Dare You To (Pushing the Limits 2)

“Have you heard anything about her?”

“I’ve heard she smokes, was disrespectful to a teacher, and swears. All traits we cannot condone, and putting Allison on the committee will reflect upon our church. Which is so sad, since Allison is a dear and the niece is…”

Gwen’s mother flitters her fingers in the air.

“Savage. It’s obvious that the girl didn’t go with Scott like we hoped after the incident with her father. ”

My mind awakens. The people at this table know what happened to Beth. I’m torn in two.

Part of me wants to defend Beth. The other half wants to know what happened to her as a child. If I speak now, I’ll lose my opportunity to learn the truth.

“Liza,” Gwen’s father interjects. “I won’t stand for that child to be gossiped about. ”

Red in the cheeks, Mrs. Gardner forces a smile on her face. “I’m not gossiping and she’s hardly a child anymore. The event committee is an offshoot of a bigger issue. I’m concerned with the girl’s influence. I’m scared everyone will be so wrapped up in who her uncle is that they won’t see the threat in front of them. Do you want your daughter swearing and smoking and talking back to teachers?”

“I hardly think that’s going to happen,” Mr. Gardner replies.

“Why not?” she argues. “The senior class already nominated Beth for homecoming court and Ryan is dating her. ”

I become rock. This isn’t how I wanted my parents to find out.

“What?” My mother’s fast and irritated question silences the group. My eyes flash to Gwen. Wide-eyed and pale, Gwen sits perfectly still and stares at the remains of her chicken cordon bleu.

Her mother poorly hides her smugness behind her wineglass. “I’m sorry, Miriam, I assumed that Ryan told you. ” She places a hand over Gwen’s. “I apologize to you too, sweetheart. I didn’t know that what you told me was a secret. ”

Mom places her napkin on the table. “Who’s ready for dessert?”

I stand, needing to get the hell out of here.

“I’ll get it. ”

Mom deflates in her chair with a nod. What I don’t expect is Gwen hopping up and volunteering, “And I’ll help. ”

Unable to look at her, I pivot and head for the kitchen. The rapid click of Gwen’s heels informs me she’s right behind me.

“Ryan,” she says the moment the door is closed to any eavesdropping ears. “Ryan, I’m sorry. I had no idea my mom would humiliate you like that. But it’s not my fault. How was I to know that you were keeping Beth a secret?”

“I’m not,” I snap. Gwen looks like a stranger to me in this kitchen. Maybe it’s because I’m still not used to the gray walls or the granite counters or the mahogany cupboards. Or maybe it’s because I never really knew her to begin with.

She crosses her arms over her chest and her red sundress swirls with the motion. “Could have fooled me. I mean, come on, Ryan, your parents will hate her—and for good reason. ”

“You don’t know Beth. ” The irony of this conversation is not lost on me. Lacy once said those same words to me.

Gwen loses the perfect glow about her and does a very uncharacteristic thing—she sags against the counter. “I know more than you think. I’d bet I know more than you. ” She pauses and nervously fidgets with her hands.

What the hell? Gwen is never nervous.

And that’s when I notice the bare spot on her finger. Mike’s ring is gone.

“I love you. In fact, I’ve always loved you. ”

Gwen stares at the gray tiled floor. “And for some stupid reason you care about her. I think you were right in the dugout—I wasn’t clear on what I needed from you. Maybe the reason we aren’t together now is because I didn’t try hard enough. ”

My forehead furrows. If she had said those words six months ago…I shake my head. It wouldn’t have mattered. What I feel for Beth is a hundred times stronger than what I ever felt for Gwen. “We would never have worked. ”

Gwen straightens and lifts her chin.

“You’re seeing everything all wrong. Me.