Prologue
WILL
16 Years Ago
This goddamn kid.
“Stop right there.”
Amelia places the ladder down on the grass after dragging it from the garage. With an exaggerated sigh, she rests her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes in annoyance. Still in her fluorescent yellow swimsuit, her long brown hair is tangled from an earlier attempt at performing somersaults under the water.
Andy is on the tail-end of the ladder. The scrawny blond-haired cousin of hers is biting his fingernails out of habit. And who could ignore little Ava beside them—small and sweet, with a smile so cute. The complete opposite to her sister.
I watch the three of them with a stern expression, annoyed that for the few minutes I played on my phone, they left the pool area for the garage. The ladder is not exactly light nor small, which explains why the three of them collectively had to retrieve it. Why? I am yet to find out.
A deep breath escapes me while I try to garner patience for these damn kids. All my friends are in Europe for summer vacation, and even a few are visiting Australia. My parents insisted we visited the Edwards family before I left for college. One last family vacation. Between my dad, who has no care in the world, to my mom, who is the exact opposite, our vacations aren’t always smooth sailing.
But I guess staying with the Edwards family isn’t so bad. Aunt Charlie spoilt me as if I were her son, waiting on me hand and foot, even arguing with Mom over allowing me to explore the city on my own tonight. Uncle Lex offered to let me borrow his car tonight, my first time driving such a luxurious vehicle. Given that we are from Manhattan, we take cabs everywhere, so driving isn’t something I often do.
And their house is epic.
It’s sprawled across acres with a yard so big you can easily get lost on the property. It has a tennis court as well as a basketball court, plus an Olympic-sized swimming pool. A massive trampoline and lots of kids play equipment. It’s by far the biggest house I’ve ever seen, but not surprising since Uncle Lex is a billionaire. The guy can afford anything, and I swear I want to be just like him when I finish college. Only not married with kids. More like hot babes with bikinis just chilling in my grand pool.
If only I could explore the grounds on my own, but the persistent stare from someone trying to demand my attention makes it difficult to even have a moment of peace.
The thorn in my side—Amelia Edwards.
Since the moment this kid was born, she always pushed my limits. I considered myself a reasonably patient person, but boy did she enjoy testing me. Amelia had absolutely no fear. Even as a kid, I had limits and often knew the consequences of reckless behavior. Not Amelia, she seemed to not even think about that, always so caught up in the thrill of the moment.
The stunt she was about to pull is bound to get us in trouble.
I cross my arms with a steady gait, refusing to let her get to me. “What exactly are you going to do with that ladder?”
“Use it to jump into the pool,” she confesses with a dismissive glance. “Why, you chicken?”
“No, I’m smart. Household ladders are not supposed to be used for pool activities.”
“Well, Daddy said no to getting a diving board, so this is the next best thing.”
“Your dad is right. You will kill yourself and your little minions too.”
Amelia narrows her emerald eyes, followed by a side roll, frustrated I’ve put a stop to her madness. This isn’t her first attempt at almost killing herself under my watch, but it sure will be the last.
“Why do you have to be so boring?” Amelia exaggerates while grimacing. “All you ever do is listen to your music and probably kiss girls.”
A snicker escapes me. Amelia has no idea what it is like to be a teenager on the verge of adulthood. And why would she? At only eight years old, Amelia’s still a kid. I can’t wait for the day when she grows up and realizes what it’s like to make responsible decisions, none of this childish nonsense, especially ones which could really do some damage.
Hanging out with these kids isn’t exactly my idea of fun. I would rather be with girls my own age. My parents went out to lunch with Lex, Charlie, and the younger kids, leaving me in charge of these troublemakers.
Correction—one troublemaker.
This is supposed to be a vacation, and now I find myself arguing with a kid? I seriously cannot believe my life today.
“Listen, Amelia,” I warn her sternly. “I’m in charge here, not you. If you get hurt, it’s all on me.”
“I won’t get hurt. I’m a big girl.”
“Well, I might get hurt trying to save you. Have you thought about that?”
Her face softens, lips parting with a small puff of air. Perhaps the kid has some compassion inside of her.
“Fine then.” She pouts, then points her finger. “But just so you know, one day, I’m going to marry a boy, and he is going to love me so much that he will do anything I say no matter how dangerous everyone may think it i
s.”
I let out a snort. Honestly, this kid is crazy. “You know what? I promise to be there on your wedding day, wishing you guys the best.”
This time, a smirk plays on her sun-kissed face. “I’ll remember that, Will. I never forget when a promise is made.”
“Neither do I,” I counter in amusement. “I’ll even go as far as a pinky promise.”