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He releases something between a laugh and a scoff. “Test me? Yes. I think that’s putting it mildly, though. How they react to certain things is uncalled for. I get that they’ve been dealt crappy hands, but that’s not an excuse for their attitudes. And honestly, it’s not fair to Luka and Alessia, either. Those two might be quiet and tend to follow Colin and Mazzy’s lead, but at least they don’t mouth off to me.”
“Does Mazzy’s mom live nearby? I know you said her dad has sole custody, but you never said anything about her mom. And Mazzy hasn’t talked about it, other than her dad’s salary isn’t much and her mom spent her money on other things.”
“I have no idea. I know she doesn’t live in town. And the only reason I know they got divorced when Mazzy was ten is because Mazzy and her father moved here shortly after. I think his parents were from here or something.”
“And what’s he like?”
Seth’s lips quirk as he glances at me. “Playing 20 Questions, are we?”
I feel heat crawl up into my cheeks. “Well, I’m just asking.”
“I’m teasing you. And let’s see here…” He purses his lips as he contemplates. “Dale is an interesting individual. He works at the newspaper, and I’ve only interacted with him a few times, so I can’t say I know him well, but it’s not like he’s a bad guy. He doesn’t have a history of being a lawbreaker or anything. My concern is more because Mazzy doesn’t want him to know about the project. She’s eighteen and I’ll let it fly, but I’m a little uneasy with it. And considering Mazzy’s so secretive about how come, I kind of can’t just ignore the red flags.”
“That makes sense.” I face forward again, watching as a duo of birds swoop to skirt the surface of the smooth lake before flitting off into the cobalt sky. “It’s beautiful here. So peaceful, even though there are houses on both sides of Marie’s.”
In my peripheral vision, I can see Seth nod. “That it is. The lake is always peaceful. Well, to the eyes, I guess. Go out on the water on a Saturday or a holiday, andpeacefulwouldn’t be the word to describe it.”
“I’ve never actually been out on the lake.”
Seth’s head whips around. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“You’ve lived in this town for three years and never gone out on the lake?”
“Well, my ex wasn’t exactly the outdoorsy type, and I don’t know the first thing about driving a boat. I have only ever been in the lake the couple times we were at the Serendipity Inn and a few times when I’ve taken the kids to the beach. Go ahead. Laugh it up. I deserve it.”
When he doesn’t say anything, nor does he laugh, I turn to face him. I expected him to be trying to contain his laughter, but that is not the case. He’s studying me through his steady blue eyes, no trace of a smile on his lips.
I lift my brows. “What?”
“I would never laugh at you.” He pauses. “With you, perhaps, but never at you. Not even when you haven’t been out on the lake, and you’ve lived here for three years. I admit, it’s funny, but I understand. That said, I think it needs to be remedied.”
“Oh, I don’t even have life jacke—”
“Not a problem. The Bryants have plenty for all ages.” Again, he pauses and then smiles lightly. “Ella’s birthday is Friday, right?”
Unsure of where this is going, I nod. “Three days before the Fourth, yes. Why?”
“Do you already have plans for her birthday?”
I bite my lip. “No. And yes, I realize how bad it sounds, but there’s literally only one thing she wants and I…” I trail off as I swallow. “I can’t provide it for her.”
My mind flashes back to the two texts from Pete that I never answered, and a wave of regret rolls through me. Why didn’t I respond and see if he really meant what he said about seeing the kids? Maybe then I would’ve been able to give my daughter the only gift she’s asked me for in three years.
“What does she want?” Seth’s question is tentative, each word slightly punctuated as if he wanted to be careful in asking.
Because I have nothing to hide, I look him straight in the eye. “She wants her daddy to take her out on a date. For her second birthday, Pete dressed up in a suit and we bought her a new dress, and they went out on the eve of her birthday so we could all be together on her actual birthday. I don’t think she remembers it, but she has a framed photo that I’d taken of the two of them that night and it sits on her dresser. She’s asked me every year since her father left if he’ll take her for her birthday, and I’ve always had to tell her he has some important work to do and he’s not able to get around it.”
There’s an edge of irritation to my words, but I don’t bother to hide it, and I can taste the salt in my tear when it lands on my lip. “But eventually she’s going to be old enough to know that’s only an excuse. And even if she doesn’t ask, how am I supposed to tell her, in the event she does, it’s because her father is too busy to care about his own daughter’s birthday wish?” My lower lip is trembling, and I wipe the tears from under my eyes, then smooth my hands over my dusty jeans. “I don’t expect you to have the answer for that question. I just—Sometimes I get really freaking mad at Pete for the relationship he could care less about having with his son or daughter.”
Seth’s quiet for a long moment, and I have to look away. I can’t look in his eyes, knowing there’ll be sympathy radiating from them as he regards me carefully.
“Does it have to be her daddy?”
His question makes shockwaves bolt through me like lightning. “What?”
“You said she wants herdaddyto take her out on a date. I asked if it has to be her daddy.” He hesitates. “Or would she accept me?”
