Page 29 of Finding Us

“I don’t know. He seems different.”

“It’s like he’s a whole different person.”

“Yeah, he’s acting almost like he did before my mom died. And he actually seems happy, which is unusual for him.”

“It sounds like he’s no longer letting Katherine push him around, at least when it comes to Lilly. She’s going to be so excited when she finds out he’s taking her to Disneyland.”

“I need to tell him what she said about being sad all the time. Maybe she needs to see someone, like a counselor or something.”

I get into bed next to Garret. “I felt so bad when she said that. She shouldn’t be that sad. You really need to talk to your dad.”

“I will. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. She’ll be okay.”

Garret puts his arm out and I snuggle up against his chest. “I hope so. I worry about her.”

He kisses the top of my head. “I know you do. And I love you for that.”

I really do worry about Lilly. I hate seeing her sad. And that makes me think that maybe I wouldn’t be such a bad mom after all. It’s not like I want that anytime soon, but I’m starting to warm up to the idea.

CHAPTERTEN

The next daythe four of us hang out on the patio by the pool. Charles, the family cook, grills steaks for lunch and we eat outside. Then Pearce plays with Lilly in the pool while Garret and I stare at them like we’re watching someone else’s family. This is so strange. But it’s also good because Pearce’s actions have wiped the sad look off Lilly’s face, at least for today.

In the afternoon, Garret has a talk with his dad about Lilly. When I ask him about it later, he says his dad already knew how Lilly was feeling and that he’s been working to make things better for her. He’s refusing to fight with Katherine anymore, at least at home. And he’s looking at private schools to enroll Lilly in that have tight security to keep her safe. Katherine agreed it was a good idea. Apparently evenshe’snoticed how depressed her daughter is and finally agrees that Lilly needs to get out of her room and make some friends.

“But your dad and Katherine aren’t back together, right?”

“No. They sleep in separate rooms. Lilly knows that, and she’s starting to accept it now, according to my dad. It’s hearing them fight that upsets her.”

“Is your dad still seeing that woman?”

“Yes, and Katherine has someone new. That’s where she is this weekend. She’s not at a spa. She’s with her boyfriend.”

“So they’re both dating other people? That’s weird.”

He shrugs. “It seems to be working for them. If they can’t get divorced and this makes them happy, then I guess it somehow makes sense. They’ll just see other people on the side.”

I still find it odd but I don’t really care what they do. I’m just glad Pearce is finally standing up to Katherine and being a better father to Lilly and Garret.

Sunday we all prepare for Katherine to return, but she calls and says she’s staying wherever she is for a few more days. I smile when I hear the news. My Fourth of July just got a million times better and it’s not even here yet.

Pearce spends all of Sunday with us instead of going into the office like he normally would. We swim, watch movies, and eat leftover pizza.

On Monday, the Fourth of July, Charles makes hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, and all the other traditional picnic foods and we eat outside by the pool.

Three guys show up after lunch to set up the fireworks way back on the property. Garret said they’ll come back tonight to set them off.

We lounge by the pool all afternoon, enjoying the warm sunny day. Then we have more picnic food for dinner, although I’m still kind of full from lunch. I tend to overeat when Charles cooks.

Around 8 a voice comes through the intercom on the patio. “Mr. Kensington, your parents have arrived. They just drove through the gate.”

Pearce gets up. “Thank you. I’ll meet them at the door.”

His parents are here for the fireworks show. I met them last Christmas. They were extremely formal and didn’t say much. In fact, I don’t think they even talked to me.

As Pearce goes in the house, I notice the rising tension in the air. It started when we heard the intercom message. Garret stands up, smoothing his white polo shirt and pulling his shoulders back, like he’s preparing to be inspected. He looks nervous and it’s makingmenervous.

The sliding glass door opens and Garret’s grandmother, Eleanor, appears followed by his grandfather, Holton. Holton’s wearing beige pants, a white button-up shirt, a tie, and a navy sport coat. That’s his version of casual. He usually only wears suits. Eleanor has on a short-sleeve navy blue dress and heels.

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