Parallel Triangles

By Kimberly Ann Miller

Carly Carmichael has one goal in life—to perform on Broadway with her amazing voice and dance skills. She refuses to have a Plan B because she’s never needed one—until the Bermuda Triangle takes away all the gifts that make her exceptional.

When Carly’s parents send her on a cruise to Bermuda as a graduation present, all hell breaks loose. One day, Carly finds herself unable to sing. The next day, she’s unable to walk. When she wakes up famous and full of scandal, she freaks out. Worst of all, her friends handle each day as if everything that’s happening is the norm. If she can’t get her real life back on track, she may end up spending the next sixty years trapped in a life she was never meant to live.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Teen
• Release date: Mar 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781773391748

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Published by Evernight Teen ® at Smashwords

www.evernightteen.com

Copyright© 2016 Kimberly Ann Miller

ISBN: 978-1-77339-174-8

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Audrey Bobak

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my brother, who taught me that people can surprise you and do things you never expected. I’m so proud of the man he has become.

I would like to acknowledge the fantastic team at Evernight Teen, especially Stacey Adderley, Audrey Bobak, and Sandra Pesso. It’s been a great pleasure working with such a wonderful team. I’d also like to thank Jay Aheer for the amazing covers she has created for my books. I’m so proud to be a part of the Evernight Family!

To my family, friends, and readers—thanks for being a part of my life. I wish only the best of everything for each and every one of you.

PARALLEL TRIANGLES

Kimberly Ann Miller

Copyright © 2016

Chapter One

Our last high school performance brought tears to dry eyes and thunderous applause to still hands as we took our final bow. Sweltering spotlights blinded us, hiding the audience behind the yellow glow as the stage shook from their appreciation of our hard work.

We kicked ass.

I held the sweaty hands of my cast mates as we smiled and exited the stage.

Carly, you really outdid yourself this time, Rook said, clapping me on the back as we entered the group dressing area. Your voice sounded like a singing angel. It was perfection. I had to fight back tears. I even gazed toward the heavens, searching for the celestial being making that awesome sound.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. Her words warmed my heart. Thanks, Rook. Everyone did a fantastic job. I snatched a towel from my bag and wiped the back of my neck. Moist strands of long brown hair stuck to my skin from the hot lights and high body temps we cooked up while dancing around the stage. You outdid yourself with those dance moves, too. You sure you aren’t interested in coming to New York? Nothing would make me happier than getting into Julliard and having my best friend right there with me.

She opened her mouth to respond but was shoved aside by a blur of spiky blond hair and bright white teeth. Her unspoken words rushed out in a whoosh of breath.

Carly, baby, you rocked! Trystan said as he planted a wet kiss on my mouth. "You are so going to Broadway. New York City, here we come!" He grabbed me around the waist and swung me in a circle, dropping me in front of him. The skirts from my costume billowed out around us, fanning my hot skin and swiping Rook and everyone else nearby across the shins.

She pushed him out of the way and glared at me. Did you hear back and not tell me? She shoved her lower lip out into a pout. I’m your best friend, and I didn’t even get to hear the news from your mouth? Fine, be that way. You suck. She peeled off her fake lashes and tossed them on the floor. The way they landed made them resemble dead spiders. I shuddered and took two steps away before focusing on Rook.

I grabbed her cheeks in my hands and pinched her features together. Her brown eyes popped out as they watched me. No, I didn’t hear back yet, but I’m hoping I will soon. I did my best at both auditions. Singing and dancing, my absolute most favorite things to do in the world, were my future. If I didn’t get in, I wasn’t sure where that would leave me. Even though the judges told me not to worry and to wait for their call, that little voice in the back of my head that always doubted my abilities kept me up at night. It whispered things like, "You’ll never get in. You’re not good enough. You may as well give up now."

I hated that voice.

I let go of Rook and shook off the doubt. Tonight, I wasn’t going to let it get me down.

Trystan pushed past Rook and pinched my ass. Your best? Babe, you kicked ass! There’s no way they won’t accept you.

Rook raised her eyebrows as she shoved some loose strands of her auburn wavy hair back into her bun. You took Trystan and left me behind? How can you even consider me to be your best friend? Seriously. She crossed her arms over her chest and blinked a few times, concealing fake tears. "You really suck."

