn't think I would, so I guess I was the naive idiot.
I fell asleep on my mother’s shoulder and she gently woke me up when we arrived at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. After we got out luggage, Dad rented an SUV and we drove down to Union Hall.
I’d forgotten how pretty it was, especially in the summer. Everything was so green there, the trees, the grass, and to some degree, the lake as well. I had spent most of our visits on the bank of the lake, never going too close, being too terrified of it. At least if Wyatt was here, I wouldn't have to sit on the bank all alone.
I growled to myself as I stepped into my room and threw my bag on the bed. I was supposed to think about him because I promised myself I wouldn't, but I couldn't help it. I missed him, but I was angry at him, but I loved him.
“Oh my god,” I whispered to myself and ran my fingers through my hair.
“Is everything okay, Honey?” Mom asked behind me and I whirled around.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.”
“I’m okay. I swear.”
“Is it because Wyatt didn't come?” my dad asked down the hallway.
“I don't want to talk about it,” I muttered.
“Come help me with the groceries, Honey.”
“I’ll be right there,” I said with a nod and took off my jacket. I walked down the hallway, and down the stairs. My mother was already in the kitchen, unpacking the groceries we bought at the convenience store in Roanoke. I joined her in the kitchen and packed out everything from the bags. Mom continued to pack everything away and suddenly looked at me.
“What?”
“Something is wrong.”
“I’m fine.”
“If women say they’re fine, they’re usually not fine,” my dad said as he came down the stairs, with Dillon following closely behind them.
“Do you know what’s wrong with your sister, Dillon?” Mom asked.
“Not a clue,” he shrugged, but unable to look me in the eyes.
I turned away from him and put the milk in the refrigerator.
“It’s not too late to call Wyatt, you know. He can still join us.”
“Mom, can you please not do this right now?” I muttered with irritation.
“Why? What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Macky is upset because he didn't tell her that we used to be best friends," Dillon muttered.
“Would you stop calling me that?” I exclaimed.
“MacKenzie, stop shouting. Dillon, I thought you didn't have a clue.”
Dillon shrugged nonchalantly and I swear I almost threw a tub of butter at him.
“I thought that would be an issue sooner or later,” Dad muttered and I glanced over at him. He sat in the living room, on his leather couch and paged through the newspaper.
“You know what? I am sick of being the only one in this family that didn't know. Why didn't anyone tell me?”
“Because it had nothing to do with you at the time, Macky,” Dillon.
“Well, it does now, and still no-one told me,” I exclaimed. “And you call yourself family.”
“We are your family and we were just trying to protect you,” Dillon exclaimed.
“You do not get to throw that in my face, Dillon! You knew, and you still didn't tell me!”
“Would it have made any difference, Kenzie?” my mother suddenly asked behind me and I whirled around.
I looked at her and when I hesitated for too long, she nodded. “It wouldn't have. You would have fallen in love with him, regardless. You looked past his OCD, why can’t you look past this?”
“He didn't lie to me about his OCD, Mom. If he or any one of you had told me from the start about being friends with Dillon, it wouldn't have mattered.”
“What about the other thing?”
“What other thing?”
“The business idea,” Dad said.
“You knew about the idea too?”
“Of course we do. We’re your parents. We know everything.”
“Great, so once again I am the oblivious fool that everyone pities because she knows jack shit about what's going on around her.”
“Kenzie, we don't think that.”
“Well, that’s what it feels like,” I said and crossed my arms. I glared at my brother and shook my head. “I can't believe this. You knew all this and you still let me date him?”
“We can’t stop you from seeing anyone, Kenzie.”
“Maybe you should have,” I muttered and glanced down at the floor.
My mother put her arms around me and held me tight. “It’ll be okay.”
I knew that it wouldn't be, but I didn't say anything.
After I helped Mom make lunch, Dillon and my Dad went out on the boat, and Mom stayed with me. I wasn't a fan of the boat, and she obviously knew that. We sat in the living room, playing cards, and once again my mother beat me in a simple game of Jinn. Usually, I was really good at it, but my head wasn't in the right place, and I just gave up after a while.
“Another one?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll leave you undefeated, for now.”
Mom chuckled and shuffled the cards before she packed them neatly on the table for a game of solitaire. My phone vibrated on the table and I glanced down. It was a text from Sophia saying that I better respond to her email, or she’ll come whip my ass all the way from Miami. I chuckled and sat up.
“Mom, did you bring your laptop?”
“Why, Honey?”
“Sophia sent me an email and she wants a response, like yesterday.”
“I didn't, but I think Dillon’s laptop is in the study.”
“Okay, cool,” I said and stood up. “Thanks, Mom.”
I walked down the hallway to the study, which was the first door on the left and went inside. Dillon’s laptop was on the desk and I quickly sat down. I opened it up and glanced at the screen with a frown. It asked me for a password, and the first one I thought of was Dillon’s date of birth.
“Twenty-one, ten, eighty-one,” I mumbled to myself and clicked on the black arrow. Miraculously it was the right password and the laptop powered onto the starting screen. I quickly checked my email and sent Sophia a quick reply.
I honestly thought it was really urgent, but I guess according to Sophia, it was. She wrote all her plans for her impending birthday party, which I admittedly completely forgot about. I had so many things on my mind the last three days, that I’ve been in a daze. Even my mother noticed how much quieter I’ve been, which is rather odd according to her. I wasn't depressed, I was just moping, and scolding myself for being stupid.
