Damn, she’s nice. The apple certainly didn’t fall far from the tree,is all I can think as I shake her hand. Gus even looks like her.
Audrey takes the time to shake everyone’s hand and get our names and then walks us to the front door before typing in the code on the keypad. “Fridge and cupboards are stocked with snacks and drinks if you’re hungry or thirsty after the flight. I texted Gus when I saw you drive in. He only lives a few houses away, so I imagine they’ll be in touch soon. Until then, I’ll let you get settled in. Please don’t hesitate to come knock on my door if there’s anything you need.”
A synchronized “Thank you,” answers her, and we all laugh because it sounds rehearsed.
“She’s sonice.” Lola stretches out the word to drive the point home, as soon as Audrey walks out the door. “How are they all so fucking nice?”
We all nod. “I think that might be the nicest human I’ve ever met.”
The house is a ranch. It looked small from the street, but it feels a lot bigger inside because it has a lower level that opens up to the beach. After a quick walk-through, we all insist Mabel take the primary suite upstairs, Benji claims the oversized sofa in the living room, and the rest of us divide up the three small bedrooms downstairs.
Minutes later we’re all standing barefoot in the sand, watching the waves roll in. The mountains at home are beautiful. But the ocean? I’m speechless.
When I look over at Lola, tears are rolling down her cheeks. She catches my eye and smiles. “Mom would’ve loved this.”
We don’t talk about our parents often, especially Lola. We made a silent pact years ago to seal off the past and leave it there so we could move on. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, I pull her in for a side hug. “She would’ve.” Our mom, like us, never traveled outside the state she was born in, but she always told us that someday we were going to take a road trip toCalifornia to see the ocean. I don’t know if she had other dreams because that was the only one she ever shared.
She sniffs after a few seconds. “Mother Nature isn’t subtle, is she?”
“Not even a little bit,” I answer, astonished by the sight in front of me. “It doesn’t feel real.”
She shakes her head, unable to speak. Lola’s always been an emotional person, but it’s rare that she exposes her soft side. And when she does, a phantom ache throbs in me, our sister bond is strong.
Mabel’s rolling up the cuffs of her beige linen pants to her knees. “Who’s going in with me?”
Jesse and Benji volunteer without a word. She takes each of their hands when they offer, and we watch them meet the tide rolling in a few yards away. Mabel lets out a whoop of delight when the water climbs mid-calf. And now I’m the one tearing up.
Ever walks up behind me, and his large hands give my shoulders a gentle squeeze. “You going in?”
“I think I’m more an admire the water from outside it, than inside it, kind of girl.”
There aren’t many people on the beach, and I wonder if Californians are desensitized to the beauty. If I lived here, I don’t think I’d ever go inside.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I pull it out and glance at the screen, it’s Scout calling.
“Hi, Scout.”
“Hi, Sophie.”
We’ve only emailed and texted, so this is the first time hearing her voice. There’s a faint accent that I can’t place yet.
“Do you guys have plans tonight?” she asks. Without a doubt, she’s a New Yorker.
“Let me put you on speaker.” I tap the screen and hold the phone so Ever can hear. “Ever’s here with me. I don’t think we have any plans tonight, do we?” I ask.
“No, other than taking in the view. What did you guys have in mind?” Ever asks.
“Audrey and I were just talking, and we thought tonight might be a good chance to get everyone together at her house. We’ll make tacos and hang out. Sound good?”
I look at Ever and Lola, who are both nodding.
“Yeah, that sounds like a plan. What time?”
“Umm…” she pauses like she’s checking the time. “Let’s shoot for six.”
“What can we bring?” I ask.
“Just an empty stomach. Audrey’s tacos are to die for, and she always makes enough for an army. Any dietary restrictions?”
