Page 60 of Until We Break

“Really? Why not?” I locked the car and followed him up the stairs to the house.

It had a big wrap around porch, anchored by huge columns. Hydrangeas bloomed in the yard. Everything was neat and trimmed. It was a perfect Harbor Pointe manicured lawn.

“Just because I know you’re really important.”

I chuckled. “I think you might have the wrong idea, but I wanted to see you again. Make sure you’re okay after they let you out of the hospital.”

He pushed open the front door. “Mom! Caleb’s here!” he yelled through the foyer.

The house was gorgeous. I didn’t know anything about design or decorating, but I knew it was worthy of a magazine. I never would have guessed a kid lived in it.

I heard high heels on the hallway. Carrie emerged wearing a low-cut sundress.

“You’re here.” She smiled, tipping upward to kiss me on each cheek. I stiffened and tried to shrug off the affection.

“Oh here. And this is for you.” I handed her a bottle of wine I had picked up at the Flying Devil.

“How did you know summer blends are my favorite?”

I shook my head. “Had no idea.”

Lucas yanked on my arm. “Come on, I want you to see my room.”

Carrie laughed. “Leave him alone, Lucas. He can see it later. Caleb needs to open this wine for me.” She lifted her eyebrows. I was stuck. Did I follow the kid or the mom?

“I—I guess I can open the wine then see your room.” I could tell my decision made Carrie happy. She lead me to the kitchen. On the other side was a wet bar.

“You’ll find a corkscrew in the top drawer.” She pointed.

“Okay.” I got to work on the cork while Carrie checked on something in the oven. “Smells good.” I twisted the top and freed the cork with a pop.

“Actually my sister Iris made it for us. You remember her from the hospital I’m sure, don’t you? I’m just warming it up. It’s her famous crab casserole.”

“She didn’t want to join us tonight?” I was thinking about how another person would help diffuse the growing awkwardness. Maybe there was a way to invite Carrie’s sister over.

“No. No. I told her this was a special dinner for Lucas, you, and me.” She smiled, closing the oven. Carrie walked across the long kitchen. Her dress lifted to the tops of her thighs. She reached the wet bar and stretched around me to open the glassware cabinet.

She retrieved two glasses. “I still can’t believe you brought this wine.”

I poured the glasses for us. “Here you go.”

“Let’s sit on the patio. It’s nice outside.” Carrie pushed open a set of French doors and floated outside. I blinked when I realizedthere were lanterns already lit, along with strings of lights and music played.

The courtyard overlooked the water. I could see the lights of the Coast Guard base and almost all of Marshoak Island. Almost to the end where the Blue Heron sat. And Margot.

“This is a great view.”

“I think it’s the best one there is on the mainland. I can see right over there where you are.” She pointed.

I gulped the wine, almost taking half the glass at once. I guessed this was as good as any. I reached into my pocket and unfolded the check. I put it on the table between us.

“What’s this?” She eyed the check with suspicion.

“I can’t accept it, Carrie. As generous as it is. I could lose my commission.”

She rolled her eyes. “No one will ever know. How about this…” she drags the check in her direction. “I’ll just exchange this out for cash. Then you really don’t have to worry about it.”

I blinked. “Cash? You want to hand me $20k in cash?”

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