Page 13 of Hibiscus Heights

Whistling to Duke, she turned away from the Majestic. The ice cream had filled her, but she still had time before her family dinner.

Before resuming her run, she paused to make sure the two boys went back inside the hotel. Despite claiming she was too busy for children, she genuinely enjoyed their company. Kids didn’t hide their feelings.

Except maybe their pain and sadness. She hoped Mason and Teddy would have grief counseling someday.

As she watched Mason put a protective arm over his brother’s shoulder, she wondered what kind of man would let his children suffer.

When they disappeared into the hotel, Deb turned toward home with Duke beside her.

After an invigorating run back, Deb sprayed salt water off Duke in the outdoor shower and toweled him dry. She still had half an hour.

Inside, her hot shower was a luxury after the beach run, washing away salt and sand as well as the unexpected emotions that had surfaced with Mason and Teddy.

Deb brushed her damp hair and slipped into a simple floral sundress. Family dinners were always casual. She brought her bike from the garage and started the short trip from Hibiscus Heights.

The Whitaker family beach house sprawled along the coastline, its wraparound porches and multiple levels accommodating three generations when everyone was around. The original house had been small, and her father built more rooms as their family grew.

Tonight, judging by the collection of cars and bikes in the driveway, her brothers were already there.

“There she is,” her mother called out as Deb stepped onto the main deck where everyone was gathered. “My famous daughter.”

Deb groaned inwardly as her mother gestured to a stack of magazines. “Mom, you shouldn’t hoard those.”

“I wouldn’t dream of doing that, darling. I bought enough for everyone to take one home, as well as some for friends.”

Her brother David grinned as he tossed Deb a bottle of water. “Mom has a lot of friends. She’s proud of you, that’s all.”

Their father strode onto the deck with a platter of hamburgers and began to place them on the grill. The flames licked up as he did.

“Did you get the three veggie burgers?” Bitsy asked.

“Right here in the front.” Wilt Whitaker glanced at his wife, who was a petite powerhouse. “Sweetheart, would you bring the spatula for the grill? I couldn’t find it in the kitchen.”

“That’s because I moved a few things around.” Bitsy picked up her newest grandchild and tucked the baby girl onto her hip. “Come on, Peanut. Let’s go find your grandpa’s grilling tools.”

Deb sat at a table beside David, eager to catch up with him about his new clients. His wife Rachel stepped outside with a good-natured grin. “I hope that nickname doesn’t stick.”

“Lot of nicknames in this family,” Wilt said, chuckling. “And some, like your mother, never outgrow them.”

“I heard that,” Bitsy called out.

A guilty look crossed her father’s face, and Deb laughed. “You should know better by now, Dad.”

David grinned. “Thank goodness I finally grew out of Drummer in high school.”

“You could really bang those pots and pans.” Deb sipped her water. “Nicknames aren’t so bad. When I hear Deborah Lynn, I know I’m in trouble.”

Moments later, their mother reemerged with a long-handled spatula, followed by her sons, Randy, Drew, and Jim. Wilt Whitaker Junior, known as Wills, brought up the rear.

“We brought the decorations from the attic,” Randy said to their mother. “Since we’re eating on the deck tonight, we left the boxes on the kitchen table to give you space to sort through them.”

“Thank you, my dears. The girls will help me tomorrow.”

Deb knew that meant a couple or all of her mother’s daughters-in-law might volunteer, along with their children. After a few hours of unbridled chaos, they would have the entire deck and front yard decorated for their annual summer open house, a Whitaker family tradition.

The entire block was welcome, and neighbors dropped by with side dishes and desserts to add to the feast. Her father would be in grill heaven, turning out blackened fresh ocean catch and slow-roasted pork sliders with pineapple slices.

Deb and her sisters-in-law usually prepared side dishes of garden harvest salads, corn on the cob, and desserts of every sort, including lemon and blueberry pies. This year, she would bring her lavender shortbread recipe, her mother’s favorite. Her brothers would help by managing the bar, setting up the tables, and doing the clean-up.

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