The Summer Getaway: A Novel(86)
“Of course.”
Salvia had left fresh lemonade in the small refrigerator in the sitting room. He salted the rims of three glasses, then mixed two drinks and carried them over to Lillian. She took hers and smiled at him.
“This is a treat. I don’t usually get you all to myself.”
“You’re very flattering. Harlow’s going to join us in a bit.”
“That will be nice, too.”
He took a seat. She sipped her drink, then sighed. “Very nice. Unexpected. I love the salt.” Her smile turned sly. “I like that you don’t assume I’m supposed to be watching my salt intake.”
“You don’t seem to have many dietary restrictions.”
“I’ve been blessed with good health.”
He told her about Robyn’s plans for her dinner.
“I love a gazpacho,” Lillian told him. “That’s perfect. I’m not sure what taco spaghetti is, and to be honest, it sounds dreadful.”
He laughed. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I used to eat foods like that. No interest anymore. But I’m glad everyone else will be happy.” She lowered her voice. “Have you met Robyn’s friend?”
“No, but I’ve heard her crying.”
“The tears seem a little late, if you ask me.” Lillian took another sip. “But I’ll be polite at dinner. Are you all right with the added company?”
He wasn’t sure what she was asking. “Shouldn’t I be?”
“This isn’t what you thought you were getting into. First Robyn, then Harlow and Austin. Now her friend Mindy. It’s a houseful.”
“This house can handle it.”
“That’s true. But you’ve lived alone for a long time. Is it too much?”
“I like having people around.”
“Good.”
Harlow walked in. She’d changed out of her shorts and T-shirt into a summer dress. Mason fixed her drink, then handed it to her. She thanked him and flopped down into a chair.
“You can hear her crying up and down the hall,” she said. “I feel bad for Mom having to deal with her.”
Robyn did seem to be the person everyone ran to, he thought.
Harlow sipped her drink, then looked at him. “Austin tells me you go jogging every morning. Mind if I join you?”
The request surprised him. “I’m out of here by six.”
“I can do that.” Harlow smiled. “So, tomorrow morning by the garage at six?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Me, too.”
twenty-four
“ISN’T IT LIKE five thirty in the morning?” Enid asked with a laugh. “Why are you up?”
“I’m jogging with Mason and Austin at six. I thought I’d call you first and see what’s going on.”
“Everything is great. I’m working more hours, and your dad gave me a raise.”
Harlow exhaled slowly, grateful her father hadn’t taken out his temper on her friend. “Just checking. It’s easy to leave stuff out in a text.”
“Hey, I wouldn’t do that.” Enid lowered her voice. “He misses you, by the way. Keeps asking if I’ve heard from you.”
Harlow knew they were still talking about her dad. “Funny, because he never texts me himself.”
“You don’t text him, either.”
“Taking his side?”
“Nope, just pointing out the obvious. I’m good at that.”
Harlow grinned as she walked back and forth in her room, warming up her muscles. “I’ll send him a quick hi. How’s that?”
“Very mature of you. And speaking of missing, how are things with Kip?”
“About the same. He wants me to come home, and I need more time.”
“But you’re still together.”
“Of course. I love him.”
“Just checking. I know he’s pulled some stuff, but he does love you.” Enid paused. “I gotta get ready for my charter. You should go back to bed.”
“I’m going running. As a future doctor, you should be excited about my commitment to exercise.”
“You’re already pretty active. I don’t worry about you that way. Talk soon.”
“Absolutely.”
Harlow hung up and tossed her phone on the bed. For a second she thought about putting in a quick call to Kip, but she decided against it. She was still processing their last conversation. Texting was safer.
She put on shorts, a tank top, and running shoes. She went into the bathroom, where she pulled her hair into a ponytail and slathered on sunscreen. When that was done, she collected her phone and a hat, then knocked on her brother’s door.
“You ready?”
He opened it, already dressed. “Just waiting on you, sis.”
They went downstairs together and found Mason waiting by the cars.
“We can take mine,” he said, opening the driver’s door.
Harlow pushed Austin toward the front passenger seat, then got in back. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a path that goes by the marina. I like to run there. You up for five miles?”