Page 80 of Big Stick Energy
After several attempts go awry, I see her stand up and scan the deck chairs.
Uh-oh.
“Eric!” she calls. “A little help over here?”
“Don’t do it,” I say under my breath.
But he’s the captain of all things. So I’m not all that surprised when he opens his eyes and sits up. With only a small groan of displeasure, he heaves himself up and walks off to help her.
I stay put, finishing my tea and eating one of the cookies I brought down to the beach. I watch Tessa boss Eric around until he recruits one of Theo’s friends to help him.
Maribel appears on the beach in a bathing suit, a ball cap, and sporty sunglasses. “Hey, Darcy,” she says, perching on the foot of our chair. “You doing okay?”
“I’m great,” I tell her, and it’s almost true.
“You sure?” She drops her voice. “I wanted to thank you guys for what you did earlier. You and Eric saved the day. That was so scary.”
My stomach tightens at the memory of my father, gasping on the grass. “It was,” I concede. “From what I understand, it’s been tricky to get his medication just right. And I’m not sure he always takes the doctor’s advice.”
She flinches. “I hope he’ll realize he needs to be more careful.”
“I hope so, too,” I whisper. “He wouldn’t listen to me, though. We have a complicated relationship.”
She touches me lightly on the wrist. “I know it. You and Eric have that in common. You’ve met his parents.”
“I sure have.”
Her smile warms. “I’msohappy to finally meet you, Darcy. I know you and Theo haven’t had the easiest time of it. But I want you to know that we’rebothhappy you’re here.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly. And for the first time in over a decade, I actually feel entirely welcome at a Randolph family function.
“You and Eric aresocute together,” she adds, ruining me.
“Uh, thanks.” Now I feel like a heel—both for the deception of our relationship and also for wishing that it wasn’t a deception.
“I worry about him,” she says quietly. “He’s so hard on himself. It’s good to see him so happy.”
Oh God. I can’t take credit for that. And I’m struggling to find a response when Tessa marches up to us and interrupts. “Maribel! I thought you were wearing that cute little romper today.”
Maribel glances down at her running shorts and looks vaguely guilty. “I forgot.”
Tessa reaches down and grabs her hand, examining it. “Let me touch up this manicure before the rehearsal, okay? But the next two hours are for game time. If both of you joined me for badminton or horseshoes, then the rest of the guests would join in.”
“Sounds good,” Maribel says, rising.
But I’m not nearly so obedient. “Flying objects aren’t really my thing, but thanks.”
Tessa looks instantly annoyed. “I don’t see why you can’t help kick off one of our activities. Any fool can play horseshoes. But also, where are…” She glances down the beach, toward the dock.“We were also supposed to have four WaveRunners. What’s taking so long?”
“That’s okay,” Maribel says quickly. “We don’t need those.”
“But IrequestedWaveRunners.” Tessa looks exasperated. “And everyone loves them! Especially the men.”
Maribel blanches. “N-not really,” she says. “I’m not a fan.”
“I’m going to ask about them,” Tessa says, tucking her clipboard under her arm. “I’ll find a staff member.”
She starts to march away. Maribel, though—her face is suddenly gray.
