Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
As we pass by the tourist stand on the corner, with its painted starfish and vials of beach glass for sale, I’m struck by how quaint and quirky Aqua Vista is. Like a sleepy, coastal Mayberry.
We head to the general store next, which is busier than the last time I was there. Aunt Dina is managing the cash register, and a handsome young guy is packing up someone’s purchases.
When June’s eyes light up, I notice the resemblance immediately.
“Let me introduce you to my son.”
She heads behind the counter and pecks his cheek. Looks like he also pitches in wherever he’s needed. The idea of keeping loved ones close makes my stomach warm. Maybe because it’s only ever been me and my mom, or because I know the heartbreak this family has endured.
“Nice to see you again,” Aunt Dina says. “How are the hiking shoes holding up?”
“Very well, thank you.”
Cain introduces himself, then disappears to the back room. Aunt Dina and June watch until the door shuts behind him, and then Dina says, “Did he tell you he qualified for the circuit?”
June nods. “Don’t remind me. I might not sleep all that week.”
That must be the surf competition, and as Dina pats her hand in sympathy, I can only imagine the panic and anxiety June likely experiences whenever he’s out there in the waves.
“Anyway, Aaron is keeping me company while I shop,” June explains to Dina.
She smiles. “I’m sure he’s good company.”
“He is.” June’s gaze swings to mine. “Hey, come to our family barbecue tonight.”
“What? No, I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“You wouldn’t be. Besides, I’m dragging you to the grocery mart next to get ingredients for my famous potato salad.”
“It’s definitely the best,” Dina concurs. “You are more than welcome to come.”
“I’ll, uh, think about it, thanks.” I might’ve agreed right away if it wasn’t for Jack and not knowing how he’ll feel about my intrusion into his family tradition.
“Don’t let Jack scare you away,” June says as if reading my mind.
She and Dina share a look, and Dina says, “Besides, you can ask my husband your questions about property turnover around here.”
June grips my bicep. “Oooh, now you have to come.”
We say our goodbyes and head to the market next, where I grab a bottle of wine to bring, just in case. I want to ask June more about surfing, but I don’t want to worry her more than she already is.
By the time we’re finished, I’m all erranded out.
“Thanks for hanging out with me, Aaron. Hope to see you in a few hours.”
“Don’t count on it,” I reply, not wanting to be tied to the plan.
“Who else are you going to share that wine with?” She winks. “We happen to have a wine connoisseur in our family.”
Shit, is that why I chose a bottle to bring? To impress Jack?
Christ, I’m pathetic.
14
JACK
I show up to my family’s barbecue with dessert in hand. It’s not homemade, but the banana cream pie comes from Slice of Life bakery, so no one will complain. Least of all Aunt Dina, who has a major sweet tooth. Mom did too, come to think of it.
Johnny is at the grill in the backyard, along with Uncle Chuck, while Aunt Dina and June are preparing side dishes in the kitchen. Cain is a no-show tonight, but no one faults him. He’s young and has more of a social life than all of us combined. I place the pie on the counter, then help them take food outside to the picnic table, where we’ll all gather to eat.
“Uh-oh, Johnny’s about to burn our steaks,” I tease. “Where’s the fire extinguisher?”
“Very funny,” he replies, knowing he’ll never live down the incident when his grill caught fire. “You’ve had plenty of my cooking since then.”
“And my stomach is all the worse for it.”
He playfully knocks me, so I return the favor, but before he gets payback, I hear rock music drift over from the driveway, where a car is pulling in. “You have company?”
Johnny hitches a shoulder. “June said Aaron might show.”
I inhale a sharp breath. “Why would he be here?”
“Is that any way to greet an invited guest?” June scoffs, sounding more and more like Mom. “Where are your manners?”
She’s right, of course, but I’m not trying to get to know him any more than a handful of hookups. Sure, keep telling yourself that.
I ignore that tilt-a-whirl feeling. “You invited the person who tried to buy my service station?”
“You should be flattered,” Johnny says. “He never asked to buy my bar.”
“Or Honeycomb,” Aunt Dina mocks.
“That’s different.” I make a frustrated sound. “The station is the last thing we have of Mom and Dad’s.”
It was in both their names, but Mom was at Honeycomb most of the time with her sister. She was still involved in decision-making at Jack’s, but the store seemed to suit her interests better. She loved all the honey products and creating displays for them. Aunt Dina always said she had the better eye.