“If it’s too much, maybe we can hand some of those off to another crew.”
“Nah, I prefer to stay busy. How’s your week going? Any progress with the master bath?” His parents were finally doing some remodeling after twenty years.
“Oh, it’s just a mess. The floor is torn up and there are tarps everywhere. I don’t know what I was thinking doing this with a wedding coming up.”
The microwave door clicked shut and began its loud hum. Sadie opened the fridge and bent down to peer inside.
He looked away. “Well, the renovation was in the plans long before the wedding was scheduled.”
“I know, but... Well, anyway, did Hayley tell you she’s thinking of becoming a teacher?”
She’d mentioned it several months ago. “She’d make a great teacher.”
“I think the idea of being a coach also appeals to her. If she keeps her grades up, she could get a decent scholarship. Encourage her if you would. I just think she needs a little boost.”
Sadie scurried around the kitchen like a woman who’d lived here for years. Sam still had to open multiple drawers to find basic things. Of course it didn’t help that he got takeout most nights. Rio moved behind her, close as a shadow.
“If it comes up, I promise to be a positive influence.”
“She’s more likely to listen to you than your dad or me. How are you enjoying your time on the island? Are you getting enough rest?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m doing fine, Mom. We’re having good weather.”
“I just worry about you, out there all alone.”
He glanced at Sadie again. No way was he bringing her into the conversation. “I’m hardly alone, Mom—I talk to customers all day.”
“But you’ve never been detached from the family for so long.”
“Most families don’t work together every day, you know. It’s perfectly normal for most relatives to go a few weeks without seeing each other.” Not to mention between all the texts and phone calls, they hardly left him alone for a solid hour.
“I know, but it’s not what I’ve become accustomed to. We miss you around here.”
“Well, you know I’m coming for lunch Sunday.” He’d never miss Father’s Day. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Sadie returned to the living room with two drinks and flashed her pearly whites at him. She set the glasses on the coffee table, sat on the sofa, and went to work with the remote.
In the kitchen the popcorn started popping.
“I don’t want to be a bother,” Mom said, “but we’re getting down to the wire on the RSVP count for the wedding. Have you given it any more thought?”
He turned toward the beach, wishing Sadie were back in the kitchen. He should’ve told his mom days ago, but he’d dragged his feet. “I’ll be going, Mom. And you can go ahead and put me down for a plus one.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful, Sam.” The relief in her tone wasobvious. “I know it won’t be easy, but you won’t regret going. It really is the right thing to do. And I’m so proud of you, honey, for putting family first. For being the bigger person.”
If only his cousin had put the family first. Had been the bigger person. But no one seemed to hold him accountable for that. Well, that wasn’t quite true. Tag had taken a lot of heat in the beginning—from Sam’s parents. From his own parents and siblings. But in the end they’d all adjusted. What choice did they have?
What choice did Sam have? He needed to adjust too—and attending the wedding was the next step in that journey. Maybe that would put an end to this emptiness he felt inside once and for all.
“Sorry if I spoke out of turn, sweetheart.”
He’d been quiet too long. This whole debacle wasn’t his mom’s fault. “You’re fine, Mom. We’ll get through this.”
“I know, I just... Well, anyway”—she injected some cheer into her voice—“who’s the girl you’re bringing to the wedding? Anyone I know?”
Sadie’s brows furrowed as she frowned at the TV screen. She muttered to herself as she juggled the laminated instructions and two remotes.
“No, no one you know.”
