Summer on Highland Beach

Chapter Ten Meet the Parents

May 2022

“Olivia! I’m so glad you’re home.”

Olivia locked her car door and stopped in her tracks, surprised to see an enthusiastic Christine hurrying down her father’s porch.

Cindy, who stood near Olivia, moved to block Christine’s incoming hug. “I told you to leave.”

“I do not answer to you, Cindy.” Christine’s tone was fierce, yet she didn’t drop her smile. “Besides, my son and granddaughter want me here. Isn’t that right, dear?”

Olivia narrowed her eyes. What does she want?

“The issue isn’t whether I want you around, when you’ve made it abundantly clear my presence is a nuisance.”

“I was just... surprised. Taken aback by what that horrible person did to you, and I—”

Olivia swatted away her grandmother’s protest with her hand. “If you were surprised, then you should have backed me up, not knocked me down.”

Christine clasped her hands. “I’m truly sorry for my poor reaction to the news.”

Olivia considered Christine’s words. They didn’t ring true. Deep down, she felt that Christine didn’t regret her words or how they had made her feel.

Olivia gave her a serene smile. “As you said to my mother, we can’t force you to leave. But I will no longer allow you to make me feel bad about how others react to my existence. Just so we’re clear.”

“Crystal. I respect your boundaries and would expect no less from a Jones.”

“Setting firm boundaries isn’t a Jones thing. It’s from Amelia Vaux Tanner.”

Christine sneered a bit and stepped aside to clear the way. CJ stood at the top of the steps.

“I’ll get your bags,” he told her in a cool voice.

He grabbed Olivia’s bags, and Christine followed him inside, much to the supreme irritation of Cindy, if her long exhalation and low growl were any sign.

Olivia stood by the curb. “Is he upset?” she asked her mother for confirmation.

“Not upset. Just hurt.”

“Did he tell you about our phone call?”

“A little, yes.” Cindy nodded. “But it’s not just that. He’s mad that someone from his hometown violated your space. He’s also mad at himself because he left you unprotected.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you?” Cindy eyed her daughter. “You left with little explanation.”

“I was simply resetting.”

“And what does that mean?” Cindy held no recrimination in her voice but seemed genuinely curious.

“Between being followed around and the Facebook post, I was overwhelmed. I needed to find a safe space. CJ’s home... this town isn’t my safe space.” Not yet. Maybe never.

“But Sag Harbor is? You didn’t even go back to your apartment in the city.”

“I... I love my apartment, but the waters calm me.”

“Garrett calms you,” her mother said in a matter-of-fact voice.

Well, he did, until he told her she wasn’t good enough for him and his daughter.

“Sometimes he does.” Olivia cleared her throat. “And then sometimes he wants more. More than I can give.”

“Hmm. Preach,” Cindy muttered. “Well, let’s try to get Christine out of the house so we can have a conversation. A lot has transpired, and we want to make sure you’re prepared.”

“Is Alan in there?”

“Yes, though he tried to stay home to give you space. Ms. Christine here thought it would be best to face things head-on.” She mimicked Christine’s soprano tone.

She dropped her frown, grabbing Olivia’s hand. “I can tell them to leave if you aren’t up for this. But I would like for us to talk, at least the three of us.”

Ama’s powerful words about being up for the challengemotivated her decision.

Olivia gave a firm nod. “We can get it over with.”

“We’ll make it quick, then.” Cindy squeezed her hand and then let go. They walked into the house and found Christine, Alan, and CJ in a whispered, but tense, conversation at the kitchen table.

“Okay.” Olivia rubbed her sweaty palms against her jeans. “Let’s talk.”

Alan nodded. Christine looked proud.

CJ’s face was carefully blank.

“Before we begin, how are you feeling? Do you need water? Coffee? Or something stronger?” Alan offered.

“I’ll grab some water.” Olivia thought it prudent to stay sober and hydrated during this conversation, lest she miss out on an important detail.

“I’ll get it for you,” Cindy offered.

Christine stared at her mother making her way around the kitchen. She had to admit that Cindy looked like an elegant domestic goddess in her fitted tan athleisure wear.

