Page 6 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“You, too.” Jules wasn’t sure how nice it really was, but she wasn’t going to put that into words. “This is my dog, Toby. As you probably figured out.”

Toby was already moving toward the grass. Jules let him lead, but her gaze shifted to Trina and Kat. She caught Kat’s eyes and subtly shifted her head to the side, indicating she wanted Kat to join her.

Kat said something to Trina, then met Jules on the grass. “Hey.”

“Hey. How’s it going? Do you think this is legit?”

“I guess so. Not sure why she’d make it all up. Plus, she knew my dad owned this house.”

“I didn’t think she was making up the part about being married to your dad. I was just curious if it might be some kind of money grab, since she must have just gotten her insurance check like your mom and Roxie did.”

“Oh.” Kat turned to look at Paulina. “I hope that’s not what this is. Mom’s had enough drama already.”

“You can say that again. What do you think of the baby?”

Kat shrugged. “He’s cute and everything, but it’s not like I can have a conversation with him.”

Jules laughed. “No, of course not. But you have a little brother.”

“Yeah. One who’s twenty-eight years younger than me. It’s…weird.”

“You don’t seem all that excited.”

“I’m not,” Kat said. She made a face as she looked at Jules. “Mostly because I’m more worried about Mom than anything. She was just finding herself again, you know? Moving forward in a way I’ve never seen her do before. Now this?” Kat sighed and went back to watching Paulina. “She doesn’t need a setback.”

“No, she doesn’t, but your mom’s come a long way in a short amount of time. I don’t think she’ll let this be more than a blip on her radar.”

“That might not be up to her if this woman starts trouble.”

Toby whined.

Jules looked down at him. “Ready to go back up?”

“I can take him,” Kat said.

“Don’t you want to hang out?”

“Yes, but I’ll come back down. You’re better at being nice to people than I am. Go see what you can find out about this woman.”

Jules snorted. “I’ll do my best.” She handed the leash over to Kat, who took Toby back to the elevator.

Jules joined the other women on the couches. Trina came over, too, bringing the baby with her. She handed the little one back to his mother. Jules smiled. “I bet you didn’t count on there being so many of us, Paulina.”

Paulina sat Nico on her lap, leaning him against her so he could see everyone. “I didn’t know what to expect, really. It was sort of an impulsive decision.”

“Really?” Jules asked. “What made you do it then?”

Paulina took a breath. “Bryan’s death has hit me hard. I suppose I’m more emotional than usual, having just had a baby. But the idea of Nico not growing up with a father…”

Paulina swallowed. Tears slipped down her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come. I just wanted Nico to have some family.”

If Jules had been closer, she would have reached out to comfort the young woman. “Hey, it’s all right. You were just doing what you thought was best as a mom. I have two boys myself. I get it. I really do.”

“Thank you,” Paulina said. She held onto Nico with one hand and wiped her face with the other. “I know you must all be suspicious of me. I realize that now. I swear to you, I only want Nico to know his sisters. That’s it.”

The elevator doors opened, and Kat came out. This time, Willie was with her. The pair came over and took seats with the rest of them.

Willie squinted at Paulina. “You are young.”

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