“Hey!” Jill calls out to them. “So happy y’all are back! There’s leftover food to snack on and, Abby, dear, would you like some sparkling water? Iced tea?”
The girl steps from the boat toward Jamie. He offers her his hand and guides her down to the dock. She’s in an army-green string bikini, and her petite build is exquisite. Amber-colored skin and taut. She removes her aviator glasses to talk to Jill.
“No thanks, Mrs. Simmons,” she says. “I have a bottle of water in my bag.” She points behind her, and Brad trundles off the boat, beach bag in hand, hair whipped up by wind and sweat.
“Well, let me introduce you to the group!” Jill says. Her speech is sloppy from the drinks and she puts an arm around the girl’s waist like she’s holding on to her for support. “Ladies, this is Abby. Brad’s girlfriend, the one I talk aboutallthe time!”
Jill winks at Abby, rubs her hands briskly up and down Abby’s back. “But only good things, of course! I’m always bragging on you. Abby’s a junior and she just made varsity cheerleader! Also, she’s on the honor roll. Beautyandbrains. We are so pleased!” Jill beams.
“That’s Tina.” Jill points and Tina waves, flashing a warm smile. “And that’s Callie over there, trying to decide if she’s brave enough to get in the pool.” Callie rolls her eyes at Jill but walks over to them and extends her hand toward Abby.
Margot is flat on her back, sunglasses on, seemingly oblivious to Jill’s cheery round of intros.
“Margot,” Jill calls to her. Margot raises up a few inches, supports herself with her elbows, and dons a fake smile. “Margot, meet Abby,” Jill says.
“Hey,” Margot says, and gives a little wave of her hand.
I swing my legs to the deck, climb out of the chaise longue, and walk over to them.
Up close, Abby is even more luminous. Her eyes are lettuce green and she has a spray of caramel freckles that spackle her nose. She’s gorgeous, but still, she’s no match for Margot.
“And this is Sophie. She’s new to town,” Jill says. I reach out my hand and shake Abby’s.
Whereas most teenage girls would roll their eyes at being paraded around like this, Abby seems genuinely polite, even nervous.
“Pleased to meet you,” Abby says, with a deferential dip of her head. I want to take her in my arms, lead her out of this dysfunctional mess, tell her she can do better than Brad, who is barely masking his greedy stares at Margot.
Brad’s parked in the corner of the pool, his long, ropy arms supporting him while he kicks at the water. “Mom, the pool is still cold, what the hell?” I’m taken aback that he still calls JillMom. It jolts me to think about the fact that this hunky young man is still just a teenager.
He catches me staring, shoots me a sly smile as if to say I’m in on his dirty little secret with Margot, who’s so far taken no notice of him.
Jill disappears inside the house, calling out over her shoulder that she’s off to mix more margaritas.
—
JAMIE LEANS AGAINSTthe wooden railing. The sun is just beginning to set behind him, turning his copper hair even more golden.
His eyes are locked on Abby, and as soon as Jill unlatches herself from her, Abby walks to the edge of the pool, dips a toe in the water.
“It’s freezing!” she says, her voice high and girlish.
Jamie sneaks up behind her and grabs her around the waist, lifting her up before they both tumble into the pool together.
Abby breaks the surface, water beading on her face and eyelashes. “Jamie!” she squeals. He’s facing her with a devilish grin, and she splashes water in his face.
“Admit it, you would’ve never gotten in otherwise,” Jamie says, pleased with himself.
Brad eyes them. But outwardly, he doesn’t seem bothered by their banter.
Abby bounces in the water, clearly trying to warm up. Jamie watches her and begins treading water, his shoulder muscles flexing with each stroke.
After a moment, Brad sinks into the pool and swims over to Abby. She wraps her arms around his neck and he moves her over to the wall of the pool, where there’s an underwater ledge to sit on.
He pulls her into his lap, grabs the sides of her face with his hands, and starts kissing her, marking his territory.
Abby pulls back, blushing, clearly not wanting to make out in front of all of us.
Jamie swims to the edge of the pool and turns his back to them. He parks his elbows on the deck and rests his chin on top of his folded hands.
