Unbreakable: The Island Series, #1

By Natalie LaBonte

Izzy Warner had it all. Best friends, supportive parents and the island's golden boy. After one night out with her friends without the boyfriend she started to realize that wasn't the life she really wanted.

Reece Barton was broken and still trying to pull the shreds of life together. He was haunted by the past and probation.

The night they formally meet changes something in both of them. Is it enough to change their outlooks and their lives?

Book one in The Island Series

180 pages

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natalie LaBonte
• Release date: Jun 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513095363

Natalie LaBonte

Natalie lives in Vermont with her long time boyfriend, two children, two dogs and the cat. She enjoys reading anything that catches her interest, published or not and writing whatever comes to mind.

Book preview

Chapter One – Izzy

I pulled on my shirt straightening it out before turning toward the airport’s entrance. The outfit I’d carefully picked out the night before seemed to be too much for the intense heat the island was feeling. The baby doll t-shirt was too thick and the khaki shorts were too long. For the first time in a few years I wanted to throw on my loose fitting, lovingly worn thin clothes but that wasn’t who I was anymore. That was the girl from before the injury not the well presented conservative girl I was now. I caught the ferry back to the island and made my way to the strip looking forward to the cool manufactured air of Surf n Stuff. Avery was working for me that morning so I knew the a/c would be on high.

A sigh of relief escaped me as I walked in until I heard my best friend’s voice, he’s gone?

I smiled at her bluntness, yes, he’s gone Willow.

Finally, I get to have some time with you before you go off to Harvard and forget about me and everything we planned out for ourselves.

I made a face at her to hide the pain her words brought me. It was true. Ever since Willow and I had met, in kindergarten, we were inseparable. When we were ten we had our futures planned out and never once had it changed. We were going to take classes at the community college on the island and spend our lives doing what we loved. I was going to skateboard my life away while being a physical therapist. Willow was going to surf her life away while helping families cope with loss. At least that was until my accident and her mother’s passing. After that we found ourselves lost in the endless circle of pain and torment.

Does that mean you are going to go out with us tonight? Avery asked walking up from the office.

Probably not.

Oh come on, Cam’s gone for like a month and you are going to just go sit at home and do nothing? Where did our awesome friend Izzy go?

Nowhere, but I’m not sure about going out. I mean, other than you guys I don’t hang out with anyone around this side.

Exactly, you need to venture out. None of the Marina district will be there so no one is going to rat you out.

At least think about it, Avery added to Willow’s plea.

Fine, I’ll think about it.

And I did. It crossed my mind a lot through out the day. I wanted to go but at the same time I didn’t. I knew somehow it would get back to Camden, even though he was flying over the ocean to Europe on a family vacation. My friends had a right to want to hang out with like they did. For the last year and a half they had to share me with Camden who wasn’t very good at it. He wanted me by his side at all times. For some reason I obliged. It was easier to pretend that I was happy with who I was when I had him reminding me of how I was supposed to act. With my friends it was the complete opposite. They didn’t expect me to be any particular way which is why I’d had an easy time bailing on them. They understood I had a hard time with myself since my accident but they still wanted me to be happy. So showing them I was happy with Camden got them off my back even if it meant internally I was only pieces of who I wanted to be.

Later on in the afternoon two guys walked into the store. Isaiah and Kael worked down at the end of the strip at Skate Pro. It was the boy version, in a way, of Surf n Stuff. They catered to skating and that style of clothes for male and female alike while we were geared toward the female stuff and surfing. Kael looked around the store curiously with his always present smile. Isaiah moved to the counter where Willow, Avery and I were sitting on the back. He had a friendly face but something about him made it seem like he knew so much more than he let on. He smiled at us, so you guys joining us tonight?

Yeah, we are trying to get this snob to join us but she’s being difficult. Willow answered nudging me.

You should come; it’ll be fun.

I said I would think about it.

And I already told you no one is going to rat you out. Cam’s clear across the ocean so what is he going to do?

You’re not going because of a boyfriend? Isaiah asked; one eyebrow cocked.

I told you, Willow slid off the counter moving out onto the floor to straighten a display, difficult.

He’s out of town who cares what you do.

