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“I’m fine, Mom.” I wrap my arms around my knees and relax. “Just felt like watching the sun set.”
“Are you staying down here for the rest of the week?” She links her arm through mine and leans against me as we watch my uncles surfing in the distance.
“I think so. Everly said I could stay with Cross and her while I’m here, and Brynn said I could stay with her once we’re back in Kroydon Hills.” I catch Kerrigan out of the corner of my eye, running down the beach with a kite behind her.
“You know there’s always room at our house. Daddy and I are going back to Kroydon Hills tonight. He’s probably waiting for me.”
“I know.” I lean my head against hers. “But the boys are staying with you. At least the babies at Everly’s are babies.”
“Very true,” she giggles as we watch Uncle Cooper wipe out.
“I’ll be back in Kroydon Hills this weekend. I promise.” I still can’t believe I’m here.
It’s my favorite time of night here. The sky is a watercolor painting of pinks and purples as the sun dips down behind the dark ocean. The vacationers have packed it up for the day and gone back to the houses, and I get my own little slice of heaven to myself.
It’s calm.Peaceful. I missed peace.
“You want to tell me why you forgot to mention you were hurt?” Mom’s voice is quiet but firm. She’s hurt I kept it from her, but she’s upset too.
“I didn’t want you to worry. I had it under control. I just needed to finish the show and decide if I was good enough to jump right into the next one or not.” In theory, that sounds believable. Even if it’s not exactly how it happened.
“You have to take care of yourself. I taught you to listen to your body, Gracie.”
“And I did, Mom. I saw the company’s doctor. I took care of myself during the run of the show and came home to rehab now that it’s over.” Every time another lie leaves my lips, they get a little easier.
“You’d tell me if it was worse than you’re letting on, wouldn’t you? We could get a second opinion?—”
“Mom,” I stop her. “I’m okay. I’ve got this. I promise.”
She gives me a look that I’m pretty sure means she’s not sure whether to believe me or not. She runs her hand over my head, then kisses my cheek. “I love you, Gracie girl.”
“Love you too, Mom. I’ll stop by once I get settled in the condo this weekend.”
“You better.” She stands and wipes the sand off her jeans shorts.
My phone vibrates as she walks away, and my heart skips a beat when I see Ares’s name pop up.
Ares
I want to peel that damn bikini off your body with my teeth.
Grace
Hmm... I’d probably have to stay in a sandy bikini until everyone goes to bed tonight.
Ares
We’re going to have to get creative.
Grace
I like the sound of that.
The phone vibrates again, and this time, it’s my sister.
Everly
Dinner at my house tonight. Let’s surprise Gracie.
