"Then. I thought, we're too much like relatives
anyway and that's why you never look at me like you
look at a Chase Taylor. And then. I thought, we're just like your mother and Roy and maybe that's the family
curse you tell me your mother fears."
"We're not like that. Harley. We've been
together a long time, but we weren't brought up to
think we were brother and sister. It's a lot different; if
you heard the way Mommy described those days,
you'd understand why. Don't think that." I said. "I don't want to." he replied smiling. "That's for
sure." He paused. "Another confession." he began.
"When I saw you and Chase in this boat on your
birthday. I was so jealous. I could hardly breathe. That
was why I pushed him off the raft and started the
fight. It wasn't to defend Amber's honor or anything." "I think I knew that," I said. "Does it make you
mad?"
I looked away. The truth was it didn't. The truth
was it was thrilling to have two boys clash over me.
but I also knew it was wrong and could be ugly, too. "I like it that you care. but I don't like you
getting into trouble," I finally said.
We heard a car horn and saw Daddy had driven
up. He got out and stood there looking at us. I waved
and Harley took up the oars and started to turn the
boat back toward the dock. Daddy stood there,
waiting for me.
"Thanks for the ride," I said as he helped me up
and out. It was too short," Harley said.
"There'll be other rides," I promised. He smiled. "Right, Mrs. Oak Tree."
"See you later, Mr. Oak Tree."
I ran to greet Daddy. After he kissed me, he
looked toward Harley. His eyes were dark, troubled