“This is where I used to lifeguard,” Phoenix gestured at the beach. “It’s where I spent my summers.”
She nodded and watched the beach go by. “It’s beautiful.”
“What’d you do over summers, when you were growing up?” he asked.
She simplified a complicated childhood with a well-practiced wave of her hand. “I worked. Mostly babysitting. You know.”
The car glided to a stop in front of the house. When he turned towards her, she felt her heart squeeze. She flashed back to his care after the triathlon. Her skin tingled with the memory of the two of them tucked close in Paris. The truth was that she had fallen for Phoenix. Completely. Irrevocably.
She met his eyes. Was he feeling the same?
The walked up to the front door. Caleb swung it open and nodded a chin towards her boots. “Hey. No blood?”
“Blood?” She looked down, too.
“I hear there was helluva commotion last time you were here,” Caleb grunted.
Orchid smiled brightly. “Oh, the cut! All better now,” she assured him with a grin.
Two young men bounded down the stairs to greet them. The younger one swung his dirty blond hair off his forehead. “Stew. I’m the handsome one.” He winked, and Caleb groaned.
“Orchid, and it’s nice to meet you.” She leaned forward and shook his hand.
The older cousin straightened his preppy shirt, which could have been snatched from a Ralph Lauren ad. “I’m Harry. You’re Phoenix’s friend,” he stated with a wave.
“Coworker. Mentee,” she corrected. “We came down for a meeting.” She glanced at Phoenix and reminded herself that their relationship wasbusiness, all business.
Stew checked out her outfit. “Work makes me think corporate. You seem too cool for school.”
For the second time in minutes, Orchid laughed.
“You, too.” Her gesture indicated Harry’s sun-bleached hair and faded beach attire.
“Let’s get you drinks and a tour around the house,” Harry said, leading the way towards the large kitchen.
“I don’t need a full tour,” she told him. “Let’s see, your family room’s on the other side, there's a baby-blue powder room, and I love the photos of you guys on the slopes.”
“What the bejeezers, are you psychic?” Harry spewed.
Caleb butted in. “You don’t know? She practically bled out on the sofa.”
Bled out. Orchid felt her eyes cast down for a millisecond, a flash that the others probably didn’t notice. Phoenix brushed her sleeve, a gentle motion offering comfort. After all these months working side by side, it was as if he could read her telltale signs.
He saved her, by giving his family a quick recap of her sliced foot, and then reminding them about getting drinks.
Stew produced a six-pack from the fridge.
“Cheers,” said Stew. “To Orchid, for brightening our Fourth.”
“How couldIbrighten it? I thought this was a highlight of your year.” She took a sip of beer.
“We’ve grown a little too old for the parade. So, all that’s left is drinking.” Harry clinked his brew against hers.
“Are you going to the parade?” she asked Caleb. “Nope, my vote’s on drinking,” he replied, and demonstrated with a sizable gulp.
“How ‘bout you, Phoenix? Since that parade inspired your work with combat-wounded vets,” Stew snickered.
“Nothing against vets.” He raised both hands.
