"It would be a good opportunity to see how we could help." Mom loved volunteer work. "Also, tourism is a big part of Puerto Rico's economy. It would be a great way to support local businesses."
"I'm not going on vacation to work for free," Aunt Patrice protested. "Tell me who to write a check to, and I will, but with the little time off I do get, I'm going somewhere to relax. I'm with Kimmy."
It was tied, and Dad was the tiebreaker.
“What do you think, Reggie?” my mom asked. “We’ve always talked about going to Puerto Rico.”
Dad smiled and I knew I’d won. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Lisa’s face when I invited her to come with us and told her where we were going. Kimmy, sensing defeat on the horizon, shifted into warrior mode and pulled the ultimate Hail Mary.
“If we went to Barbados, everything would be free,” she blurted out.
Dad’s attention snapped back to Kimmy.
Shit.
"Adam's brother has a huge three-bedroom apartment that's big enough for all of us at The Sterling. He said we could stay there and use his private plane. Also, the resort is all-inclusive, so we wouldn't have to pay for meals or excursions. The apartment also comes with a car and driver."
Dad’s face spread into a wide grin.
"All-inclusive, huh?" The wheels were turning in Dad's head.
Kimberly had used Dad’s favorite four-letter word and ensured that this year’s family vacation would be in Barbados.
"That is generous," I said. "And very convenient. We should call Adam's brother and thank him. Right now. On speakerphone." I raised my eyebrows. She narrowed her eyes.
“Fine.” She pulled out her phone and dialed, calling my bluff.
“Hey, Kimberly,” a woman’s cheerful voice answered.
“Hey, Abby. I was hoping to talk to Nate.”
“Nate’s in the gym, but I saw it was you calling, so I answered. Is everything okay? You’re still coming to brunch tomorrow, right?”
"Oh, it's fine, and I'll definitely be there. You're on speakerphone with my family, by the way."
“Hi, family,” she called.
A chorus ofHey, Abbys followed.
“We were calling,” Kimberly began slowly, “to thank you and Nate for generously letting us use the plane and the apartment in Barbados for our family vacation in November.” There was a pause.
“Of course,” Abby replied, a little too cheerfully. “Well, of course, Nate and I were so excited when you asked us. I already have our assistant working on the arrangements, you were just gonna get back to me with the exact dates.”
I narrowed my eyes and glared at her. They offered the apartment without knowing the dates, really? She raised her eyebrows and gave me a shit-eating smirk.
“Hey, Abby,” my mom shouted across the room. “How’s your mother doing?”
“Hi, Dr. Simmons. She’s great. My parents are actually in town visiting us. Well, they’re really visiting the baby. Nate and I just happen to be here.” She laughed. “You and Judge Simmons should come to brunch with Kimberly tomorrow.”
“Well, we would love that,” Mom answered. “What do you think, Reggie?”
Dad nodded with a silly grin on his face. Free vacation and free brunch. What’s not to love?
“Okay, thank you, Abby. I don’t want to keep you. Please thank Nate too and kiss baby Aviva for me.”
“Will do. See you tomorrow!”
"Well, seven people in a three-bedroom apartment sounds too crowded for me. I would need my own place," Aunt Patrice said.
