Read Online That Summer (Part Two) by Lauren Crossley - Free Book Online Page B

momentary silence between us as I turn away from him, placing my hands on the
cold concrete of the wall in front of me. We’re standing on a bridge which
overlooks the water and the only sound to be heard besides our breathing is the
rippling of the water beneath us.
    “You
know I’ll never forget this, don’t you? You know I’ll never forget us .”
    “What
are you talking about? What made you say that?” Cole snaps, turning me around
to face him.
    “Nothing,
it’s just… I wanted you to know.”
    “Why
does it sound like you’re saying goodbye to me?” He demands, shaking me roughly
as his anger increases.
    “N-no,
I’m not.” I stammer. “I just wanted you to know that I’ll never forget this.”
    “It
still sounds like you’re trying to tell me something.” He persists, relentless
in his quest to find out the truth behind my statement.
    “The
only thing I want you to know is that I love you. I’ve always loved you.”
    I
reach up and touch his cheek, begging him with my eyes to trust me.
    “Despite
everything?”
    “Despite
everything.” I conclude, fighting against the doubts which threaten to consume
me.
    “You
promise?”
    He
looks so vulnerable, craving my assurance more than anything else. He’s asking
me to make him promises I cannot keep and I don’t know how I can help him or
ease his pain.
    “I
promise you.” I say, moistening my lips before I kiss him.
    I ask
Cole to give me some space once we get back to the hotel. We say goodnight and
go to our separate rooms so we can spend our first night apart since we left.
He was reluctant but finally agreed when I told him that I needed some time
alone so I could think things through.
    I
must have been asleep for a couple of hours when I hear a gentle knocking at my
door. I sit up in bed, breathing heavily as my heart races.
    “Serena?
Serena, open the door.” Cole whispers, knocking more impatiently.
    “What’s
wrong?” I ask, scrambling out of bed as I head towards the door.
    “Let
me in. Please.” He begs me, trying the handle as he attempts to open it
himself.
    “What’s
wrong?” I persist, wondering what on earth has happened for him to come and wake
me like this in the middle of the night.
    “I
can’t do it.” He murmurs softly. “I can’t be apart from you. Please let me in.”
    “But
you promised me I could have this space.” I argue, panicking at the thought of
us being alone together for an entire night.
    “And
what about what I need? I need you .” He insists, challenging me harshly.
    He
tries the handle once more as his frustration increases and I soon realise that
I no longer have a choice, I have to let him in before he loses it.
    I
unlock the door with trembling hands and take my time when it comes to opening
the door. I have no idea what state he’s going to be in and need a few more
seconds to prepare myself for what I’m about to face.
    I
noticeably gasp when I take in his appearance because he looks so awful. His
hair is a mess and standing on end as though he’s been tugging his fingers
through it. He has dark circles underneath his eyes from lack of sleep and I
can smell alcohol on him so I know he’s been drinking.
    “Are
you drunk?” I snap harshly.
    “No.
Well… maybe just a little bit.” He answers, slurring his words a little as he
talks.
    “ Why have you been drinking?” I demand, blocking the doorway so he can’t get inside.
    “Because
I felt like it.”
    “Been
to any more strip clubs?”
    I
know my question sounds extremely bitter and more than a little envious but the
thought of Cole watching half naked women take their clothes off still makes me
feel nauseous. It’s one of the first places he ran to when he found out the
truth about our father and I can’t just forget that overnight. It still hurts
and I’m pretty sure it will do for a very long time.
    “I
was hoping you could put on a show for me instead.” He says, taking a step
closer towards me.
    His
eyes are alight