20. Lanie
It’s been a long week. Between my sister’s graduation, spending time with my parents, and doing all things together as a family, I’m exhausted. We got back into town late last night and with the party today, I’ve got a lot going on.
To my surprise, when I step out onto the deck and look around, the siding on this side has been completed. Even though they still need to finish one last side, not one single thing from this vantage point would let anyone know construction was happening on our property.
Dad had paid a lawn care service to come out a few times a month to maintain the property and to keep the appearance that people were still around.
It had been his gift to Nana when she was alive, and it was a gift to us girls now that she’s gone.
But the lawn care service only maintains the yard.
They don’t plant new things. Since my sisters are still sleeping and Dad is, by all standards, a brown thumb, I can’t help but smile when I see the flower boxes that had once only been growing dirt are now filled with purple and blue flowers in full bloom.
As I look further, I notice the shrubs that had been overgrown are now pruned back. Wait, is it possible the cement pathway leading to the promenade is now brighter?
Pulling out my phone I take a picture of the scene before me and shoot off a text.
Me: Did you have anything to do with this?
Immediately there’s a reply and my stomach flips in anticipation.
Ryan: Maybe… are you okay with it?
No longer wanting to bother with texting, I immediately dial and he picks up on the first ring with a laugh. “Well, good morning to you, too.”
“You seriously came over on your day off and helped clean up the place?”
“Again… are you okay with it?”
“Yes, but that’s not the point,” I huff.
Immediately, he counters. “Well, what is your point?”
Trying to find words for my overwhelming emotions, I sputter, “You…. didn’t… you… shouldn’t…”
I can hear the smile in his voice when he prompts, “I didn’t ask or I shouldn’t care?”
“You… didn’t have to do any of it,” I finally spit out.
“I know I didn’t,” he pointedly reminds me. “But I thought it would make your day easier. Speaking of which, is there anything I can do to help you this afternoon? ”
Shaking my head in disbelief of his incredible kindness, I just stare out at the ocean.
“Lanie? Can I help you with anything else?”
Remembering I need to use my words, I mutter, “No… but if you’re not busy, you’re welcome to stop by. Dad hired caterers and there will be plenty of food to eat.”
“Does your family even know about me?” He laughs.
“They know who you are,” I grumble, avoiding the question he’s really asking.
“Okay, then…” he draws out. “I’m supposed to help Jared with a project he’s doing at his house for a bit this afternoon, but if I get done early enough, I’ll try and stop by.”
The thought of seeing him brings a smile to my face. “Okay. Sounds good.”
Lizzy suddenly appears on the back deck, interrupting our conversation. “There you are.” Looking around the yard her mouth drops. “Wow. The place looks good. Did you do all this?”
“Uh…” How do I explain? “No. Ryan did.”
Puzzled, she asks, “Who’s Ryan?”
From the other end of the phone I hear Ryan chuckle. “And that’s my cue. I’ll see ya later, Lanie.”
Before I can utter a word, he hangs up.
“Ryan?” Who is Ryan? He’s our contractor, but that’s not what she’s asking, is it?
I’ve always kept my private life as much as I could—private. It just made it easier and less hassle. In case things didn’t work out, it just made sense not to let my younger siblings get attached .
Raven comes through the door before I can respond with a smirk. “Ryan?”
Lizzy looks from me to Raven and says, “Yeah, I was just asking who he is.”
Dad chooses this moment to arrive and naively says, “Ryan’s the contractor Mom hired, right? Well, the contractor’s son.”
Yeah. I’m not explaining who Ryan really is with Dad here. Ryan and I haven’t even discussed anything about what we are in terms of a relationship. I’m not about to tell my siblings, in front of my dad, how I really feel about him.
“Yes… He’s the one Nana hired to help with the house.” Again—I’m not lying.
Lizzy eyes me suspiciously, but with Dad here, I know neither her nor Raven will press the issue.
We love our dad; he will be in your corner one thousand percent.
But he is not the one we ever went to for relationship advice.
He’s well… militant. He doesn’t deal with things like getting emotional about boy troubles.
Besides, he’s way too intimidating to willingly subject anyone to who might only be potential boyfriend material.
If you’re not certain that’s the guy you want to be with, it’s best not to bring him around.
