“That’s the best gift you could bring me.”
“Consider it done.”
She hangs up and looks at me. “You sure you love me? Because it’s not going to be fun.”
I laugh. “I’m sure and I’m also not afraid. Unless they’re going to shoot me, I can take care of myself.”
“I wouldn’t put anything past them.”
“It’ll be fine. Besides, if we’re going to be together, I should spend time with your dad. Right?”
“I suppose.”
“Don’t worry. Everything is going to be okay.”
I hope I sound more confident than I feel.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Allora
I can’t remember the last time I stepped foot in the clubhouse. Just being on the grounds brings back a plethora of memories, both good and bad, but mostly of my mother. As the wife of an officer, she had a lot of power among the women. Since the president before my dad wasn’t married, she was the club’s mother hen. She had a lot of responsibility but handled it well, even when she was busy with her teaching job and raising me.
We didn’t live here, though, and the older I got the less time I spent here. Especially after what happened that weekend my parents went away. At that point, I kept my distance and they didn’t force the issue.
Today, the outdoor area looks like any suburban cookout. There are two grills, three long tables covered in food, coolers with drinks, and chairs set out in various areas. There are some guys playing cornhole, a bunch of kids playing with a slip-n-slide, and a few ladies holding court by the food tables.
“You’re an outsider,” I say under my breath. “So be prepared for a lot of questions, even if they’re pretending to be nice.”
“Don’t worry about me. And remember, any time you want to leave, we’re out.”
“Thanks.”
My father spots us and waves. He comes over and gives me a big hug.
“Happy Birthday, Dad.”
“Thanks, honey.” He peers into the casserole dish Landon is carrying. “Damn, that smells good.”
“I made a triple batch, so you can have as much as you want and still share.”
He lifts one brow. “You think I’m going to share?”
We laugh.
Landon puts the large casserole down on a couple of potholders and Dad shows him where the beer is. I dig around until I find a hard cider and take a pull. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, there’s a cool breeze, so it’s not too hot. Late spring/early summer tends to be my favorite time of year here and I have to admit it’s nice to be out of the apartment.
It’s been so long since I’ve been to the beach and I miss that the most.
“Hey, Allora.” Pete’s voice makes me tense but I turn politely.
“Hey, Pete.”
“I, uh, owe you an apology.”
I wait, watching his face as he struggles to apologize. “I shouldn’t have been such a dick last time I saw you. I know you’re a strong, independent woman.”
“How painful was it for those words to come out of your mouth?” I ask with a smile.
