Chapter 46: What Now?

I love you, Allie. I've imagined Saz saying that to me more than I care to admit. Each time was accompanied by a string of romantic music and a passionate kiss. But at this moment, those four little words nearly drown me.

The fireworks blair on and I allow the waves to wash over me. I pop up a few strokes away from him, gasping for air. I keep swimming until I reach the shore. Saz is not too far behind me as I stuff a soggy, sand-covered leg into my shorts.

"Allie, is everything okay?"

I spin around, my emotions a raging wildfire at this point. "Why now, Saz? Why after all of this do you choose now to say that?"

"Because it's true, Allie. I do love you." He grabs for my hands but I stumble back. "I've always loved you. I made a mistake."

"You're a liar," I sob, tequila and adrenaline coursing through my veins as I march unsteadily through the sand towards him and poke at his chest. "You don't love me. You said it was all in the past. You're a liar."