Free Thursday (Timeless Series #4) by E. L. Todd Page B

to her made me feel things I couldn’t explain. The energy flowed through me like a electric wiring. Whenever I looked at her I was always aware of my unnatural breathing. It was always a little faster than normal.
    She held my gaze without speaking, her thoughts a mystery.
    We stood there for nearly a minute and nothing happened.
    She crossed her arms over her chest, succumbing to the pull that affected both of us.
    I finally found something to say. “Let’s take Frankie to the beach. Maybe some fresh air will lighten her spirits.”
    “Yeah.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, something she’d never done before. “That could be fun.”
    “Alright. I’ll get her up.”
    ***
    Like always, it was a struggle to get Francesca to do anything. By pure manipulation I managed to get her showered and ready for the day. I got her in shorts and a tank top, her hair done and her teeth brushed. I couldn’t get any make up on her. It was a pointless attempt.
    We drove to the beach then set up our stuff in the sand. It was a nice day, sunny and bright. The breeze kept us cool and protected us from the summer’s heat. I wore swim trunks and a t-shirt, but I probably would take a dip eventually.
    Marie wore a sundress, and the straps of her bikini peeked out through the translucent fabric. I wanted to see her pull her dress off, showing off those gorgeous curves that she should flaunt every single moment of the day.
    Francesca stuck her feet in the sand and stayed quiet, like always. I made small talk about the weather and the size of the waves. Since our conversation, I never brought up Hawke. It seemed to please her but also destroy her when I did.
    After an hour Francesca left the blanket and walked along the shore, her eyes downcast for seashells that washed up on the sand. Her dark hair blew in the wind, the slight curls becoming straight.
    Marie watched her go, concern in her eyes for her friend.
    It was getting warm so I removed my t-shirt and felt the sun’s rays right on my skin. I glanced at her in my peripheral to see if she would look.
    She did.
    “Good idea.” Marie pulled her dress off then lay back on the towel, her flawless skin glowing in the sunshine.
    I wanted to look but I controlled myself. I leaned back on my elbows and stared at the ocean.
    “I wish I could wipe her memory.”
    Like always, her voice washed over me like a soothing bath. She had a distinctly feminine voice that was also strong. It belied her strength and power underneath. I liked listening to it. And like always, the memory of her saying my name came back to me. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. “I know what you mean.”
    “I still don’t understand why he left. They were so in love.”
    “I know. I don’t get it either.”
    “He hasn’t said anything to you?”
    “He won’t tell me why. But he said it had nothing to do with cheating or anything like that.”
    “Then what could possibly be the reason?” She crossed her ankles, her perfectly manicured nails reflecting the light. They were turquoise, playful and bright.
    “I haven’t got a clue.” If two people loved each other they should be together—end of story. “But she seems to understand he’s never coming back. But yet, she continues to mope around.”
    “It’s not like her at all. If someone pushes her down she gets right back up. She’s a fighter.”
    “I know…it scares me.”
    “We’ll just have to wait and hope things get better.”
    But how long would the wait last? I’d been spending all my free time with my sister. I didn’t mind because I knew she needed me, and I also didn’t mind because I liked spending time with Marie. I was beginning to see the layers she possessed. She was smart, ambitious, and funny. There were many more traits that I never paid attention to, besides her obvious beauty. The fact she was so loyal to her friend, standing beside her no matter what, was what I noticed the most. Good friends were hard to find, and I