She came back to the table with a glass of water. Olivia took a sip and returned her attention to Alan, who seemed to be the man with a plan.

“So, while you were away, we had a town hall meeting of sorts with concerned citizens. We kept it social, meeting at the pavilion with light snacks. CJ,” he flicked a glance at her father, “took full responsibility for being an absentee father. He also mentioned that you had a stepfather, and that by the time he came to his senses it was too late. He stayed away, he said, because he didn’t want to cause you any more harm or confusion.”

Olivia’s eyes stung with emotion. It must have been hard for CJ to admit his mistakes to the entire town and to be so vulnerable. Though it would not have been the first time.

“His apology was well received. Aneesa Leverette, who handles the newsletter and local paper, criticized your father. But then she said that what happened in his personal life in the past shouldn’t affect his ability to be a good mayor.”

Olivia turned toward her mom, knowing she likely had something to do with that positive outlook.

“But then there are a few of the elders who are old-school. And whew, they are thirsty for blood. They’re disappointed that your father didn’t ‘step up,’” Alan said, putting the phrase in air quotes. “One of them started a petition calling for CJ’s resignation.”

Olivia gasped. “Oh no. How many people have signed?”

Alan took a deep breath. “Ten.”

“Ten?” Olivia waved a hand. “That’s nothing. We can wait until this blows over.”

CJ finally spoke. “That’s ten different households... 10 percent of the town. A few days ago, only three people signed it. You must remember we’re small. And one person can easily convince another to sign the petition.”

Olivia tapped her chin, running through the numbers and worst-case scenarios. “Are the people who signed it influential?”

Alan nodded. “A few are, yes. That’s what worries me. Ignoring them will just unite the community even more.”

Olivia nodded, conceding his point. “Have you all tried calling them individually?”

“Of course,” CJ responded. “Most of them didn’t take my calls. If they did, they said what they had to say and hung up.”

She nodded. Most likely they were upset with him for having an affair with Riley and for not stepping up as a father. “So it’s a morality issue for them?”

“For some, yes,” Alan answered. “For others, they never liked CJ to begin with. They think the Jones family has run this town for too long. It’s going to be a tough reelection for sure.”

CJ looked miserable. And Olivia couldn’t help feeling just a little guilty for all the horrible things she’d said to her father. She wanted to help. The wheels in her mind began turning.

“Okay, so CJ needs to reestablish trust. He can do that if I show he’s a good father.”

“No. I’m not lying to this town any longer,” CJ growled.

“Charles,” Christine admonished. “It sounds like Olivia is willing to help. So let her.”

“No. If she trusted me as a father, she would’ve stayed.”

The pain in his voice shook Olivia’s heart. “I... it’s not about you.”

“Then what was it? Why didn’t you trust me on this?”

She repeated what she had told Cindy. “I needed some time to think. And between what happened on social media and then the blowup with Christine, it was all too much. I just wasn’t... I’m still not sure if all of this is worth it.”

“What is this, dear?” Christine wiggled her manicured nails in a frivolous-looking gesture. As if she couldn’t fathom the reason for Olivia’s hesitation. For her distrust. They didn’t even know each other.

“Aren’t you going to answer?” Christine asked again, her tone sharp, when Olivia didn’t answer her right away.

“Family.” Anger surged in Olivia’s dry throat. She stood, no longer able to contain the energy inside of her. “I know time heals all wounds and makes the young wise, but I can’t simply drop my life to make you feel better for your poor choices.”

She pointed to Christine. “You didn’t want me to even be born. And you...” She turned her furious gaze to CJ. “You never claimed me, and you gaslit my mother because... why?Because you felt guilty? Because you were jealous of your brother? Well, you should feel guilty. He stepped up and took responsibility while you hid behind your mother.”

The air crackled as if there were a gathering storm. Then thunder boomed.

Everyone turned to the door. It wasn’t thunder, just a very loud knock at the door.

CJ stood, excused himself, and then opened the door.

“Lauren.”

“It’s me.” Her voice was hoarse. She looked beyond CJ, her eyes stretched wide at the tense scene in front of her. “Hi, CJ.”

“Hello.”

“Christine.” Lauren’s tone went low. “How are you?”

