Page 30 of Summer People
The idea of bringing Libby back to my house has my heart rate picking up. It’s either the best idea or the worst. All I know is that now that the idea is in Sutton’s head, I don’t have the heart to refuse.
Across from me, Wilder spins his beer bottle on the table. “Fisher would love that.”
“Why isn’t your cable working?” Eddy asks.
Exactly. That’s what I want to know.
Libby shrugs.
“It happens,” Mrs. K assures. “It can be spotty here.”
Accurate, but not for one house, and no one else has had any issues. If they did, I’d have heard about it. Unfortunately, I’m like the customer help line on the island.
“I’m sure Fisher can fix it.” Mr. K points his fork my way. “He’s a genius with computers.”
Told ya.
And while it might be true, thirty minutes later, when I’m standing on her roof, looking at the satellite, it’s clear my computer skills won’t help me fix this problem.
I crouch and pick up the sliced wire, then peer across the yard to where Libby and Sutton sit together inside the large window in my living room, smiling while they watch the stupid dancing show. Gut tightening with unease, I survey the roof, then the yard.
“Who the hell would want to cut your internet access, Princess?”
CHAPTER TWELVE
libby
I can’t helpbut peer out the window of Fisher’s house to look up at mine every minute or so. Fisher isstillon the roof, staring at my satellite dish. He swore it would be an easy fix, but he’s been up there an awfully long time. Crap. I hate burdening him with this. It’s just one more reason for him to hate me. Another thing for him to fix. More proof that I’m nothing but a nuisance.
I promised myself that the new me wouldn’t care what people thought. That I wouldn’t seek the approval of others any longer. Yet I can’t help but feel like it’s an impossible expectation. Not only because it hurts to know the people on the island don’t like me, but because I really wantFisherto like me.
Why? I haven’t a clue. It’s a waste of my energy. Every time Sutton drags me along, it’s clear as day he can’t wait to escape my company. And I’m sure the last thing he wanted was for me to show up to dinner with the people he clearly considers family.
“Oh my gosh,” Sutton squeals beside me, bouncing on the couch cushion. “I think Joey is going to win.”
Joey Berkshire has been the clear favorite since episode one. She’s a socialite who I’m pretty sure has never held a job in herlife. Must be nice. I’ve been working since I was four. I met her once and liked her instantly. She’s kind, funny, and the life of the party.
The door swings open just as the host announces Joey and her partner are the winners. When the screen door clangs loudly against the frame, Sutton jumps off the couch and runs right into Fisher’s legs. “They won, they won!”
It’s hard not to melt a little when the grump’s mouth tilts up and his eyes do this twinkly thing that, in reality, is probably caused by the way the mirror ball on the television sends speckles of light refracting off every surface.
Whatever the cause, he looks deceivingly happy. “Oh yeah?”
“Yes, and did you know that Libby knows her?”
Fisher looks up, eyes finding mine, and his lips straighten into a firm line. Right. No smiling for me. “Yeah, she mentioned it at dinner. Anyway, it’s late, sweet pea. Say good night to Libby and go on up and brush your teeth.”
Sutton sticks her lip out. “But Fish?—”
He tilts his head and hits her with a look that immediately has her mouth snapping shut.
“Fine.” With a glare at him, she darts away. She rushes toward me, landing in my lap with all the pizzazz of a goose learning how to fly. “Thanks for watching with me. Promise me you’ll come to Sunday dinners from now on?”
Fisher grunts, still standing across the room. His arms are crossed over his chest and his feet are planted wide. “We don’t invite people to other people’s houses.”
Not wanting her to get in any more trouble and certainly knowing my place, I squeeze her hand. “I had so much fun tonight. Thank you for letting me watch TV with you.”
Without another second’s hesitation, I stand and head for the door, giving the growling man a wide berth.
