06

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and took a deep breath to calm my rising anger.

« You know nothing about me, » I said, « but you’ve already decided what kind of person I am, and I’ve not got time for people who judge others without bothering to find out what their lives are actually like. »

« Feel free to prove me wrong, » he said, equally coolly, « but you can’t judge a person without at least knowing something about them which causes you to form that judgement. »

Breathe in… And out. In… And out.

It took every ounce of self-control to hold back from letting loose and telling this guy exactly what I thought of his shitty attitude. To keep myself restrained, I had to walk away from the situation.

« Thanks for the glasses, » I said, more to prove a point than anything else, before heading towards the stone steps.

It had progressed beyond stubbornness and pride. It was no longer about saying thank you. Why should I make an effort with someone who could be so judgemental ?

He was wrong about one thing in particular ; I barely ever got my own way. My parents often kept me on a tight leash, hence the crazy parties whenever I met up with my friends and my fervent desire to remain queen of my social circle—because that was the only time I enjoyed power and respect.

Perhaps I didn’t have a concept of reality, but that wasn’t from my doing. My life wasn’t normal by most people’s standards, and I realised that. It was normal for me, though. It was my reality, and I was trapped there—both metaphorically in my London life, and physically right now in America.

Land of the free ? How ironic.

The town was small, but a nice small—quaint and intimate. Although it wouldn’t provide much entertainment, it was pleasant enough to explore.

I glanced into each shop window I passed, pausing in the middle of the pavement when I noticed a girl working at an opticians. The prospect of people my age living in this town filled me with hope ; it was pathetic to feel sorry for myself if there was a way to improve my time here.

Biting the bullet, I headed inside and browsed the sunglasses. The conversation with the lifeguard sprung to my mind, and I squirmed, not happy that I still hadn’t thanked him properly. A thought occurred to me, and I sidestepped towards the glasses for men, examining the selection of Ray-Bans.

« Can I help you ? »

The girl offered me a friendly smile as I stood with my fingers poised over a pair of aviators.

« Maybe in a moment. » I returned her smile.

« Sure. You’re the British girl, right ? »

Taken aback, I let my hand drop to my side. How did she know that ? Did she know my mother ? Had word already spread that new people had arrived in town ?

« Brent told me about you, » she added.

« Brent ? » I asked.

« Yeah, he works at the beach as a lifeguard. He mentioned he’d met you. »

« Oh, » I said, embarrassed at what he could have told her. « I don’t think he gave me his name. »

She laughed, and I glanced at the nametag pinned to her shirt. Mia.

« Well, he’s not a man of many words. It’s exciting to have a new face around here, anyway, » she said.

« It’s good to meet you, as well. I don’t think I made the best impression with… Brent. »

She waved her hand behind her head as if to dismiss my concern. « Don’t mind him. He can be moody sometimes. »

If Brent had mentioned me, I couldn’t imagine he’d sung my praises. This might not be Carringham, where everyone has a different agenda, but I couldn’t assume friendships here were simple, either.

Mia seemed nice, with her sweet smile and sparkling blue eyes, so perhaps she genuinely was a kind-hearted girl ready to offer some friendship. But when had that ever been the case ? When had someone offered me something without a reason ?

« Can I help with the glasses ? » she asked, and I realised I’d been silent for longer than intended. Her friendly manner hadn’t faltered, though, and she seemed just as eager to assist.

« I don’t know… It’s difficult to buy for boys when they’re not here to try on, isn’t it ? »

« If you’re not sure on the style, I’d suggest this pair—« she said, before cutting herself off with her hand still outstretched towards the stand. She glanced at me. « Sorry, I should have asked… What’s your budget ? »

At that point, I guessed exactly what Brent had said. Extravagant vacation. Beach-side house. Expensive sunglasses.

Mia admitting that Brent had gossiped about my money wouldn’t be tactful in the slightest, especially when she’d no doubt been trained to ask about a budget. Unfortunately, now I had to say out loud that I didn’t have one.

« No. » I forced a smile. « I’ve looked at the prices and they’re all within my budget. »

« Okay, perfect. » She removed her original choice from the stand, handing them to me. « These suit most faces. If he doesn’t like them, you can bring them back for an exchange or refund. »

I nodded, turning them around in my hands. If Brent took it the wrong way, it wouldn’t surprise me, but I hoped he’d at least be appreciative.

« Thanks. I’ll take them. »

« Great. » She beamed. « I’ll package them up for you. »

As she found the box for the sunglasses, she also took my number and promised to get in touch with details of any local parties. She assured me that her group of friends were a welcoming bunch who always made their own entertainment to combat the otherwise lack of things to do here.

When I left the shop, I felt positive for the first time since arriving, and it was a welcome feeling.