Page 10 of Family Bonds: Coy & Angel

They walked to the main building, which was just across the parking lot, and then looked into the window of the gym.

“It’s not too busy in there,” her mother said.

“No. But it’s a beautiful Saturday, mid-morning. Labor Day weekend. People are probably trying to enjoy the nice weather still. I bet it’s busier earlier in the mornings or at night.”

“When you’d be using it,” her mother said. “Maybe you’ll meet people. Get some friends. Find a nice guy.”

She turned to look at her mother. “I’ll be too busy learning my new job to go out and party.”

“Do you want to walk to the beach?” her mother asked. “It’s just two blocks away, right?”

“I’d love to,” she said. “This is going to be the best part of living on the island. If I was on the top floor I’d be able to see the water, but I’d be paying a lot more too.”

“Are you sure you can afford this?” her mother asked.

She didn’t tell them her salary, it wasn’t their concern. They knew she’d be making good money. But the cost of living on the island was significantly more.

“My salary is higher than if I was in another city due to the cost of living here,” she said. “Plus I’ve got a housing stipend.”

“That is nice of Coy. I wonder if he does that for all his employees?”

“I doubt it,” she said. “I hate to think he only did it because of who I am, but he said he’s been trying to get a dentist to the island for a few years and it’s been almost impossible. He’s offered all sorts of things. I don’t think I’m getting anything special otherwise.”

Her mother laughed and they turned the corner to make their way to the beach.

“You sound put out over that.”

“What?” she asked and looked at her mother.

“You sound put out that you aren’t getting anything special.”

“I’m not,” she said, frowning. “Why would you say that?”

“Angel,” her mother said softly. “I know my daughter. You’ve been half in love with Coy since the first day you met him.”

Her jaw dropped. The panic set in. “What? Why do you think that?”

“Because a woman knows when her daughter idolizes someone. When she has stars in her eyes.”

She realized there was no way she could argue this. “Does Dad or Spencer know?”

Her mother laughed. “Please. If Spencer knew, he’d never let you come here.”

Her lips twisted in frustration. “He has no right to tell me what to do,” she argued.

“He thinks he does. He’s always been protective of you and you know why.”

“But I’m not that sick kid anymore,” she said.

“He will always see it,” her mother said. “The same with your father. I choose to see the strong woman you became, and though I’m not sure this is the right decision you’re making, it’s alsoyourdecision.”

She turned and hugged her mother. “Thank you for that. I appreciate it.”

“I hope you aren’t making a mistake. I don’t think Coy has any clue. Do you?”

“No,” she said. “He doesn’t. Not that I can see.”

Her mother snorted. “Men. They are so blind. You’re risking a lot.”

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