Page 22 of Big Catch
Vin, who is two years Thomas’s junior, plants his elbows on the table and holds his face up with his palms. “I don’t want to go into space.”
“What do you want to do?” Alyssa asks.
“I’m going to be a doctor. Mama says we need doctors.”
“Really?” Alyssa says. “Did you know I’m a doctor?”
“You are?” Vin’s hands fall, and his face lights up.
“I am.”
“Is that why you were checking Cecil?”
“Yes, and he’s going to be fine.”
“So, you’re my doctor now, too?”
Alyssa straightens. “Well, if you need me when I’m here, then yes, I’ll be your doctor.”
Ty closes the book in front of him. “Okay, guys. Get to work on your homework, and Bray will be back next week to test you.”
“Are you not staying for tea?” Becca asks as she comes back.
“Thanks, but we have to get home,” I say.
Home.
Aly fits so easily into our lives, and when she’s inside the villa, it suddenly feels like a real home—one I never had growing up, never thought I could have, yet I always craved.
Becca takes Aly’s hands into hers. “Thank you so much.”
“Anytime.”
“We need more good doctors like you around here.”
“Thank you,” I say as the boys grab their pencils. Ty stands, and we all follow him outside. The sun shines down on us as Ty asks about Cecil. Aly explains while we walk back to the center of town to gather the others.
As we stroll down the street, Alyssa points to a store. “I want to make a quick stop in there before we head back. I saw a cute purse I want to pick up for my friend.”
“Sure,” we say in unison, and as she steps away, a female voice behind us catches us by surprise.
“Hey, strangers.”
“Jennie,” Ty says.
She puts her hands on his shoulders, flashes her lashes at me, then looks back at Ty. “Long time no see,” she says, her gaze straying to Alyssa. “You guys haven’t been around in a while.”
Ty casually removes her hands from around his neck. “Been busy.”
“With her?” she asks, a dark spark of jealousy in her eyes.
I catch a glimpse of Alyssa in my peripheral vision. Her steps have slowed, and her eyes are narrow as she takes in the way Jennie is touching Ty. My pulse jumps in my throat. Jesus, if I didn’t know better, I’d say the girl I’m trying hard not to fall for is looking at my best friend the same way Jennie is—with total and utter ownership.
Chapter Six
Alyssa
“Morning, birthday girl.”