He’ll hear about it somehow then he’s going to call and have an attitude. I know it and I don’t want to deal with it. I stated, rolling my eyes. Even I knew I was being ridiculous but I really didn’t want to listen to Camden degrading me over the phone.

So when he calls don’t answer it, Kael said from behind a rack of jeans.

There you go, Isaiah said gesturing with one hand, just don’t answer. It’s a perfect solution.

I smiled despite myself. It was perfectly logical to think not answering would make it all better but they obviously didn’t know Cam the way I did. He wouldn’t let it go and even if I didn’t answer his call the entire time he was gone I was sure to hear it when he got back. As I thought about it more I realized he was on to something. I shrugged not wanting to give in yet, maybe, I’ll know by closing.

You should, even if he does find out it could be worth it, Isaiah smiled at me before leaving.

After the boys left Willow and Avery went around the store making sure everything was in place while I sat on the back counter. Isaiah really did have a point. If hanging out with my friends was worth it then the wrath from Camden would be easy to deal with. My time with the three people who cared so much was running out. Anything Camden threw at me would be worth spending our last summer together like we had for years before.  The afternoon was slow so we moved out to the bench in front of the windows. Our spot on the strip was perfect. We could see down to the car park to the right and all the way to the end of the boardwalk to the left that led down to the beach. At the start of the strip was Skate Pro. Just like us they were all out front hanging out. Isaiah and Kael were rolling around on their skateboards. Two of the others were sitting on the bench while one was standing in the doorway. Willow looked at me to see I was looking at the boys. She leaned forward to speak around Avery, Ty and Sam are the two sitting on the bench then the one in the doorway is Reece. Sam is cool. He doesn’t say too much though. Ty is wild. That boy has girls dropping to his feet at every step and he takes a different one home every other night. It’s entertaining to watch the fall out. Then Reece is the one in the doorway. He’s quiet and the others seem pretty protective of him. We’ve watched girls swoon over him but he doesn’t seem too interested very often. He and Ty are always together.

I nodded so she knew I heard her as I looked over Reece. It was strange the way they all seemed to fit seamlessly together but were so different. The others were all out in the sun, exposed to everything while Reece hung back. Something in his expression told me it wasn’t too far off for him to be standing half in shadows. It was like it fit him perfectly.

And they are a lot of fun to hang with, Avery added, once you get past the face value. 

I turned to look at my friends to see they were both swooning. It was pitiful how open they were but I couldn’t deny the five of them were very good looking. Sam looked put together, not carefully so, but that he had his head on straight. Isaiah was just him. I knew him years ago through my brother but not well enough to call him a friend. Kael looked just as outgoing as he was. I’d heard him before talking loudly and animatedly. Ty, I could see all the girls chasing. He had that look that permitted sex appeal and the smile to go with it. Reece, though, was the one that pulled my attention. The shadows surrounding him seemed attached and unwilling to let go. The seriousness that came off him spoke volumes even from a distance.

Just before locking the door for the night Kylee snuck in. Avery had taken the drawer to the office as Willow turned the lock. I stayed on the back counter as Kylee joined me. She fanned herself with her hand, phew those boys are too much when not prepared.

Did they catch you off guard again Ky? Willow asked laughing at our friend’s obvious discomfort.

Boy did they ever, she grinned, Ty walked out without a shirt on and Gavin stripped his off as he came around the corner. For not doing much damn, they have some sexy bodies.

Laughter escaped my lips as I tried hard to clamp it down. Seeing her clearly flustered was enough to tell me it was going to be worth spending the time with my friends no matter what Camden gave me after. I slid off the counter moving toward the front door just to look out. Willow obviously took it differently, you aren’t even going to hang around long enough to say bye?

I turned around smiling at her, never said I was leaving.

Are you coming then?

You know I think I will even if I’m going to get all kinds of grief in a month. It’ll be worth having a memorable summer, especially if Ky gets that worked up just by shirtless guys.

Willow flung herself at me wrapping her arms around me in a hug, thank you. I was worried we’d really lost you to that jackass.

I hugged her back laughing, That jackass isn’t enough to take me away from you guys. I just need to be reminded some times not everything involves him. I don’t want to go off to college without an awesome summer with you.

Good, let’s go. Avery said passing us to the door. We walked out and Willow locked it again.

