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“We’ll join in,” Ryan called out, running to Dan Junior, Marcus, and Megan, who returned his hugs.
“Sure, come on over,” Will said. “You can be on my team. Our goal is to drive Dan into the water.”
“No way!” Dan called out, laughing. “Jolene, welcome!”
They ran after whoever had the ball, screaming and laughing, and later, they said it was one of the most fun days they’d had in a long time. The group gathered around the tables set up on the terrace, eating and drinking coffee and hot chocolate.
“This is Sunday at Lisa and Ryan’s,” Will said. “Oops, just Lisa’s now. But we owe it to them for starting this tradition. I’m so glad Lisa is continuing to host.”
“Here’s more hot chili,” Alison said, waving a ladle in the air, following Max out with a full crock pot.
The crowd ladled the chili into their mugs. Everyone was pleasant, including Jolene in the conversation.
Jolene noticed Ryan in a huddle with Zach and Lisa and her children, laughing, congenial.
Was this even possible? Then she noticed the lack of alcohol.Interesting.No wonder no one argued.
“There’s no wine or beer,” she mentioned to Laura. “I wondered if that’s why it’s so calm. No one is fighting.”
“Ha! Yes. We don’t drink when the kids are around. Too many little ones to keep safe on the beach. In the summer, all those babies in the playroom are out here with the adults.”
“Is one of yours inside?”
“Yes. Thankfully Daniela came back, or I’d be in there watching Mickey Mouse. Do you have kids?”
“No, no kids. I won’t have any if I keep wasting my time with guys like Ryan. Probably the last thing he wants is another child. His child support must be astronomical.”
“I don’t think that’s a problem. Lisa has the money.”
“Oh! Well, that’s a surprise.”
“No point in keeping it a secret,” Laura said, winking. “You probably don’t know this, but most of the women in this group have had sex with Ryan. Alison has a kid from Ryan. Sandra was involved with him for a short time. Let’s see, who else?” Laura tapped her cheek, looking up at the sky. “Oh! I almost forgot! I’m one of Ryan’s exes.”
Shocked, Jolene stared at Laura. “You’re all so friendly with each other.”
“We are. It’s not our fault he’s a cad.” Laura laughed, slapping her knee. “Ryan’s a good guy. He’s just got an egotistical look at life. Before you make a commitment to him, make sure you know the complete story. When life gets too tough, Ryan has been known to drop out and let others take over. Ask Lisa. She’s supported him for at least three years while he had a mental breakdown. The only reason he has a job now is because his father started that company.”
“I thought it was Lisa’s father,” Jolene replied.
“Me and my big mouth.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Ask him,” Laura said. “It’s not like me to badmouth someone, but I see an innocent woman who is obviously crazy about the guy, and I have to protect her.”
“Truly, I’m not crazy about him. He just might rent a room from me. It was his idea not to jump in, either.”
“Did you think it was weird that he asked you to come here today?”
“I did, and he said it was just so he didn’t have to do the drive alone.”
“Oh, jeez, that’s so Ryan.” He was heading their way. “Speak of the devil.”
“Telling her all my secrets?” he asked, frowning at Laura.
“I think so. She’s got the entire story now, so she can make an informed decision for herself.”
“Thanks. You ready to head out, Jolene? I’d like to stop by the apartment and empty it out.”