Sophia sent me three samples of possible invitations for her fancy dress birthday party, and she wanted my honest opinion on which one I liked best. She also shared her ideas of what she wanted to dress up as and asked what I wanted to dress up as.
My answers were simple and concise. I didn't give much explanation or anything like that because as soon as I would, she’d know that my brain was working overtime, which it never did, and that usually meant that something was wrong. I already had too much to deal with my parents and Dillon, and the whole secrecy thing they had going on. Honestly, I didn't have the strength to deal with all Sophia’s questions at the moment. I just wanted to keep it to myself and try to enjoy myself this weekend.
I knew it was unhealthy and all that crap, but I didn't really care.
As I was about to close the window that my email was opened it when I caught sight of the recycle bin in the lower right corner. It wasn’t empty like it usually was.
Ever since I was young, and my brother had a computer, he’d never, ever, and I mean never, leave anything in his recycle bin. He’d always make sure that it was completely empty, for some reason. It ticked him off if there were something in there, and I heard him complain about it regularly before he got his own personal computer. So, naturally it struck me as odd, and I opened the recycle bin. There was only one file in there and it was titled ‘WyloP’, which was Wyatt's nickname and his last name initial. I clicked on the file and there were a whole lot of files in there. I opened the first one and my eyes widened.
“Oh my god,” I muttered angrily and shook my head.
Of all the things my brother did in his lifetime, this probably had to be the worst! I opened more of the files and I was shocked by what I saw. The files he had given me as so-called proof that Wyatt stole his idea, were edited – skillfully I might add – so that I believed that Wyatt was lying to me. I honestly could not believe my eyes and I sat back in the desk chair, chewing my bottom lip.
Wyatt was telling the truth after all, and I was a complete fucking idiot for accusing him of being dishonest and hiding things from me.
“Dillon, you fucking asshole,” I muttered and ran my fingers through my hair. I sat up again and restored the deleted folder. I opened my email and attached the folder to a new mail, and sent it to Hannah’s email, with a note that said, ‘He lied about everything. Here’s the proof. Hope he’ll be okay.’
As I waited for the folder to attach, I heard my dad and Dillon’s voices; they had just come back from the boathouse.
“Honey, are you almost done?” Mom came into the study and noticed my unnaturally wide eyes staring at her. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” One worded answers were once again the safest.
“Are you sure? You look as white as a sheet.”
“Yes.”
“Did you find your brother’s porn again?”
“Thankfully, no," I said with a cringe.
“Oh, good," my mother sighed in relief. "Your dad and Dillon are setting up the barbecue, and then we can watch the fireworks tonight after dinner.”
“That sounds good, Mom.”
“Will you be joining us?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll be right out. I just need a minute.”
“Don’t be too long. You’re going to miss the sunshine.”
“I won’t,” I assured her and she left the room.
As soon as the file finished attaching, I sent the email and also sent a copy to myself. Surprisingly, Hannah replied straight away, saying that she’ll forward it to both Wyatt and Calvin. She asked me how I was, but I didn't respond. I had more important things to worry about right now. I glanced out the window and saw my mom, my dad and Dillon outside. Dillon sat on the grass, my mother made herself comfortable on the wooden lounger and my father was setting up the barbecue. I stood up from the desk, unplugged the laptop, making sure that the folder was open on the screen, and took the laptop with me outside.
“I thought you were going to stay indoors for the whole weekend,” Dad said and I shrugged.
“No such luck,” I said.
“What are you doing with my laptop?” he asked, his voice slightly panicked.
“Funny you should ask,” I said and threw it at him.
“Macky, fuck!” Dillon scrambled up from the grass and looked at me. “Are you insane? Do you even know how much this thing costs?”
“I don't give a shit! You probably bought it with the money Wyatt sent you.”
“Hey, hey, what’s going on here?” Dad asked.
“What money?” Mom asked and looked at Dillon.
“What are you doing on my laptop anyway? And how did you know the password?”
“Your passwords are predictable, and I was sending Sophia an email...Wait, I am not on trial here.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Why is there a folder called WyloP in your recycle bin? And why does it contain unedited and edited images of the documents you gave me as supposed proof that he stole your supposed business idea?”
“Macky, wait a second-”
“I swear to god if you don't tell me right now, I am going to strangle you right here with my bare hands.”
His eyes were wild and bewildered, and more importantly, guilty.
“Tell me, Dillon!”
Dillon didn't even have to look at it, he knew exactly what it was. I crossed my arm and glared at him.
“What is going on?” my mother asked with a frown.
“Dillon’s been lying again.”
My parents glanced at Dillon and he sighed.
“Tell them, Dillon.”
“I don't know what you’re talking about.”
“Tell them, or I will.”
Dillon glanced at my parents and sighed again.
“Dillon lied.”
“About what?”
He ran his fingers through his hair and looked at me. “Wyatt didn't steal my idea.”
“What?” my parents gasped.
“It was never his idea in the first place,” I said and glared at him.
“How do you know this, Kenzie?”
“I found it on his laptop, in his recycle bin.”
My parents glanced at him in surprise and shock.
“Is that true, Dillon?” my father asked.
The defeated expression on Dillon’s face was all the confirmation I needed.
