Page 64 of The Summer Arrangement
“Earth to Elizabeth… Come in, Elizabeth,” Ryan says as he taps my foot and plops down on the couch next to me.
“Huh?” I ask, immediately returning to the present.
Thumbing over his shoulder, he says, “I started talking when I walked in. But you obviously didn’t hear. You good?”
“Yeah.” I stretch and nod. “I’m good. Just zoning out.”
“Lanie’s over at Sloane and Jax’s place, helping her organize some new shelf. Mind if I watch some TV?” he asks, reaching for the remote.
“Not at all.” He flicks it on and pulls up his favorite streaming service.
“Have you watchedThe Night Agent? I made the mistake of starting the series when Lanie was out with Raven the other night. Now I’m dying to find out what happens next. I’m only like two episodes in, so you haven’t missed much.”
“Between school and work, I don’t really watch many shows,” I admit. “But go ahead. I’m gonna head upstairs soon anyway. I need to shower and get ready for the week.”
“Before you go, can you help me with something?” Ryan asks, starting the show, then immediately pausing it to keep it ready for him.
“What’s up?”
“I wanna surprise Lanie with an anniversary gift, but I’ve been on the fence and could use your opinion.”
“What did you have in mind?” I’m curious as to what he might have planned.
“I’ve thought about taking her away for the weekend, but with the music festival in town and your dad and aunt coming right at the same time, that might not be a good idea.”
“You can always give her the gift of a vacation and pick the date together,” I offer, knowing my sister would simply appreciate the thought.
“True. I also thought about jewelry, though she doesn’t wear much.”
“What about a charm bracelet? It could turn into a tradition where you’d add something new each year. Oh… Last time we were out, I swear I saw her eying one the other day. It was in that shop just around the corner from Pop’s. Maybe take her to a nice dinner and give her that, then go on a vacation when things slow down, or when she’s on a break from school.”
“Hmmm… I like that idea. Getting away after the holidays might be more enticing when it’s drizzly and cold in Seaside… And she does have that break in February.”
“Business is slow then, right?” Ryan’s a project manager for his family’s construction business. He and his dad do both renovations and new construction projects now that Ryan’s onboard full time.
“True,” Ryan muses. “I could make it more than a long weekend, if we wait.”
“I’m sure no matter what you choose, Lanie will love it.”
“I know you’re working, and Milli keeps you busy, but is there any way we can meet up this week? Then you can show me which bracelet you’re talking about.”
“Of course. I’m not sure of my schedule tomorrow, but will Tuesday work? I’m usually back from Astoria by ten most days this swim session.”
“Great. I’ll double check my schedule, but I’m certain I’m in the office Tuesday morning, so I can meet you then?”
A long yawn escapes, and it’s evident if I don’t get off this couch, I’ll be here until tomorrow morning. Forcing myself to stand, I stretch the slumber from my limbs. “I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow, but I’ll text you when we get back to town.”
Just as I’m about to leave the room, he stops me. “Hey… I forgot to ask… Did you enjoy your birthday?”
I couldn’t stop the grin on my face if I tried. “Yeah…” I exhale heavily. “It was certainly memorable.”
“I’ll bet it was.” He chuckles. “By the way, Lanie sort of had to fill us in on some of the details between you and Cameron, or you would’ve had unexpected company when you missed Sunday brunch this morning.”
“Oh, shit,” I gasp. “I’m so sorry. I totally forgot about it.”
“We figured you were… ummm… distracted.”
“Ohmigod, Ryan!” I laugh at his effort to remain diplomatic. “Distracted? You’re sticking with that?”
