Page 132 of Unexpected Entanglement

“I’m thinking of just jumping into the pool,” Chris said.

“That’s not a bad idea, but rinse before you jump in, please.” Rosemary had managed the Sullens’ house as long as Chris could remember, and she was always a stickler for cleanliness.

“Come. I’ll get you a drink and a snack.” She ushered him inside.

“How are you, Rosemary?”

“I am perfectly well.”

They walked through the foyer, crossed straight through the large sitting room to the open French doors, and out to the patio and the ocean view.

“What delayed you so long, Christopher?” Rosemary asked. “Your father has been anxiously waiting for you.”

“Where is the old man? Don’t tell me he’s tired of waiting and went back to Boston?” Chris wouldn’t be surprised or even insulted if George Sullens had left. He’d stopped expecting anything from his dad.

“He’s out walking on the beach. He takes a two-mile stroll every morning and afternoon now. His doctor told him walking and swimming are the best exercises for him.”

Chris sharply turned to Rosemary. “Is something wrong? Did his doctor—”

Rosemary touched his arm. “He’s as healthy as an ox, but a sixty-five-year-old ox. His blood pressure is sometimes elevated, hence the recommended daily exercise and a more plant-based diet.”

“Dad, doing a vegan diet?” Chris couldn’t see his steak-and-lobster-loving dad suddenly turning vegan.

Rosemary chuckled. “Less red meat, more fish and roughage.”

“You take such good care of Dad, Rosemary. Though I doubt he does the same when he’s in the city.”

“He’s here now, mostly. He’ll go into the city once a month, but does most of his meetings online now.”

Chris’ jaw dropped, not believing what he was hearing. “My dad works remotely?”

Rosemary looked at him with disapproving eyes. “When was the last time you talked to your father?”

“Two weeks ago.” Chris shrugged.

“I meant really talk.” She rolled her eyes when Chris couldn’t answer. “Your father just started his walk about five minutes before you arrived. Perhaps you can catch him.”

Understanding that wasn’t a suggestion, Chris asked, “Which way did he go?”

“West. He walks to the end and back. I’ll have cold drinks and a snack ready when you return.”

When Rosemary went inside, Chris hung his riding jacket on the back of a chair and kicked off his boots before walking across the lawn barefooted to get to the beach and turned west. He wished he wasn’t in jeans, but it felt good to stretch his legs after a long ride.

At that hour of the afternoon, there were only a few groups of people scattered on the private strip of beach, enjoying the sun and the view of the Nantucket Sound, so it was easy to spot his father.

“Dad, wait up,” Chris called out when he was a few yards away from him.

George Sullens looked over his shoulder and slowed down when he saw Chris running to him. His face brightened with a big smile. “Christopher!”

The big man opened his arms and hugged Chris, which shocked the breath out of him. He hadn’t received a warm welcome from his dad in a long time. Their meetings had been more stiff and forced.

“You made it.” George pulled back, still with a smile, and studied his son’s attire. “Did you just arrive?”

“A few minutes ago. Rosemary told me you were on your walk, so I thought I’d walk with you,” Chris said.

“Glad you caught me.” George started walking again. “How was your trip?”

“Uneventful.” Chris fell into step next to his dad. “Rosemary told me you’ve been taking walks daily.”

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