True Colors (The Masks #1)(27)

I knew there’d be backlash, but Libby needed me right now and I wanted to be there for her.





Chapter 12




The night air was cool and refreshing. Libby and I had walked for only a few minutes before finding a nice little spot on a sandy dune. We sunk into it, not caring that our butts would get covered. I whipped off my shoes and dug my toes in, loving the feel of the cool grains against my skin.

There was no doubt about it. Nature was good for the soul.

The pale moonlight was glistening against the gently surging water and I felt safe in this dark, magical haven.

I hoped Libby felt the same way. I peeked a glance at her. She hadn’t said much as we drove down the hill and parked at a nearby beach. It was pretty much deserted, perfect for what Libby needed. A private place to cry.

She wasn’t sobbing anymore, but I noticed her lips pucker every now and then, and a few more tears would descend.

I rubbed her back, not knowing what else to do or say.

Swiping at her tears, she finally drew in a shaky breath and muttered, “It was so insane to think that Carter would even be into me anyway.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why not? It’s the truth, isn’t it? You told me so.”

I bit my lip, suddenly wishing I hadn’t.

“It’s so unfair.” Libby scowled. “I have two gorgeous sisters who sailed through high school, a mother who could pass for a model and I take after my fat father.” She winced and grabbed my arm. “I love him. Really I do. But why? Why did I have to inherit his genes?”

I licked my bottom lip, wanting to sound sincere. I didn’t have to try hard, I meant what I was about to say. “You’re gorgeous, Libby. You have great genes.”

“That’s easy for a skinny person to say.” She shot me a sardonic frown.

“Hey, at least you have boobs. My brother spent most of my teenage years comparing me to a surfboard.”

Libby tittered. “You’re not that flat.”

“Yeah, I think I graduated to a B cup last year...maybe.” I rolled my eyes. “Come on, look at you, you’ve got a great set.” I pointed at her breasts, which made her giggle.

She thrust them forward and jiggled them for a second. We both laughed, bumping our shoulders together like comrades. But the laughter soon died away as the crappy events of the evening returned to mind.

“I wish I could just disappear sometimes,” Libby whispered then scoffed. “Like a girl this size could vanish, right?”

“Hey,” I softly reprimanded, squeezing her arm.

“Maybe I should just go back and do what he wants. Five minutes of torture could save me from three months of agony.”

“Don’t say that.” My tone was much firmer than I meant it to be, but I was annoyed that she’d even consider it. “You’d hate yourself.”

“What if it’s the only chance I’ll ever get?”

“What are you talking about?”

“For physical contact. I mean what guy is ever going to be into me?”

“Libby, stop it. There’s a guy out there for you and he’ll be kind and sweet and not some jerk who demands blow jobs. You don’t want to be with someone like Carter. No matter how caring they might seem at the time, you’ll come away feeling shallow and tainted.”

She nodded, knowing I was referring to Chase.

Libby sighed. “When Carter first started taking me upstairs tonight, I thought about what you said at school. You know about him being untrustworthy?” Her nose wrinkled. “I was so annoyed at you and I didn’t want your voice in my head.” Her eyes landed on me, sparkling with a gratitude I wasn’t expecting. “But if you hadn’t warned me, maybe I wouldn’t have seen through his gentle persuasion. He was being so nice to me and even when he started unzipping his fly he was making it sound like were going to do this intimate thing that was special.” She shook her head with a cynical snicker. “He made it seem like we were already a couple. I would have fallen for it, but I couldn’t get past what you said.”

I gave her a soft smile as my insides flooded with intense relief. Thank God I’d said something. What if I’d just walked away?

“I’m sorry for going off at you the other day,” she whispered. “Out of all of Liam’s group, you’re one of the nice ones. You and Indie. I should have just listened to you in the first place. I guess I so badly wanted to fit in.”

“I know. I wish high school was easier for you and I’m sorry guys like Carter even exist, but like I said, the right guy is out there.”

Her lips puckered and she shrugged. “I’ve dreamed about having a boyfriend forever. I keep fooling myself into thinking he’s waiting for me somewhere. Any guy who ever talks to me, I practically fall all over them. I’m pathetic. The only thing people want me for are my smarts. Whoopdeedoo.”

“What do you mean?”

She shrugged, her features overrun with a guilt I didn’t understand. “Just people always want help with their homework and stuff. That’s the only time they ever talk to me.”

I frowned, trying to decipher her expression. Maybe I was reading it wrong, the light was dim, but did she feel guilty for helping people with their homework? I didn’t get that.