As she turned around the Skate Pro boys were riding towards us. Isaiah looked at Willow and I seeing our arms linked, so you decided to join us?

Can’t pass up the time with my friends, I said, glancing at the other boys letting my gaze fall on Reece. He was standing with one foot on the ground and one on his board next to Ty. They angle I had it looked like he was slightly hidden behind his friend but his expression was curious.

Good, let’s get moving, Isaiah said as he pushed forward toward the boardwalk.

The boys followed suit while we moved along on foot. As we slowly made our way Kael circled back making sure we were coming. As we neared the end of the board walk Ty and Reece started debating about something causing me to watch them. They were both smiling as they shook hands then pushed themselves forward. At the steps to the beach they launched themselves. Willow and I stopped to watch as they hit the sand and stumbled forward. Ty let go and fell to the sand laughing while Reece managed to hang on to it staying up right. The crowd on the boardwalk cheered for them as the rest of us caught up.

So where are we going? I asked realizing I had no information given to me.

To party, Willow said vaguely, it’s at one of the rentals.

I nodded deciding I really didn’t care where it was as long as I was with the girls. We walked toward the strip of rentals finding the party house easy. It was the only one lit up and crowded with people. I followed Kylee and Avery up the stairs losing Willow as we filed in. I felt a hand on my back and turned to see Kael. He grinned at me apologetically and I figured he had stumbled. Turning back around we finished climbing only to stop. At the top was a guy that looked familiar but I couldn’t place him. He looked Kylee, Avery and I over then leaned forward, you see blue lights you take off, understood?

They know, Fin, Kael said over my head.

Ah, I was wondering if you guys were gonna make it, Fin said reaching over my head to shake Kael’s hand.

They with you guys?

Kinda, Kael started but stopped as he was shoved into me again.

Willow appeared at the top of the stairs and reached her arms out to Fin, they are with me actually. Don’t let him fool you.

Willow, you haven’t gone pro yet? Fin asked amused as he hugged her back.

No, but we did come for a good time.

Plenty to be had, who’s your friends?

Izzy, Kylee and Avery, she answered pointing to each of us, do we have free run?

Of course, everything is in the kitchen, he said stepping aside as someone called for his attention.

Willow led the way into the kitchen. The entire counter top was covered with liquor bottles, juices and beer. Without hesitation she pulled four plastic cups out and started making drinks. Kylee was too impatient to wait for a mixed drink and poured us all shots to start with. After that we wandered around going back for drinks when needed. At some point I realized I had lost not only the girls but all of the boys as well. I was falling into a pit and desperately wanted to leave. Out on the deck I heard the giggling girls did when they were flirting and went out to see if there was anyone I knew. At first all I could see were half naked girls wobbling then I saw Reece. He was leaning back against the railing not saying anything as the girls flirted with him. I glanced around hoping there was someone else out there I knew but there wasn’t. He was my only option at finding my friends.

I stood there for a moment contemplating how to approach him. Normally I wouldn’t have a problem interrupting something so futile but for some reason I was hesitant. It had nothing to do with the girls and everything to do with the fact that I had no clue how he would react to my intrusion. Finally, I sucked it up and stepped through them stopping when I was only a foot away from him. I looked him over quickly, hey, you know where the others are?

He looked bored as he thought over my question and looked me over slowly. It seemed like an ordinary reaction to him but to me it made me self-conscious. I held my ground not squirming away when he finally answered, Last I saw them they were in the kitchen.

Thanks, I said turning and stepping back into the crowd toward the house. The glass doors were open exposing the kitchen and the emptiness of it. I dropped my head back looking up at the sky in frustration. It was tempting to just leave without a word but then I would have to deal with twenty questions in the morning.

I took a step forward just as someone grabbed my arm to stop me, guess they moved on.

Turning brought me face to face with Reece. Involuntarily I took a step back giving him more room but he just moved closer then around me altogether. He reached behind me grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. I tugged my arm back causing him to turn back, what are you doing?

Going to find the others. He said like I should have known.

What about your fans? I asked sounding more disgruntled than I intended to.

Reece gave me a hard look before softening it with a half smile, you want to find your friends and I want to find mine. They just happen to be hanging out so I’ll help you. If you can get passed the dirty looks you were given by the mindless girls who don’t seem to get the hint.

