Page 71 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
“Not yet.” Rick’s deep voice floated in before his face appeared beside Desiree’s, blocking out the others. “We haven’t started trying yet, but we’re having a lot of fun practicing.”
The boys ran across the grass to join another group of kids, and Andre crouched beside Violet, holding the phone in front of them, and said, “I guess the girls can’t complain about the quality of breakfasts anymore?”
Cheers rang out behind Desiree and Rick.
They talked for another minute with Rick, and then he said, “There are more people here who want to say hi. Love you guys. Be safe.”
Rick stepped away, and Justin’s face appeared, smiling warmly. “Hey, babe. Andre. How’s it going?”
“Good. Things okay there?” Violet asked.
Justin nodded and said, “Yeah. Boy, you weren’t kidding about the gossip around here. These chicks talk abouteverything.”
Violet laughed. “No kidding. Welcome to theReal Housewives of Wellfleet.”
“Move over, wingman.” Gavin’s face appeared beside Justin’s. “Andre, my man. Violet. Happy holidays!”
“Right back at you,” Andre said. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad. Especially since I finally have a single dude to hang with,” Gavin said with a grin. “There’s too much estrogen in this place…”
“Women of the Cape beware. Do I even want to know…?” Violet mumbled.
Justin smirked. “Trust me, you don’t. But I still miss my favorite girl. It’s lonely over here without your motorcycle roaring down my road every other night, and my studio feels empty, but you know…I’ll get over it.”
“It won’t be empty for long,” Gavin interjected. “But we aren’t banking on that fictional blonde who supposedly gothung up”—he put air quotes aroundhung up—“in L.A., and isn’t going to come out until spring or summer.”
“Dude, for the millionth time, Harper isreal,” Justin said.
Harper hadn’t made it back for their goodbye party, although Ted and Andre’s parents had joined them, along with all the friends from the coffeehouse. Ted and Violet had been FaceTiming as well, and their relationship was growing stronger every time they talked.
“Where are the rest of the guys?” Andre asked.
Emery pushed the men out of the way and said, “Jett is home for the holidays. He’s with Dean and Drake picking up a few things at the resort. I’ll tell them you said hello.” She leaned closer to the screen and spoke just above a whisper. “You should see Daphne drooling over Jett. It’s hilarious.Andlook!” She thrust her left hand in front of the screen, showing off a beautiful gold wedding band. “We got married! We went to the courthouse. We just couldn’t wait!”
Happiness rose in Violet’s eyes. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”
“That’s fantastic,” Andre said. “We wish you both all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you,” Emery said with a proud smile as she pulled her hand away from the screen.
Serena’s head popped in next to Emery’s. “And, Vi, my waistline thanks yousomuch for introducing us to everyone at the coffeehouse. I swear I have been there like a dozen times just for those delicious Wandering Hearts. Elliot is always making new creations for me to try, and I love hanging out with Steph and everyone. Oh my gosh, and Dwayne is ariot, the way he shamelessly flirts with Daph and Chloe.”
Andre chuckled.
“Justin!” Violet hollered, and his face popped back into view. “You’d better watch out for those girls. I told you what’d happen if someone hurt them.”
“Wow, Vi. You’re threating me from across the world?”
“Darn right I am,” she snapped.
“Okay, you two,” Desiree interrupted. “Can I please talk to my sister and her man?” She smiled at Violet and said, “I miss you both, and I love you. You’ll be here in March, right?”
“Definitely. In time for Erin’s memorial,” Violet said. “But we’re not sure yet about staying for the whole summer.”
Andre had been working on their schedules, trying to arrange it so they could spend the summer at the Cape, but he wouldn’t know for sure for a few more weeks. Perry was also waiting to hear if Andre would be back to help them out at the Outer Cape Health Clinic next summer.
“We’ll know by March,” he assured them.
