The Aristocrat

“You think I should’ve said yes to him, even though it can’t go anywhere?”

She stirred her java. “I do see your point in telling him no, and I certainly don’t want you to get hurt. But I also recognize that you take life very seriously—too seriously for someone your age.” She tapped the spoon. “You’ve hidden behind your schoolwork and other obligatory things for as long as I’ve known you. But you’re only young once. This is the time in your life to make memories you can look back on when you’re old like me.” Returning to her seat, she said, “You have plenty of years to worry about monogamy and stability.”

“You’re not making me feel any better.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad about your decision. I just want to see you have some fun. That’s all. You deserve it, Felicity. You’ve worked so hard. And you’re about to embark on law school, where I’m sure you’ll bury yourself in the books for another few years. Before you know it, your twenties will have flashed before your eyes. So maybe take this summer to let go a little.”

My head felt like it was spinning. “I appreciate the advice.”

After breakfast, I continued thinking about everything she’d said as I retreated to my room to organize my June planner. I was a total planner nerd, collecting various notebooks and stickers to organize my time. When I looked at some of the entries for this month, it hit me that there was not a single “fun” thing. Every item listed was some obligatory thing I needed to get done before leaving at the end of the summer: doctors’ appointments I needed to get in, items for school I needed to purchase. This only supported Mrs. Angelini’s argument.

I closed the planner and shoved it in my drawer, deciding to go outside and get some sun. I was fair-skinned and needed lots of protection, but I tried to make a point of getting at least fifteen minutes of good sunlight each day for the vitamin D.

Grabbing a can of seltzer from the fridge, I headed out back and planted myself in one of the Adirondack chairs. After a few minutes, I noticed something moving toward me in the distance. It was a boat, and with every second, it came closer to my side of the bay. I walked over to the edge of the water.

The boat was now close enough that I could see the driver. He waved. Oh my God. My heart accelerated. It was Leo driving this boat toward me.

“What are you doing?” I asked as he docked.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He laughed.

“Did you buy this thing?”

“It’s a summer rental.”

“It’s really nice.”

“Well, I’m happy you think so, because I was hoping you’d want to take a ride with me, show me that place where you get those clams… What are they called again?”

“Quahogs.”

“That’s right.” He scratched his chin. “I’ve convinced Sigmund that we should have something like a clam bake tonight. I was going to buy some lobsters from the food shop, but I thought fresh-caught clams would be a nice addition. What do you say?”

I rubbed my chin.

He seemed to sense my hesitation. “I don’t have an ulterior motive here, Felicity, in case that’s worrying you. You made it very clear that you weren’t interested. I’m just looking to explore Narragansett a little. I think you’d make a fantastic companion, but I understand if you’re busy.”

He looked so adorable with that hopeful smile and the sun shining on his gorgeous, light brown hair that looked almost dark blond in the sun. My walls began to break down. He’d rented a gosh darn boat—an expensive one—to go “exploring” with me. There was no way I could say no.

“You know you can’t go clamming without rakes and stuff, right?”

“This is the part where I show how clueless I am despite my attempt at seeming nautical. I’ve never driven a boat before this. I got a temporary certificate to operate it. I’ve also never fished for anything other than information in my life. You’re gonna have to help me out.”

I pointed behind me. “Well, I just so happen to have rakes and shovels in the garage.”

“Shovels? Are we burying a dead body, too?” He winked.

“No. But you’re about to learn how to dig for clams from an expert. I sometimes use my feet, but I think I should teach you with equipment.”

“It’s my lucky day.” Leo smiled.

“I’ll be right back.”

Chills ran down my spine as I entered the house on my way to the garage on the opposite side.

Mrs. Angelini stopped me in the kitchen. “Is that the Brit in the boat?”

“Yeah. He wants to go clamming.”

She smiled knowingly. “Sure, he does.”

I shrugged. “It’s just clamming.”

“Sure, it is.”

My face felt hot as I kept walking. “Gonna go grab the rakes and shovels.”