I grinned. Her little I’m pouting act was so cute on her baby face, making her look younger than she already did.

I looped my arms around her neck and pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek. Would I ever leave you behind? Trystan wasn’t there, but my dad was. He told Trystan all about it the other night at dinner.

Oh, she said, understanding lighting up her eyes. When I’d auditioned at Julliard last week, followed by an audition for a Broadway musical the next day, Dad said everything was perfect. My voice. My moves. My body. He had no doubt the biggest problem would be choosing which one to do.

And since my dad was in the business, as he always called it, and he watched every step I’d made, he’d told me I had nothing to worry about. He’d been acting on TV for over twenty years, as well as performing on Broadway, and knew what they liked and what they didn’t.

But, despite his confidence, I still feared the call or the email or the letter. What if they said thanks, but no thanks? What then? What would I do with my life? I had no backup plan because I knew what I wanted to do—perform.

Strong arms snaked around my waist, pulling me away from Rook. Celebration time, babe. Trystan leaned in until his lips touched my ear. His so-light-blond-it-was-white shag tickled my cheek. My car or yours? he whispered.

I chuckled and pushed him away. Trystan, you know my parents are waiting out there to take us out for dinner. Rain check?

He closed the space between us in a second and caged me in with his warm embrace. Leaning toward my ear, he nibbled on my lobe with his teeth. You bet your sweet ass. His light-blue eyes sparkled in the dimness of the backstage lights, no doubt from what he was imagining in his mind involving me, him, and a back seat.

I struggled from his grip, and he released me with a sigh. Rook, I’m going to change. You staying for the cast party?

Her brown curls bounced as she nodded. Do I ever miss it? And the chance to hang out with all these gorgeous guys? She gestured to the cast and crew, hugging and chatting away. Her rosy cheeks glowed with excitement as she scanned the sea of bodies, half in costume, half out. A few guys offered her nods and smiles.

I frowned. Did I always have to be the responsible one? What about your boyfriend? Where does he fit in with all these gorgeous guys?

Chase? she said, throwing a mischievous smirk over her shoulder. He’s not here.

I gave her a stern look and pointed my finger at her. Be good.

She bit my finger with a huge grin on her face, and then spit it out. Good is a relative term, babe. Speaking of good, did you hear about Vanessa?

Last year’s drama club star? No, what about her? I asked as I wiped her spit crowning my finger on her costume.

Her eyes softened and she sighed. She auditioned for, like, twelve plays. Three TV commercials. Two sitcoms. And a traveling theater group. Didn’t get a thing. She’s waitressing at Applebee’s. I saw her the other night when I had dinner with Chase. Poor thing is miserable. She said this business is super tough.

My stomach spasmed at the news. Vanessa was one of the best our school had ever worked with. Better than me, and better than a lot of the performers already out there. Damn. I hope she eventually finds something. I know acting is her life. I’d hoped it would be mine, too.

She nodded. Yeah, me too. Sucks, huh? Her face went from devastated to excited in two point five seconds. Okay, go have fun. Gotta run!

I waved and went to my private dressing room to change into dark jeans and a red cami. As I wiped the makeup from my shining face, a sadness overtook me that I hadn’t expected.

This was the last performance I would ever do in high school. My eighth musical. Two per year since freshman year. What would happen if I didn’t get into my dream school or Broadway? What if I ended up like Vanessa? Being in the spotlight and performing in one way or another was a common thread in my house. My family was filled with overachievers.

If I couldn’t perform—if I failed at reaching my dream—my family would support me in anything else I chose to do. I knew that for sure. But what could I do to make them as proud of me as they were now?

I knew they would love me no matter what, but the anxiety of it all circled my heart and squeezed. My eyes watered as I realized I didn’t want to do anything else. My goals were the reason I pushed so hard—exercising, eating right, keeping my body perfect. I wanted to be in the same league as my family, and I wanted them to be able to understand my life, as only other performers could.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Baby, your parents are waiting by the car with your sister. Hurry up, huh? I’m starving. Trystan clawed at the door like a dog wanting to come in from the cold. Then I want you all to myself for a few hours.