I stared at him trying to figure out his meaning when he put a hand out to me. My gaze fell to his hand then back to his face. The look he was giving me was honest and against better judgment I took his hand letting him led me into the house packed with people. We squeezed through the crowd on the top floor. Like all beach rentals the top floor was more or less the kitchen and living room. For the most part it was left open with a couch and chairs but it was mainly there for the view the wall of windows gave. The next floor down varied in each house. Some were the actual part the renters spent their time and others had the bedrooms. Fin’s had the middle floor as the bedrooms. I noticed as me moved down the hall most of the doors were closed completely or cracked with voices drifting out reminding me of the time before Camden when I could be found in one of those rooms. The thought made me shiver. As we descended the last set of stairs I could hear Kylee’s voice over everyone else. Reece looked back at me on the last few steps before letting go of my hand. My arm dropped to my side automatically feeling bare and cold. I watched him cross the room to fall into place at Ty’s side as I joined my friends at the couch. Avery looked at me, where have you been?

Trying to find you guys but I need some air, I said crossing the room.

Just as I opened the door there was shout from the upper deck, under twenty-one, run!

Willow was at my side immediately followed by Kylee and Avery. We took off out the door and off the bottom deck. Kylee turned toward the boardwalk but I grabbed her arm leading the way toward my house. We got two houses down before flashlights were shining on the sand. Willow stopped in the shadows of the house, shit.

Come on, I motioned for them to follow as I moved into the alcove between the deck and the house. It was just big enough for us to squeeze in. I stood at the opening watching the police swinging their flashlights around the beach looking for anyone who ran.

We stayed in there waiting even after the lights went dark on the beach. Once I could see Fin’s lights were off as well did I move letting the others out. We walked along the beach back to the boardwalk laughing at ourselves. Kylee was still drunk finding the entire evening funny. On the boardwalk we were joined by the boys, well most of them. Isaiah, Reece and Sam were standing there holding the tips of their boards. Isaiah turned at the sound of Kylee’s laugh and relief washed over his face, glad you guys got out.

Where are Kael and Ty? Willow asked, glancing around.

Kael got mouthy and Ty just doesn’t care so they’ll spend the night in jail.

Seriously? I said, surprised by the admission and easy way he said it.

The boys all shrugged, it happens.

Well I’m heading home. Anyone coming with? I asked just as my phone started ringing. I pulled it out looking at the screen and my heart dropped to my stomach. I looked up at the others smiling weakly, excuse me.

I moved away from them as I answered, hey.

Seriously, I’ve been gone for just over twelve hours and you are out with a group of boys. Do you think I am stupid, Isabella? Did you think I wouldn’t find out?

I was out with the girls not a group of boys and I am going to hang out with my friends if I want to. Did you expect me to just sit at home until you got back?

So come here. My parents already agreed to buy you a ticket.

I can’t. I have work and things I have to do here besides my parents wouldn’t let me if I wanted to.

That’s nice; you don’t want to come to Europe with me. What’s going on with you Isabella?

Nothing, just because I can’t get out of work doesn’t mean anything. I have an obligation to my job that I’m not going to just say screw it and fly across the world. My parents won’t allow it either so there’s not point in trying. But I’m heading to bed I’ll talk to you later. I didn’t give him a chance to respond before I hung up and slid my phone back into my pocket.

Willow gave me a look asking without words who it was. In answer I rolled my eyes, that’s what I thought.

Anyways, I was saying I’m heading home. I’ll see you all tomorrow.

Chapter Two – Reece

Ty and Kael sauntered into the store during the afternoon. Neither of them looked the slightest bit bothered that they spent the remainder of the night behind bars. It was something I never understood with them. Life just seemed like one big game to them. Some days I found myself wishing I could live that way but then I would be reminded of how my life really was and the wishing would stop. It was never going to happen. My dad would make damn sure of that. Growing up he was great, supported me, pushed me to do better and wanted me to have a life away from the island. As soon as my mother left him though all that changed. He became the guy he is now; a drunken asshole that resents ever having me. It makes time at home interesting and sparse. As often as I can I avoid going home but after Fin’s party there wasn’t another option. Normally if Ty wasn’t available I’d crash at Sam’s but his younger sister was having a bunch of friends over and in now way was I going to