There was one sharp jolt of terror, but she was able to laugh it off. “No, he wouldn’t do that. This is a big, close family and he might be a jerk, but they’re nice people. I’m very confident if he even hinted at something like that,they’d set him straight. I mean, they’re going to take Brian’s side, of course, but they wouldn’t support him doing something like that.”
“I should probably stop dumping my tendency toward high drama all over you.”
Siobhan sighed. “I feel like I’m the one living in high drama right now.”
“If it gets to be too much, just come home. We’ll hire a lawyer and let her handle it.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Okay. Try to get some sleep and call me tomorrow.”
Getting some sleep was much easier said than done. She couldn’t really toss and turn without disturbing her son, but spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling. Finally, she slept, but it was fitful and her mind was filled with flashes of blue eyes.
Siobhan wasn’t surprised Oliver woke up earlier than usual. They were in a strange bed and the sun was hitting the side of the camper like a spotlight. Even though she’d struggled to fall asleep, the brightness of the camper and emotional restlessness had woken her just a few minutes before her son stirred.
She was already looking forward to an afternoon nap, whether it was here or at home. Several hours of thinking about it in the dark hadn’t made up her mind one way or the other.
Oliver blinked at her and then his mouth curved into a sleepy smile. “Swim in the pool today, Mommy?”
“Yes, honey. Later we’ll swim in the pool.”
It didn’t mean she’d decided. They could have breakfast and then play outside. Toward the middle of the day, Oliver could spend some time in the pool. They could have lunch, and then hit the road.
“And the playground?” he asked, so excited he was bouncing on his butt on the mattress.
“And the playground, too.”
As she grabbed the diaper bag, Siobhan knew she wasn’t going anywhere. At least not today. She didn’t want to rush her child through his adventure and then go back to their apartment, where she’d probably spend the rest of her time off pacing the floor, worrying about what was to come.
If she stayed, she could enjoy a week off with her son. And for better or worse, most of the people in the campground were going to be a part of Oliver’s life, one way or another. Staying and getting to know them would be in everybody’s best interest.
Her phone chimed, and she picked it up to see a text from Steph.
We’re doing a buffet-style breakfast and you’re welcome to join us, of course.
Since she’d come to terms with the fact that she was going to see the week out, she should probably embrace her maid of honor duties. But she and Oliver enjoyed their breakfast. Maybe it was only oatmeal or scrambled eggs and cut-up fruit, but her boy was definitely a morning person. Siobhan always protected their mornings together before she had to drop him at daycare and head to work.
We’re about to eat, actually, but we’ll be out soon to visit for a bit before Oliver goes in the pool. It’s all he’ll talk about.
She hoped that was enough to signal she was staying without having an entire conversation about it.
“What flavor do you want today?” she asked Oliver once they’d gone through their morning routine.
“Apple!”
It was his favorite. Apple cinnamon instant oatmeal with sliced apples on the side. “At leastyou’repredictable, little man.”
And Oliver laughed and clapped, even though he had no idea what she was talking about.
* * *
Brian’s first thought when he opened his eyes wasOliver.His second was pushing Stella’s face out of his because her morning breath was not a great way to start his day.
Excited her favorite human was finally awake, Stella bounded off the bed and waited impatiently for Brian to get up and open the door. After scrubbing his hands over his face, he followed his dog through the house, but then veered off toward the window that looked out over the part of the campground where Siobhan’s borrowed camper sat.
Her car was still there.
“She hasn’t left yet,” his mother said, and Brian spun, barely managing to swallow the curse that rose in his throat.
