How to Keep a Secret

“He’s in my class. He runs the Coding Club after school. Not that we’ve spoken.”

“Perhaps you should. He’s a good kid.”

“He probably is, but the truth is that he isn’t one of the cool ones. Being friends with him would make me a target.” But that wave and smile had cheered her more than she would have thought was possible. Maybe life wasn’t so awful. “Even if I wanted to risk it, I don’t know enough about computers.”

Scott wrapped the last of the bags in plastic and tucked it under the seat. “I know a bit about computers. If there’s something you want to know, you can ask me.”

“You know how to code?”

“I’m not going to put a rocket into space but yes, I know enough.”

“And you’d help me?”

“Yes, although you’d probably find the Coding Club more fun.”

She was pretty sure she wouldn’t. She certainly wouldn’t find the fallout fun.

“How about the boat? Will you teach me to sail, too?”

He straightened and his ice-blue gaze fastened on her like a laser. “Does your mom know you’re here?”

“Not exactly. I didn’t have a destination in mind when I left the house. I needed space. My family drives me crazy. I mean, I love them obviously, but they do crazy things. They’re not big on talking about stuff, so there are lots of misunderstandings.”

“If you want to come on the boat, you need to tell your mom you’re here.”

“I don’t think that’s—”

“Call her,” he said, “or she’ll worry.”

She hadn’t expected him to be so protective of her mother. He hadn’t exactly stuck around, had he? But he clearly still had feelings.

Mack

wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

But she knew she wanted to stay.

She pulled out her phone, even though she had no intention of calling her mom. “No signal.”

“I’m not taking you on the boat unless you tell your family where you are.”

If she called, her mom would probably stop her from going on the boat, but if she didn’t call, Scott wouldn’t take her out.

She waved her phone in the air and walked up the dock a little way. “Oh wait—success.” She held the phone to her ear and waited a moment. “Hi, Mom, I’m at the marina with Scott, so you don’t need to worry about me. See you later. Byeee.” She ended the “call” quickly, worried that Scott might take the phone from her and try to talk to her mother himself. That would have been awkward given she hadn’t actually called anyone. “Everything’s cool. So can I come sailing with you?” She saw him hesitate and the feeling of disappointment was like a blow to the chest. “You don’t want me. No one wants me right now.”

There was a gleam in his eyes. “Are you trying to manipulate me?”

“No. Just telling the truth. I don’t blame people really. I’m moody and horrid, but I honestly can’t help it. I’m trying not to be, but it’s hard. I don’t feel like myself anymore. It’s been tough.”

“Life generally is.”

She was surprised he didn’t give her more sympathy. “Maybe if I lived on the sea like you it would be easier.”

“Life doesn’t go away because you’re on a boat. It’s wetter and colder, that’s all.” He held out his hand to her and she stepped into the boat before he could change his mind and call her mother himself.

She clutched his hand as the boat swayed on the water. “We’re not going to sink, are we?”

“No. Wear this.” He handed her a life jacket.