Page 37 of Changing Tides

“Of course. The more, the merrier,” Nana says as she gestures for them to take a seat.

Leia walks over to me and lifts her bags. “We found great big marshmallows,” she squeals.

“I see that. Good job, kid.”

I take the bags from her and extend my knuckles, and she gives me a fist bump.

Nice.

“And I found wine,” Amiya says as she waves a bottle of red in the air.

I run inside to gather the metal skewers Nana has to roast marshmallows or weenies over an open fire and a wine bottle opener for the girls. Just as I’m about to exit, Avie walks in.

“Sabel sent me in for Solo cups,” she says.

“Yeah, should be in the cupboard above the sink,” I tell her.

She slides past me, and I wait for her to find them.

Once she has them, I open the door and hold it for her.

“Thanks,” she says, a soft smile on her lips.

“You’re welcome.”

We join the others, and Leia sits on Nana’s lap as she helps her spear one of the marshmallows with a skewer and holds it in the dancing flames.

“So, you’re out of the yacht-piloting business?” Amiya asks.

“Until I win the lottery and buy my own,” I answer.

“Or just convinces one of his sugar mamas to buy one for him,” Anson quips.

“Sugar mama?” Amiya asks. lifting an eyebrow in my direction.

“Don’t listen to him.”

“Sugarmamas,” Anson stresses.

“Shut up, dipshit,” I yell as I throw a marshmallow at his head.

“Plural, huh?” Amiya quips.

Anson catches the sticky ball and tosses it aside. “Yep. The island fills up with them every summer. Wealthy women looking for a hot and heavy vacation affair,” he explains.

“Nice,” Avie murmurs.

My eyes cut to her. “You date one forty-something divorcée, and you never hear the end of it,” I mutter as I roll my eyes and grin.

“She bought him a Jet Ski,” Anson states.

“Really?” Amiya notes.

“It was a birthday gift,” I justify.

Anson chuckles. “Just sayin’, all my girlfriend got me for my birthday was a card and a cake.”

“Like you have a girlfriend,” I toss back.

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