Beyond (BOOK 1.5) by Melissa Pearl Read Free Book Online

desperation and hope. "Then do something about it."
    "What?" He spits out a frustrated sigh. "You know I can't challenge my dad...and I can't go to the mayor either."
    "You're scared of him, aren't you?" I make sure my voice sounds sympathetic rather than accusing.
    It doesn't matter. Adam knows I'm talking about his dad and scowls at me like I'm the Green Witch from Oz.
    "Adam." I squeeze his arm. "Please help me. Help Dale. Help—" I sigh, unsure whether to say the last part. I let go of his arm and pick at my thumbnail. "Do you remember what I told you last year...when you came to see me at the hospital?"
    His hand tightens into a fist. "Nicky." He holds his breath then thumps the work bench lightly. "I can't forget it. I think about it every damn day...because you're right. I don't want to wake up one day and realize that I've lived my dad's life...not mine."
    He grabs his blond locks and rests his elbows on the bench, looking desperate, unhappy...torn. I almost want to wrap him in a hug. Almost.
    "I just...I can't."
    "I know that facing your dad is like hell scary. Facing the mayor is probably even worse."
    "My dad would find out."
    Like duh!
    I press my lips together before forging on. "I know it's easier to stay silent, but please. Please just think about it? I won't drag you to the mayor. Let's just start with you asking your dad not to be such a jackass. If he doesn't listen to you, then I'll have to come up with a plan B."
    "You mean giving me up to a higher authority." His voice is dark, but I don't miss the quiver.
    I squeeze his shoulder. "I told you I don't want to do that."
    "You should."
    His bleak look makes me sigh.
    "Adam, I have to be honest with you." I bite the edge of my lip. "Your wimpy behavior bugs the shit out of me sometimes and yes, I hate that you haven't owned up for what you did, but behind all the crap... I know that you're actually a really good guy. I won't forget how we used to hang out as kids. You were one of my favorite people back then."
    An instant grin spreads across his face. I spot the edge of it from behind his hand. "Do you remember the water balloon fight we had in your living room?"
    I burst with laughter. "Oh my gosh, I'd totally forgotten about that."
    "I thought your dad was going to kill us." Adam shakes his head.
    Giggles ripple through my stomach. "He was so bright red. I was waiting for steam to start coming out of his ears."
    "He was cussing up a storm. I'd never heard an adult swear like that before...and then your mom came in..."
    "And threw a water balloon at him!"
    "And told him to stop cursing at the kids ." We say the last five words in unison and laugh together for a moment.
    "That was so epic," Adam mumbles. "I'll never, ever forget it, because I remember even though your dad looked ready to explode, I didn't feel afraid."
    My heart squeezes into a tight knot as Adam drops his hands. His eyes are transfixed on the counter top, and I know he's thinking about his dad. He's never going to go for this. Sheriff Hutton has a hold on Adam, and I hate him for it.
    I want to tell Adam that I'm going to the mayor this afternoon, but I can't form the words. My pity-o-meter is on overdrive. I blink at helpless tears and can't think of anything else to say. All I can do is grab my bag and silently leave the room.
     
     

 
    Chapter 8
     
    This is hopeless.
    Frickin' Adam! Did I honestly think he'd help me?
    My plan sucks, and I'm not going to be able to give Dale what he so desperately wants. I step out the door and lean against the wall. My fingers are quivering as I pull out my phone and text my boyfriend. I tell him I can't make lunch and will catch him after school. I know he'll be disappointed, but I just can't face him right now. One look at those compassionate eyes and there'll be no stopping the waterworks.
    I sniff and inhale slowly, trying to ward off the tears. Why the hell am I doing this anyway? I don't want Dale to move to New York!
    It's what he wants. What