Read Online Nantucket by Nan Rossiter - Free Book Online Page B

our table while she waited. But before the evening was over, I said I had to use the men’s room again . . . and damn, if she didn’t follow me . . . and when I pulled her skirt up, I realized she never put her panties back on. All through dinner, she’d been sitting next to me with no panties on. Man, I thought I was gonna explode.”
    Liam had leaned against the cool bathroom wall, trying to comprehend what Jack was saying. “You cheated on Tracey?” he asked in a voice that was barely audible.
    â€œLi, I’ve been with Tracey since high school. Don’t get me wrong . . . I love her . . . but I can’t imagine going through life screwing only one woman . . .”
    Liam had felt his fists clench . . . and if he hadn’t been so drunk. . . and Tracey hadn’t been waiting, he would’ve clocked him.

    â€œDamn,” he mumbled now, opening his eyes. “What an ass. I can’t believe my best friend is such an ass.” Tuck rested his head on Liam’s lap and he stroked his soft ears. Whatever happened to the honor code that was drilled into our heads when we enlisted? Did Jack forget everything they’d learned? Or had the boy he’d known in high school never really changed? Liam would never forget the time Tracey had tearfully told him she’d seen Jack kissing Diane Hollis, a girl from Martha’s Vineyard High School, behind the football bleachers after the Island Cup game . . . and she hadn’t been the only one who saw them—when Jack had boarded the ferry back to Nantucket, the whole football team had started singing “Jack and Diane.”
    Thinking back, Liam realized Diane was probably just the first of Jack’s indiscretions, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Tracey knew about others. Maybe she’d known all along—and just lived with it. But if she didn’t know, someone should tell her.
    He watched the waves, wondering if he should skip the art show—he would certainly be avoiding a lot of trouble if he did. He looked into Tuck’s soulful eyes, and whispered, “There’s a lot to be said for keeping things simple, ole pal.” Tuck thumped his tail in agreement.

Chapter 11
    1989
    Â 
    â€œI told Mrs. Wellington you’d be at the party tonight,” Libby Knox said in an annoyed voice. “They’re having a clambake and fireworks. Everyone’s going, so I don’t know what friends of yours are going to the movies . . .”
    â€œI told you, Mother. I met them at the beach.”
    â€œI hope that boy from the boatyard isn’t one of them,” Carlton said, peering over his newspaper. “I don’t want you hanging out with him.”
    â€œWhy not?” Cadie asked, her voice edged with anger.
    â€œBecause he has no future.”
    â€œHow do you know? It just so happens he’s applying to BU and BC.”
    â€œYeah, let me know how that turns out,” Carlton scoffed sarcastically.
    Cadie stared angrily at the newspaper blocking her view of her father. “I’ll do what I want,” she said softly.
    â€œWhat did you say?” Carlton asked, his voice rising as he lowered his paper.
    â€œNothing,” she muttered.
    â€œWell, I want you to reconsider,” her mother said.
    â€œI’m not reconsidering. I don’t care about the Wellingtons’ party . . . or any of the stupid people who will be there.” And before her parents could say anything more, she walked out, slamming the door behind her.
    â€œI know she’s been spending time with that boy,” Carlton said angrily. “I’ve heard his truck on the road. He’s nothing but trouble.”
    â€œWell, we can’t very well forbid her. . . .”
    â€œWe certainly can!”
    â€œI heard the Walshes will be there tonight,” Libby said. “They’re flying out to the island this afternoon and Taylor is coming too.”
    â€œNow