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.” He took his seat on the other side of my mother.The boys walked up, taking turns reading the speech I wrote for them.“A few weeks ago we were in the school football field and set off some fireworks that we thought we could contain within the field.One flew, but didn’t go off.We didn’t realize until later that it landed on Mr.and Mrs.Wilkins’ roof,” Shane read, his voice strong, holding the perfect amount of shame.He stepped back, making room for Chris, who stepped up to the mic to read his part.“We were afraid to get in trouble and ran off after we called nine-one-one.We realize it was wrong and would like to apologize to the Wilkins and to our families.”Chris nodded solemnly and moved aside for Brandon to take his turn.“Our behavior was cowardly and we regret it more than you know.We would never knowingly hurt anyone and we are very sorry that our actions caused others pain.”Brandon joined the other two and together they returned to their seats.Their heads were down, with a look of fake remorse shining from each of their faces.My dad stood up to take the podium again.“Thank you, boys,” he said with a quick glance in the football bullies’ direction.Then he turned back to the reporters and their cameras.“Unfortunately, I hear that the insurance money the Wilkins received will not cover all of their needs.So, on behalf of the families of Banks Industries, I would like to present this check to Mr.and Mrs.Wilkins for twenty-five thousand dollars.” He held up a check and smiled.It almost looked sincere.The room erupted with applause.I could see that most of the people thought that my father was one of the most generous men in town.Little did they know that I had to beg him to do this.My father stood back as Anna and Mike Wilkins stood up from their seats, joining him at the podium to take the check.They posed beside my father for photos.After they returned to their seats my father once again took the podium.“We also would like to donate a check for twenty-five thousand dollars to Riley House.Hopefully it will assist in helping other families like the Wilkins.”He handed the check to a man I was told later was Lauren’s father, William Riley.My father, the Wilkins and Mr.Riley stood for pictures.After a few shots, my father pulled my mother over, which of course was why she was here.My parents loved a photo op.But that was fine; they got what they wanted.The firm looked good.My ex-friends were off the hook and would now hopefully leave me alone.Life was good.Chapter FourteenStar GazingNate closed his desk drawer.“Done,” he finally declared.Dinner had been finished and cleaned up hours ago.The other volunteers and I cleaned and set up for the next day while Nate did paperwork.I snuck up to the office, hoping he was almost finished.That was forty-five minutes ago.I lifted my head that had been resting against the chair.I had been fighting sleep for the last ten minutes.“Finally,” I said with a sigh.He stood up and leaned over me.“Sorry to keep you waiting” As he bent down to kiss me softly, I felt his fingers link with mine.When he pulled away, he yanked me up, leading me down the stairs.The house was quiet, with only the faint sounds from a few different TVs and low voices from the game room.We snuck out without disturbing anyone.It was dark, but the fixture above the door provided lots of light to guide us to his car.“What did you think about Steve, Markus and Frannie?” Nate asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.He was referring to the volunteers who had been away for a few weeks.They had started today before the press conference.“Uh… the guys seem all right, but I don’t think Frannie likes me.” Nate frowned as he slowed down to make a turn.“But that’s because she likes you.”He spun to face me.“No, she doesn’t.Why would she like me? She’s twenty-two.I’m too young for her.”I grinned at his reaction.If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was terrified at the thought.“I don’t think she cares.When you kissed me while I was doing the dishes she gave me a dirty look.After you left to go upstairs, she spoke to everyone but me.”“Do you want me to talk to her?” he asked, looking over at me then back to the road.He stopped behind a blue car, waiting for a red light.“God no, that will just make it worse.It’s fine.It’s not like we work alone.”He grew silent, his expression filled with anxiety.I suppressed a laugh.I had no idea he’d react this way.“Do you want me to take you home?” he asked suddenly, drawing my attention back to him and away from the view from the window.“No.”“Where do you want to go?” He stepped on the gas once the light turned green.“Surprise me.”His smile was full of mischief.“Okay.” He made a quick turn at the light, cutting off a man in a gray car.The blast of a horn shot out from behind us.We weaved through side streets, going back the way we came, until he made the turn heading into the marina.“What are we doing here?” I asked once he pulled into the lot and turned the car off.“You said to surprise you, so let’s go.” He climbed out and waited until I joined him.I followed as he stepped onto a narrow dock that bounced and swayed as our feet touched the wooden planks.Boats of a variety of different sizes lined each side.There was a small aluminum row boat docked beside a large white shiny yacht named Beelzebub.I followed him down to the end until he stopped along a large red speedboat.“Climb on,” he called, reaching for my hand.I noticed the name Moonlight Mist as I stepped up and over the hull.“Whose boat is this?”“The Rileys.It’s one of the perks to working at the charity.”“Are you sure this is okay? What are we going to do? Just hang out?” I asked, about to sit down on one of the seats, but hesitating.I couldn’t stop worrying that Mr.Riley would show up at any moment.He noticed my hesitation and laughed.“It’s fine.We’re going for a ride.” He nodded to reassure me.I wasn’t sure if it worked, but I sat down anyway, not entirely confident we should be doing this
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