“How was Mrs Carter?” asked Jim, seemingly ignorant to Tasha’s presence or discomfort at this particular topic of conversation.
“As hot as I remembered, although obviously older now,” smirked Bobby. “And she too asked after you.” Bobby laughed louder now.
“That was kind.” Smiled Jim.
Alexa was wearing a spotty bikini and had been nagging Abby and Lizzie, unsuccessfully to take her into the sea.
Tasha’s growing irritation made her as restless as the bored little girl. “Alexa, I’ll swim with you if you’d like me to.”
Alexa smiled and nodded before looking back at Abby who nodded and thanked Tasha.
Alexa took Tasha’s hand as she stood up and as they made their way down to the sea she made sure that her wiggle was firmly in place attracting a number of glances, whistles and comments. She was seething internally but was determined to keep that hidden. Did Bobby know that she knew about Sally Carter and her freaky mother, Laine? That’s what Jim had called her, wasn’t it? She even managed to sneer the woman’s name in her own head. If Bobby didn’t know, it felt as though he was making a joke at her expense and if he did then he was clearly taking the piss out of her. Either way, she didn’t like it, and as for Jim…well, that was a whole different situation because he knew she knew and he also knew that she was jealous of his past with them, mainly with the mother though.That was kind.That’s what he’d actually said about that woman, the sex pest, pervert, whatever she was, asking after him. It was many things for Tasha, none of them kind and if Jim was trying to piss her off by suggesting it was then his objective was fully achieved.
Tasha became aware of Alexa’s grip tightening on her hand and at that point realised they had reached the water’s edge.
“Can you swim?” asked Tasha.
Alexa shook her head. “Just a little.”
“Okay, well, we will walk in and if you don’t like it just say. But hold my hand and we’ll do it together.” Tasha smiled down at the little girl who was clearly apprehensive.
Alexa smiled back and Tasha considered what a pretty little girl she was; she had her mother’s red hair and freckles, but definitely had the Maybury eyes. They were still walking into the water as it lapped around Tasha’s knees and Alexa’s thighs when the little girl squeezed Tasha’s hand tighter still.
“Far enough?” asked Tasha.
“Yes,” replied Alexa nervously.
“We could just splash around if you want to,” said Tasha reassuringly.
“Okay.” The little girl began kicking her feet and swinging her free hand in the sea as she clung to Tasha with her other hand.
They both splashed around and swooshed the water at each other making Alexa laugh.
“Are you my auntie?” asked Alexa suddenly.
“No, not really,” replied Tasha. “But we could be friends.”
She nodded. “Can you swim?”
Tasha nodded back as she led Alexa back towards the beach and knelt down in the shallow water and as the little girl joined her sitting in the water Tasha asked, “What do you like to do, Alexa?”
“Ride. I like horses and I ride two or three times a week.”
“That sounds nice. I like to ride too.” Tasha began splashing around with her hands making figures of eight in the water.
Suddenly, she became aware of a figure beside her. She looked up and found a young, tall, blond, bronzed man looking down at her.
“Hey ladies, how are we?” he asked, making Alexa laugh at being called a lady.
“We are fine, thank you, just enjoying the water.” Tasha stared up at him.
“Lucky water. Are you nervous swimmers?” There was a hint of a familiar accent.
Alexa nodded.
“I see, well, don’t worry, that’s what I am here for, what’s your name?” He smiled a very nice smile that looked warm and genuine caught Tasha’s attention.
“Alexa,” beamed the little girl.
