Page 36 of Finding Us

“Well, it was great. I loved it.”

“Mind if I sit out here for a few minutes? I’d like to spend some time with you two before you leave tomorrow.”

Garret pulls out a chair. “Have a seat.”

We start talking but avoid any mention of what happened with Garret’s grandparents. Instead Pearce asks us how we like living in California. We tell him about the town we live in and what we like to do there. There’s a lot to say because Garret doesn’t talk to his dad much.

Then we talk a little about the college we’ll be going to in the fall.

“And school starts after Labor Day?” Pearce asks Garret.

“Yes. The Wednesday after Labor Day. Just like Moorhurst.”

“When are you moving?”

Garret looks at me. “We haven’t decided. The real estate agent said we could move into the beach house the end of August so probably around then.”

“I’d like to come out and visit before the semester starts. I’ve been meaning to fly out there and check out the school but I haven’t had time.”

“You don’t need to check it out, Dad. It’s a good school. You already talked to Kiefer about it and I sent you that information packet they give to parents.”

“Yes, and I read through it, but I would still feel better if I saw it for myself. I want to see the campus and see where you two are going to be living.”

This is strange. Why is Pearce suddenly so interested in us? He’s usually too busy with work to even call us.

“When do you want to come out?” Garret asks.

“Maybe early September, once you’re settled in your new place. I was hoping we could celebrate your birthday while I’m there. I wasn’t sure what your plans were for your actual birthday, but I have a meeting that day in New York so I wouldn’t be able to make it in time anyway.”

“That’s okay. Jade and I will do something.”

Garret doesn’t know it, but I’m already planning his birthday. I special ordered the surfboard he really wants and I’m making him a birthday dinner. I don’t really know how to cook so Sean’s been secretly giving me cooking lessons. We’ve had two so far but I need a lot more than that.

Garret, Pearce, and I hang out on the patio until 1 in the morning, then Garret and I head upstairs to his room but Pearce remains outside. I think he’s still upset about his dad. I feel bad for Pearce, growing up with someone like that for a father. Even now, Holton’s a bad father. And a bad grandfather.

I’ve never seen Holton act like he did tonight. The last time I saw him he was so quiet and reserved. But now I know what he’s really like. It’s another Kensington family secret. Just when I think I know everything about this family, I find out something new. And it’s usually not good.

Aside from the incident with Holton, I had a good time this weekend and as Garret and I are lying in bed, I feel a little sad we’re leaving tomorrow.

“This has been a good trip,” I say, resting my head on his chest.

“It has, hasn’t it? I actually had fun.”

“Same here. Your dad’s been really great and I got to spend lots of time with Lilly. I can’t wait to see her at our wedding. She’ll be so cute with her little basket of flowers.”

“Yeah, she will. And afterward you’ll have a little sister.”

“Well, technically I already have four sisters. Half-sisters at least.” I adjust myself in the bed, pulling the covers up higher.

“Do you ever wish you could tell them who you are?”

“Sometimes I do. It would be nice to have more family but they’d never accept me. When I met Sadie’s mom, she didn’t like me and I’m sure she’d hate me if she knew who I really was.”

“Maybe you could meet your uncle. Have you asked Grace about that?”

“Yes and she said it’s up to me. If I want to meet him, she said she’ll arrange it. But I don’t know if I want to yet.”

“Did Grace decide if she’s coming to the wedding?”

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