Page 35 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
“It’s about lunch time. What have you been doing?”
“Your father went out to the reef today. I stayed in with a book. It’s been years since I let myself do that. Just sit in with a book. I have to say, it felt luxurious.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“It’s been so good to see Rob able to do more and not so fatigued in the evenings.”
“Then he really is doing better?” My chest squeezes with familiar worry, despite the doctor’s reports.
“He is. I wish you could see him, Jackie. The bounce in his step is back and the smile in his eyes—” She breaks off and I recognize the wobble in her voice. My own throat is tight.
“Yeah. That’s amazing. So when are you coming home? Still thinking next month?”
“Yes. It’s been lovely, but we miss Kraken Cove. And we miss you and Luke and Mia. I feel bad leaving you to do everything around the place for so long.”
I make a dismissive noise. “No. Don’t be silly. Everything here is fine. Stay longer if you like. I’ve got this.”
There’s a pause. If I know Mom, she’s got that tight-lipped look on her face like she’s about to call me on my bullshit. I forge on.
“You know I’ve been thinking of making some changes. We’ve had some quotes done, and the place is looking great. I’ve even had some time to get up and do the gutters.”
“We? You mean you and Luke?”
Oh right. It occurs to me I haven’t mentioned Tegan to my parents. I don’t even know where to start. “Yeah. What I mean is we’re fine. You should relax and enjoy yourselves. For as long as you need.”
There’s another pause. Finally Mom sighs. “Jackie, you know I trust you and think you’re so smart and capable. If you had a mate, things would be different. But I know how hard it is to run the place, and that’s with both your father and I working on things together. And Luke and Noah both have their own careers. Your father and I always meant to leave Inlet Views to you once you found your mate…” There’s a long silence.
I cough. “Well, actually I found someone. I hired her, I mean. And she’s great. She’s been amazing. You wouldn’t believe how much it helps.”
Mom makes a sympathetic noise. “I bet. I’m glad, love. Listen. I didn’t mean to get you down. She’s out there. You just have to trust.”
I wish I could tell her, but I’m still not sure how Tegan will react. I force down the lump of emotion in my throat. “Yeah. I know. And I’m OK. I am. I’m just happy for Dad’s health and my family and for Luke and Noah finding their mates. Truly.”
“Mmm. I know you are, Jack. You’re a good egg. But that doesn’t have to be enough you know. You’re allowed to want that too. Of all my boys, I’ve wanted that for you the most.”
For me the most? I’m still thinking about that when we say our goodbyes and hang up. So much that I don’t raise the suggestion about my parents retiring again, even though I meant to.
Why me? Especially when Luke had been mooning over Mia for ten years when they finally got together and Noah was so bitter and angry from a bad breakup that it took his wonderful mate, Olivia, to heal his heart. I may not be perfect, but I’m not in such a bad state as all that. I thought I’d been handling the wait. I thought I’d been patient and stoic.
Maybe I let how much I wanted to find that female show more than I thought. Truth be told, I've been dreaming about finding her all my life. Ever since I knew what fated mates were and saw what Dad had in Mom.
Now she’s here, and I’m holding back, afraid of revealing my hand in case I bungle it. But maybe that’s the worst mistake of all. Or maybe the worst mistake is thinking I can hide the way I’m feeling. Apparently I wear my heart on my tentacles and everyone around me sees right through me.
I wonder if Tegan knows me well enough yet to do just that. And if so, if she’s seen how I’m feeling, what does she think?
SEVENTEEN
Tegan
“Oh my god, look at this one!” I flap the hanger so the dress I just pulled off the rack at the local thrift store catches the light, setting off a shimmer of silky fabric. “It’s a Rebecca Vallance. You should try it on. It’s your size.”
Mia looks up from the rack of jeans she’s perusing and snorts. “Yeah right. That will cling to me in all the wrong places. You try it.”
I hold it against my body speculatively. I can already tell there’s not enough room in the chest, but it’s so beautiful. “Maybe I will. But only if you do too.”
Mia rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “I’ll make you a deal, since I know you want that one. You try it, and I’ll try on whatever else you pick out for me in the whole store.”
I waggle my eyebrows, which badly need plucking. God it’s been a long time since I’ve been to the salon. “Anything?”
