He grabbed the keys for his work truck.If he wasn’t here, he didn’t have to worry about her predicament, or analyze his intense reaction to her.If he wasn’t here, she couldn’t ask him for favors or stare up at him with her big, sad eyes.
If he wasn’t here, she’d give up and go away.
Chapter Five
Vanessa wasn’t givingup.Ever.
She managed to talk Emily out of another meltdown by promising they wouldn’t drive anywhere today.Then they went for a stroll along the lake.She bought a breakfast of bananas and yogurt at the convenience store, along with a bitter cup of coffee.They explored the large campground, which had a swimming pool, laundry services, coin-operated showers, and restrooms.It also boasted free Wi-Fi, so Vanessa used the opportunity to text her brother and make plans for lunch.She searched the internet for hotel vacancies in the area, just in case Paul Murphy refused to see reason.The best option was in Eagle Pass, over an hour away.
When Emily noticed a group of children huddled around a picnic table, finger-painting with an adult, she tugged on Vanessa’s hand.“Can I do that?”she asked.
“Not today,” Vanessa said.“We’re seeing Uncle Jack.”
Emily loved arts and crafts, but she also loved her uncle.She agreed to this deal and they wandered on.Across from the campground, there was a designated swimming area with a wide, sandy stretch of beach.Although visitors could take a dip anywhere along the shore, the beach offered a large communal space and a pleasant view.By mid-morning, the temperature had climbed above eighty degrees.Vanessa was hot, sweaty and tired.They watched rowdy teenagers jump off the boulder they’d stood upon this morning.
“I want to swim,” Emily declared.
Vanessa wanted to shower, more than anything, but they might as well swim first.They trekked back to her SUV for swimsuits.
Paul’s truck wasn’t parked in the opposite space.She felt a mixture of annoyance and relief at his absence.She’d made a fool of herself by asking for his help and she didn’t want to see him again.On the other hand, she still needed an ally.
“We can swim here,” Vanessa said.“It’s quiet.”
Emily nodded easily, eager to get in the water anywhere.Vanessa helped her change in the back seat, and then wrestled into her own bikini.She grabbed her floppy hat, along with the beach towels and sunscreen.They took the path that led alongside the cabin to the lake.The shoreline behind the cabin wasn’t a beach so much as a mix of sand and grass, interspersed with pine trees.It was peaceful and private, guarded on one side by the hill they’d climbed earlier.She felt another wave of resentment at Paul’s presence.The perfect summer vacation she’d imagined was right here in front of her, but it belonged to someone else.A wooden dock about thirty feet from shore offered the ideal swimming spot.
Vanessa trudged forward with Emily.Maybe after their swim, she could talk Emily into dozing in the shade.At the end of the dock, they sat in the sizzling sun and dipped their toes in the water.It was cool and inviting.Vanessa jumped in first, jarred by the cold shock against her overheated skin.She surfaced with a delighted gasp.
“Mommy, catch me!”Emily said.
When Vanessa nodded, Emily leapt off the edge of the dock, into her arms.There was a metal ladder to climb out, so the little girl did it over and over again, with the endless exuberance of an active four-year-old.
After nearly an hour of jumping and splashing, Vanessa called it quits.They ascended the ladder and flopped onto the dock, side by side.The sun beat down on her wet body, radiating heat and light.It felt like a healing force, penetrating through her.Relaxing her into a puddle of wax.Her mind was blank, her heartbeat a steady lull.She relished the warmth of the day and the sound of the lapping water.
Then she forced her eyes open, because she couldn’t afford to fall asleep here with Emily.Motherhood was an exhausting job.It required constant vigilance and received little to no recognition.
“I’m hungry,” Emily said.
Vanessa sat upright with a groan.
“Were you dreaming, Mommy?”
“Just resting,” she said, stretching her arms over her head.Then she gathered their belongings into the beach bag and took Emily by the hand.As they turned toward the shore, she spotted a shadow among the trees.She blinked the sun out of her eyes and caught sight of a retreating form.It was Paul, who’d clearly been watching them enjoy his boating dock.She imagined his stony expression and Clint Eastwood squint.She smiled inwardly.As soon as they reached the shore, she donned her cover-up and flip-flops.They walked to her SUV for a snack.Paul’s truck was gone again.She was about to give Emily a granola bar when the sound of an approaching vehicle caught her attention.
“Uncle Jack!”Emily said.
Her brother parked his pickup truck beside her SUV and exited the vehicle.Emily ran toward him with her arms outstretched.Jackson lifted Emily up and tossed her high, making her squeal in delight.
“We have to throw this one back,” he said, as if Emily were a fish.“Too small.”
“I am not,” she yelled.“I’m big!”
He tossed her again, his teeth flashing white against his bronzed complexion.Her little brother wasn’t so little anymore.With his athletic build and dark good looks, he’d become a younger version of their father.Jackson put Emily down and hugged Vanessa.She almost expected him to toss her in the air, as well.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he claimed, releasing her.
Vanessa touched her damp hair.“I feel like a wreck.”
“You don’t look like one.”
