Page 13 of Finding Fate

“How so?” he asked, wondering if she’d noticed the same things he had.

She shrugged. “Just weird. He’s flirting constantly. Which is, of course, a Tucker thing anyway, but at least he used to know when and when not to. Did I tell you that I saw like three empty condom wrappers in the back seat of his truck the other day? He just smirked at me when I called him out on it, but I know those weren’t there the week before. I mean, I knew he wasn’t a virgin anymore, but I didn’t think he’d turned one of those guys,” she looked at Jet for confirmation.

“No, you’re right; something’s off.”

“Izzy’s noticed things, too,” she continued. “She catches him staring, then trying not to stare, not to mention how bent up he got when Wesley asked her out the other day. He freaking growled, Jet.”

“I think he likes her.”

“Well, yeah, they’ve been on like four dates.”

“No, I mean Tucker. I think Tucker likes Izzy.”

“Oh my God,” she smacked her forehead, “That makes so much sense.” How had she missed that? “Do you think he knows?”

Jet shook his head. “He would’ve said something. That’s big…falling for one of your best friends. He’s not going to know what to think about it. What sucks is his timing.”

“Crap, and Wesley already asked her out again for tomorrow.”

“What do you think of Wesley?” Jet asked, shifting the conversation.

Annie hesitated. “I’m torn. Izzy swears he’s good to her, and she really likes him, but…”

“Yeah?”

“He still flirts, babe. I’ve had a few shifts with him since they started dating, and he still checks out girls on the beach. I mean, should I say something to Izzy, or is that just a guy thing? It just feels off.”

“For some guys,” Jet started, “I mean, I’m not that type of guy, but if he’s just looking, he might not see anything wrong with it. He and Izzy haven’t been dating that long. You should tell her, though, if it bothers you.”

Annie nodded. “Now we just need to figure out what to do about Tucker,” she thought, wondering if there was any chance her sister might like him too.

* * *

“Thanks for helping me with the kids today, sis,” Isabel said as she and Annie set up chairs and umbrellas at the beach the next morning. All of their siblings were rooting around in the bags they had brought. “Y’all stay with each other and where I can see you,” Isabel called over her shoulder, “And you’re not spending the whole morning on your phone, today, Tabby.” Tabitha scowled, and Isabel braced herself for the pre-teen’s attitude.

“Come on, Tabby,” Victoria suddenly piped up. “You can help Chelsea and I make a sandcastle. Yours are always the best.”

Chelsea nodded, gathering the pails and shovels from one of the bags, “Yeah, they’re huge.”

“Fine…” Tabitha rolled her eyes and followed the younger girls. They found a spot a few feet away from the boys, where Chris was already busy burying Tyler’s legs in the sand.

“Good,” Annie murmured her approval. “They’ll be easier to keep an eye on,” she put her ear buds in, knowing Izzy wouldn’t be up for chatting right away.

Isabel nodded, rubbing some extra sunscreen on before she sat back to enjoy the sunshine. It was mornings like this that she loved. A slight breeze coming in from the ocean, paired with just the right warmth from the sun, the sound of the kids playing well in the background, and time with her sister.

She was checking on the kids when movement farther down the beach caught her attention. Jet waved a hello as he and Tucker paddled out to surf. She waved back as Annie looked up.

“Luckies,” she commented. “The waves look pretty decent today.”

“You can go,” Isabel offered. “I won’t mind.”

Annie shook her head. “No, I actually wanted to talk to you today. About Jet.”

“What about Jet?” Isabel asked, immediately giving her full attention. “Did something happen?”

“Yes…and no. That’s kind of the problem.”

“Ohhh…” she replied, catching on.

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