19. Chapter 19 – Rae
Z ach got held up at base, so I took off. Too much longer, and Gran might make good on her threat to get the kids a puppy. I could explain the cameras. Jia would be rightfully pissed if I got her kids a pet while she was out of town. There wasn’t room on Sailor Swift for a dog.
Gran and the kids were holding down the couch when I got inside, the kids’ rapt attention my first warning.
“What are you watching?” I asked.
“ Naked and Afraid ,” Hana whispered, eyes wide.
I would have preferred the puppy. Hana looked like she was living a nightmare. I could only imagine what bedtime would be like.
“Let’s switch it over to a cartoon now,” I said.
Gran shrugged off my glare. “It kept them entertained. Plus, they learned new skills.”
“I’m not expecting them to survive in the wilderness anytime soon, Gran. Hana’s six.”
“You gotta start ‘em young.”
“When was the last time you roughed it?” I asked.
“Every minute since Vanessa’s dad passed when I was twenty-five. Leaving me with a rundown farm and no real job skills was roughing it. Kids today are soft. ”
“Jia’s kids have already lost a parent. I think they’ve shown they’re tough enough,” I pointed out.
Her face folded into something approaching contrition. I should memorialize today on the calendar: the day someone got Gran Fenwick to back down.
“How are things going with my grandson? You making me any great-grandbabies yet?”
Or not. Trust her to pivot to something more offensive when cornered.
Her eyes glittered. “I think you should lock him down. He’s not getting any younger. And on this island, the odds are good… but the goods are odd. He’s only medium-odd.” She shuddered. “Living on a sailboat. I’d be claustrophobic in five minutes.”
“I live on a sailboat,” I pointed out wryly.
“Exactly!” She grinned, triumphant. “You’re made for each other.”
Changing the topic was easier than arguing. “Thanks again for watching the kids. I appreciate it.”
“Of course, you’re family.” She picked up her purse, unaware of how her simple proclamation affected me.
It hadn’t even occurred to me to call my dad or brothers.
And they were actually related to Tae, Hana, and me.
“Vi and I are going to cheer on the runners next Saturday. Do you want to bring the kids and join us?”
“Sure,” I said faintly.
She smiled at the kids, giving them a conspiratorial grin. “You remember: if you’re going to be bad, invite me. I’ll see you at the next family dinner.” She sauntered out to her truck, her gait confident and sure, her pink sweatsuit eye-searing.