Christine narrowed her eyes, but then her genial smile returned. “I’m well.”

“And you.” She sidestepped CJ and entered his home. “You,” she said, looking at Cindy, “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting.”

“No, you haven’t,” Cindy answered. “And you are?”

“Lauren Miles. Attorney-at-law, practicing in the DMV area. And you?”

“Cindy Marshall.”

“Marshall?”

“Yes. Marshall,” Cindy confirmed, giving Lauren her maiden name.

“I’m not sure if I’m familiar with your family.”

“Oh.” Cindy shrugged, looking unbothered by this information. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Christine jumped up from her seat. “Lauren, dear, we are in the middle of a very important meeting. You and Charles can set a dinner date later.”

Cindy’s attention snapped to CJ.

“We have nothing to discuss over dinner,” he coolly replied. “But Christine is right on one thing... now is not a good time.”

Lauren raised her hands in the air. “Now, I understand tensions are high, but I assure you my intentions are pure.” She sighed. “I’ve convinced Danelle Lassiter to drop her signature. And she has convinced Eleanor Williams,” she added with a wide grin.

Olivia assumed that these were the town influencers Alan had discussed earlier.

“That’s wonderful.” Christine clapped her hands.

“Yes,” Lauren agreed. “But we’ll still have to do something proactive. Something that conveys that CJ is steadfast and a solid choice. A man for the community.”

Cindy looked nervous. Olivia knew what Ms. Miles was angling for: to be the one by his side, one half of the power couple. She had everyone on her hooks. Even CJ looked intrigued.

“Which is why—”

“I actually have an idea,” Olivia interrupted, “if you don’t mind.” She raised her hand. “I am the one affected, after all.”

“Go ahead,” CJ encouraged.

“No more town halls, no more hanging our heads. We meet them at eye level. And nothing brings more people together than a community event. CJ, I saw on your calendar last week that you have the Memorial Day weekend event to kick off the summer, right?”

“Yes.”

Lauren shook her head slowly and grinned ironically, as if she were interacting with a child. “Are you suggesting that he display you while he shakes hands?”

No, that’s what you want, Lauren.

“No, if you’ll allow me to finish. Janice mentioned someone needing a permit to take part in raising money for the pier. I know you already plan to give a speech, but how about we plan an event around it? Maybe we can do an art walk and then music, food, and dancing on the beach.”

“It’s a lot of work to do in such a short time. CJ, are you sure you have time with your busy schedule?” Lauren insinuated herself again. “Then there’s the matter of you prepping for your debate with your contender, Harold Munroe. I think Pastor Stanley may throw his support for him.”

CJ jumped up from his seat. “Lauren, I appreciate you checking in and helping to get Danelle and Eleanor to drop their names. But we have this under control. I’ll walk you out.”

Lauren stepped back, smiling. “Now, I hope you haven’t forgotten about the deal?”

“I haven’t.” He smoothly slid his arm into the crook of her elbow. “We’ll catch up later,” he replied, leading her outside.

Lauren snatched her arm away from CJ. “I’m not some docile little girl you can manipulate, CJ. Keep your word or I will make things difficult for you.”

“Now, wait a minute.” Christine scowled. “I like you, but I won’t tolerate you threatening my family.”

Lauren gave her a serene smile that did nothing to hide the inferno blazing in her eyes.

“Oh, I bet you’d try. But this time you are out of your league, Mrs. Douglass-Jones.”

Christine pointed her pink lacquered nail at Lauren. “Please don’t think for one second—”

Lauren dismissed her with a wave and turned to CJ. “I’ll be waiting for that call, Mayor Jones.” She stormed out the door.

Cindy rolled her eyes. “So that’s Ms. Lauren? The one who was so good for your son?”

“No one’s good enough for my Charles, but—”

“Aren’t you tired?” Cindy snapped.

Christine shook her head, as if she didn’t understand her question. “Pardon?”

“Aren’t you tired of butting into your children’s lives? So far, it hasn’t worked out for you. CJ barely tolerates you, and you’re skating on thin ice with your granddaughter.”

Christine looked at Olivia for confirmation. Olivia crossed her arms, nodding in agreement.