“Yeah, it was never my idea. He came up with the whole plan, and I told him that it was crazy. He was really adamant that it could work, but I didn't think that it would. So then he asked his brother to help him, and I felt rejected. He didn't even like his brother at that stage, and I was his best friend, Mom. I was angry and upset, and...” His voice trailed and he pursed his lips.
“That didn't give you the right to lie,” I said and looked at him. “You made me believe that Wyatt lied to me. How could you do that?”
“I never thought that you might love the guy.”
“You are selfish and I hate you so much right now,” I said with a scowl.
“Kenzie, you don't hate your brother.”
“Of course I do! He cost me my relationship with Wyatt.”
“You’re better off," Dillon scoffed. "People like that are just-”
“You don't have a fucking clue what you're talking about! Wyatt is a kind-hearted, funny and amazing man, something that you will never be!”
“Kenzie, stop it. You’re making a scene,” my mother said and she glanced at the people on the lawn next door to us.
“Fine! I’ll just leave,” I muttered and turned around.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going for a walk,” I said as I turned around and walked away from where the entire family sat.
I felt really shit for yelling and causing a scene, but I was frustrated to a point where I couldn't be the only one who suffered. I walked aimlessly along the grass, passed all the people who were much more excited than I was. They also didn't have to deal with the heart ache and anger inside me.
I still couldn't believe everything that happened in the last few days. First I find out that Wyatt lied to me about knowing Dillon, and then Dillon lied about why they weren’t friends anymore.
I just couldn't deal with any of this anymore.
Partly I also felt bad for taking Dillon’ side, and calling Wyatt a liar, but he did lie in a sense. He could have just told me the truth. It wasn't so hard to tell the person who you loved the truth, was it? Maybe it wasn't a big deal to Wyatt, as he said, but it was a big deal to me. I felt like I was being pulled in all directions, and I hated it.
Then again, if it was Wyatt’s idea to start off with, why did he deposit that money into Dillon’s account?
I ran my fingers through my hair as I continued to walk along the edge of the lake, trying to make some sense of the muddle inside my mind. I glanced around me and suddenly came to a stop.
Sure, I was in one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world, but not even the beauty of the lake, or the excitement of everyone around me, could lift my spirit in any way. The one place that I loved to go to, was now just a place of heartache and betrayal.
The sun had almost completely set as I made my way back, and everyone was excited about the fireworks display that was going to start soon.
People were laughing and having a good time with their families, and I was alone.
I felt alone.
Completely alone.
Wyatt made me feel safe and loved, but now he probably hated me, like I hated Dillon, and myself. I didn't want to be here anymore because Wyatt wasn't here. I thought I’d feel better, getting out of Miami and everything that reminded me of him, but it only made everything worse. I couldn't stop thinking about him, or the mistake that I made believing Dillon instead of him. I could never take that back, and I will probably never get the chance to make things right. Wyatt would never talk to me again, and I didn't blame him one bit. He didn't deserve to be shouted at like that. He was everything that I wanted in a man. His quirks didn't even bother me in the least. I loved him, completely, and now I lost him, completely.
I stopped abruptly when I heard a familiar laugh, but dismissed it immediately, because of my fragile mental state. Great, now I was hallucinating as well. I ran my fingers through my hair and carried on walking.
I frowned as I looked out at the crowd of people gathered along the grass, and I envied them. Ten out of nowhere, I heard the laugh again. A laugh that I would never forget. It was still as undeniable and distinguishable as the first time I heard it.
“Kenzie?”
I turned around slowly, and then I saw him, slowly approaching me as if he was afraid that his eyes were also playing tricks on him. I couldn't believe my own eyes, really, but it really was him.
The boy next door.
My prom date.
“Kenzie Morris,” he said as he looked at me with those gorgeous blue eyes.
He had gotten a lot taller, and his shoulders were broader than the last time I saw him, which was ten years ago, so obviously.
“Aidan James,” I said and shook my head. “I never thought that I’d see you again.”
“Likewise,” he said and hugged me. “How have you been?”
I pulled out of his embrace and glanced up at him. “I’ve been good.”
“Are you still designing?”
“Yeah,” I shrugged nonchalantly. “I work for an interior designing company in Miami.”
“Wow, that is so great. You’ve always been good at that.”
“My clients also seem to think so,” I chuckled. “What about you?”
“I’ve been good as well. I work for a civil engineering company in Chicago.”
“Weren’t you in New York the last time I heard?”
“When did you hear that?”
“My mom mentioned that she spoke to your mom a few years ago. Maybe three years ago.”
“Right. Mothers,” he said with a chuckle. “Hayley was transferred to Chicago a few months after we got married, so we relocated and have not looked back since.”
There it was, I called it.
“You’re married?”
“Yeah.”
“Wow. That’s great. Congratulations,” I said, trying to sound a little more positive than I felt on the inside.
Guys like Aidan, who was practically invisible in high school, almost never stayed single for long, because they were the best people. It was just because no-one noticed.
“Thanks. How about you? Are you married yet?”
“Oh, no. Much to my parents’ dismay, I’m not even remotely close to taking that step. I’m not even dating someone at the moment. Well, sort of.”
I wasn't lying, unfortunately.
“Complicated?”
“You have no idea.”
“Well, whoever does end up dating you, will be really lucky. You’re a great person, Kenzie, or at least from what I can remember.”
“Thank you. I’m really happy for you too.”