“I just got a call from my buddy, Enzo. He’s bringing his family down for the day to celebrate Lizzy’s graduation.
You all remember him, right? He’s got twin boys about…
gosh, I think four, and his oldest is actually attending CRU—you might know her.
Her name is Maddie—shoot, I don’t know her last name because it’s actually his stepdaughter.
I served with him in Germany before he retired. ”
Raven glances to Lizzy and it’s obvious they’re clueless as to who he’s talking about. But I think I remember meeting them when Dad came home for Enzo’s wedding a few years ago. But I wouldn’t know them if they passed me on the street.
“Anyway… Let me know when they arrive.” Then he turns to my sister. “Raven, will you and Sloane help me set up the decorations she insisted we buy? I’ve got a bit of time and I want everything to run smooth for Lizzy’s big day.”
“I’m on my way to pick up the cake from the bakery,” I say as we all disperse to get things ready for the party.
Overall, I’d say the graduation party was a success. Dad played the role of proud parent since Mom’s client needed her back in California. My sisters hung out with their friends and I got to visit with family and friends I haven’t seen in years.
Eventually, it split up into two places. While Dad and his friends stayed near the house, Lizzy and her friends took it upon themselves to create a fire and make s’mores on the beach. I just restocked the chocolate and marshmallows when Lizzy finally makes an appearance away from the adults.
“I see you finally escaped,” I tease, pulling her into a hug.
“I love our family and friends, but if I get asked what’s next , one more time, I might just throat punch someone.”
“It’s the obligatory question of the day. When you get older, it will be… so… when are you gonna settle down ?”
This causes my sister to double over in laughter. “But speaking of settling down… what’s up with you and that Ryan guy?”
“Nothing to tell…” I quickly dismiss.
“Hmmm…” she draws out as a group of locals my age approach the fire to hang out with us.
“Hmmm, what?” I probe.
“Raven and Sloane seem to think there’s something going on between you.”
“And you believe them?”
She suddenly growls, “Gahh… when are you gonna stop treating me with kid gloves, Lanie? I’ve watched your face light up all weekend when you’d receive a text and thought I wouldn’t notice. I’m not an idiot. You like someone… is it this Ryan guy or someone else?”
“What makes you so sure it’s a guy?”
Raising her voice as her frustration with me grows. she shrugs. “Hell, if it’s a girl, I’m happy for you. Because the point is… I… want… you… happy.”
“Well, thank you,” I huff in exasperation. “But for the record… I’m into guys.”
“Any guys? Or one in particular?” My sister raises a brow in challenge.
“I don’t see that’s any of your business.”
“Okay… I didn’t think it would come to this, but I’m pulling out my summer dare.”
Shit. As a kid, we made a pact.
We each decided we would either tell the truth, no exceptions—or accept the dare—no matter the stakes if we weren’t ready to divulge the information demanded. Part of the pact is that we only get to use it on each other once each summer so we needed to make it count.
Squaring my shoulders, I put on my poker face. The one that’s well perfected that I learned from Nana when I want the girls to see I show no fear. Nodding once in her direction, I agree, “Okay, what are the stakes?”
Licking her lower lip, she looks into the fire for a few moments. Thankfully, there’s no one within earshot of whatever it is she’s about to lay down.
Giving me an out, she asks, “You sure you just don’t wanna tell me what’s going on with Ryan?”
I can’t tell you—because I don’t know myself , is what I want to yell, but instead, I repeat my words, showing no weakness. “What are the stakes?”
“You’re either gonna tell me what’s going on with Ryan…” she draws out for effect. “Or you’re gonna walk up and kiss the next single guy our age that walks up to the fire.”
Is she freaking kidding me? At least she made the stipulation of being single and our age—or that would be gross.
As if the pressure wasn’t already on, I spot movement coming down the path, though I can’t tell who it is.
“You gonna tell me, or do I need to loan you my Chapstick?” the monster beside me taunts. My little sprout has grown into a fine manipulator. She knows how to run a fine bargain. And she knows I won’t kiss a total stranger.
But what the fuck am I gonna do?
The moment the person walking up the path reveals himself; my body knows the answer before words can kick in .
I stomp right up and within seconds I’m reaching for his face, pulling his lips onto mine.