“Since I’m happy my daughter has returned, I’ll give you some free advice. You are smothering. You smothered Chris, tried to make him fit into a mold that wasn’t meant for him. Your son stood for what was right, even... especially... when things were difficult. He ran toward difficulty, toward danger,” Cindy said, her voice breaking.

It nearly broke Olivia. She was nothing like Chris Jones. Chris wouldn’t have run away to Sag Harbor. He would’ve faced things right away, embraced the problem, and solved it on his own terms.

CJ stepped back into the room, but only Olivia and Alan seemed to notice.

Alan cleared his throat, but Christine clicked her tongue.

“If he was so good, so brave, then why didn’t he stay and fight for his family?” Christine snapped. “Chris left us right after his father died.”

“No, Christine. No, you will face what you did: you pushed him away. It all started with the lies you told CJ, when you set me up to make it seem like I kissed another man. Back then, Chris was the only person who believed me... who believed Olivia was CJ’s daughter. Chris stood up for me and made sure your granddaughter grew up in a stable household. Face it. Your lies backfired, and he chose us. And silly me, I used to carry this enormous guilt about him losing his family, but I see now,” she looked Christine up and down, “he didn’t have much to lose.”

“Cindy.” CJ grabbed her shoulder.

She shrugged him off. “Chris was a decision-maker. Indigo was too. And Christine, you did the same damn thing to your beautiful daughter. You snuffed out her light because she wasn’t like you, she wasn’t a stuck-up socialite.”

“Cindy, stop this.” This time Alan stood with his fist clenched.

“Maybe no one knows what really happened that night when Indigo died, but what we do know is that you and Indigo had a knock-down drag-out argument.”

“Cindy, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” CJ’s voice was dangerously low.

Cindy twisted her neck to face CJ. “What I know is that Indigo came to me, telling me Christine was a hypocrite and she couldn’t wait to get the hell away from Highland Beach. She begged me to take her with me when I told her I was moving away for college. And I should have. Maybe she’d be alive today.”

Christine strode across the room and slapped Cindy.

“How dare you?” Christine’s voice cracked. Her body shook as if she were freezing in the middle of a snowstorm.

Cindy didn’t flinch, didn’t touch the blooming red that spread across her cheek. She leveled her attention at Christine—aiming her eyes like a sniper rifle.

“Mom,” Olivia said.

She shook her head, raised her hand as if to stop Olivia, and now CJ, from approaching.

Christine pointed her manicured pink nail at Cindy so close that it scraped her nose.

“You don’t know anything. You want to talk about being a hypocrite? I know you let Olivia go off every summer to that... that vile woman, Amelia Vaux Tanner, at her home in Oak Bluffs. I know you could barely say a kind word to your own daughter. And yet you sit here and lecture me about pushing my children away?”

She turned to face her son. “This is the woman you want? A woman who would disrespect your mother and your sister’s memory? A woman who allowed her precious daughter to be mentored by a woman who slept her way to the top?” Christine clamped her mouth shut, and the red of her lipstick spread just below her bottom lip.

“I won’t support it.” She shook her head. “I don’t care how you feel about it, but Cindy is toxic to this family,” Christine insisted, her voice ringing out an alarming pitch.

She finally looked at Olivia. “I’m sorry, my dear.” She licked her dry lips. “I know we had a deal, but I can no longer be cordial to your mother. Maybe in time you’ll still allow us to get to know each other.”

His shoulders sloped forward, his face the picture of deep sorrow, Alan picked up Christine’s purse and his hat.

They left the house without fanfare. Quietly, and with sadness, they shut the door behind them.

Cindy exhaled, grabbed the chair in front of her, and lowered herself into it.

“I’ll get you some ice.” Olivia dashed into the kitchen, found a large cloth, and packed it with ice cubes.

CJ took the pack from Olivia’s hand, got down on one knee, and pressed it against Cindy’s face. “Are you okay? Do you need an aspirin?”

Shaking her head, Cindy grabbed the cold compress and settled it onto her bruised cheek. “Is your mother usually violent?”

“No. I haven’t witnessed it.”

“And Chris? Indigo?” her mother pressed.

