“Layla,” Amelia protested.
“I just want him to know that you tire easily.”
“I’m aware, Layla,” Ben assured her. “And the only thing Amelia has to do this evening is enjoy the nice weather as we tool around the lake. We’re not going swimming or anything like that.”
“Good. I want her to have fun, but also not to exhaust herself.”
“Don’t worry, Layla,” Ben said. “She’s in good hands.”
There was a long pause, then Layla said, “I hope so.”
“Are you happy now?” Amelia asked, lifting the phone closer to her mouth.
“Yes. Yes, I am.”
“Good. Now go back to your family and let me enjoy my evening.”
“I want to hear all about it tomorrow,” Layla said.
“Maybe,” Amelia said. “Goodnight, sis.”
Layla was protesting as Amelia tapped the screen, effectively ending the call.
“I love her to death, but sometimes she’s a pain.”
Ben laughed. “I think that’s true of all siblings.”
He didn’t bother to move away from her, and she didn’t seem to mind that they were sitting more closely.
“Layla’s always been protective of you,” Ben said.
“Yeah, but she’s never been that way about you.”
“I guess maybe she’s just uncertain about my intentions now,” Ben said. “Especially since you’re in a precarious position with your health.”
“But she should still know that you wouldn’t hurt me.”
Ben was so glad to hear Amelia say that. He never wanted to do anything to hurt her, and he was thankful she understood that.
They lapsed into silence as a boat with a group of partying people drifted by. Rock music floated across the water, accompanied by laughter and loud conversation.
“Are you hungry?” Ben asked once the noise settled into the distance. “Connie put together a meal for us.”
“I could eat,” Amelia said with a nod.
Ben got to his feet, then held out his hand to her. She took it and allowed him to help her off the seat.
Keeping hold of her hand, Ben led her along the narrow walkway from the front of the boat to the stern.
The boat slowed to a stop, settling into the water with gentle dips.
“I’m going to fire up the barbecue,” Ben said as he walked to the small fridge that held their food. “Connie said she was going to make chicken and beef kebabs. Sound good?”
“Yep.” Amelia came to stand beside him. “What can I do to help?”
“Let me get the kebabs on the barbecue, then we can see what else she sent for us.”
“I’m going to hang out downstairs,” Luca said after lowering the anchor and turning off the engine. “Yell if you need anything.”
