Beach Rental(49)
Anna paused in taping the white paper to the table. “I’m sorry about that, too, but I’m glad you’re here.”
“Ben insisted. He really did want to be here. I felt strange leaving him.”
“He knows best about how he feels. Put the brownies with the other desserts on that table.”
Most of the two long tables were empty. “The barbecue smells fantastic. Do you need help bringing anything out?”
“The caterers are taking care of that. They own the kitchen this afternoon and I’m about to get out of their way.”
Caterers. Caterers. The words repeated in her head. Not likely Sammy or anyone she knew. This was out of their territory. Still, no need for a reunion , just in case. “I’ll take a walk outside.”
“Good idea. I’ll join you shortly.”
People had sorted themselves into groups—at the roaster despite the heat emanating from it—at the horseshoe pits—down by the A-frame swing near the water’s edge. She knew so few. Was that Billy Wooten down on the dock? Juli headed toward that one familiar face. A wild Frisbee whisked past her head.
A couple of small boats were tied up alongside the dock with rubber bumpers to protect them as they shifted in the water. Another boat was approaching slowly so as not to create a wake.
Juli touched her pockets for reassurance. Keys in one, cell phone in the other. Volume was turned up all the way, plus vibration.
“Billy?”
He looked over his shoulder. “Juli, hi.”
She sat down carefully to avoid splinters. As worn and rough as the wood was, the smooth feel and the warmth of it beneath her hands and thighs, surprised her.
“No other teenagers around?”
He shrugged. “A few, but I don’t know any of them. I can’t stay long anyway, so it doesn’t matter. Mom said it was polite to come.”
“Is your mom here? I’d like to meet her.”
“No, she had to take my sister somewhere. She’ll be back soon to pick me up.” Wistfully, he looked up the slope toward the house. “I don’t think we’ll eat before I have to go.”
“I’m not going to stay for the food either. I need to get back home to Ben.”
“I heard he’s sick. I hope you don’t mind me saying it.” Billy blushed.
Juli reached over and touched his hand. His face flamed up like wildfire.
“It’s okay to ask. Ben’s a great guy and he’s making the best of it. It’s not easy. I don’t mean to imply that it is.”
Billy stared down at his sneakered feet hanging over the water as if he saw nothing good in front of him. Juli struggled. Should she? Asking was almost like baring her own hurts. She pushed it out, “Whatever’s on your mind, say it out loud, Billy. I’m listening.”
The words fell one by one. “My dad. It’s been a couple of years now.”
“How?”
“No, he left. It’s like he died. My mom said she’d be lost without us kids, but I think sometimes it just makes it harder for her.”
“You’re wrong, Billy.” Juli fought a surge of anger. Her mother and Billy’s mom didn’t have anything in common. Billy’s mom took care of her kids. She didn’t run away and leave them to fend for themselves.
He sighed. “Do you have kids?”
“No.” She swung her foot over and bumped his. “Your mom would be lonely without you and your sister.”
“Think so?” He launched a kick, but a gentler one that brushed the side of her sneaker.
He continued staring down at the water, but now he had a grin trying to grow on his face. From a distance, a woman’s voice called his name.
He looked up toward the house. “Gotta go.” He placed his hands against the edge of the dock and brought up his legs. He pushed himself up onto his feet and held out his hand to Juli. Juli reached up to accept his help.
“I think it’s time for me to leave, too.” She paused. A boat had caught her eye. It was almost to the dock. She looked away quickly, pretending she hadn’t noticed Luke. Billy gave her an odd look, but Juli kept her feet firmly on the dock and waited.
Chapter Sixteen
A woman was sitting on the dock with a teenager. Her legs dangled over the side and he noticed them first—very shapely—then his eyes traveled upward and saw her face and the dark hair cascading from her hair clip. Juli.
Luke cast a quick glance beyond her seeking Ben. Luke hadn’t seen him in a couple of weeks. He’d waited patiently for Anna’s cookout, knowing Ben would be here unless he was too ill to attend. And if Ben’s condition had deteriorated that much, Juli would’ve called him. So, if Juli was here, then Ben was, too. Somewhere. Maybe in the house or sitting in the deeper shade with the other picnickers.