I rolled my eyes. Guys had it so easy. Feed them and fool around with them, and they were content.

When I come back, I want to be a guy in my next life.

One sec, I yelled, tossing the heavily soiled makeup-remover cloths and tissues in the trash. I pulled my straight brown hair into a high ponytail and headed for my door.

I swung it open and found myself face to face with Trystan’s sexy grin. He could pull off the smolder like no other guy I knew, and girls fell all over themselves when he showcased it. With his clear eyes and single dimple, he melted hearts.

Including mine.

You almost ready? I have a secret for ya. Trystan pushed me back into the dressing room, shut and locked the door, and dragged me onto the couch. I lied about your parents. They left and said we could meet them at Charlie’s. I told them you had to show your face at the cast party for a half hour before we met them, and they said fine. He unbuttoned my jeans with the skill of a guy who’d done it thousands of times. So, what kind of trouble can we get into in the next half hour, hmm? His eyes twinkled, and that grin did me in. I’m thinking trouble of the naked kind, you feel me? He lowered his head and kissed my shoulder.

I pulled his head up to my face and planted a light kiss on his soft lips. Now’s not the best time, hun. My parents are waiting, and I’m kind of bummed about this being my last show.

He sucked in a breath and sighed. After another quick kiss, he got up and offered me a hand. Argh. Let’s get this over with. The quicker we finish dinner, the quicker we can be alone.

Being alone with Trystan got my adrenaline pumping about as much as performing did. I smiled and swept my hand toward the door, and then righted my clothes. Lead the way.

We hopped into his faded red Ford truck and pulled up to Charlie’s ten minutes later. I could see my parents doting on my beautiful sister through the large picture windows in front of the restaurant. With her long blonde shag cut, citrus-green eyes, flawless pale skin, and pouty pink mouth, every guy I could see stared at her. One woman smacked the guy she was with, got up from the table, and stormed off.

Add to her face the model-perfect body, complete with a nice set of natural C-cups, and every other female in the room was invisible.

But I didn’t mind it. My place was on the stage. Her place was, well, everywhere else. She’d graced billboards, magazines, and sides of buses, just to name a few.

Trystan held the door for me and took my hand as we walked in. The steakhouse had a rustic feel, complete with exposed wooden beams, dark wood booths, and photos of cowboys and horses all over the walls. One wall held a giant brick fireplace that showcased a crackling fire.

Mom waved her arms from a large round table in the back corner of the restaurant. I inhaled, and my mouth watered as the aroma of freshly baked bread and garlic tickled my senses.

Carly! Great job tonight, honey, Mom yelled as we made our way to the table. Hi, Trystan. Thanks for driving her over.

Trystan pulled my chair out for me. No problem, Mrs. Carmichael. Hi, Sid, Mr. Carmichael. He waited for me to get settled and then sat next to me.

Dad nodded once, but Sid ignored him as he sat, like usual. I’d spoken to her about it, but she’d said she didn’t trust him to treat me right. When I’d asked her why, she’d said she could spot a cheater from a mile away in her line of work, and she thought he fit the role. He had never given me a reason not to trust him, though, so I took it as her being a protective sister.

After we ordered dinner and our drinks came, Mom tapped her wine glass with her fork. Everyone quieted down and focused on her. Tonight was Carly’s last high school performance. Congrats, honey! Everyone clapped. Sid added a Woohoo! along with a fist pump.

And with graduation just around the corner, Dad and I wanted to give you something special. She pulled a blue folder out of her Coach purse and handed it to me. Her face oozed excitement.

What could it be? I took it and smiled, thinking about all the things that could be inside. Money? Gift certificates? The deed to my own house?

Trystan leaned over and tapped the envelope. Open it, babe. Come on, he urged. He seemed more excited than I was about my gift.

I took a giant breath, then ripped open the end and pulled out four tickets. What is this? I asked as I tried to make sense of what I was holding.

Surprise! Mom said. They’re tickets for a cruise. You, Trystan, Rook, and Chase are all going to Bermuda!

