Page 38 of The Summer Dare
Remembering I need to use my words, I mutter, “No… but if you’re not busy, you’re welcome to stop by. Dad hired caterers and there will be plenty of food to eat.”
“Does your family even know about me?” He laughs.
“They know who you are,” I grumble, avoiding the question he’s really asking.
“Okay, then…” he draws out. “I’m supposed to help Jared with a project he’s doing at his house for a bit this afternoon, but if I get done early enough, I’ll try and stop by.”
The thought of seeing him brings a smile to my face. “Okay. Sounds good.”
Lizzy suddenly appears on the back deck, interrupting our conversation. “There you are.” Looking around the yard her mouth drops. “Wow. The place looks good. Did you do all this?”
“Uh…” How do I explain? “No. Ryan did.”
Puzzled, she asks, “Who’s Ryan?”
From the other end of the phone I hear Ryan chuckle. “And that’s my cue. I’ll see ya later, Lanie.”
Before I can utter a word, he hangs up.
“Ryan?” Who is Ryan? He’s our contractor, but that’s not what she’s asking, is it?
I’ve always kept my private life as much as I could—private. It just made it easier and less hassle. In case things didn’t work out, it just made sense not to let my younger siblings get attached.
Raven comes through the door before I can respond with a smirk. “Ryan?”
Lizzy looks from me to Raven and says, “Yeah, I was just asking who he is.”
Dad chooses this moment to arrive and naively says, “Ryan’s the contractor Mom hired, right? Well, the contractor’s son.”
Yeah. I’m not explaining who Ryan really is with Dad here. Ryan and I haven’t even discussed anything about what we are in terms of a relationship. I’m not about to tell my siblings, in front of my dad, how I really feel about him.
“Yes… He’s the one Nana hired to help with the house.” Again—I’m not lying.
Lizzy eyes me suspiciously, but with Dad here, I know neither her nor Raven will press the issue.
We love our dad; he will be in your corner one thousand percent. But he is not the one weeverwent to for relationship advice. He’s well… militant. He doesn’t deal with things like getting emotional about boy troubles. Besides, he’s way too intimidating to willingly subject anyone to whomightonly be potential boyfriend material. If you’re not certain that’s the guy you want to be with, it’s best not to bring him around.
“I just got a call from my buddy, Enzo. He’s bringing his family down for the day to celebrate Lizzy’s graduation. You all remember him, right? He’s got twin boys about… gosh, I think four, and his oldest is actually attending CRU—you might know her. Her name is Maddie—shoot, I don’t know her last name because it’s actually his stepdaughter. I served with him in Germany before he retired.”
Raven glances to Lizzy and it’s obvious they’re clueless as to who he’s talking about. But I think I remember meeting them when Dad came home for Enzo’s wedding a few years ago. But I wouldn’t know them if they passed me on the street.
“Anyway… Let me know when they arrive.” Then he turns to my sister. “Raven, will you and Sloane help me set up the decorations she insisted we buy? I’ve got a bit of time and I want everything to run smooth for Lizzy’s big day.”
“I’m on my way to pick up the cake from the bakery,” I say as we all disperse to get things ready for the party.
Overall,I’d say the graduation party was a success. Dad played the role of proud parent since Mom’s client needed her back in California. My sisters hung out with their friends and I got to visit with family and friends I haven’t seen in years.
Eventually, it split up into two places. While Dad and his friends stayed near the house, Lizzy and her friends took it upon themselves to create a fire and make s’mores on the beach. I just restocked the chocolate and marshmallows when Lizzy finally makes an appearance away from the adults.
“I see you finally escaped,” I tease, pulling her into a hug.
“I love our family and friends, but if I get askedwhat’s next, one more time, I might just throat punch someone.”
“It’s the obligatory question of the day. When you get older, it will be… so…when are you gonna settle down?”
This causes my sister to double over in laughter. “Butspeaking of settling down… what’s up with you and that Ryan guy?”
“Nothing to tell…” I quickly dismiss.
