The Lake (The Lake Trilogy, Book 1) (36 page)

“It’s ok. I told you I cleared everything with Luke.” Will sits on the bed and looks a bit too comfortable there.

“You cleared
this
with Luke?” I say, pointing to the bed.

“Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking.” He pulls me to him and kisses me. “I asked Luke, since I don’t know when I’ll see you again, if it would be ok for me to spend one, non-sex-filled night with you. He agreed, as long as I didn’t take anything from you that wasn’t yet mine to have.” He kisses me again.

“Wow.” I’m astonished at the level of trust Luke has for Will…and me.

“What I didn’t tell him was that having you in my arms for one night will be the greatest gift anyone has ever given me,” Will says, caressing my cheek.

I’m standing in front of Will as he sits on the side of my bed. For once I don’t have to stand on my toes to reach him. His arms wrap around me even more completely and I hold his beautiful face in my hands. I stare into his eyes and am lost in the swell of emotions. “I love you, Will. I will never stop loving you.”

“You have no idea what it means to hear you say that.” He kisses me sweetly and pulls away. “Before things get wonderfully out of hand, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything,” I say, stroking his cheek.

“I need you to change your clothes.”

“What?” I’m jolted out of my gaze.

“The other part of the deal was that I would make you put on something completely
un
sexy. And this dress does not fit that description. Don’t worry, no double standards. I brought a change of clothes, too.” That’s good because Will is looking unbelievable. He’s taken his tie off and has the top two buttons of his white dress shirt undone.

He has his hand on the back of my thigh, which I think is completely unfair considering the request he’s making
, but I agree to the terms and go into the bathroom and change.

I returned in about as unsexy a state as I can: pajama pants and a t-shirt with my hair in a ponytail. He keeps his end of the deal as well and is dressed similarly.

“Uh-oh,” he remarks as soon as he see me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“You’re still sexy,” he says with a smirk.

“Oh, well! Guess you’ll just have to grin and bear it!” I say landing in his arms.

Will takes my hand and leads me out of the bedroom.
Where are we going now?
As we enter the loft I am overwhelmed with emotion. The room is filled with twinkling lights around the perimeter of the ceiling, and the sound of Miles Davis swaying in the air. There are pillows and my grandfather’s blanket on the couch.

“Everything as you requested?” Luke’s voice appears from behind us. He and Claire are standing at the top of the stairs.

“Yes. Thank you so much,” Will answers with a grateful smile on his face.

“It’s beautiful. I can’t believe…” I begin, but I don’t think I even have the words to express how I feel in this moment.

“Considering the impending circumstances, we felt we could work with Will’s request. The loft was the compromise. We’re trusting you…and we’re sleeping with our door open.” Luke is soft in his tone but firm in his message.

“Yes, sir. Of course. Thank you. You have nothing to worry about.” Will thanks Luke and Claire again, but I can tell he’s nervous. He would never do anything to break their trust of him. It’s a big deal that Luke would allow him to stay like this. I appreciate that they understand how difficult it will be when we move to Florida and Will is at Princeton. Come July
first, we literally have no idea when we’ll talk or see each other again.

Will and I settle in cozily on the couch with Will behind me and my head resting on his arm as he holds me close. The lights continue to twinkle and the music floats softly around the room.

“Have you picked a major yet? I know you have time, but I wondered what you were thinking about.” Will is a master at making real conversation. He always asks questions he genuinely wants to know the answers to, and talking about school tops the list of anti-foreplay conversation.

“Well, I thought I wanted to go into teaching, like my parents
, but I’ve recently been thinking about law.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Yes,” I chuckle. “There’s no way I could ever be a lawyer. I was actually thinking about psychology. I’ve been through so much, I’d really like to help people,” I say.

“That sounds about right. I can’t imagine you doing anything else,” he says.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“I mean it. For someone who has been through everything that you have, you see the world in a way most people don’t think is possible; you’re hopeful and optimistic. You’ve handled tragedy in the most remarkable way. I know that whatever is thrown your way you’re going to be able to handle it. You are an extraordinary woman, Layla. I could not be a luckier man to have you.”

“You’re so sweet to me.” I reach up and rest my hand on his cheek. “What about you? What’s your plan?” I ask, hoping to gain some insight into whatever plan is about to unfold.

“Well, I’m registered in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program. My classes have been picked out for five years, so… Technically, right now the plan is to go,” he says.

“Will, why didn’t you tell me about your…genius status?”

“It’s just weird. I’m really good at math, so what. It’s not what matters most in life. Every other girl who ever knew about it only saw dollar signs, assuming I’ll be the guy who discovers how to close the hole in the ozone layer or something
, and I knew you didn’t care.”

“I care because it’s part of who you are. I care about every detail of your life because it’s my life, too.” I turn and pull myself as close to him as I possibly can and press my lips to his. I hold his head at the nape of his neck and let myself enjoy the moment as long as I can. I know he’ll break the passion at any moment. He is nothing if not honorable.

Lying there, all I can think about is how much I love this man whose arms hold me in the safety of his embrace. It isn’t right what’s happening. How can one person do so much damage to so many people? First Holly and her family, and now Luke and Claire are giving up their lives here to protect me. And Will’s mother! How many other people has Gregory Meyer destroyed for his selfish gain? Somehow, some way, he’ll pay for the life he’s lead and the lives he’s destroyed.

Will brushes the hair from my face and caresses my cheek with his hand. I don’t know how, but I know that everything will be ok. I turn back around and find my sweet spot, resting my head on Will’s strong arm again. He holds me close and I fall asleep that night in the arms of the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. And no matter what happens, I know my heart will never belong to anyone else.

