Mom shrugs. Dad laughs. “No, she’s not. Your mother hates it, so she makes me bring as much out as possible.” Dad hands me a still wrapped burrito. “The food truck was down the way earlier this morning, so Quinn and I grabbed everyone something to eat and, by the way, good morning, princess,” he says, kissing me on the cheek. His wetsuit is hanging around his waist. One of the arms swings wildly, hitting me in the face.
“Morning, Daddy.” I don’t care how old I am he will always be “daddy” to me. There’s something about the way his eyes light up when either Peyton or I call him that, that I never want to see fade.
“Your wetsuit’s by your board,” he says.
When I came down yesterday, I had every intention of going back and didn’t bring a change of clothes with me. However, the thought of seeing Ben last night didn’t sit very well with me, and I kept procrastinating and finding reasons to stay. When Quinn showed up, it was just nice to be with my family, and I ended up staying, and while I do have a few things here, the essentials are at home.
“Maybe later.” I hold up the burrito even though I’m not sure I want to eat it.
“Come on, E.” Peyton stands and tugs on my hand.
“I don’t have a swimsuit with me.” It’s an excuse. I could always go in my bra and panties, but what an uncomfortable ride home that would be. It’s something Peyton, and I have done many times, and it’s not my favorite option.
“I bought you some new things the other day when I was shopping,” my mom says. I glance at her, but she doesn’t seem fazed. This is probably something she could’ve mentioned yesterday.
“What’s the occasion?”
“She was shopping with Peyton,” Quinn interjects. “And she feels guilty if she buys something for just one of us.”
I nod. “Score one for the guilt tripped parent.” Quinn and I bump fists and laugh.
“I feel like I’m losing out on getting new things,” Noah says, causing us all to laugh.
“I bought you the football,” Mom says, adding a smirk.
“I think that’s what we used to call a burn, babe,” Peyton says to Noah, who is standing there with his mouth wide open. He finally closes it and shakes his head.
“Thanks, Mom.” I lean into her and let her hold me. I have a feeling today is going to be one of those days I don’t want to end, and tomorrow’s going to be the day I never want to arrive because I have to go back to being Elle James, the party girl, and we all know the party girl doesn’t change overnight. Except this one wants to because she has an unsettling feeling she’s really screwed up with her best friend and doesn’t know how to fix things.
“Where’s the food?” I look up in time to see our uncle Jimmy walk across our blankets and head right toward the bags.
“Back at your house,” Dad says, pushing his friend and bandmate away from our stash.
“I tried to feed him at home, but he said your food is going to be better,” Jenna places a few bags down and shakes her head. She says hi to all of us before taking a seat next to my mom.
“Where’s Eden?” I ask. Jenna points toward the surf, where Eden is standing with her surfboard under her arm. “Who’s the guy?”
“Some bloke who’s not worth the time of day,” Jimmy says through gritted teeth.
My eyes go from Jimmy to Jenna, who is shaking her head, and then back to Eden, whose head is thrown back in what I’m gathering is flirtatious laughter. I glance at Noah, who has finally sat down next to my sister. “Are your parents coming?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. I didn’t really think this was turning into a family reunion.”
“When isn’t it?” I ask.
“She has a point,” Quinn says.
Jimmy sits down next to Jenna. I lean forward and say, “So the kid… not a fan, Jimmy?”
He pauses mid-bite and shakes his head. If I’m not mistaken, I believe he’s let out a growl. I try not to laugh, but can’t hold back.
“This is payback for all the womanizing he did before we got married,” Jenna says.
“You’re not helping, sweet lips.”
“Just saying, Jimmy. What comes around goes around.” Jenna shrugs and turns toward my mom, hiding the massive smile on her face.
“Jenna’s right, JD. Think about all those tours—”