Page 14 of Spotted at Lighthouse Bay
Addy sighed and rolled her eyes. There was no point in arguing. It would only leave her doubting herself and feeling guilty. Best to smile, nod, and get through the day.
It took four hours to get her mom set up at the inn. First, they got her luggage into her room, then she announced she was hungry. They popped into the restaurant next door, and during the meal she asked if they’d take her grocery shopping. Then, she wanted Addy to show her where the bus stop was, in case she decided to do some sightseeing. After that, she wanted to see if there was a nail salon in town and what their prices were.
Catering to her mom was one thing, but doing it in front of a stranger made Addy feel exposed.
Mercifully, Rick didn’t betray any annoyance. He only spoke when spoken to – which wasn’t often, as her mom had a lot to say about her recent travels and schemes. In some ways, it was easier having him there than her ex-husband.
Shane used to sigh, and roll his eyes, and make faces. It was a point of contention when her mother showed up, and though Addy did her best to keep the peace, it wasn’t always possible. Short of kicking her out while engaging a screaming match, he would never have been happy.
When they were finally walking back to the car without Marilyn, Rick spoke up. “Shouldn’t we get your arm sling?”
She sighed. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. I can get it another time.”
“I’m fine. There’s a pharmacy just there.” He nodded, squinting into the sun.
They walked to the pharmacy and she picked out a sling.
“So,” Addy said, shoving the sling into her purse, “where are you from?”
“Kansas.”
“Ah.” She nodded. “I’ve been to Topeka. It’s lovely.”
“It is.”
They got back to the car, Rick looking over his shoulder as he opened the door for her.
“Thank you.”
He looped around the back
“Russell’s driveway is right before the tea shop.”
He nodded.
She looked out the window. As much as Addy wanted to say something useful, her mind was blank. For the first moment that day, Addy missed her mother. She had filled the silence.
“Do you mind if I turn on the radio?” she asked.
He shook his head. “It’s all yours.”
She clicked it on, and a song her daughter Riley liked rang out. She closed her eyes for a moment, the stress of the last few hours leaving her body as she sank into the seat.
Six
Gravel crunched under the tires as he pulled into the driveway. Rick stopped the car and Adelaide sat up with a quick breath.
“Sorry,” she said. “I think I dozed off for a second.”
Must be nice, sleeping so easily. “No problem.”
He shut off the engine and opened the door, the cool evening air rushing in. A two-story house towered above with tall windows and knotted wooden accents. Trees bowed overhead, the hush of the wind blowing through the leaves, the ocean a whisper in the distance.
For this moment, he was suspended at the edge of the world. This was perfection. Peace was in reach…
The car door slammed and he snapped back to reality. He should’ve opened it for her.
“Home sweet home,” she said, taking a deep breath. She paused, looking at him. “Where were you going to stay if Russell didn’t have room?”
