“Doesn’t matter. Bob gave her two weeks to respond. If she doesn’t answer, Bob will go forward with our lawsuit.”
“Oh, Frank, this is such a mess.” She’d never thought in a million years that getting married to Frank would lead to him suing his youngest child. “Have you told Chad what’s going on?
Chad, Frank’s eldest, was the complete opposite of Sophie. Chad was married, had two kids, held a high-level position inFrank’s paper company, and had welcomed Essie into his dad’s life with genuine happiness.
Sophie was none of those things. And now, her use of social media to bash Essie had spiraled into something far worse than anything Essie could have imagined.
“I’ve told him,” Frank said. “He’s really upset with his sister. He even offered to talk to her, but I don’t know what good that would do.”
Essie latched onto that. “It might, Frank. She might listen to him. He is her big brother.”
“But I think she resents him, too, if I’m being honest. When I was talking to her, I mentioned how if she came to work for me, she could be doing as well as her brother in a few years.” He frowned. “She rolled her eyes and acted as if that was beneath her.”
“What is that girl’s problem? There’s nothing wrong with Chad’s life. He’s doing wonderfully.”
“I agree, but according to her, that’s not the life she’s interested in. She wants to be somebody. Her words, not mine.”
“And she thinks social media is the way to accomplish that?” Essie had been trying hard not to get angry, but she felt her self-control slipping away. “She’s delusional. I’m sorry, but she is.”
“No argument from me.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I hate to lay the blame at Stacia’s feet, but Sophia didn’t get these ridiculous ideas from me. I never liked all those pageants and dance competitions, but Stacia said they’d help Sophie build confidence. Seems more like they created a need in her for attention and adoration.”
He sighed and did his best to smile, but the pain and concern in his eyes was plainly visible. “I don’t think this new boyfriend of hers is helping, either.”
“We’re going to get through this.”
He took her hands. “Thank you for being so understanding and not declaring war on Sophie.”
She didn’t say anything, but to her mind, he’d already done that by deciding to countersue Sophie. “Will you think about letting Chad talk to her? I don’t think it could make things worse and she might listen to him, despite how she reacted in front of you.”
Frank gave a little shrug. “I’ll think about it. For you. But I’d better get going now. I have to meet Hans at the course for my lesson.” Hans was Frank’s golf instructor.
“I’m going to take myself to the pool for a bit. I think a little relaxation would do me some good.”
“That sounds wonderful. In fact, maybe I’ll join you after my lesson. It’s only an hour. I’ll bring my trunks and we can have a swim, spend some time together and if we stay long enough, even have an early dinner right there. See if there’s a cabana available. If there is, get one. If you want to.”
“I love that idea. I’m going to pack a little bag and head over there.” It really did sound like exactly what she needed. She could take a dip, sit by the pool and enjoy the sun, and make headway on the new book for book club. The little restaurant at the clubhouse that also served the pool area made the best chef salad. It would be perfect for dinner.
She loved to cook but a night off from kitchen duty was never a bad thing.
“Fantastic.” Frank went toward the bedroom. “Feel free to invite your new friends. I’d love to meet them.”
“Maybe I will.” She wasn’t sure who would be available, but she’d send a text to the group and see who was around.
Afternoon everyone! I’m headed to the northside pool if anyone wants to join me and hang out. Frank will be meeting me there after his golf lesson, but until then it’s just me. She hitSend and went to pack a tote with everything she thought she’d need.
Frank had changed into a golf shirt and shorts. He kissed her on his way out. “See you in a bit.”
“Have fun.” She picked out one of her favorite swimsuits, a navy and white polka dot tankini with lime green accents. It had a vintage look but there was nothing old-fashioned about the tummy control panel.
She tugged that on, then slipped into a gauzy white caftan coverup and white flipflops. Bag packed with all the essentials, she locked up the house. She was happy to see Frank had left her the golf cart. She stood on the porch a moment, taking in the view of the Gulf. What a beautiful day.
Just then, her phone vibrated. She checked the screen to see an answer from Paige.
I’d love to! Just got back from lunch and need to change. 10 mins?
Cece replied next.Can’t. Off to Slimercize in a few. Blech. Lol
Wow, Cece was going to a fitness class. Essie had to wonder what had motivated her. Maybe being around Paige, Blaise, and Maude? They were all pretty fit and looked great in clothes.
