Page 37 of The Summer Dare
As he turns to continue our walk he asks, “How are things with your sisters today?”
“They got in late. It’s nice to finally have them here. I miss them so much.”
“I imagine that’s hard for you.”
“Yeah, it will be weird having us all here for the summer without Nana. I’m sure we’ll be fine—but she was the glue that held my sisters and I together when World War III would threaten to rage. I love my sisters fiercely, but it doesn’t mean we alwayslike each other.”
“I’m fairly certain all families are like that. Though I’m sure now that you’re older, it will be easier to manage.”
“That’s just it—I’m the oldest. With my parents divorced, I’m now the one everyone turns to for support. Usually, I know what to do, but sometimes… well… let’s just say, I make it up as I go.”
Ryan’s deep laugh sends shivers up my spine. “Lanie, I hate to break it to you, but I’m fairly certain if you would’ve asked your grandma—or any adult for that matter, that’s what they’re all doing.”
“But I just feel so… lost… sometimes,” I admit, not knowing where this sudden vulnerability comes from.
“I haven’t met your sisters, but I’m sure if you explained this to them, they’d probably be strong enough to let you lean on them, too.”
He’s right. I know.
“And for the record, if you let me… I can be here for you, too.”
It’s been a long week.Between my sister’s graduation, spending time with my parents, and doing all things together as a family, I’m exhausted. We got back into town late last night and with the party today, I’ve got a lot going on.
To my surprise, when I step out onto the deck and look around, the siding on this side has been completed. Even though they still need to finish one last side, not one single thing from this vantage point would let anyone know construction was happening on our property.
Dad had paid a lawn care service to come out a few times a month to maintain the property and to keep the appearance that people were still around. It had been his gift to Nana when she was alive, and it was a gift to us girls now that she’s gone. But the lawn care service only maintains the yard. They don’t plant new things. Since my sisters are stillsleeping and Dad is, by all standards, a brown thumb, I can’t help but smile when I see the flower boxes that had once only been growing dirt are now filled with purple and blue flowers in full bloom.
As I look further, I notice the shrubs that had been overgrown are now pruned back. Wait, is it possible the cement pathway leading to the promenade is now brighter?
Pulling out my phone I take a picture of the scene before me and shoot off a text.
Me: Did you have anything to do with this?
Immediately there’s a reply and my stomach flips in anticipation.
Ryan: Maybe… are you okay with it?
No longer wanting to bother with texting, I immediately dial and he picks up on the first ring with a laugh. “Well, good morning to you, too.”
“You seriously came over on your day off and helped clean up the place?”
“Again… are you okay with it?”
“Yes, but that’s not the point,” I huff.
Immediately, he counters. “Well, what is your point?”
Trying to find words for my overwhelming emotions, I sputter, “You…. didn’t… you… shouldn’t…”
I can hear the smile in his voice when he prompts, “I didn’t ask or I shouldn’t care?”
“You… didn’t have to do any of it,” I finally spit out.
“I know I didn’t,” he pointedly reminds me. “But I thought it would make your day easier. Speaking of which, is there anything I can do to help you this afternoon?”
Shaking my head in disbelief of his incredible kindness, I just stare out at the ocean.
“Lanie? Can I help you with anything else?”
