Page 60 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

I’d thought we had gone past this, that he understood, but clearly, it still troubled him. Maybe kids at school had said something. I wanted to cut in and change the subject, but what could I say? The words were already spoken.

Ian frowned and raked his fingers through his hair. His other hand tightened on the wheel. I parted my lips to say something, but I didn’t know what. My heart broke for Tyler, who waited expectantly, and I hated how awkward the situation was for Ian. I’d never want him to volunteer out of obligation.

I thought about saying, Tyler and I already had this talk, and he’s fine. Or This isn’t your problem, so don’t worry about it. But the words wouldn’t come.

Ian signaled left and turned. “Why don’t you ask if you can bring an uncle? I’ll go with you. It’ll be fun. That’s if you would want to go with me.”

“Shiver me timbers. You would?” Tyler’s voice boomed in the small space. “Did you hear that, Mom? Ian wants to take me.”

“I-I—” I couldn’t finish.

Ian raised his eyebrows in an open how-about-it smile. He seemed to genuinely want to go. He could have said he was busy. He hadn’t had to offer. But this felt wrong. Not fair to Ian or my son. And if I could be honest with myself, seeing Ian and Tyler together would spread gossip through the community. The town wasn’t that large when you discounted tourists, and that could open Ian and me up to unwanted questions.

I wouldn’t be embarrassed to be with Ian—if we were a couple. But I didn’t want people to have the wrong idea at Tyler’s school. Not that I cared what others thought, anyway.

Ian grabbed my hand, but his eyes stayed on the road. “I don’t mind taking Tyler. I promise I won’t take him to the bar after. I’ll bring him straight home.”

I let out a puff of air, a laugh of a sort.

“If you don’t trust me with your son, then—”

“That’s not it. I just don’t want to trouble you.”

“I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t want to do it. Besides, what are friends for? Tyler and I are going to beat everyone, right, Ty? We’re going to rule at miniature golf.”

Tyler, who had been quiet and listening intently to the conversation, blurted, “Awesome. Cool. Thank you, Ian.” Then he looked out the window, and my heart melted at the sight of his broad smile.

I tried to take back my hand, but Ian held on a little longer, like he didn’t want to let go. He squeezed it once, then released me to turn the wheel.

When we arrived at Silver Falls, Lee, Kate, and Bridget were already there. Cassie, our instructor, came out to greet us. She was young and cute, and her eyes frequently turned toward Ian.

I tried to pay, but Ian said it was his turn, since Lee had paid for the zip-lining. Lee paying for Kate was fine by me, but they had to stop treating me. I would have to return the favor next time.

After we put on our helmets, I adjusted my backpack. Kate took out her mega-camera and insisted we take pictures. We took single and group pictures while Cassie brought out the beautiful horses—four bigger ones and two smaller ones.

“This is mine, right?” Ian pointed to the small black horse. “Because I’m not getting on that beast. They’re all looking at me like they want to eat me.”

We all laughed.

“You’re silly.” Bridget’s smile grew bigger, showing off all of her teeth, one missing at the bottom.

“Don’t worry,” Cassie said to Ian, and winked. “I’ll take good care of you.”

I bet you will.

I shook off my thoughts. It was all innocent, but that wink—jealousy spiked through me, surprising myself. I had no right. Ian could date whomever he wanted.

Ian’s lips tugged, but I couldn’t read his expression with his dark sunglasses on. Though I wondered what he thought of her. She was beautiful, fit, and tanned. Between the flirting and the staring, she’d left no doubt as to her interest.

“Besides,” Cassie added, “we’re going slow for the kiddos, and this is the easiest trail we have to offer.”

After Cassie helped us climb up on our horses, she demonstrated how to steer the reins. We filed in one line behind Cassie, the horses’ hooves clopping along the paved path. The roads became straight and smooth like the sky above. My backpack bounced on my back, where sweat already gathered between my shoulder blades.

After a short ride, our horses plodded onto a packed dirt road. Dust puffed from under the horses’ hooves and hung in the air behind us. The breeze caressed my cheeks and rustled the palm tree leaves in quiet applause as we passed. Tropical foliage in every shade of green lined the trail.

Ian’s horse came up beside mine, and I looked over in surprise.

“You doing okay?” I asked.