“Hey, honey,” a disgustingly beautiful blonde woman walked up to us and Aidan put his arm around her shoulder.
She was absolutely gorgeous, and I had to admit they made a really beautiful couple. Their kids would be the most gorgeous things on this planet.
“Hales, I want you to meet Kenzie Morris.”
“The Kenzie Morris? Your prom date?” she asked.
“That’s me,” I said with a grin.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you. Aidan’s talked about you a few times.”
“He has?” I asked with a frown. “Why?”
“He just told me how nice you were to him,” she answered.
“And that you were the sole reason why high school didn't completely suck,” he said with a smile.
“That is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I didn't even know that,” I said and pursed my lips, just in case a tear wanted to make its appearance. “Thank you.”
“How is your family, Kenzie?”
“Driving me crazy, as usual.”
“Some things never change, huh?” he asked me with a grin.
“Nope, that’s just the way they are.”
“Macky!” I suddenly heard my brother call out to me from across the field and I looked briefly in his direction, horrendously irritated.
"He still calls you that," Aidan asked.
"Unfortunately yes. I’d better go. Dillon might just scare everyone away with his squawking,” I cringed. “It was nice seeing you again, Aidan, and it was nice to meet you, Hayley.”
“Likewise,” she said with a happy smile. “We’ll be here all weekend, so if you want to meet up with us, you’re welcome to. We’re in 39 Brook Drive.”
“That’s literally just a few houses from us,” I said in disbelief. “We’re in 414 Haley Scott Drive.”
“No kidding,” Aidan said with a smile.
“Yeah, we used to come here every year when we were growing up,” I answered with a nod.
“This was where you went?” Aidan asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
“Wow, if I had known, I would have asked to come along,” Aidan said with a smile.
I chuckled and glanced out at the view.
“But really, feel free to stop by anytime,” Hayley said to me.
“Thank you, but I don't want to intrude. Besides, Dillon needs a chaperone. Aidan knows how out of hand he can get.”
“He may be older, but he’s definitely not wiser.”
Hayley chuckled and nodded.
“I’ll see you,” I said with a smile.
“Enjoy your weekend, Kenzie,” Aidan said.
“You too. Have fun,” I said to them before turning around and heading back to my family who now occupied an entire section on the grass by the lake.
“Who was that?” my father asked as I sat down on the wooden bench.
“Aidan James.”
“Your prom date?” my mother asked.
“Yes.”
“I remember him. He was a sweet kid. Why didn't the two of you ever date, Kenz?”
“Probably because you didn't think he was cool enough for you,” Dillon muttered.
I glared at him briefly and turned away. “Shut up, Dillon. Haven’t you done enough damage?”
“I’m just saying.”
“Well, don’t.”
I glanced at my mother and walked over to her. I put my arms around her and hugged her tight. “I’m sorry that I yelled. I was just frustrated and angry.”
“It’s okay, honey. I understand that you’re upset over what your brother did, and what we did, and what you did, but don’t let that stand in the way of your happiness. Life’s too short.”
She ran her fingers through my hair and I smiled at her. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, honey.”
I pulled out of her embrace and looked at her. My heart was aching, and I couldn't believe that I had been so stupid.
“Macky?”
I turned my head and looked at Dillon standing beside us. “What?”
“Can we talk for a second? Please.”
I nodded wordlessly and followed him as he stepped away from our parents. We stood at the edge of the water and he turned to me after being quiet for a while.
“I’m sorry, okay. I lied to you, to everyone to make myself look good. I thought that my pride was more important than anything else, but it’s not. You can hate me all you want, I’d understand.”
“I don’t hate you, Dillon. I just wish that you told me the truth. There’s no shame in admitting that you were wrong. Sure, you thought Wyatt’s idea was stupid at first, maybe far-fetched or whatever. You didn't know that he and his brother would become rich from that. I don't even think they thought that their idea would be that profitable.”
“It sounded so stupid when he told me. I mean, who would pay to have their most private data stored with a company that they know nothing about.”
“You didn't know. Nobody could have known. You just didn't want to take the risk.”
“Look where that got me,” he sighed. “I was so jealous of their success, Macky. I hated myself for turning down Wyatt’s idea.”
“What about the money?” I asked.
“I don't know why he sent it,” he shrugged.
I narrowed my eyes at him and shook my head.
“I’m serious. He didn't contact me or anything. It just appeared in my account one day.”
“That’s just weird.”
“I knew him for a long time, Macky, and he doesn't do anything without a reason. You should know that.”
“I do. What could his reason be? Did he feel guilty that the company did so well and you weren't a part of it? You were best friends after all.”
“I don't know, Macky,” he admitted. “Honestly I was still to mad at him to care.”
I sighed and glanced out at the lake in front of me.
“I’m sorry that my knocked pride and my lies caused you and Wyatt to split up. You looked like you were happy.”
“I was happy, Dillon,” I said and pursed my lips, to stop the tears from forming in my eyes, but it was too little too late. “Despite all his issues and everything, he made me happy. He made me feel loved and safe. He made me feel like I could do anything.”
“And I made you throw it all away.”
“Yeah, you did, but it wasn't just you. I was supposed to trust him, and I didn't. A relationship without trust is just doomed. Trust is the most important things, Dillon and I just...” My voice trailed and I wiped the tears from my cheeks.
“I now you might not believe this, but I would do anything to fix this.”
