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“Yeah, that’s right. I would also like to make it clear that the house would very much like to kiss you right now. The house probably would if the house’s kid weren’t around.”
“The house will get plenty of affection later. I wouldn’t want the house to worry.”
“The house will take you up on that offer.” I nod to the casserole dish. “What did you bring?”
She bites her lip. “Black-eyed peas cooked with ham and collards.”
“Whoa! I didn’t know you cooked.”
“Well, I don’t really. This is the only dish that I have perfected. But….” She winces. “It’s actually for my sister.”
“Your sister? Why?”
She shrugs. “Because Birdie asked. And truth be told, I wasn’t sure that you would want me to join you today.”
Her words echo dully in my mind. What in the world is going on in that head of hers?
“Why wouldn’t I want you here?” I ask, my neck growing hot. “You’ve been staying with me for a week now. What’s different about today?”
Sav looks at Charlie, and then out at the sea. She shrugs. “I don’t know. The Oyster Festival is usually a family event. I thought you would want to be with your actual family.”
I grab her by the hand, and walk out toward the ocean. When we are almost touching the surf break, I turn to her.
“I’m spending the day with the people I care about. Why don’t you stop second guessing everything and leave the rest for me to worry about?”
Her expression tightens and she looks away.
“I would really rather not make a scene, Cole. This wasn’t a referendum on whether or not we're a couple. I just made black-eyed peas.”
“So don’t make a scene.” I grab her hand and squeeze her fingers. “Come hang out with me and Charlie. If you want, we can share our spot with your family.”
She looks at me like I’ve just sprouted a second mouth.
“I don’t really want my family to know that we are… whatever we are. Birdie knows, of course. But I don’t feel like my Grandad or nephew need to know.”
“They won’t have an inkling.” I release her hand and take a step back. “At least not from me. Scout’s honor. I’m just your friendly boss.”
“Uh huh.” Savannah appears unconvinced.
I start to walk backward. “Invite your family. That’s an order.”
She looks slightly frustrated, but she pulls out her phone and starts texting. I make a few more trips to the car, lugging firewood, extra chairs, and a beach cabana out to the sand. As soon as Charlie finishes digging the pit, I lay the firewood in the cavity and set it ablaze.
Savannah’s sister Birdie, her nephew Dexter, and her grandad show up with a chest of oysters and a few side dishes. Grandad throws the ice chest down beside ours, while Birdie hugs Sav. Dexter makes a beeline for Charlie.
“Wow! Nice spot. Hey, Cole!” Birdie waves and shades her eyes. “No other Bennetts here, huh?”
I offer her a sly smile.
“I assume that you’re talking about Rex. He’s down south, playing at the Kings’ training camp.”
Birdie goes red, and glares at me. “No one said anything about Rex,” she mutters.
“Sorry. That’s usually what people mean when they ask after the Bennetts. They are really asking when Rex will arrive. The point has really been driven home to me since I arrived for this extended vacation.”
“Uh huh.” Birdie looks me up and down as if trying to decide my worth. “I just wanted to know if Lucy was coming.”
“I have no idea what she’s up to. Probably drawing or sculpting, if I know her.”
