Page 77 of Sighs By the Sea

"This is the real me. I’m a surf bum trapped in a cop’s body, sweetheart." I laugh and walk him over to the group with Miranda pouting in our shadow. When we approach, everyone quiets. To my surprise, Tilly is the one to speak first.

"Hey, everyone, this is Detective Parker and Detective Ronalds. They’re here to help out today," she says, offering me a small smile. It’s the tiniest flick of her lips, but it’s there—I nearly shout for joy.

"Call me Harry, or wave crusher for today," Harry says with a wink. The kids and some of the adults laugh. One of the parents gets his attention, and Miranda tugs on my arm again.

"More liquor, Maggie. You’re my interference since Gray’s not here."

While we head back to the food tent, Tilly and Tommy start walking everyone through ocean safety. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing in the background blends with the chatter of excited voices. I’m half-listening too. I’ve always wanted to try surfing; maybe with these guys around, I might actually find the courage to try one day.

We get to work, chatting as we assemble what feels like a mountain of sandwiches. The smell of fresh bread and deli meats fills the air around us, almost overtaking the salt in the air. Miranda talks about her fling with some B-list celebrity. From her description, it almost sounds like she’s dating some sort of porn star. I keep that information to myself, though. Far be it for me to ruin her fun. Listening to her talk is a good time. It’s easy, comfortable, and the time flies by as we prepare plate after plate.

At the front of the group, Tommy is now giving a surfing demonstration. He goes through the techniques with ease and confidence, his passion infectious. The kids listen intently, eyes wide with excitement, before they all rush to the water, boards in tow. When they are in the water, I see that Sam and Greg are already out there waiting. It almost looks like they’ve been holding a spot open in the crowded lineup for the group. Quite a feat with so many people already out there.

I guess having a professional surfer in their group is helpful. It commands a lot of respect in the water—even I know that.

A graying woman sidles up next to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Her skin is weathered, telling tales of long days spent under the sun. “So, this is the girl who’s fallen for our Grayson?” she asks, her voice warm and teasing.

Miranda laughs, nodding. “Yes, Ma, this is Maggie. Maggie, this is Henrietta, Tommy’s mother.”

Henrietta smiles, turning to me. “And why exactly haven’t we met yet? Is there a reason he’s hiding you away?"

“I’ve just been so busy with work,” I explain, but Henrietta waves it off with a laugh that crinkles the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, that’s an excuse if I’ve ever heard one. We don’t bite, baby."

Miranda rolls her eyes. "Don’t call her that, Ma."

"Nonsense, I call all my kids baby. You should know this."

"I’m your kid?" I ask, carefully. Not quite sure if this lady is crazy or crazy sweet yet.

Miranda scoffs. "Don’t fight it. I tried that for years. Doesn’t work." If Miranda is saying to go along, I better do it. She’s about my only friend here, besides Harry of course.

“Was the drive long, or did you stay at Gray’s last night?" My face flushes at the implication. People surely know we’re sleeping together. We’re adults and in a relationship. It’s the norm. But I don’t really want to talk about it with this woman who claims we’re all her children.

"Uh, I worked late last night, drove down this morning," I say, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Hmm," Henrietta says, her lips turning down.

"Is that bad?" I ask, wincing as I do.

"Oh, it’s not. But it explains his bad mood this week." Miranda hums in agreement as Henrietta pulls a giant box of chips from under the table. She tries opening the box but fails to break the seal of the tape on the top. "You!" she shouts out. Several people look our way, but her finger is pointed at Harry.

He jogs over, his movements fluid and easy. "Yes?"

"Be a dear and crack this for me," she says with a smile. Beside her, Miranda nudges her side with an elbow, giggling a little. I don’t exactly understand why. Harry opens the box without much fuss, then winks at Henrietta.

Oh. Wait. Um, is my work dad flirting with the woman that's proclaimed herself to be my surrogate mom? Miranda is full-on laughing as Harry jogs away. "God, Henrietta, I did not know you had game."

She waves Miranda off. "I’ve learned a thing or two watching all you hussies flirt." While she organizes the chips by flavor, she continues, "Just go for what you want. It’s easy."

"I want a giant house, two cars, four vacations to somewhere tropical with unlimited drinks, and maybe a cat that I barely see," Miranda says with a laugh.

"Hmm," Henrietta says back, like it isn’t the first time she’s heard Miranda’s desires. "And what does Maggie want?"

Both women look at me, their eyes expectant. "Uh, I don’t know, I guess."

Henrietta scoffs as Miranda pulls out her flask. The women each take a swig, and this time when it’s offered, I take it. A tiny sip won’t hurt, so I bring it to my lips for a small pull. Vodka burns my throat on the way down, leaving a warm trail. "Now, why don’t you be honest with us?"

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