“I don’t think you can. Neither of us can.”
“Why not?”
“I said some pretty horrible things to him, and I doubt that he will ever want to speak to me again.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
“You didn't see his face, Dillon.”
“Why don’t you call him?” he suggested.
I pursed my lips and shook my head.
“Call him, explain to him.”
“He won't talk to me.”
“How do you know that?”
I had to admit, I really wanted to call him. I desperately needed to hear his voice, and I desperately needed to rectify this situation, but I was convinced that he wouldn't even answer his phone. I turned back to Dillon and nodded.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” he said and stepped away from me, before turning around and heading back to where my parents were sitting. The barbecue was lit, as was most of the other people’s.
Union Hill was like a small community, even though most of the owners only came around once or twice a year. They were friendly and welcoming, which was nice, and it felt like one big happy family. I frowned as I glanced up at the darkened sky and pulled my phone out of my pocket. I glanced around me and walked to the boat house, as that was about as private as it was going to get. The boathouse was dark, but that suited me fine because I could hide in the shadows, surrounded by my own shame.
Okay, that was a bit dramatic, but I didn't really care. I stepped onto the wooden deck and made my way to where my dad’s boat was tied. I dialed Wyatt’s number and waited for him to answer. My heart pounded in my throat as it rang, but it started sinking as the ringing continued. He didn't want to answer. He didn't want to talk to me after all. He didn't want to hear what I had to say.
Honestly, I didn't blame him.
I lowered my phone and a tear ran down my cheek. This was my own fault. I had lost the man who I loved more than anything in the world, and it was nobody’s fault but my own.
I put my phone back in my pocket and carefully walked along the length of the boathouse. I wasn't sure what exactly made me climb into the boat, but it was probably the security of knowing that it was tied up securely, and wouldn't go anywhere.
But now that I thought about it, sailing away didn't seem like such a bad thing after all. I sat down in the seat behind the wheel and embraced the quiet for a while.
I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath. The sound of the boathouse door swinging open made me open my eyes and I sat up straight.
“Dillon?” I asked and stood up.
There was complete silence, although the only thing I could hear was the pounding of my heart. I decided to rather climb out of the boat, and head back to where my parents were sitting. The boathouse had always been a little creepy to me, especially at night, so heaven only knows why I was in there in the first place. I walked to the door of the boathouse when the first set of fireworks went off. The sound was rather deafening, but I left the boathouse and glanced up at the sky. The fireworks erupted against the dark velvet sky and all I could do was just stare at it. For a brief moment, I forgot about how I felt, and what a mess my life was. I just leaned back against the wall of the boathouse stared at the fireworks. I heard the rustle of the grass behind me and I whirled around.
“Dillon, would you stop screwing around, please? I’m not in the mood to be scared out of my mind."
This was an old game of Dillon’s. He’d purposely stalk me just to scare the crap out of me. It was a cruel game, but I was naive enough to fall for it every time. Today, I was not in the mood, and the temptation to throw him into the lake was huge.
Actually, that was a great idea. Unfortunately, that meant I had to get close to the water’s edge so that I could just push him in.
I turned around slowly and walked along the side of the boathouse, careful not to make a sound.
“Alright, Dillon. Game on.”
Wyatt
I glanced up at the fireworks in the sky for a brief moment and slowly made my way to the grassy area where I spotted Kenzie’s parents, as well as Dillon on the grass, watching the fireworks display, but Kenzie was nowhere to be seen. Dillon was the first one to see me, and he looked both shocked and relieved.
“Hey,” Dillon said to me with a slight nod.
His mother and father turned and glanced at me with a frown.
“Wyatt, hello.”
“You came through.”
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Morris. Where’s Kenzie?”
“She went to go call you,” Dillon answered.
“Where?”
“Over at the boathouse.”
“Thanks,” I said and as I took a few steps, Dillon called me back.
“We’ll give you kids some privacy,” Mrs. Morris said as she and her husband stood up and walked along the grass path leading to the neighbors.
“Hey, I just want to say that this whole thing was all my fault. I lied to Kenzie and everyone because I guess I was jealous and bitter that I didn't believe you had a good idea, and also because I felt excluded when you asked your brother for help. I was your best friend, and it sucked.”
I nodded in acknowledgment but didn't say anything.
“Look, I’m sorry for being a dick. My sister loves you and she should be with you. I was the one who persuaded her that you were a liar and a bad person, but you’re actually not. You’re quite the opposite. She was happy with you, and that’s the only thing that I want for her. To be happy.”
“Thanks, Dillon.”
“Just don’t be mad at her, okay? I am the one who was wrong, I shouldn’t have lied. She just reacted to it all.”
I nodded again and made my way to the boathouse, which was only a short distance away. As I walked, the fireworks cracked above and behind me, lighting up the area, and I saw her standing on the wooden ramp, right by the water. I didn't just want to call out to her, at the risk of falling in the water, so I just walked along the grass, making sure that my footsteps were loud enough so that she could hear me approaching.
I was about a yard away from her when she suddenly turned around. Her eyes widened and she looked at me in disbelief.
“Wyatt?”
“Hey.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I had to come see you.”
“I tried to call you,” she answered and stepped closer to me.
“I know.”
“You didn't answer.”
“I was driving from the airport."
“You flew all this way to come see me?”
“Yeah,” I said with a nod. “I’m sorry for not answering your calls.”
