Tangled by Carolyn Mackler Read Free Book Online

to be sharks in these waters.
    “It’ll be fine,” Dakota said. “If I can’t make it, I’ll just swim back to shore.”
    Before I could say anything else, Dakota scaled the back railing and slid into the water. His head went under for a second and I could feel a scream erupting from the back of my throat. I wanted to shout for the captain to stop the boat or throw him a life preserver, but I knew I couldn’t. If I busted Dakota, he’d never talk to me again. Besides, the new me was cooler than that (even if it made me die of an anxiety attack).
    And so I watched, my heart pounding, as Dakota swam behind the boat. The waves were slapping into his face and his expression was strained. Please keep swimming , I willed him as the ferry pulled farther and farther ahead. Please be okay.
    We rounded the corner and I couldn’t see Dakota anymore. Even so, I kept glancing back at the water. The ferry docked at the island. As I made my way to the front, the captain grabbed me.
    “¿Dónde está ese muchacho?” he barked.
    I knew he was talking about Dakota but I shook my head as if I didn’t understand. Then I wriggled away from him, rubbing my arm where he’d squeezed me, and hopped onto the land. I could see the captain staring nervously into the ocean.
    I wandered down the path and settled on a stretch of beach that faced Paradise. I could hear people laughing and shrieking in the surf, but I didn’t move. I just looked out at the water, worried Dakota wasn’t showing up, worried he’d drowned. Maybe it’s selfish, but I also felt disappointed. I’d been hoping we’d wander around this island together. And here I was, no guy in sight. As usual.
    The ferry circled the bay, stopping at various docks. After an hour or so, it pulled up to the island again. By this time, I had to assume Dakota had swum back to the hotel. I brushed the sand off my butt and made my way to the boat. When I passed the captain, I avoided any eye contact. My arm was still hurting from where he’d grabbed me.
    The ferry rounded the bend. I could see Paradise in the distance, the green lawns, the long pool shimmering in the afternoon light. There were the raised tents, the beach, the narrow dock. As we got closer, I spotted Skye in her lounge chair just like before and then—
    Dakota was sitting in the chair next to hers.
    I got a horrible feeling in my stomach. As the captain threw the rope over the cleat, I sat there for a moment, not wanting to move.
    Somehow I made it off the boat. Somehow I walked down the dock, across the sand, and over to whereSkye and Dakota were playing gin rummy. With my cards.
    “Hey!” Skye said, smiling at me like we were best friends.
    I didn’t say anything.
    Dakota glanced up. “The current was too intense. I had to turn around.”
    Skye grabbed the deck away from Dakota. “My deal!”
    “No way, bitch!” Dakota said, reaching over and tickling her perfect belly.
    I stood there, waiting. I’m not sure what for. Maybe for them to invite me to play cards with them, or to say they were just joking, that Dakota was still mine and Skye still didn’t care about talking to anyone. But neither of them said a word. My tankini was giving me a wedgie and my new sarong was too clingy and even though an hour ago I thought I was a luscious babe, I suddenly felt chunky and stupid.
    “I’m going to take a shower,” I said quietly.
    “Oh, okay,” Dakota said, barely glancing up.
    I walked slowly to the room. When I got there, I collapsed facedown on the bed, my swimsuit still damp, my feet still crusted with sand.

ten
    At first, I cried. Then I dozed off. Once I woke up, I started crying again.
    I couldn’t believe Skye had stolen Dakota from me. She knew we were hanging out. Plus, all she could say about him was that he was too suburban. And who could blame Dakota? Of course he’d ditch me as soon as Skye showed any interest.
    It was getting dark. I could see the orange sun glowing across the water. At some