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I nod.
“So why are you sitting here?” she asks. “Keep my grandson busy for a while.”
What?
She lets out an easy laugh. “I guess you need a little help.” She waves to her grandkids.
Immediately, Fern and River turn to her. They drop the smiles and adopt serious, almost concerned, expressions.
Weird.
Really weird.
“River, sweetie, could you do me a favor?” she asks.
He practically runs to us.
“Don’t fuss, sweetheart.” She pulls her sunglasses from her bag and slides them on. “I only want a little quiet.”
“Quiet?” he asks.
“Yes, you kids are too loud. Can you grab me an iced tea?” she asks. “Take Deanna with you.”
He looks at me as if he’s going to ask why, but he doesn’t.
“And Fern, why don’t you show Lexi that cute lifeguard we were talking about?” Ida suggests.
Fern laughs.
Lexi, too. “A cute lifeguard? Okay. I’m willing to bite.”
Ida turns to me. “Why are you still standing there? You look like you need caffeine as much as I do.”
Why is she on my side?
I don’t know, but, for once, I don’t question the good fortune. I jump on the chance.
I take River’s arm and lead him away from the beach.
To somewhere else. Anywhere else.
As long as I keep him distracted.
Chapter Fifteen
River
Newport Beach is nothing like its name. Well, it’s new money the way the name Newport suggests, but it’s not quaint or cute and homey.
The residents disagree. Especially along this stretch of the beach.
This coffee shop sure is determined to call itself quaint. Hardwood floors, wicker chairs,Surf’s UpandLife’s Better by the Beachposters on the wall.
It’s small and cute and completely full of shit. The same as the beach-going patrons sipping lattes from ceramic mugs. The same as all the coastal cities in the county.
Sure, the cities are less stuck-up closer to Los Angeles (and San Diego), but they’re all expensive places, filled with wealthy people who are determined to hold onto their surfer roots. Or artistic roots, in the case of Laguna Beach.
When I first got to Huntington Hills, I stared at the wide streets and clean sidewalks with wonder. Could a place really be this beautiful, charming, peaceful?
