Page 58 of Dreaming at Seaside
Chapter Fourteen
BELLA MADE PASTA salad and brownies to bring to Caden’s for dinner, and when violin music weaved its way into her window, she decided to bring a few brownies to Jamie and Vera for being so nice to Evan. She found them on their deck. Jamie had a cocktail in one hand, and his other hand tapped a beat on the glass table. Vera smiled and continued playing.
“I thought I smelled something delicious. I figured Leanna was baking,” Jamie said. He pulled out a chair for Bella.
“I only have a sec. I’m on my way to Caden’s for dinner, but I wanted to bring these by and say thank you for letting Evan hang out with you.” She set the plate on the table.
Jamie looked relaxed in a pair of shorts and a loose cotton shirt. He didn’t shave on the weekends because,It makes me feel like I’m really on vacation.
“He’s an interesting kid. He’s smart as a whip, but I get the feeling he’s struggling a little,” Jamie said.
Bella heard what he said through teacher’s ears and lowered herself into the chair. She knew that it was often outsiders—teachers, coaches, neighbors—who picked up on issues with teenagers before their parents did.
“Caden said he’s going through a teenage phase. I hope he wasn’t rude to you or Vera.”
Vera stopped playing and laid the violin in her lap.
“That was beautiful, Vera,” Bella said.
“Thank you, dear.” Vera turned her attention to Jamie. “I wonder, Jamie, what did you see with Evan? He seems like a very pleasant young man, and he’s shown quite an interest in what you are teaching him. He seems to enjoy listening to me play as well.”
“He is a really nice kid. He just seemed distracted today. He was texting a lot more than he did last time, and I could see that he was struggling to give me his full attention.” Jamie sipped his drink. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No. I’m okay, thanks. I think most teenagers feel like they need to be plugged in twenty-four seven or they’ll miss something. And he’s just made new friends, so that might be part of it. I’ll have Caden talk to him. I don’t want him to be rude to you.” She made a mental note to speak to Caden about Evan’s phone etiquette.
“No, you don’t need to do that. I actually really enjoy teaching him. Last winter a buddy and I taught a workshop to a dozen or so teenagers. Even when Evan’s not fully tuned in, he’s more engaged than most kids when they’re paying full attention, and he’s respectful, which I appreciate. Especially with Gram.”
Vera patted his hand.
“Are you coming into town to go fishing with us, or do you have to work?” Bella asked.
“We’re both going,” Jamie answered. “I took off work to go. I can’t miss out on all the fun.”
“This will be like old times,” Bella said. “With the addition of Kurt, Caden, and Evan. I guess we’ll need a bigger boat.”
“Don’t forget Pete. Jenna said he’s coming, too.” Jamie nodded with a grin that said,She might just reel him in after all.
“Should be a great time.”
“I feel so blessed to see each of you grow up,” Vera said. She patted Jamie’s hand again. “If only we could find a nice woman for Jamie to settle down with.”
“Gram, please. I think I can find my own woman.” He smiled at Vera.
“I’d like to attend your wedding before my old heart decides to retire,” Vera said.
“You’ll live for another fifteen years, which gives me plenty of time,” Jamie assured her.
“Don’t worry, Vera.” Bella rose to her feet and placed her hands on Jamie’s shoulders. “Look at how cute this guy is. He’s smart, sweet, and he likes kids. If worse comes to worst, you and I will set up an online dating profile and you can handpick his woman.”
Jamie covered Bella’s hands with his and looked up at her. “Paybacks are torture. Just keep that in mind.”
Bella ruffled his hair. “I’ll remember that. Have you guys seen Amy? I wanted to tell her something. Her car’s here, but I can’t find her anywhere.”
“She and Tony went into town to get stuff for a barbeque.” Jamie wrinkled his brow. “Want me to tell her whatever it is?”
“Nah. I’ll catch her when I get back tonight. Thanks.”
An hour later, Bella was sitting with Caden and Evan eating dinner on their back deck. The yard was lined with pitch pine trees, and the deck ran the length of the house. It was quiet, save for the music filtering through the screened doors that led to the living room. A cool breeze swept across Bella’s toes. She’d worn jeans and a hoodie in anticipation of the cool evening, but she fought the idea of wearing close-toed shoes in the summer.