“No. She, umm, would hit my father a few times whenever she grew frustrated, but she would calm down after some time. She never... never hit us kids.”

Cindy exhaled. “That’s good at least. She must really hate me.”

CJ didn’t answer at first. His eyes swept the room before he returned his attention to Cindy.

“She doesn’t know you.”

“No, and she doesn’t want to get to know me.” Cindy sighed. “She thinks everyone is after her boys. It’s truly unhealthy. I hope you know that.”

“Trust me, I know. She’s made it known how she’s felt about my past relationships.”

“How did you date over the years?” Olivia noticed the genuine curiosity in her mother’s voice.

“I don’t date much, and when I do, I’m discreet. What about you?”

Olivia hadn’t met anyone over the years Cindy had dated, though she was sure her mother went on dates.

She snorted. “I’m a grown woman and free to do what I please, if that’s what you’re asking.” Her eyes sparked with something.

“No. I’m asking if you are in a relationship.”

“You... you’re asking me this now?” Cindy’s eyes went wide. “After your mother slapped me. Well, let me answer. No, I’m not in a relationship, and no, I’m not interested in a relationship, especially with a Jones.”

Olivia grabbed her head. What was her father thinking? No way any person would want to be in a relationship with a man whose mother physically abused them.

“I understand.” He finally stood up. “I’ll be upstairs in my study if you need anything.”

After he had left the room, Cindy turned to Olivia. “Do you think I was too harsh?”

“No. Christine just slapped you, and he looked like it was just a regular Saturday afternoon. Something isn’t right about all of this.”

Cindy removed the cloth from her face. “I’m going to sleep. I’ll talk to your father in the morning once I get a good night’s rest.”

“I think that’s a smart idea. I’m only a few steps away. Knock if you want to talk.”

“I will, Olivia. Thank you for... for coming back.”

“I shouldn’t have run away.”

Cindy shook her head. “But you came back. That’s all that matters. That’s more than what I did.” She gave Olivia a sad smile and walked away.

The next day, on a bright Sunday morning, CJ, Cindy, and Olivia sat at the breakfast table. CJ had gotten up early to make them the fluffiest pancakes and crispiest bacon she’d ever eaten.

“This is really delicious, CJ,” Olivia complimented her father.

“Thank you. One of our old cooks, Celia, taught me. She wanted me to be prepared for living alone in college.”

“It’s good, right, Mom?”

“Yes. It’s... good.” Her voice was light and noncommittal.

“Listen, Cindy, I’m sorry for my question last night. I just thought that, since you asked me about how I’m dating... that you wanted to open that door.”

“I can understand why you misunderstood.” Cindy bit into her bacon, staring out the window at the pool.

“I really don’t have a chance with you, do I?” he whispered.

Cindy’s eyebrows furrowed. “What?”

“What I did to you was unforgivable. I never fought my brother for you. But I wonder if you wanted me to fight. Was Chris so embedded in your heart that it would’ve made a difference?” He didn’t look at Cindy when he asked. He seemed to speak to himself, as if musing out loud. “I’ll leave you alone. I get that you don’t want anything to do with my family.”

“What are you talking about?” Cindy whispered.

“What you said about Chris not having much to lose with us. About Indigo begging to leave with you. To you, Chris was a hero, but he was my brother. And my brother took the woman I loved away from me, knowing damn well I planned to pick you up that day.”

Cindy shook her head. “Don’t be silly. Of course, he didn’t know. He wouldn’t have—”

“He knew because I told him I was going to see to you. I was delayed because I went to buy you a ring. And all the while, I was trying to shake off my nerves and ask the woman I loved to marry me. He didn’t know about the ring, but he knew my feelings, probably better than anyone. And later, when I called him out... when I called him and told him what I’d seen, he told me that you chose him, that you were happy. He told me to let you go because you’d already let me go in your heart.”

He looked out the window. “Then I heard you in the background. You told him to get off the phone and come to bed.”

