“I know you don’t like me thanking you, but I really, really appreciate you being here with me right now. It made this reunion that much easier.”
I lean against the wall and swallow against the tightness in my throat. “That steak better have a pile of onions and mushrooms,” I say working hard to keep everything I’m feeling hidden.
She laughs and it brings a smile to my face. “Still motivated by food, I see.” She angles her head and looks me over. “Are you sure you’re not part Labrador retriever? You do have the same dark eyes.”
I cock my head. “Ah, was that a sideways insult?”
“No,” she says, and whacks my stomach. I capture her hand, and hold it as I feign hurt. “I love dogs. I even thought about getting one for Chase.”
Dad pokes his head around the corner. He’s about to say something until he sees how close we’re standing. He disappears as quickly as he appeared.
I drop her hand like it’s on fire—except I’m the one burning up inside—and inch back. “We’d better get outside before they wonder what we’re doing.”
She nods quickly, and I push off the wall. She follows me outside and I find Mom and Chase at the patio table eating watermelon as Chase fidgets in his seat. The kid doesn’t like to sit still for long. I chuckle quietly. He’s definitely a chip off the old block.
“Mommy, Mommy, look,” Chase says holding up a slice of watermelon bigger than his head.
“Will you all be staying for lunch?” Mom asks hopefully, and I turn to Fallon, leaving this one in her hands.
“We would love to,” she says and Mom gives her a big smile. This is good for Mom and for Fallon. They always liked each other, and I think a lot of healing might take place for both of them now that they’re back in each other’s lives. They both needed this. With Fallon’s father gone, Dad will be a good father figure for Chase too. It’s certainly not a role I can take on.
I drop down into a chair and reach for a piece of melon. Everything about this morning, from hanging out at the pool, to snacking on watermelon around the table, takes me back to my childhood with my brother, who would likely be doing cartwheels off the diving board right about now. That memory brings a smile to my face but also guts me at the same time. Fallon sits next to me, and I hand her a slice as Dad pulls a chair out across from me. He can’t seem to stop smiling as he watches Chase.
“The place looks great,” Fallon says to Mom. “I see you’re still working your flower gardens. Mine are in desperate need of love.”
“You know I can help with that.” Fallon gives me a glance like she’s not sure how to break the news that she’s moving. I’m about to come to her rescue when Mom says, “Barry is retiring soon, and we thought that old place was just too big for us.” She rustles Chase’s hair, which is little too long, like mine. “But we made sure to get a place with a spare room for you and Chase if you ever want to stay over.”
Dad takes a sip of his lemonade, and fills three more glasses. “That’s Marion’s way of saying you guys are welcome here anytime and if you ever need a babysitter, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Fallon smiles, and brushes her honey blonde hair from her face. Her brow is damp from the hot morning son. “That’s so nice. I’m sure Chase would love to spend time with you both.”
“That’ reminds me, Mom. Fallon is also looking to sell.” Mom arches a brow, her eyes wide and worried.
“You’re not leaving Seattle, are you?”
“No, just looking to downsize as well. I want to get a smaller place near a good school and close to the hospital. I’m going to be taking on some shifts. Just a few at first, but it’s time.” Both Mom and Dad go quiet as they nod in understanding.
“She’s looking for a good realtor,” I say. “You were happy with yours, right?”
“Oh, John Harrow is great. I have his card,” she says. “I’ll give him a call right now. See when he can stop by to assess your place.”
“Thanks, Marion,” Fallon says, as Mom picks up her cell phone and punches in the number.
“I need to get changed and cool off.” I wipe my brow. “It’s a scorcher.”
Fallon stands and reaches her hand out to Chase. “Hey bud, you ready for that swim?” As mom talks to John Harrow, Chase takes another bite of his watermelon, and his face is all wet and dripping as he nods emphatically. Wiggling from his seat, he rushes to Fallon.
“It’s all set,” Mom says. “He’ll stop by your place tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is Sunday.”
“Not a problem for him. He’s happy to help out.”
“I really appreciate that,” Fallon says. “What would I do without your help?” She turns to me. “Jamie has been great.” She chuckles slightly. “He came running in the middle of the night when I called.” She crinkles her nose. “I heard a noise and it frightened me. He stayed over, even cooked breakfast.”
I clear my throat. “There have been a number of break-ins in the neighborhood.”
Dad leans forward. “Perhaps you should stay with us, or with Jamie.”