Chapter Forty-Six

I didn’t argue. Soon he was entering the city. I have no idea where we were going. I thought, what if he decided to show up in the city center and we run into people we know—people who know me as a confused androgynous girl. But then again, why should I care? I realized that it was far more liberating to never have to worry about what other people would say. They do not put a roof over my head, they do not feed me. Why should what they say or think matter so much?

Nick stopped in front of the open beach. It was already nine in the evening and the shoreline was almost deserted. Nick went out of the car and opened the door for me.

“Isn’t the beach closed?” I asked.

“Did it stop me when I got my juvie record?” he asked back, laughing.

“I suppose not. But I hope you weren’t planning on getting me involved in a crime.”

“Why, you’re scared to tarnish your spotless reputation?” he asked teasingly.

“If it means my father’s reputation will also be put on the line, then let’s get it on!”

We wa