Chapter 56
Chapter Fifty-Six
F rankie lounged on the second step of Lucas’s pool. She let her legs float in the water as she leaned against the step behind her and sipped the sangria Lucas had made. The sun was slowly sinking, turning the few clouds peachy pink. “I didn’t think people actually had evenings like this. It feels like something out of a movie.”
He was only a few inches away from her. He sighed with great contentment. Even Scout, who was lounging nearby on the pool deck, seemed completely blissed out. “It is a pretty great night.” He traced a line from Frankie’s shoulder down her arm to the water. “Thanks for hanging out with me.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that.”
“Why not?”
“Well, we’re…you know…” But she couldn’t bring herself to put a name on what they were to each other.
That seemed to amuse him. “What? Boyfriend and girlfriend?”
She grinned awkwardly. “Don’t you think that sounds so dumb at this age? We’re not teenagers anymore.”
“Thank God.” But he nodded. “I know what you mean. Those words don’t really fit us anymore, do they? But it’s what we are, right? I’m not interested in seeing anyone but you. I’m assuming you feel that way, too. You do, right?”
She nodded quickly. “Completely.” It was cute he thought she might actually have enough time and energy to date several men.
“So what are we then if not boyfriend and girlfriend? Do people our age go steady? No, that’s worse.” He sipped his sangria.
“I don’t know what we are.” She leaned on her elbows to see him better. “Does it matter?”
“Not really. But how do I introduce you?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Who are you planning on introducing me to?”
His smile returned. “My brother is coming to visit. What do I say? Hey, Angie, this is my girlfriend?”
“Your brother’s name is Angie?”
Lucas chuckled. “Angelo. We call him Angie.”
“Yes, I guess you tell him I’m your girlfriend. There’s no real alternative.”
“I suppose not.” He was still smiling, staring out at the pool water and the river beyond, but there was a familiar twinkle in his eyes. “I could say you’re my old lady.”
The teasing in his voice was evident. “You do that and I’m taking back that portrait of Scout.”
The dog’s ears twitched.
Lucas pursed his lips. “The old ball and chain?”
She tipped her head at him, giving him the look that had once stopped students in their tracks. “If I had more energy, I’d splash you.”
His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me?”
She smiled. “Okay, you can say that.” She drank more of her sangria. The glass was almost empty except for the bits of fruit that remained. She set the glass out of the way on the pool deck.
Lucas’s shoulder brushed hers as he moved closer, his expression turning more serious. “You and Willa going to be okay?”
She’d told him everything over dinner, even about Willa’s texted apology and request to talk later. “Definitely. The fact that she’s already apologized and wants to talk means she’s probably had a conversation with Harper, who’s given her some unvarnished advice.”
“You’ll be glad Willa’s here, won’t you?”
“Definitely. I love her. But I’m worrying about her even now. About how the job is going to go and if it’s right for her and if she’s settling and staying on top of all her responsibilities and what’s actually going on between her and Kyle.”
“There are worse guys for her to be involved with.”
“I know. I just can’t help being her mom.”
Lucas laced his fingers through hers underwater. “Nothing wrong with that. It’s who you are. This is all going to work out.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“I hope so.”
“Will you come over tomorrow? I think Joyce and Beryl would be more comfortable with a friendly face to talk to instead of just the camera. That can be a little daunting. It’s hard to talk to nothing like that sometimes.”
“Sure. Do you mind if I bring my tablet and do some work?”
“Not at all. You might end up on camera, too, just so you know.”
She smirked. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”
“I’ll have Clive here. He’s going to do a little hair and makeup so we’re all camera-ready.”
She blinked. “My boyfriend has a hair and makeup guy?”
“You think I look this good without help?” He chuckled. “I only bring him in when I have a guest that I think might benefit from a little confidence boost.”
“That is really nice. Joyce and Beryl are going to feel like stars.”
“That’s my plan.”
She gave him a long, appraising look. “As boyfriends go, you’re pretty cool.”
“Thanks. As girlfriends go, so are you.”
She gasped. “We never had ice cream.”
He laughed and sat up, rippling the water out all around him. “You’re right. How did we forget that? I’ll be right back.” He climbed out, dripping water as he went.
She watched him, appreciating the view. “Are we eating it in the pool?”
“Yes.” He wrapped his towel around his waist after drying off. “Unless you don’t want to.”
“Nope. Good with me.” Ice cream in the pool. With a very hot man. Who was also her boyfriend. How had life gotten this good?
She exhaled a happy breath. Her mind drifted to Willa. Frankie wasn’t thrilled with her daughter’s decision to leave school to work. To Frankie, Willa would have gotten a much better job with a much better salary when she graduated with that doctorate. But they’d talk soon. At least Willa had texted.
But Frankie also understood that Willa must think life here in Hideaway Bay was something magical. Their small circle included a famous author and a star YouTube chef. Plus, her newly discovered grandfather was only two hours away.
And then there was Kyle. Whatever that was about.
Frankie got it. Willa thought the grass was greener on the Hideaway Bay side of the fence. Frankie couldn’t blame her daughter, because she basically thought the same thing. Actually, she knew it was greener.
Harper’s inherited house and grounds were incredibly beautiful and luxurious. Even the house Frankie had shared with Tom didn’t compare to Harper’s house.
Life here wasn’t just better, it was more. And it was less. More laidback. More enjoyable. More family time. More laughter. More interesting. And less stress. Less loneliness. Less feeling like all she did was work, sleep, repeat.
Of course Willa wanted to be here. Who wouldn’t?
When Frankie got home, she and Willa would talk. They’d set some ground rules. And Frankie would apologize for upsetting Willa. She knew she had. She didn’t want her daughter to doubt the decision she’d made because she had to live with it. And living with that kind of uncertainty? That was no way to move forward.
Better to make the most of the changes that were coming. For all of them.
“Dessert is served.” Lucas shimmied out of his towel, came down the steps into the pool, and sat beside her, a dish in each hand. “Here you go.”
“So what are you calling this creation?” Frankie asked. There was a very generous scoop in the bowl, along with a spoon. Chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts flecked the creamy white ice cream. “Mac Bliss?”
“Mac Bliss. Like Almond Joy, but not. Yeah, I like that. Mac Bliss it is. Nicely done, Frankie. You’re really earning your keep.”
She spooned up some ice cream and took a bite. It was deliciously coconutty, but the bittersweetness of the dark chocolate combined with the buttery macadamia nut pieces gave it layers of flavor. She pointed at the ice cream with her spoon. “This is delicious. So much better than store bought. You should sell this. I’m serious.”
He still had some in his mouth. He swallowed. “It is pretty good, isn’t it?”
“Pretty good? It might be the best ice cream I’ve ever had. I can’t believe it’s nondairy.”
“Homemade ice cream is always better than store bought. I think.”
“Well, this is a real winner. Nicely done, Lucas.” She spooned up another bite and grinned at him. “You’re really earning your keep.”