Beach House Reunion (Beach House #5)(70)

Linnea held back, seeing how exhausted her mother was. How brittle. “Daddy didn’t always drink like this.”

Julia heard the change in tone and shook her head. “Not always,” she said more calmly. “But there were times . . .” She paused, then pushed on. “He drank a lot before you were born. It became a serious problem for us. I almost left him.”

Linnea had had no idea her mother was capable of such a thing.

“I told him he had to get help or I would leave. And to his credit, he did. I was proud of him. He didn’t get any support from his father, naturally. His mother tried, of course, but by then she was spending most of her time at the beach house. His father . . .” Julia’s face filled with resentment. “Hardly the example for his son. And now here is Palmer, repeating the same pattern for his son.”

Linnea heard the desperation in her voice, and remembered Cooper telling her their mother was screaming at Palmer. She reached out to touch her mother’s arm. “I know you’re trying, Mama.” There was a long silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Eventually Linnea spoke again. “I’m worried about Cooper. He doesn’t look good.”

“I don’t think he’s happy working with his father. He adores him. Too much, perhaps. Cooper’s always tried to please him. But it’s difficult.”

“Mama, is Cooper . . .” She paused, trying to couch her words so they didn’t sound accusatory. “Do you think he’s doing drugs?”

“What?” Julia’s head snapped up. “Why would you ever say that?”

Linnea realized that her mother wouldn’t recognize the signs of drug use that she’d spotted in Cooper: pale skin, dilated pupils, lost weight, changed personality.

“I’m just asking,” she said in a calm voice.

“Well, don’t,” Julia said brusquely, adjusting her position on the bench. “Your brother doesn’t have a drug problem. I would know.”

“He has a drinking problem.” Linnea stated the obvious.

A cloud crossed over her mother’s face, and Linnea saw that her skin was as pale as the alyssum in her garden and new lines were carved deep into her forehead. Worry lines, her mama always called them.

“Yes,” Julia admitted in a resigned voice. “He drinks too much. But I don’t know that I’d call it a problem. All boys drink. . . .”

“Mama, I think he’s doing drugs.”

“Well,” she scoffed, “he might be experimenting a bit. You know, with marijuana. But that’s normal, isn’t it?”

“That’s where he might’ve started. But I’m worried it’s something more serious.”

“Oh, Linnea, you’re such a worrywart about your brother. You always were, you know. Hovering over him like a second mother. It’s sweet, but I’m telling you he’s right as rain.”

Linnea knew there was no point in arguing with her. She refused to see the truth because she wouldn’t or couldn’t.

“Mama, promise you’ll keep a close eye on him. And you’ll call me if you see anything. Make sure he eats. And look at his pupils.”

“His pupils! I’m not going to stare into his pupils. What do you expect me to see?”

“If they’re dilated,” Linnea explained. “That happens with drug use.” She was having a hard time not letting her frustration flow into her voice.

“Really, Linnea,” Julia said with a huff, and gathered her garden gloves as if to stand.

Linnea put her hand on Julia’s arm to hold her back. “Mama, you’re always making excuses for Cooper. You did all his art projects for him and helped him with his homework. Cooper’s not a little kid anymore. It’s not helping when you cover up for him or look the other way when he’s drinking too much. Or doing drugs. This is too serious. Too dangerous. And it’s called enabling.”

“Now I’m an enabler?” She rose abruptly. “I think I’ve heard quite enough.”

Linnea hurried to her feet. “I’m not saying it’s your fault. I’m just asking you to pay attention.” She reached for her mother’s hand to stop her. “Mama, I’m really worried.”

Her mother’s face softened. “Honey, don’t you worry. I’ll keep my eye on him. Cooper’s a good boy. Why, he starts at the Citadel next month. They’ll keep him on the straight and narrow.” She patted Linnea’s hand on her arm reassuringly.

Linnea stared at the hand till she could assuage her disappointment. When she looked up, she met her mother’s smile with one of her own.

“I’ve invited Cooper to the beach house this weekend. Please make sure he comes. He looks like he could use some sun.”

“That’s an excellent idea. I surely will. I think some time at the beach is exactly what he needs. He spends far too much time holed up in his room.” She patted Linnea’s hand again. “And just forget what I told you about your daddy’s business. I shouldn’t have burdened you with my worries. I’m probably overreacting. You caught me at a weepy moment in the garden. Everything will turn out fine.”

“You’re doing it now.”

“What am I doing?”

“Trying to protect me. Closing the curtains.”