“I don’t really blame you. I wouldn't have answered either.”
“Hannah showed me what you sent her.”
“She did?”
“Yeah. Where did you find it?”
“Dillon’s laptop. He tried to delete it all, but I restored it and sent it to Hannah. She would know what to do with it.”
“I know.”
“Wyatt...” she said and took a step closer to me.
Out of nowhere, a cat jumped out from under the boathouse and Kenzie let out a scream.
“Kenzie, watch out!” I called out and ran towards her as fast as I possibly could.
She took a few frantic steps back and plunged straight into the lake.
“Kenzie!” I yelled out, knowing very well that she can’t swim. “Somebody help!” I called out as loud as I could, but I wasn't sure if anyone heard me or not. She disappeared under the water for a few seconds, which terrified me. I reached the platform that she had fallen from and saw her about six feet away, breaking through the surface, spluttering around in the water.
“Keep your head above the water!” I reached out my hand to her, but it wasn't nearly close enough to reach her. “Whatever you do, don’t stop kicking your legs!”
“Wyatt, help me!” she cried out. Her voice was desperate and I looked at her for a split second, before jumping in the lake. I didn't bother taking off my shoes, or anything for that matter. Luckily my phone and my wallet was in the rental car, so the only thing that I had in my pockets was the keys
Now, normally I would never even go near a lake, not because I was afraid of water, but river water, and especially lake water was disgusting. Plus the water was so dark and creepy that someone could easily get either lost down there or get pulled under by something that enjoyed the taste of human flesh. Not even to mention all the germs and bacteria that lived in there. It was disgusting, to say the least. The ocean and swimming pools were different though. It was cleaner, for one because I could see the bottom of the pool. The ocean wasn't as safe, but I knew my limits when it came to the ocean. Being a strong swimmer was also an advantage. Lake water and river water was a completely different ballgame.
Despite all that, I jumped in, because none of it mattered. It didn't matter if a whole family of alligators lived under the water, what mattered most was saving Kenzie.
I broke through the surface and swam towards her. She was getting more and more frantic, and it tired her out. I swam over to her, put her arms around my shoulders and swam towards the edge to the bank.
I was relieved to see a few people on the bank, including her parents and Dillon. They all stood on the bank of the lake, and Kenzie’s mother looked pale and worried.
“We’re okay,” I panted as I swam closer, never letting go of her.
I reached the bank and Dillon and her father pulled Kenzie out of the water. While her father placed her on the grass, Dillon extended his arm towards me and helped me out of the water. There was a small group of people gathered around us, all asking if we were okay.
I rushed over to Kenzie and took her hand, asking, “Are you okay?”
She nodded without saying a word, and her breathing was ragged.
“I’ll go get some blankets,” her father said and ran towards the house.
“What happened?” her mother asked and knelt down beside us.
“A cat or something jumped out in front of her, and she fell in the water,” I explained and wiped the water from my face with my free hand.
“Oh my god, honey. Are you okay?” her mother asked.
Kenzie nodded and she pushed herself up into a sitting position. “I’m fine,” she said with a cough. “I’m fine.”
“You shouldn't have been on the platform. That thing wasn't properly stabilized, honey,” her mother said and ran her fingers lovingly and protectively through her wet hair.
“I didn't know that,” she stuttered, her lips quivering.
“Here,” her father called out as he rushed over with two blankets and wrapped one around her.
He placed the other one around my shoulders and looked at me. “Wyatt, you saved her,” her father said to me and patted me on the back. “How can I ever thank you?”
“You’re welcome, sir,” I said and cleared my throat. “You don't need to thank me. I would happily jump into that icy cold water again for your daughter any day.”
“That’s good to hear,”
She looked at me and frowned slightly. “You’re a hero,” she whispered.
I shrugged, a little more nonchalantly than I intended, and looked at her. She leaned towards me and put her arms around me. “Thank you,” she whispered with a hoarse voice.
I didn't say anything to her in return because I knew that no words were needed right now.
“She’s okay,” her father and mother repeated to the concerned neighbors and they gave us some space as they explained what happened to them. Even Dillon backed off, which I was grateful for.
She loosened her embrace and looked at me.
“You jumped in,” she said.
“I did.”
“Why? You hate lake water. You told me so yourself.”
“Some things are more important than my hang-ups, Kenzie,” I said and brushed a strand of wet hair from her face. “You’re more important than anything in the world, and I would dive into the filthiest water if it meant keeping you safe.”
“Really?” she asked and a tear ran down her cheek.
“Of course.”
“I’m so sorry, about everything, Wyatt. I should have trusted you. You have never given me any reason not to trust you. I understand why you thought that your friendship with Dillon didn't matter enough to tell me about it. I get it. You focus on the important things. If it doesn't improve your life, or make a positive contribution towards it, you don't see it as important.”
“I still should have told you, Kenzie. You are the most important person in my life and I was being selective about what I told you. It was wrong.”
“We were both kind of stupid,” she muttered.
“We should really work on that.”
She smiled slightly and looked at me, her brown eyes warm and filled with love.
“I missed you.”
“You have no idea what a miserable old man I’ve been for the last three days,” I admitted.
“Actually, I can imagine,” she said with a grin.
“I don't ever want to feel like that again, Kenzie.”
“You don't have to,” she said, leaned closer to me and kissed me.