CJ clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his composure, his eyes wet. “I don’t know if Indigo was murdered or if it was an accident, or maybe she...” He cleared his throat. “Maybe she thought there wasn’t a reason to stick around, either. Then I lost my twin and... you and Olivia. So if you can’t see what I’ve tried to show you these past few weeks, what I’ve felt in my heart for thirty-five years, then I’ll back off.”

He stepped away from Cindy. “I’m leaving for a bit.” He walked out the front door. Another quiet exit marked by sadness.

This time Olivia exhaled. She needed a drink, a bath, and a therapist, in no particular order. Maybe Cindy needed them even more.

“More coffee?” Olivia offered.

Her mother nodded her head. Olivia filled their mugs and brought them out to the back patio, her mother trailing behind.

“Did I make a mistake?” Cindy’s voice was void of emotion, but Olivia could hear the sorrow. The worry.

“What do you mean?”

“With Chris? It’s... it’s hard to believe he would deceive me. He was so loving and so... so kind. Do you know how much work he put into making me love him?” She shook her head. “Which is hard to believe because he was so easy to love.”

“He loved you, maybe beyond reason. He never once questioned you or my existence. If what CJ says is true, he simply fought harder for you.”

“Yes, but according to CJ, he did it in an underhanded way,” Cindy pointed out. “I still can’t believe he would do that.”

“Maybe, yes. But you can’t ask him now. He’s... he’s gone. But you are here. CJ is here, and he’s telling you how he feels. The question is, how do you feel about him?”

“I loved him to distraction. And now that we’re spending some time together, I’m feeling... something more for him. He still looks at me the same way he did so long ago. And he’s been asking about my favorite things and if I still enjoy reading. I told him about my favorite book, and now he’s reading it.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Olivia asked her mother. “The fact that he’s not just relying on what he used to know about you.”

“I like that he wants to get to know me, but I’m afraid,” Cindy confessed in a tiny voice.

“Of what?”

“That he’ll suddenly wake up and not love me anymore. He’s done it once. He can do it again.”

“He never said he stopped loving you.”

Cindy lifted her coffee mug and paused before sipping. “Yes, but his actions proved otherwise.”

After a pause, she went on. “You have to understand that my heart has been... simply beating since Chris died. But now that CJ’s back in my life, it feels like someone’s charged a battery inside my chest.” She shook her head. “I’m too old to have these feelings. I can’t risk it all for him again.”

“You aren’t too old for anything. But I think it’s okay to be cautious, Mom. I think it’s perfectly fine to protect your heart. But if I’ve learned anything the past couple of years, it’s to trust your gut.”

Cindy stared at the bottom of the mug as if it held the answers. “Okay, maybe, like you, I need some space to think. I could go back to New Jersey.”

Olivia let out an audible gasp. “Don’t leave me with these people!”

Cindy let out a sharp, surprised laugh. “I won’t, don’t worry. I can’t let Christine think she’s bested me. She’s done that enough over the years.”

Olivia swallowed. She wouldn’t dare say it out loud, but spending time with Christine at lunch and on their shopping excursion had felt like her time with Ama. And something else that she would never, ever admit was that she admired the sacrifices Christine had made as a mother. She put her dream to be an attorney on a shelf and took care of her kids. Ama hadn’t done that. And though Cindy had always been in her life, her mother hadn’t provided her with the love and care she had so desperately needed.

“I say this without recrimination or judgment.” Cindy’s words broke into her thoughts. “But please... please be careful with Christine. As you saw last night, when things don’t go her way, she gets bullish. Don’t let your eagerness to reconnect with family allow someone to roll over your feelings. I didn’t do much to protect you, and I have no right to try now that you’re an adult. So I can only ask that you please protect yourself. Protect your peace.”

“I can do that,” Olivia assured her. She smiled at her mother.

“What is it?”

“Look at us, giving each other advice.”

“It’s nice, isn’t it?”

The conversation was more than nice—it was a living miracle. Until the past few weeks, it was rare to see her mother cry or even raise her normally cool, even-toned voice. But here in Highland Beach, Olivia had witnessed her cries and sharp words. Some might say that Cindy was experiencing a crisis, but Olivia would have argued the opposite. Just as Olivia had done the previous year, her mother was now becoming... blooming. Finding herself again after suppressing herself for years.

And she was falling in love.