Page 101 of Finding Us

“You know Katherine. She does what she wants. But it’s only making things worse. Lilly needs to talk about this in order to move on. I discussed it with the psychologist and she thinks Lilly saw your move to California as a loss, almost like a death, and that she’s now going through the stages of grief. I’ve watched her go through them. First she was in denial that you were gone, then she was angry about it, then she tried bargaining with me to get you back, and now she’s—”

“Depressed,” I say, because I know those stages all too well. I went through each one of them after my mom died and I didn’t even realize it until one of my classes in high school taught us about the stages of grief.

“What can we do about it?” Garret asks.

“Well, hopefully making some friends her own age will help. And I’ve been cutting back on my hours at work to spend more time with her. Your grandfather has agreed to temporarily come out of retirement to help run the business until things get better at home.”

“Dad, you should’ve said something. I could’ve helped with—”

“No.” Pearce shakes his head. “I don’t want you involved in it. If you showed even the slightest interest in the company your grandfather would take that as a sign that you want to take it over someday and I don’t want him even thinking that. He’s already furious that you’re—it doesn’t matter.”

Furious that he’s what? Not taking over the company? Or furious that Garret married me? Or is it more than that?

“What about Lilly’s birthday?” Garret asks. “Did you talk to Katherine about it?”

“Yes, and she still doesn’t want you to attend the party.”

“I don’t care. Jade and I are going. I’ve never missed Lilly’s birthday.”

Pearce sighs. “I know Lilly will be disappointed but I don’t think you should come, Garret.”

“Why not? I thought you wanted us there.”

“After the incident with your grandfather on the Fourth of July, I don’t think it’s a good idea. He’ll be at Lilly’s party and I don’t want her to be around any more conflict right now. It’s too stressful for her.”

“I won’t fight with him. I promise. I only got mad at him on the Fourth of July because of the way he treated Jade. But I’ll stay away from him this time. I won’t even talk to him.”

I can feel the pain in Garret’s voice as he says it and I can see it in his face.

“You’re not the one I’m worried about,” Pearce says. “My father is the one who’s acting like a child. He’ll make a scene just like he did before the fireworks show.” He hesitates, then says, “And Katherine’s parents will be there as well.”

“Great.” Garret looks at me. “Then I guess we won’t be going.”

“Why? Are her parents just like her?”

“Worse.” Pearce and Garret say it at the same time.

“Multiply Katherine by about a million and that’s her parents,” Garret explains.

“You understand why I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be there,” Pearce says to him.

“So who’s going to tell Lilly?”

“I can tell her.”

“Just let me do it. I’ll tell her tonight since you guys are leaving tomorrow.”

“All right.” Pearce stands up just as Harper walks in.

“Frank and Ryan just got here,” she says. “So we were going to start lunch if you guys want to come out.”

We follow her outside. Frank and Ryan are talking to Harper’s dad. I wave at Ryan but he doesn’t notice. He’s too engrossed in whatever Kiefer is saying. Ryan’s totally star-struck by Kiefer, who’s directed some of Ryan’s favorite movies.

Garret, Pearce, and I walk over to the table which is set up with platters of grilled burgers and hot dogs along with side salads and chips. It’s nothing fancy but it’s perfect for lunch on the beach.

Harper’s mom is helping Lilly fill her plate. She stops when she sees Pearce approaching. “I’m sorry, Pearce. I should’ve asked you before helping her. If I remember correctly, Katherine is very strict about Lilly’s diet.”

“It’s fine.” He looks at the hotdog and potato chips on Lilly’s plate. “She can eat anything.”

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