The Summer I Went Wild Chapter 2 Part 3
The Summer I Went Wild
Chapter Two
Part Three
Charlotte
She was right—Maddy had always been the one with the juiciest gossip. And despite everything, I couldn’t help but love her for it.
“What’s that?”
“Landon Gray is tagging along.”
I blinked.
Oh no.
“That’s a lie.”
“This time around, it’s the truth,” Maddy said.
“Holy hell.”
Thank God I wasn’t going. He’d ruin the entire vacation for me if I were.
“Hope this news won’t affect your decision to come?”
“Nope.”
It would’ve—if I were planning to go. I couldn’t imagine being stuck on a beach with Landon.
“Right, because he’s your sister’s ex, not yours,” Maddy said, clearly not understanding why I hated him as much as I did.
“Doesn’t mean he’s not a jerk who broke my sister’s heart.”
“That was years ago. You need to get over it, Char.”
I couldn’t just get over it.
Jessica had loved him. Really loved him. He was the guy she’d given her virginity to despite her vow of chastity.
I remembered lying beside her in bed, listening as she talked about their future. Three kids. A big beach house. She was so sure.
And then he left her. Just like that. Like Lando Calrissian betraying Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back.
If there was one thing I never failed at, it was being a protective sister.
“Do you still talk to him?” I asked, even though I didn’t know why.
“Nope. Only Caleb still hangs out with him since they’re at the same college.”
I nodded. The last thing I’d heard was that Landon was a law student—and had a new girlfriend right after breaking Jessica’s heart.
Typical.
“He always asks about you and your sister,” Maddy added.
“I thought you said you weren’t in touch?”
“Caleb tells me.”
“Great.”
“Yeah, I hope we’ll all have a reunion,” she said, eyes sparkling.
She lived for drama. Tension. Chaos.
In a way, so did I. Just not this time.
“Me too,” I lied.
Lately, lying came easier than it should.
Maddy pulled out her phone, clearly not buying my fake enthusiasm. Her fingers flew over the screen.
Seconds later, my phone buzzed.
Jessica.
Of course.
I shot Maddy a look. She grinned unapologetically.
Jessica appeared on screen looking better than usual. Rested. Calm.
“How are you doing, sis?”
“I’m completely fine.”
“That’s not what Dad said,” she replied. “And I’m worried too.”
Of course she was.
“You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Then why have you been hiding under your blankets for two days?” Maddy chimed in, earning herself a glare.
“Dad thinks you’re depressed,” Jessica continued. “And that you need a vacation.”
“I’m not depressed,” I snapped. “How many times do I have to say that?”
“Go on the vacation,” Jessica said. “Then we’ll believe you.”
I sighed. She knew exactly how to push me.
“I don’t need to prove anything.”
“Then do it for your sister,” she said softly, batting her lashes.
“Ew. Stop.”
She smiled. “Is it working?”