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“We know you’re different,” he said. “But in a wonderful way.”
“Aren’t you just so sweet. Don’t worry about anything. It wasn’t on my list to be the subject of gossip, but why not add it and cross it off?”
He smiled softly at her. “How can you be this accepting of so many things in life?”
He didn’t know anyone that acted like her. It didn’t seem real at times.
If Brynn had been a fraction of this accepting he wouldn’t be here with Laine. He wouldn’t be living on the island either.
Hell, he wasn’t sure he’d be living in Massachusetts, he was so blinded in the beginning.
He didn’t want to think there was more going on with Laine, but it was hard not to at times.
“I told you why,” she said. “I can’t control what other people say or think so why would I allow it to work me up? I’d rather channel my energy into my craft.”
“Did you paint last night?” he asked.
He’d spent Friday night at her house, she made him breakfast and then he left. She had to work and he went home and back to bed. When he got back up, he mowed his lawn and then did a few more things around the house waiting for her to get out of work. She cooked him dinner, they landed in her bed again and she pushed him out the door.
If he wanted to spend two nights in a row, he knew not to ask. She said she wanted to paint and he had to let her do her thing.
He supposed this fell under the same column as her not jumping and coming over to his parents the minute he called but making him wait an hour.
“I did,” she said. “I’ve got the start of a nice water scene. Crashing waves, a board on the beach and a floating bikini top.”
“No way,” he said, laughing.
“Yes way,” she said. “I think I need to do a collection of life in the fun lane. I’ve got all sorts of ideas going through my head.”
“Anything more I can help you with?” he asked.
“I’m sure we’ll come up with more. But that is the first. I’ve got a good start on it.”
He was oddly touched that she was putting one of their activities in an art piece. “I can’t wait to see it,” he said.
They pulled back into his parents’ driveway and got out.
The two of them walked to the backyard where everyone was sitting on the patio in the shade.
“Laine!” Adele yelled and ran toward her, hugging her at the waist. “Carson didn’t say you were his friend. Are you Carson’s girlfriend?”
He looked at Laine. “I think I might be,” she said, drawing a round of laughter from the adults.
“I know you know my sister and Seth. You know Hudson and my mother. Do you know Delaney and my father?”
She shoved the cookies in his arm, “I’ve met your father at the annual fundraiser, but Delaney and I haven’t formally met.”
Delaney stood and shook hands with Laine. “Ava has told me so much about the paint and sip parties. I’d love to try one.”
“I have several a month but also do private parties too.”
“Maybe we’ll get one together with Avery,” Ava said. “A girls’ night. I can think of a handful to invite.”
“Great,” he said.
“Why are you upset, Uncle Carson? Don’t you want people to like and meet Laine?”
Everyone laughed. “Of course I do,” he said.
