Page 67 of When We Were Young

I follow Layla’s line of vision and see Lizette, looking gorgeous in a white sundress that ties around her neck. My breath catches at the sight of her.

Stunning.

It’s the word that keeps coming to mind as I watch her stroll across the stamped concrete pathway.

She’s visually scanning the area, and I can tell when she sees Georgie because her shoulders relax and relief spreads across her face as she beelines for her best friend. The child holding her hand draws my attention. He looks to be about Layla’s age.

He must be Lizette’s son, Simon.

With a head of messy blonde hair that is just slightly too long, he grips Lizette’s hand, and I feel for the kid. It can’t be easy walking into this. My entire family, those related by blood and those not, are here. Well, except Heath. He’s still in South Carolina for football.

Anyway, this crowd can be intimidating when you don’t know them.

Both Lizette and Simon look our way at the same time. His eyes home in on Layla as she’s calling for him. Within seconds, Layla climbs out of the pool and races over to them as Lizette sets her bag on the chaise Georgie saved for her.

Lizette turns her full attention to the kids, and it’s clear Layla is talking to her. I look like a creeper because I’m mesmerized watching Lizette, but I can’t turn away.

Simon peers up at Lizette, and she nods. He’s wearing a swim shirt, and I watch her apply sunscreen to his face, and then he comes over to the pool with Layla.

I approach them and smile.

“Uncle Holden, this is my best friend, Simon.”

Simon looks at her quizzically.

I hold in my laughter, knowing Layla is absolutely serious.

“Best friend? Isn’t that weird? You’re a girl,” Simon says.

“Yeah, so? Boys and girls can be best friends. Aunt Georgie’s best friend is a boy, my Uncle Heath. It doesn’t matter.”

Simon shrugs. “Okay.”

I clear my throat. Suddenly, trembling nerves fill me. I want this kid to like me, but I’m not sure why it matters so much to me. Okay. If I’m honest with myself, he’s Lizette’s son, and I’m hoping I’ll see them a lot.

“Hi Simon. Nice to meet you, buddy.” I extend my hand toward his. He hesitates but then takes it and gives me a hearty shake.

“Hi. Nice to meet you, too,” he responds. He’s quiet, but polite.

I feel eyes on me and glance in Lizette’s direction to find her standing, watching us. She’s biting at her lower lip, and I force myself to look away.

“Do you guys want to play Marco Polo?” Layla asks.

The girl has endless energy.

“How about I take a break first? I have to get some water to drink, and I’ve got to go to the bathroom. Harrison will get mad if I pee in the pool.”

“Ew, Uncle Holden. Don’t even think about peeing here! This water touches my face.” Layla tries to come off as chastising, but her cute smile betrays her.

Simon quietly watches our exchange.

“You better move then so I can get out, or I can’t be responsible for what happens,” I tease.

“Go!” Layla says, laughing. “Out of the water, I mean. Not pee. Don’t go pee.”

“All right, maybe we’ll play more when my break is over.”

I move to the side of the pool and am about to set Lena on the edge so I can get out, but she’s rubbing her eyes and then lays her head on my chest. It’s apparently nap time. Since she’s so sleepy, I hold onto her and use my other hand to lift us out of the pool. I grab my towel and wrap her up in it so she doesn’t get cold.