Tasha took in her surroundings. “Is this somewhere I would have seen in films or on TV?”
“Probably, it’s been used plenty.”
“Is Lizzie okay?” she asked cautiously.
“I guess so. She has been far too overindulged for too long, but you know my feelings on petulance and sulking.”
“That sounds awfully familiar.” She felt suddenly uncomfortable, maybe because she didn’t want to be the cause of conflict between Lizzie and her father but also because she knew only too well how it felt to be on the receiving end of parental chastisement and punishment. “She is young, though.”
“Yes, but old enough to know better, now let’s get something to eat as you skipped breakfast.” He frowned but closed down the conversation on his daughter and her mood.
They all sat at a long table overlooking the sea. Tasha had Jim on one side of her and Lizzie on the other.
While Jim was talking to Bobby and Abby, Tasha turned to Lizzie. “Are you okay, really?”
“I guess.” Lizzie too was dressed in denim shorts and a bright t-shirt making Tasha question if she should be dressed the same as her boyfriend’s daughter. Lizzie continued, “Sorry if I upset you earlier by being a brat.”
Tasha shook her head. “I think your dad was more upset than me.”
“He was really mad about it. He has taken my phone away.” She was obviously upset by this.
“Oh dear,” said Tasha, unsure what else she could say but wanted to reassure her in some way. “You know I don’t think he’ll cramp your style at the concert. Philip reckons he is only coming to keep me in check, not you.”
“I guess so, but you’re cool and Philip and Juan are kind of cool just by being gay and in love.”
Tasha laughed and felt Jim looking at her but hugged Lizzie regardless then whispered, “What he doesn’t realise is that I will be keeping him in check.”
Lizzie laughed now as she hugged Tasha back tightly. “Thank you, Tasha.”
Philip grinned at them then turned to Tasha. “What is it with you today? I turn my back and when I look again you are hugging a member of my family.”
Tasha cut her eyes, teasing him, “Then be very careful, because I reckon you must be next and I told you, I can turn the gayest of gays.”
Philip was about to speak when lunch arrived.
Tasha was eating her chicken salad when Abby asked, “So how old are you, Tasha?”
“Twenty-one,” she replied, “and how old are you?” she asked as everyone looked at her. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realise that it would be considered rude for me to ask the same question of you that you’d already asked of me,” she said seriously as Jim squeezed her leg gently.
“Thirty-six,” replied Abby, before turning to Jim. “I think Tasha may be my favourite of your wives and girlfriends.”
“She’s definitely my favourite,” he said seriously but wore a smile as he glanced across at Tasha.
She continued eating, but felt uncomfortable at being discussed in this way.
“For goodness sake, leave the poor girl alone and let her eat in peace,” beseeched Bobby.
After lunch they wandered along the pier before heading down to the beach. They’d been there for about half an hour when Tasha removed her t-shirt to reveal her very brief and uplifting bikini.
As she applied her sun lotion Bobby suddenly called to Jim. “You will never guess who came into my office the other day?”
Jim shook his head looking at Bobby, so Tasha took the opportunity to discard her shorts revealing the brief bikini bottoms that matched the top and applied sun protection to her legs before settling back on the lounger, oblivious to the looks she was attracting.
“Sally Carter,” cried Bobby as Tasha shot up and stared across at them.
“Does she need a criminal attorney?” asked Jim.
“No. She was there consulting a divorce attorney, but she recognised me as I passed through, although she called me Jim before Bobby.” He laughed. “She was with her mom.”
