I nervously cover my body with my arms. “It was the only swimsuit they had at the gift shop.”
“I thought you were going ice climbing.” The accusatory look on Justin’s face hasn’t softened once since we arrived.
“We did.” Caleb shrugs. “But we were so close to the Ouray hot springs, and Summer hadn’t been there for twenty years, so we made a quick detour.”
“Oh, honey!” Patsy jumps up from her spot on the couch. “You must be freezing.” She grabs my hand, pulling me toward the bedrooms. “Let’s get you some clothes.”
“What the heck, Caleb?” Justin says as we exit the room. “You show up here with my girlfriend with no clothes on?”
“Relax. We’re in swimsuits,” Caleb snaps back. “We told you what happened.”
“You can wear something of mine.” Patsy smiles as she walks, but there’s an anxiousness in her eyes.
“Thanks.” I follow her down the hall, straining to hear the conversation in the family room.
“It just doesn’t look good,” Justin says.
“Is that what you’re mad about? How it looks?”
“I’m not mad. It’s just classic Caleb. You never think before you do something, and now you’ve dragged Summer into it.”
“Don’t mind them,” Patsy tells me over her shoulder.
“I think Summer can decide for herself what she wants to be dragged into,” Caleb defends.
“Hey, hey,” Don says. “Let it go. Your mother worked hard on dinner and wants a nice evening.”
“We’re not fighting,” Justin says.
“Good. Keep it that way.”
“I think I have an old sweat outfit you can wear. It’s light pink. Don and I were pigs for Halloween a few years ago.”
“Patsy?” I touch her arm, pausing her steps. “I’m really sorry if I’ve caused any problems today.”
She places her hand on top of mine. “Oh, stop. These boys have been fighting over toys ever since they were babies. Whatever Caleb had, Justin wanted. Whatever Justin had, Caleb wanted. Not that you’re a toy. I’m just saying that’s how it goes with them. I’m used to it. Don’t think another thing about it.” Her hand squeezes mine. “Now, let’s get you warm.”
“Okay.” I smile, but as hard as I try not to think about it, Patsy's words dance through my head.
These boys have been fighting over toys ever since they were babies. Whatever Caleb had, Justin wanted. Whatever Justin had, Caleb wanted.
Everything about that feels unsettling.
* * *
“Doyou have enough inventory of blankets to fill all of those Black Friday purchases?” Don asks as we sit around the dining table.
We finished eating a half hour ago, but everyone stayed put, talking.
“We were anticipating a big holiday season, so we have more than enough,” Justin answers.
“That must keep you really busy.” Concern brushes across Patsy’s brows. “Are you making enough time for Summer?”
Justin rubs my shoulder. “Summer’s been so understanding about my work schedule. Especially during the holidays.”
“And Summer, how’s your work going with all the properties you’re managing?” Patsy asks.
There’s a distinct difference between Justin’s family and my family. When you talk at Justin’s house, all eyes are on you. It’s silent as everyone listens to you speak. At my house, you have to fight to get your words heard. Everyone talks over everyone. So when the Davidson family turns their attention to me, it feels like a lot. Or maybe it’s a lot because I feel the weight of Caleb’s stare from across the table.
