Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek, #3) (2)

“How many times have you and Maisie snuck into one of the cabins for a romantic weekend?” I tease.

He smirks while Maisie’s cheeks burn pink. I already know he booked under fake names for their prom night and her birthday weekend last year. I’m only surprised his parents never found out.

“Can’t believe Aunt Lindsey hasn’t caught on.” She’s my dad’s sister and one of my mom’s best friends.

“That’s because I’m good at being sneaky.” Warren grins. “I also add in a no disturbance note.”

Shaking my head, I laugh.

“Who’s next to jump?” Tuckers asks, wiping his face with a towel when he reappears.

“Talia!” Angela blurts. “She’s the only one who’s chickenin’ out…”

Glancing at Talia, her face heats from the unwanted attention. It’s obvious she doesn’t want to, but she’s on the shy side, which has always made me wonder how she’s even friends with Angela, who’s loud, obnoxious, and never shuts the hell up.

I used to like that about her. The way she’d party just as hard as I did and never complained about doing random wild shit on the weekends.

Now, hearing her voice is like a chainsaw cutting through metal.

I’d rather swallow a teaspoon of cinnamon and hot sauce than listen to her.

“C’mon, Talia. You don’t wanna be the only one who doesn’t jump, do you?” Angela taunts.

“You don’t have to, Talia,” I say, patting her shoulder and giving her a reassuring smile. “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable doing.”

Angela glares at me, but I ignore her.

I took a lifeguard training program when I was sixteen and have worked at the retreat’s pool during summer breaks. Although this is much more extreme than jumping into a ten-foot-deep pool, I can tell she’s uncomfortable about the idea.

“It’s fun, Talia! The adrenaline rush will be worth whatever fear of heights you have,” Angela adds, but Talia’s face goes pale as if she’s about to throw up. Her not liking heights makes sense as to why she hasn’t come close to the edge to watch like everyone else.

I stand next to Warren and Rhett, not wanting to be near Angela because the urge to push her off the ledge gets stronger each time she opens her mouth.

“Baby, it’s not that bad, I promise. But if you don’t wanna, we can go do something else,” Tucker tells Talia.

“What a loser,” Angela mutters to Addie, but when Addie doesn’t reciprocate the same thoughts, Angela laughs it off.

The sound makes my skin crawl.

She continues whispering to Talia as we contemplate what activity to do next.

“We could go ziplining. Or go for a hike to the other waterfall that’s twice as tall,” Warren suggests.

“It’s cool to look at during the sunset. The lights reflect against the water,” Maisie adds.

“Aww, that sounds so romantic…” Addie coos as she walks over.

“Talia’s afraid of heights, so we should think of something else,” I suggest.

“We could go four-wheelin’ through the trails and play flashlight tag in the dark.” Warren grins like he’s up to something. “It can be a little dangerous, but my siblings and I play it all the time.”

“And how many end up gettin’ hurt?” I snort, knowing my cousins are just as unruly as me and my siblings.

“No one’s ever ended up in the hospital if that’s whatcha mean. Just some minor cuts and bruises from gettin’ smacked with tree branches.”

I laugh at how similar our families are even though we don’t get to spend lots of time with each other.

“Angela, wait!” Talia screams and we turn our heads at the same time to witness Angela shoving Talia closer.

“Just take a look, you big baby.” Angela stops just before Talia can fall over. “The only way you’re gonna get over your fear is by facin’ it. You don’t wanna be scared of heights forever, do ya?”

“Leave her alone,” I shout at Angela.

“Mind your business,” she sneers. “Talia wants to be included. She just needs a little encouragement to do it.”

Talia stays quiet as she leans over slightly, but her body is tense as she hangs onto Angela’s hand with a death grip.

“See, it’s not that high,” Angela says.

“I-I dunno…I’m not a great swimmer.” Talia’s voice shakes as she steps back.

“We’ll jump in together so I can make sure you get back to shore,” Angela offers.

“I’ll jump with you, baby,” Tucker eases. “But only if you want to.”

Talia chews on her lip as she contemplates her answer but then nods.

“Yay! So the three of us will go together!” Angela removes her sandals. “On my count!”

The rest of us watch as the three of them stand on the ledge holding hands.

“One, two, three…GO!” Angela shouts, except she and Talia don’t jump. Angela pretended to by bending her knees and leaning over, but her feet never left the ground.

Tucker makes a splash, but Talia’s screams grab my attention seconds later. Her limbs flail as she flies through the air. She’s not in the right position for a safe dive. Her body should be rigid like a plank so she can easily glide through the surface instead of slamming against the water.