Nantucket by Nan Rossiter Page B

graduation.
    Almost everyone had been at a party at Josh Abram’s house and Jack had shown up with Ally Calder, a junior, and even though Tracey had broken up with Jack several weeks earlier at their prom, she still wasn’t ready to see him with someone else, so she’d grabbed Liam’s arm and pulled him away. “Let’s go,” she’d whispered, and somehow they’d ended up at the beach with a six-pack of beer and a pint of Peachtree.
    â€œSo, Liam Tate,” she’d teased as they’d sat on the beach, “how come you never asked me out?”
    â€œBecause you’re Jack’s girl,” he’d answered, taking a sip of the sweet brandy.
    â€œNot anymore,” she’d said, reaching across him for the bottle, but he’d teasingly held it away from her and then, as she’d leaned over him, laughing, their lips had met. “Mmm, you taste peachy,” she’d murmured.
    â€œIf I remember correctly,” Tracey said with a smile, “you were the one who held the bottle out of my reach.”
    â€œThat’s because I thought you’d had enough.”
    â€œYou were also the one who suggested going swimming.”
    â€œI was just trying to cool things down,” Liam said innocently. “I planned on leaving my boxers on. You were the one who thought we should skinny-dip.”
    â€œAre you sure it was me?” she teased.
    â€œPositive.”
    â€œWell, you have to admit—it was fun.”
    â€œIt was,” Liam said, his eyes sparkling. And then his eyes grew solemn. “And yet, you still went back to him.”
    â€œI did,” Tracey said with a sigh.
    â€œI never understood why,” Liam said. “I thought we . . .”
    She shook her head. “Taking Jack back was the biggest mistake of my life, but at the time, he was having second thoughts about enlisting and he begged me to wait for him . . . and then Desert Storm happened.” She paused. “I thought I was going to lose both the boys I loved.”
    Liam shook his head. “Meanwhile, I get slammed twice in one year.”
    Tracey searched his eyes. “I’ve always loved you, Li. I still do—we were so close—as thick as thieves, but you were still hung up on Cadie . . . and that night, we were so drunk . . . I guess I felt like we were both on the rebound . . . and I didn’t know if you were really interested in being with me.”
    â€œYou could’ve asked. . . .”
    â€œI should’ve asked,” she said, searching his face. “I never regretted that night, though,” she said with a slow smile. “It’s one of my fondest memories.”
    Liam half-smiled and looked around at the crowd. “Where is Jack?”
    â€œHe was feeling a little hung over too.”
    â€œHe didn’t come?”
    She shook her head. “No . . . so who knows what he’s up to.”
    Liam frowned, seeing sadness in her eyes.
    â€œThings aren’t that great between us, Li.”
    â€œYou seemed fine last night.”
    She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He’d kill me if he knew I was telling you this, but we’ve been having trouble for years. I’ve tried everything—we’ve been to counselors and he’s been to a therapist, but it’s like the promise to be faithful has no meaning for him. I’ve threatened to leave him and he promises he’ll change, and he does . . . for a while, but then he always goes back to his old ways.”
    â€œHow’d you find out?” Liam asked, relieved that he didn’t have to tell her.
    â€œOh, an endless breadcrumb trail of the usual clues—late nights when he’s not where he’s supposed to be, text messages, e-mails, photos . . . and the original clue—lipstick on the collar.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Trace,” Liam said.
    She nodded. “I’ve never told anyone this, Li, but he