Page 42 of Always a Chance
Gianna grinned. “I’m ready for the beach!”
Beside me, Talia was tense, but she relaxed when her sister spoke. “Let’s get going then.” She let Gianna out onto the porch and down the ramp to where the family’s van was parked.
Once Gianna was settled in the back and the lift was up, I shut the door and climbed into the driver’s seat. Talia didn’t speak as she got in beside me.
“What’s wrong?”
No answer.
“Talia, I’m not starting this car until you tell me.”
A sigh rushed out of her. “I asked my dad if I could take Gigi to the beach days ago, and he said not without her aide.”
I wanted to reach out to her, to tell her he had his reasons, and they had little to do with her. Pulling Gigi’s chair across the sand sometimes required two people. I also knew Talia, and that wasn’t the right thing to say. So, instead, I backed out and set us on the road to Turtle Cove.
It didn’t take long to drive across town to the gravel parking lot next to the Surf Hut.
Tanner stood outside talking to a customer. He lifted a hand to wave when he saw us, but I was focused on the two girls with me.My girls, I couldn’t help calling them in my mind.
The minute Gianna was out of the car, I got the mats ready. We had three of them we’d keep moving to get her to a spot near the water.
Talia and I went ahead of her and set each mat down before returning. Talia pushed while I pulled and we moved forward. I couldn’t help noticing Talia’s gaze drifting out toward the calm sea. “Do you get to the ocean much in New York?” I’d always wanted to check out Long Island surfing.
When we stopped to move the mats, she drew her arms in tight against her body. “I… no. Never.”
“Why not?” I lifted my face to the brilliant blue skies and inhaled the salty air. “There’s nothing better than the beach.”
She was quiet for a bit. It took a few starts and stops but we reached a spot free of any tourists and other beachgoers to put our belongings. “I don’t do large bodies of water.”
“You don’t do them?” That was ridiculous. Everyone liked the ocean.
She didn’t answer, turning to look at Gianna. “Hey, sis. Can I take your bag?”
Gianna held it out to her. “I want to go in the water.”
We had this discussion every time we came. I leveled her with a stare. “And what do I always say to that?”
Her shoulders fell. “But it’s right there, Johnny. You never let me do anything fun.”
“Being here is fun enough. Now, did you put sunscreen on?”
She nodded.
“Are you lying to me?”
Gianna sighed. “Fine. Lather me up.”
Talia beat me to it, helping her sister rub cream into her skin. “I can’t get over how brave you are.”
Gianna cocked her head. “Why?”
“Wanting to go into the ocean after the accident.”
“What accident? I’m going to say hi to Jamie.” She gestured to where Jamie sat with his wife, Callie, and one of their sons.
Jamie stood to approach us. “Hey, Johnny.”
The two men shook hands.