Chapter Two

The folder slipped from my fingers and drifted to the floor. Really? I jumped up and kissed her cheek, and then hugged her around the neck so tight, it made her cough. You’re sending all four of us? I can’t believe it! I squealed. I sat back down, scooped the papers from the floor, and showed the tickets to Trystan. His eyes were wide with shock. He’d never been to an island before.

I looked up to see Dad grinning. What about you guys? Are you coming, too? I asked.

Mom smiled at Dad. You’re all eighteen now, and we know you’re responsible. You guys are going without us.

My mouth dropped open. They were sending me alone? If my smile got any bigger, my face would split in two. Did you already clear this with everyone’s parents? What if they said no, and I had to go alone? That would suck.

My mom nodded. Of course. We had to be sure they were all available the same week and had their passports and that it was okay with everyone. I took care of it, honey. Mom squeezed my arm and smiled at me. By the way, you did a fantastic job, did I tell you that? Didn’t she, Carter? Wasn’t she the best ever?

My dad nodded. Your voice is just, it’s perfect, Carly. I had tears in my eyes at your solo.

Sid jumped in and joined in the gushing. I wish I could dance like you. I don’t have the moves or any rhythm at all.

Talk about a high—hearing my family go on about me and my performance made my year. My heart soared into the stratosphere as their love and enthusiasm poured out at me, covering me like a familiar blanket.

My face bordered on cracking in half, my smile was so big. Thanks, guys. I’m glad you all enjoyed it.

Trystan squeezed my thigh under the table. You did do a great job, babe. You really know how to put on a show that’s memorable.

Everyone did well, I said. Rook’s dancing was amazing, and the chorus sounded fantastic. I know it takes all of us to make the show. Without the rest of the cast, I wouldn’t be anything special. They deserved a ton of credit, too.

Our dinners came and we dug in. As my family sat and chatted away about their day and my show, I watched them and grinned. I was a lucky girl. They supported me and Sid in our very busy careers and got us whatever we needed. They didn’t complain or push, and I appreciated that. Rook’s parents didn’t even want to pay her chess club dues.

Mom’s phone rang. After a short discussion, she put her napkin on the table and got up. I’m so sorry, sweetie, but I’ve been called into work. I have an open fracture to take care of in a five-year-old. Please have them wrap my chicken. She handed Dad a few twenties, kissed my cheek, waved to Trystan, and left.

Bye, I called after her retreating form. Thanks for the tickets!

I have to exercise and do my facial for my shoot tomorrow, Sid said, already done with her tiny, dressing-free, vegetarian salad. Bye, Daddy. Have fun on your cruise, Carly. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. She shot me a wink, got up, and followed Mom out.

Most of the eyes in the restaurant watched her go. My heart swelled with pride. My sister was beautiful.

Dad reached into his pocket. I have another gift for you. It’s from Aunt Erica. She told me to tell you she was at your play and loved every minute of it, but she has a date with destiny or something tonight and she’ll see you soon. He handed me a small box wrapped in silver paper and a glittery bow.

I squealed and grabbed the box. I tore into the package to find wads of cash. Trystan’s eyes widened when I tilted the box so he could see inside.

Aunt Erica was my favorite person in my family. She was my dad’s older sister, but she looked like she was in her twenties with smooth skin, light-brown eyes, and auburn hair that tumbled past her shoulders. A sprinkle of freckles took even more years off her face, as well as her tiny size. She talked to me about life, my performances, guys, and school. She was my biggest fan and cheerleader and truly understood me. I planned on living with her in New York when I got there. She lived alone in a big historic brownstone, and she promised me my own room with lots of freedom. And a cat.

She was the best.

Dad’s agent sent him a text, and he huffed out a sigh. He smiled at me. Sorry, Carly. I have to get going. You want to take the rest of your salad to go?

I pushed the salad away. No thanks. I’m done. Trystan and I are going to catch up with Brooklynn and Chase.

Go on, have fun. I’ll see you later at home. He stood and shook Trystan’s hand, left the bills on the table, and then walked out. Several women drooled as they stared at him and no doubt recognized him from TV.

We finished up and headed out a few minutes later, joking about the ways we could spend all this cash.

Come with me. Trystan took my hand and led me to his truck. He tucked me into the passenger seat and climbed over me, turned on some background music, pulled me to him, and kissed my