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Jack said you’re moving in with him. Does that mean you broke things off with Remy?
Bo’s message came in late, as if he’d been trying not to text her after what’d happened between them at the lighthouse, but he ultimately couldn’t stop himself.
Or maybe it was just that he couldn’t sleep. Ismay was having trouble nodding off herself. She’d struggled to rest ever since she’d arrived on Mariners—first with the storm and then Bastian showing up. That she was getting more and more frazzled was pretty ironic, since she’d come to the island to relax.
Tonight, Bastian couldn’t seem to shut down and go to bed. He’d been wandering around the house muttering to himself ever since she’d told him she’d be moving out in the morning. There were moments she could’ve sworn he was standing right outside her door, as if to intimidate her. Maybe he was angry and had something to say? Or worse, wanted to indulge in some twisted fantasy that had to do with the contents of that damn duffel bag?
That was what truly frightened her. Whenever she heard a creak on the stairs or in the hall—even if it was just the house settling—her skin would prickle and she’d hold her breath. What was he doing? Why didn’t he pass out from all the alcohol, or turn on the TV and shut himself in the master like he usually did?
Thank goodness she’d soon be out of the cottage. Honey had agreed she could stay with Jack, and she’d feel a lot better when they were together.
When she heard the cupboards opening and closing in the kitchen and knew Bastian was downstairs, she drew a deep breath and turned her attention to answering Bo.
Yes. I’m not going to remain engaged to a serial cheater. He insists there’s never been another woman besides Sam—no one he got pregnant before—but he doesn’t have a lot of credibility right now.
I’m sorry. You’ve come so far from California and were expecting such a different experience when you got here. How’d he take the news?
Bastian seems more upset than Remy.
What makes you say that?
He’s acting strange. He’s been drinking again—a lot—but I don’t think it’s just that. It’s almost like he’s tripping on a psychedelic or something.
What’s he doing?
Wandering around the house. Talking to himself. Laughing loudly for no reason—at least that I can hear. Just weird stuff.
Sounds like you might be right.
She thought about mentioning that he kept coming to her door, but she wasn’t entirely certain of that, and she didn’t want to falsely accuse him.
I can’t believe Remy took the breakup in stride, Bo wrote.
Only because he hasn’t given up yet. His last text said everything would be okay once he gets to Mariners. He’s not used to losing anything, probably doesn’t believe the breakup will last.
How do you feel about that?
I don’t know how I feel. I can’t focus on the future. I’m just trying to get through this night.
Bastian’s making you that uneasy?
I guess so, what with that stuff hidden in the wall of the closet and Remy claiming he knows nothing about it. What if it’s Bastian’s? After getting to know him, I could easily believe that.
Strange place to put it, no? In his brother’s bedroom?
Except then, if anyone finds it, Remy looks bad instead of him.
Good point. From what I can tell, they’ve had plenty of sibling rivalry. Bastian would probably love to make Remy look guilty of something twisted and serious—to finally be the best twin.
Exactly.
If you’re scared of him, why don’t you come over here?
If he finds out I went to your place, it wouldn’t be good for you. I think he feels threatened by the man you are, feels he can’t compete but should be able to.
He has no reason to be envious of me.
That wasn’t true. Ismay could easily tell Bo was twice the man Bastian was, and Bastian didn’t like being outdone by anybody, especially someone he considered so obviously inferior. Ismay knew that simply from the way he made himself the hero of every story he told.