When we wake up at noon Claire
is at the top of the stairs welcoming us to the new day.

“Good afternoon you two. Ho
w was your night?” Claire asks.

“It was really great. Thanks for everything,” I yawn.
             

“Yes, Claire, thank you. I appreciate the time you allowed me to have with Layla. It means more to me than you’ll know.” Will has a way with words that lets you know he means every single one of them. One can never doubt his sincerity.

“It was unconventional, but it was the least we could do, considering...” Claire isn’t emotional about the situation at all. She’s a rock, which I need. I have only a few short weeks before I have to say good-bye to Will for what could be forever. “We’ve got lunch ready. See you downstairs?”

“Yeah, definitely, thanks.” I lay there and let Will hold me for a few minutes more before I make the first move. I sit up and rub my eyes. Will sits up next to me, keeping his arm around me.

“I’ve never slept so soundly. Thank you. The whole evening was perfect,” I say to him.

“You deserve so much more than what I was able to do, but I’m glad you liked it.” Will leans over and kisses my forehead and gets up. “I’ve got some stuff to do today and tomorrow before graduation. I’ll be out of pocket for a little while, so I don’t want you to worry.”

“No problem. Between packing and getting ready for graduation I’m sure I’ll be plenty occupied. Have you finished your speech?” Will is, of course, valedictorian. They probably should have taken him out of the running, considering his huge brainpower.

“Sort of. I’ve got an outline and I’ll wing it from there.” He’s so nonchalant about the whole thing. I’m impressed and very proud of him, but he couldn’t care less about the achievement.

“I’m sure whatever you say will be said with eloquence, as usual,” I tell him.

We brush our teeth and meet Luke and Claire in the kitchen for lunch. Something is off between the three of them and I assume it has to do with whatever they’ve been plotting. They’re too quiet and all alternate between looking at each other and looking at me. I
’ve learned my lesson and don’t bother asking. It’s all legal stuff that Luke’s been compiling, so I wouldn’t understand any of it anyway. We finish lunch and Will kisses me sweetly and says good-bye.
 

*****
 

Claire is kind enough to put together an outfit special enough for graduation today. She knows I won’t have a clue, or care. She chooses a black
pencil skirt and royal blue top to coordinate with the royal purple cap and gown. The graduating class is small at just a hundred and eighty four. We walk alphabetically so that means I don’t get to walk near any of my friends. In fact, I am second to last, followed only by Sharon Wyck, who happens to be one of the small groups of individuals who thinks Will and I make a perfect couple. Michael Walsh, who is walking in front of me, doesn’t give me a solitary glance the entire time, which would be consistent with the preceding nine months we were in the same civics class.

Will’s speech is strong and to the point. He talks about seizing the moments of our lives, regardless of what the consequences may be. “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity,” he says. The depth of its meaning is lost on everyone in the room but me and my family. I watch his father watching him
looking proud, not of Will but of what he takes credit for in him.

“Our time here at Heyward has been interesting to say the least
, but this last year has meant more to me, personally, than any other. It was the culmination of all I have worked for. As I prepare to take the first step on a path I never imagined would be before me, I am grateful for those who have touched my life. If our paths never cross again, know that you have impacted my life in incomprehensible ways.

“So as you move forward and prepare to take over the world, or your father’s company, whichever is more lucrative,” only this crowd would find the ironic humor in that, “remember that our lives are short. Seize every chance you have to live your life. Good luck to you…we’re all going to need it.”

The crowd applauds loudly and Will resumes his seat with the rest of the class. We file row by row up to the stage and cross as each of our names are read. While each person has his or her own cheering section, it isn’t like graduation ceremonies I’ve been to back home – not nearly as rowdy. Tyler and Will lead the cheers as my name is called. I hear Chris, Caroline and Gwen, too, but it’s hard to hear anything over Tyler’s howls. I look out briefly and see Luke and Claire standing and applauding me and I wonder if they’re thinking about Penny, thinking that they will never see their daughter cross this stage, that Luke will never walk her down an aisle...hoping that I can one day truly fill that hole in their hearts.

For one solid moment everything is right in the world, and I’m happy
, but that feeling is crushed as I exit the stage and pass directly in front of Gregory Meyer. I give him the strongest look I can, knowing that he’s close to being taken down.

The group resumes its dignity and the final proclamation of our graduation is spoken. We move our tassels from one side to the other and
it is official. We’ve all finished a crucial chapter in our lives and are being set free like wild animals into the chaos of the real world. We stand to our feet and begin looking for our loved ones. Luke and Claire find me first and hug me so tight I almost can’t breathe.

“Congratulations! We’re so proud of you!” Claire says as she squeezes me.

“There you are!” Caroline shouts above the crowd.

“Hey!” I say wrapping my arms around her tiny frame. “Where are the guys, and Gwen?”

“They’re coming. I gotta find my parents. We’ll see you soon!” Caroline hugs me again and then darts in and out of the crowd in search of her parents. Everyone is coming to our house for a graduation dinner party that Claire insisted upon. It didn’t take much twisting of my arm. I really want to see my friends before we have to leave for Florida. It isn’t that critical that I see them before I leave since
they
are allowed to visit me any time they want. It’s having all of us together, Will included, for the last time that is going to be difficult.

“Layla!” I hear Will’s strong voice over the crowd and turn to find him. It takes just seconds before his arms are around me and we’re locked together. Will gives me a hard, excited kiss. He’s so happy and I love it. He’s been in deep thought lately and it’s so wonderful to see him this way. “Congratulations, baby!” he shouts.