None of us have ever doubted Tim’s keen sense of character, regardless of how whimsical his mind can be. When Tim throws his head back in a deep laugh at something Liam said, I’m more certain that he was being sincere in my garage.
“Liam,” Tim directs, “grab that tray of burgers, will you?”
Glancing over his shoulder, I nod once, reassuring Liam that he should go with Tim. Maybe he’ll even take over a few of the introductions for me. I doubt I’ll be that lucky.
Chapter Ten
Liam
Following Tim down to the beach, I glance around for my cousin. Calypso stayed back to help Bonnie and Selena with a few things, but I don’t mind. Lucas has nothing but great things to say about the Millers and Davies, so if I can make a good impression for her sake, I’ll do anything.
Knox is close by but hasn’t noticed me yet. One of his boys is trying to stand up on a surf board with the help of an instructor, so I don’t expect him to be concerned with much else. I assume that the brunette man standing next to him is Grady. Even from a distance, he looks like a perfect mix of his parents.
“That’s my son, Grady,” Tim confirms as we walk to the grill he set up already. “He mentioned you hadn’t met yet.”
Setting the tray on the fold-out table, I shake my head. “Not yet.”
“Didn’t think so.” Looking around the beach, he points toward a couple walking along the shore with two kids. “That’s my daughter, Blake, and her husband Adrian. They have three kids, but Millie doesn’t love the water. Blake and Adrian work at my vet clinic.”
Blake has a light complexion and raven black hair, like her father. Next to her is a tall man with mahogany skinand a clean buzzcut. The two boys walking with them are kicking water at each other and giggling while holding their parents’ hands.
I nod along, appreciating that someone is taking the time to put all these names to different faces. I expect I’ll get official introductions later, but it helps to have a quick cram sesh before.
“Over there, on the chair—” he points toward two women sitting near the empty fire pit, “—is Vivi, my future daughter-in-law.” He says it proudly, a hint of affection that feels more paternal. Calypso has told me a bit about her family’s history with the Millers. They’ve all watched Grady and Vivi grow up together, fall apart, and find their way back to each other. “I assume you’ve met Lexi?”
Next to the curvy redhead is a familiar brunette who is whispering something to Vivi, making her head fall back on a laugh. Lexi doesn’t get to Brighter Daze until after my morning visit with Calypso, so I haven’t seen her since Jake and I stopped in.
“Just once,” I answer and continue to scan the beach.
Lucas is standing off to the side, talking to some of the other parents. They must not be a part of the regular group. When Jake notices me from under an umbrella, he waves happily, sand flying off his hand. Chuckling when the girl next to him pushes his hand down and scowls, I wave back.
Soft skin nudges my arm, and I find Calypso standing next to me—arms crossed and sunglasses perched on her nose. Without saying anything, she tilts her head curiously.
“Tim was just giving me a quick rundown of who’s who.”
I’m good,I silently tell her, hoping she can read it in my eyes.We’re good.
“Crap, I forgot the cheese,” Tim mutters and sets the grill brush down.
“I can go,” I offer, taking a step away from Calypso. She mimics the move, closing the small distance between us. Folding my lips between my teeth, I look back at Tim, notwanting to make it a big deal despite how fast my heart is racing.
It was probably subconscious on her part, but I’m very aware of it. If Calypso knows I know, there’s a great chance she’ll erect a taller, sturdier wall around herself.
Looking over our shoulders, a mischievous smile takes over Tim’s face. “No, I can grab it. I’ll leave you two to deal with them.” He nods behind us.
I glance back as two men amble closer. The one with blonde hair has a towel thrown around his shoulders but his shorts are still dripping water—he was the guy teaching Matty and his friend to surf. The brunette is wearing board shorts without a shirt, like most of the men on the beach. He doesn’t give the impression he’s getting in the water though. Honestly, he looks like a grumpy fuck next to his friend.
“Ugh,” Calypso quietly groans and picks up the grill brush. “This was the introduction I was hoping Tim would do.”
Frowning, I watch her back. “Why? Who are they?”
She glances over her shoulder with a quirked brow and smirk. “Calm down, killer. Those are my twin brothers.”
I turn back around as they step within ear shot of us.
“Hey, Lyp,” the blonde says with an easy smile. He looks similar to Calypso with his brown eyes and high cheekbones, but he’s a little more tan and his hair is a few shades lighter from the sun.
She turns in time to accept his side hug as he slings his arm around her shoulder.
