Someone Else’s Life(34)

“I’m clumsy too.” Annie turned back to the stains and dabbed at them. “I’m always walking into tables and chairs and giving myself bruises.”

Serena’s face brightened as if Annie had just said Santa Claus was real and coming to town. “Oh, me too! I call them Unidentified Party Injuries.”

“UPIs!” Their laughter filled the Ohana, and Marley paused in his chewing to stare at them again. After cleaning up the spill and opening another bottle so she could top off their glasses—Hadn’t Annie promised herself she’d have only one glass? But she wasn’t drinking alone, so it didn’t count, right?—she settled back on the couch, the conversation now on the different restaurants in Kauai and which ones they had tried. But even as Annie relaxed on the couch with her delightful new friend, her mind kept returning to what Serena had said earlier.

What had she meant when she said she hadn’t thought Annie would understand? That she was so perfect? Had Annie heard her wrong? Or was she just implying that she didn’t think they would have connected so quickly and strongly?





18


Annie’s phone dinged while she was in the bathroom, peeing out some of the wine she’d consumed. She washed her hands and then picked up the phone.

B: Just checking in. Everything okay?

A: Yes! I’m feeling pretty good right now. <smirking emoji>

B: Oh yeah? Good in what way? Should I battle the storm and get home now?

A: Haha, you’re so funny. How’re you doing at the airport?

B: There are worse places to be stuck at. There’s food and drinks and company. Can’t ask for more than that. But hope the storm lets up enough soon for me to drive home.

A: Me too. But the news is saying it’s getting worse.

B: I know. I’m going to try to get home now.

A: Okay, but if roads are bad, maybe you should stay at the airport.

B: I’ll see. But what’s making you feel good? You haven’t felt that in a long time.

A: Really? You really think I am one giant grumpy potato don’t you?

B: Hey, if the spud fits . . .

A: That was lame. You’re so not funny.

B: Yes, I am. But tell me why you’re happy. Seriously, that’s good to hear.

A: I think I made a new friend.

B: Who, Kalani?

Annie rolled her eyes. Seriously? Had Brody not heard a word she’d said about how she hadn’t connected with Kalani? Why was her whole family so intent on throwing their neighbor at her?

A: No. Serena!

B: Oh, right. What’s she like?

Annie looked toward the door. She’d had to pee so bad earlier but had held it, trying to figure out what Serena had meant when she said she’d always thought Annie was so perfect. But then she couldn’t hold it anymore and had made a beeline for the bathroom, making Serena crack up.

What was Serena like? There was so much about her that Annie liked, and they shared so many similar experiences and had supported each other as they talked about both of their pasts that it was hard to believe they’d only just met. But at the same time, how well did she know the other woman? Yes, they’d bonded, and yes, Annie was sure they were going to be good friends, but what did she really know about Serena? For all she knew, she was a very good actress who had an ulterior motive. But what motive and for what gain?

B: Hello? You there?

Annie shook away the doubts, determined not to let her imagination get the best of her. Serena was not here to hurt her or get something from her.

A: Yeah, sorry. I really like her. She gets me. We’re having great conversations.

B: She’s still there?

A: Have you looked outside? Of course she’s still here. We had dinner and now we’re having a drink on the couch and just talking.

B: You guys ate the lu rou fan that your father made for us didn’t you?

Annie stifled her laughter. Brody loved her father’s cooking and had been looking forward to the lu rou fan ever since her father had brought over the pot that morning. Brody couldn’t get enough of her father’s cooking. His favorite was the niu rou mien, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, a hearty dish with a broth seasoned with star anise, peppercorns, and other Asian spices, with chunks of tender beef and crisp green vegetables. Her father made his own noodles, and Brody always had seconds whenever her father made it.

A: Sorryyyyyy!

B: But wait. I thought you said Serena gave you a weird feeling.

A: It was only because she looked familiar. But we figured out why. Finn and I saw her when we went to Lydgate Beach yesterday.

B: Oh.

A: I really like her.

B: I’m glad you’ve made a friend. Really, Annie.

A: But? I hear a “but” there. Even though we’re texting and I can’t hear you, I hear it.

B: You realize that makes no sense, right?

A: Yes, it does. And you’re not answering my question.

B: Just . . . I don’t know. Something seems off. Your intuition has always been spot-on. And you had a funny feeling about her earlier.

A: I told you, it was only because she looked familiar. There’s nothing off about this. I made a new friend. Period.

B: Don’t get mad, A. We were just having a nice chat.

A: Until you decided to be judgmental.

B: I’m not . . . Look. I’m happy for you, okay? Just . . . be careful.