Page 98 of Summer Love

"He comes to work late. He forgets to clean everything up at the end of the night." If a worksite was going to be vandalized, it was his. He'd become known for being neglectful of the tools and equipment.

"You know he has ADHD. He has to have a system in place to help him remember things."

"I don't think he's interested in setting up a system." He seemed to enjoy the chaos and disorganization.

Mom pursed her lips. "I don't think that's true. I think he's embarrassed that he needs help."

"What do you need me to do?" I asked carefully.

Mom sighed. "I want you to be open to Shepard getting more responsibility."

Perplexed, I said, "You know that's up to Dad."

"I know, and I'm hoping you can talk to him, make him see another way. I don't want to drive away another child like we did Luna."

I shook my head. "You didn't drive her away."

My mother lifted her gaze to meet mine. "She lives part of the time in Maryland."

"That's where Axel's family lives."

"It's partly why she's not around as much. Marshall left too. I don't want to lose touch with another child."

The familiar guilt settled in my chest. "None of us know why Marshall left except he felt called to do what he's doing."

"I know you were hurt the most when he left, but I hope that one day you'll talk to him about it and forgive him for leaving."

My forehead creased. "I forgave him."

Mom raised a brow as she continued chopping peppers. "Have you?"

My chest hurt from just thinking about how he left. "Maybe not."

"I have faith in you and in Shepard. Will you talk to your father about him?" Mom asked.

"You know I'll do anything for you."

Mom sighed. "That's all well and good, but I want you to do it for Shepard."

"Okay." I wasn't sure I completely understood where Mom was coming from. But I was helpless to deny her anything.

"I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished. You always put family first. But I think it's time for you to consider what you want out of life, and if it's Elena, then we'll support you."

"Thanks, Mom." I just hoped that Elena felt the same way. Sometimes loving someone wasn't enough, and they still left.

I hoped that wouldn't happen with Elena, but I wasn't confident in her feelings enough to assume that she'd stay, or that I'd follow her wherever she decided to go.

* * *

On Saturday, nerves fluttered in my stomach as I got ready for the party. Was I nervous about the party itself, the article being published, or my future? I didn't like feeling out of control, and right now, I was spiraling.

I had no control over what was printed in that article, which photos were chosen, or whether Elena would stay on the island. There were so many possibilities, and I couldn't help but worry about the worst of them.

I was meeting Elena at the restaurant because she had to go in early and decorate. I parked in the rapidly filling lot. Everyone on the island had been invited, and the crowd was spilling off the deck onto the sand surrounding the restaurant itself. A live band was playing, and tiki torches dotted the beach.

Brady appeared at my side with a look of concern on his face. "Have you seen the photos?"

"Elena wanted to wait until the magazine was finalized for me to see them. She wanted it to be a surprise."

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