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me. It was the best feeling in the world, and even though were drenched in filthy lake water, our clothes sticking to our bodies and we smelled like two wet dogs, I had never felt more at ease in my entire life.
“I love you, Kenzie Morris.”
“And I love you, my grumpy old man,” she said as she pulled away and looked at me with a grin.
An hour later, we sat on the wooden bench, staring out at the stars. Kenzie’s mother had insisted we shower and dress warmly, despite the warm July weather. It was almost midnight, after all, so we just did as we were told.
We sat on the bench in silence and Kenzie turned to me after a while.
“Is everything okay with your company? Dillon didn't do any damage, did he?” she asked.
“No, there were no charges made, and no lawyers were involved, although we did have to inform our legal department and our shareholders of what was happening, just as a precaution.
“And you’re not going to sue him for what he did?”
“No, we’re not. You don't have to worry.”
“And what about the hundred thousand dollars you paid him?”
“I was in a bit of a slump, and my girlfriend at that time had just left me, and I was feeling sorry for myself. My mom had this idea that I should do something selfless, to restore my Karma or something.”
“You get served what you deserve,” she said.
“Right. In retrospect, that might not have been a good idea.”
“Maybe not, but it kind of worked. You got what you deserved.”
“I don't deserve you, though.”
“Stop making yourself out to be the bad guy. This was just a big misunderstanding, mostly on my part, but a misunderstanding nonetheless.”
“I forgive you.”
She scoffed and shook her head. “I’m really sorry for what he did. I didn't even think that he was capable of doing something like this.”
“It’s okay. Everything is fine now.”
“Are you and Dillon going to be friends again?” she asked.
“I wouldn't go that far though.”
“Right.”
“I have something to show you,” I said to her and took out the photograph I had fetched earlier that morning at my parents' house before my flight. I had asked my mother whether she still had pictures of me when I was younger, and this was the only one she could find.” I handed it to her and she frowned.
“Is that Dillon?” she asked.
“Yeah, and me.”
“Oh my god. Look at you. You look so different.”
“So I've been told.”
“Wow, this is one hell of a throwback.”
“You’re telling me.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly and brought the picture closer. “Is that me, standing beside you?”
“It is.”
“Wow,” she said and looked at me. “I can’t believe your mother still has this.”
“She’s sentimental like that.”
“I also can’t believe that we were in a picture together all those years ago, and now we’re together.”
“We’re still together?” I asked.
“We are, if you still want to be, that is.”
“Of course, I do.”
“It’s pretty weird though,” she said and looked at the picture again. “We were so young here and now we’re sitting here together”
“Very,” she answered with a nod. “It’s strange though. Who would have thought?”
“Life takes you for one hell of a ride, that I can tell you.”
She lowered her gaze and placed her hand in mine. “I like it.”
“It turned out much better than I thought, except for you almost drowning.”
“That was actually the cat’s fault.”
“Yeah, but you shouldn't have stood so close to the edge,” I pointed out. “What were you doing out there anyway?”
She chuckled nervously and ran her fingers through her hair. “When we were much younger, Dillon used to play a trick on me. He’d pretend to be a psychotic killer and stalk me until I cried.”
“That’s not very nice,” I frowned. “Who would do that to their little sisters?”
“Apparently Dillon.”
“I didn't even do that to Calvin.”
“Brothers are different.”
“Apparently.”
“So, anyway. I heard someone or something when I was inside the boathouse calling you, and I thought it was Dillon trying to be funny. So instead of just running away, I decided to follow him and push him into the water.”
“Right,” I frowned. “That’s not dangerous at all.”
“Dillon can swim just fine,” she said and looked at me. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“There is absolutely no place that I would rather be than right here.”
She gently touched my cheek and tilted her head. “DO you want to hear something crazy?”
“Sure.”
“It’s really crazy though.”
“Tell me.”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said in Santa Rosa Beach, about me being the One.”
“Okay,” I said with a frown. “What about it?”
“Did you mean it?”
“I always mean what I say, Kenzie.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” she answered with a smile. “Because I’ve been thinking about that a lot these past few days.”
“You have?”
“I don’t want to spend a single day without seeing your face, or touching your hand, or kissing you. I’ve been an asshole magnet for so long that I thought I would never find someone who loves me the way that I love them. I never found that mutual love before. It was always so one sided, and it was exhausting because I gave and gave my everything and I never received anything back. The only thing I got in return was their lies and betrayal. It made me feel used and worthless. I pretended that everything was okay. I shifted everything aside so that people wouldn't notice how broken I was. Then I met you, Wyatt, and you made all that go away. You accepted me, you didn't try to change me.”
“I can say the same about you, Kenzie. You didn't try to change me either.”
“Because you are who you are, and you’re the man I love, so how could I even think about changing you. I love you just the way you are. You’re perfect for me, and that’s all that matters.
I was going to do it, right now.
I wasn't even afraid to do it because I knew she wouldn't say no.
“Kenzie?”
‘Yeah.”
‘Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything,” she answered.
I took the velvet box out of my pocket and said, "Kenzie.”
“Yes?”
I opened the box and held out the ring to her. “Will you marry me?”
Kenzie
I swear my heart stopped for a second, but it knew. Deep down I knew that he was going to ask, but my mind though that it would be highly unlikely. I looked at him, with wide eyes and an even wider smile and I nodded. My entire life flashed before my eyes and I knew that it would be nothing without him. I took his hand and glanced down at the incredibly beautiful ring in the little velvet box that he held in his other hand and honestly, even if he didn't have a ring, or even if he was dirt poor, with nothing of value to the world, he would still be the man of my dreams.
