“She thinks it’s misogynistic.”
A puff of air escapes Annie’s lips and she turns off North Shore and bumps along the dirt toward Ships View. “There is nothing wrong with that phrase, Matthew. There is nothing wrong withbeing a man,for heaven’s sake. Men have been doing it for thousands of years, and I expect they will do it for thousands more.”
When they arrive home, a goddess in short-shorts and a strappy tank is sitting cross-legged on the big flat rock in the middle of the front yard. Hazel, like a visiting angel.
“Speak of the devil,” says Annie, even though it was some time ago they were talking about Hazel.
Hazel unfolds herself from the rock and comes toward them. “Hi y’all!” She shields her eyes from the sun with her hand. “Hi, Matty. Hi, Mrs. Fitzgerald.”
“Hello, Hazel,” says Annie. “How can we help you?”
The question is so formal that Matty cringes, but Hazel doesn’t seem to notice. “I was looking for Matty,” she says. “Granddad says I can help him haul his traps day after tomorrow, and he says Matty can come too.”
Matty’s stomach somersaults. “Can I?” he asks his grandmother. “On Wednesday? Can I?”
“Certainly, Matthew,” says Annie. “Clear it with your mother, of course. I can’t imagine she’ll have a problem with it. You’ll have to be up with the birds, though.”
“Maybe even before the birds,” says Hazel brightly.
“Well. Perhaps,” says Annie. “I’m going inside. Don’t dawdle out here. I’ll have Pauline see about the chowder for our lunch. Hazel, of course you may join us if you wish.”
“Thank you, ma’am. But I already ate.”
When his grandmother has gone Matty asks Hazel, “Do I have to, uh, know how to do anything? Like in advance. For the boat.”
Hazel smiles her smile of spun gold at him. “I can show youwhatever you need to know. I’ve been out a couple times already. Don’t worry about that. The most important thing is to dress in layers.Layers,got it? Especially on top. It’s going to befreezingin the morning.”
“Got it,” says Matty. “Layers.”
It’s possible, it turns out, to get from the flat rock in the center of the yard all the way to the front door without your feet ever touching the ground.
25.
Louisa
“Your father wants a lobster roll,” says Annie.
Louisa looks up from her computer and says, “Okay.” She’s sitting on the couch in the living room, cross-legged with her computer on her lap. Her back is to the windows so she doesn’t get distracted by the views of the water.
Annie waits.
Louisa says, “And...?”
“And I thought you could take him down to McLoons to get him one.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You.”
“By myself?”
“If you’re up for it. Or bring the children with you.”
“Don’t you want to come?”
“Not this time,” says Annie. “I’m helping Pauline with some meal planning.”
Louisa looks at her computer screen. She has typed exactly one sentence, and it’s not even complete:
