Page 33 of Save Me
In the year that she’d lived there, she’d pretty much kept to the rental and to herself. She didn’t even know the name of the woman in the grocery store she frequented twice a week.
Outside of Beth, Oliver, Tilly, Johnathan, Dr. Rizzo, and Brock’s parents, she didn’t know any other locals by name. Sure, she waved at the people who sat on their front porches as she walked around. In her mind, she’d made up names and stories for each face.
Not once had she actually stopped to chat or introduce herself to anyone. She hadn’t thought to or needed to.
It was as if this was her first time talking with the owner of the store she’d been in more than a dozen times to purchase supplies. However, this was the first time Brock was with her and the first time she’d brought her art to show the older woman.
To say she was nervous would have been a complete understatement. Her hands shook, her palms were sweaty, and she even caught herself stuttering when she talked about her paintings.
Thankfully, Brock knew the woman well and covered for her. When they walked out of the store, she was minus all the pieces that she’d brought. And she had a promise from the woman that they would be highlighted in the window first thing the following morning.
“That went well,” Brock said, taking her hand.
“I was a nervous wreck,” she admitted, causing him to laugh.
“You were perfect. Artists are always nervous about showing their work.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“They are?” She glanced at him. “What other artists do you know?”
“My mother,” he explained quickly. “All the pieces in their house are hers. She sells them in a studio on the other side of the island.”
“She does?” Crissy stopped and looked at him. “I didn’t know that.”
He smiled down at her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “That’s because the two of you are a lot alike in that sense. You both hate talking about and showing off your talents.” He bent down and kissed her on the nose. “Now come on. I think it’s past Emma’s nap time.” He motioned to the wagon where her daughter was fast asleep under the little umbrella that kept the direct sunlight off her flawless skin.
CHAPTER TWELVE
He’d carried Emma upstairs and tried to lay her on her bed without disturbing her, but the little girl had woken up. Then she’d convinced him to lie down with her by pouting. He’d meant to only lie there until she’d fallen back to sleep, but somehow had woken up almost an hour later when Crissy sat on the side of the bed.
“Did you have a good nap?” she asked softly.
“Hm?” He ran his hands over his face and then glanced at his clock. “Dang. I only meant to lie down for a second.” He glanced around. “Where’s Emma?”
Crissy smiled. “Downstairs, playing with her toys. She didn’t want to wake you.”
He rolled his shoulders. “I guess I was tired. How do you do it every day?”
“A lot of caffeine helps,” she joked. “We were going to go for a swim. Do you want to join us?”
“Yeah.” He thought about the calls he’d wanted to make after the little girl had gone down and when Crissy had been busy. They’d have to wait until later that evening when he could be alone.
Instead, he followed them outside and, for the next hour, played with Emma and Crissy in the pool.
The guests had gone off shopping or to explore the island and probably wouldn’t be back until later that night, which gave them plenty of time to enjoy the pool and even grill and eat dinner outside.
“How about we watch a movie?” he suggested when the sun was setting, and they heard the guests had returned.
“Yes!” Emma shouted, but Crissy gave him a look that said she wasn’t too sure.
“It’s a cartoon movie. My sister’s kids watch it all the time. I have a copy downloaded on my computer just in case they get bored when I visit.”
“Please?” Emma started as she climbed up on Crissy’s lap.
“Fine.” Crissy smiled down at her daughter. “But you have to take a bath and get your pajamas on first.”
“I’ll even brush my teeth.” The little girl jumped off Crissy’s lap.
“You can skip that until later. I’m going to make us some popcorn,” Crissy said, causing Emma to cheer again as she rushed up the stairs. “Thank you.” Crissy turned to him.