“Of course I will marry you, Wyatt.”
The tears were there before I could even process what was going on, and as I watched him slip that ring on my ring finger, my heart pounded like it never did before.
Wyatt pulled me close to him and kissed me, his fiancee.
“I love you so much, Kenzie,” he whispered to me.
“I love you more,” I said with a smile.
“That is not possible.”
“Let’s just call it a tie,” I said and cocked my head to the side.
“Deal,” he said with a chuckle.
We heard someone clearing their throat and both me and Wyatt glanced to the right. Dillon stood there and I suddenly felt the urge to hide my ring away.
“Can we talk for a minute?” Dillon asked.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” I said, but Dillon shook his head.
“No, that okay. You can stay,” Dillon answered and stepped closer to us. “I was wrong about you, Wyatt. In my mind, I considered you an asshole because I was upset with myself, for various reasons, and I chose to blame you for all of them. It wasn't fair towards you; you were a good friend to me. It wasn't fair to my sister either, because she almost lost the person who means more than anything in the world to her, because of me.”
“It’s okay, Dillon.”
“You say that it is, but it’s not okay,” Dillon said and shook his head. “She’s my little sister, and from the day my mother brought her home from the hospital, I promised myself that I would look after her, and anyone who hurt her in any way, I would kick their ass all the way to Timbuktu. My selfish actions only caused me to realize that the person who’s ass needs to be kicked is my own.”
“Dillon...” I sighed.
“What I did was not okay, I know that. I thought I was protecting you from the world, but you didn't need protecting. You know people, you can tell what a person is like just by looking at them, and you were right about Wyatt. He’s awesome. He was back then, and he still is. He makes you happy and that’s all I want for you, Macky. You’re my sister and I love you.”
My heart was all aflutter and I could not help but stand up and hug my stupid, awesome brother.
“I love you too, Dill,” I said and looked at him. “I forgive you. You don't have to apologize anymore.”
Dillon smiled slightly and looked at Wyatt. Wyatt stood up from the bench and held out his hand to Dillon. I stepped away and Dillon took his hand. They shook hands and a small smile ran across Wyatt’s usually serious face.
“I really am sorry if my lies jeopardized your company in any way. It was never my intention,” Dillon said to him.
“No harm was done. My legal department ran around like headless chickens for a few hours, but at least I know now how competent they are,” Wyatt shrugged. “Maybe I could speak to Calvin. He might need a good technician on his team.”
“You would do that?” Dillon asked with a look of shock on his face. “After everything?”
“We put this behind us, didn't we?”
“We did.”
“So now we can move forward, like adults, right?” Wyatt asked.
“Right.”
I smiled broadly and clasped my hands together in excitement. Dillon glanced at me and he frowned as he took my left hand.
“What is this?”
Oh, crap! I completely forgot about the ring!
“Yeah, uhm,” I stuttered and pulled my hand away. “That just kind of happened before you came out. We...”
Dillon glanced at me and Wyatt wordlessly and a smile appeared on his lips. “Congratulations. There are no two people that don't deserve this more than you do.”
“Thank you, Dillon,” Wyatt said with a grateful nod.
“Although, you might want to go inside and tell the parents,” he cringed
“He’s right, you know,” I cringed as well and looked at Wyatt.
“Of course.”
I took Wyatt’s hand and we followed Dillon inside the house.
“Is everything okay?” Mom asked as we stepped in through the door.
“Everything is fine,” I answered.
“We made popcorn, and your father just lit the fire.”
“It’s so nice and cozy in here,” Wyatt said and put his arms around my shoulders.
I nodded and looked at my mother. “Mom and Dad. Wyatt and I need to talk to you.”
My mother and father exchanged glances and my mom joined my father on the couch by the fireplace.
Dillon planted himself on the ground on the other side of the fire and Wyatt and I sat down on the couch.
“What’s going on, honey?” she asked me.
Wyatt cleared his throat and said, “I know I’ve only been dating your daughter for a few months, but I love her more than anything in the world.”
“You saved her life, we don't need any more proof than that, Wyatt,” Dad said.
“I know, and that means a lot to me.”
“Wait a minute,” Mom said and held out her hands. “Is it what I think it is?”
“Mom...”
“Are you pregnant?”
I sighed and shook my head. A laugh escaped my throat and all I could think of was that this was so typical of my mother. She wanted to be a grandmother so badly.
“No, I’m not pregnant, but...” I said and looked at Wyatt, who gave me an encouraging nod. I turned to my parents and held out my left hand. “Wyatt and I are engaged.”
In all my life, I had never seen my parents this excited before. They literally jumped up from the couch and hugged us, while cheering and howling like a pack of wolves.
“That is wonderful news!”
“When did this happen?”
“A little while ago, outside.”
“Honey, I am so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Welcome to the family, Wyatt,” Dad said and as he wanted to hug him, Wyatt held out his hand. “I’ll give you this one, but next time, you’re not getting off so easily,” Dad said and shook his hand.
“Good luck, Wyatt,” Dillon said and smirked. “You’re going to need it.”
“That’s okay. She’s worth it,” he said as he pulled me close to him and kissed the top of my head.
So was he.