Page 81 of Dreaming at Seaside
Chapter Nineteen
THE NEXT MORNING Bella stood on the deck of the fishing boat docked at the marina, anxiously watching for Caden and Evan to arrive. The sun beat down on her shoulders and a gentle breeze brushed across her back. Everyone from Seaside except Jamie and Vera had arrived early. They were too excited to wait at the cottages. Amy, Tony, and Leanna were at the helm talking with Joe Bloom, the owner of the boat, while Kurt prepared a comfortable place for Vera to settle into inside in case she wanted to get out of the sun. His thoughtfulness was endless.
Jenna paced the deck in her red bikini top and a pair of cutoff shorts. “What if Pete doesn’t show up?”
Bella shaded her eyes from the sun and peered in the direction of the parking lot. “Then we’ll go out and catch some fish and have a great time without him.”
“I know that.” Jenna put her hands on her hips. “But what would itmean?”
“That he’s an idiot and it’s time for you to move on.” Bella draped her arm over Jenna’s shoulder, but Jenna shrugged out of her reach.
“You’re a total buzzkill.” Jenna tugged at her bikini top.
“Oh, stop. He’ll show up. The real question is where are Caden, Evan, Jamie, and Vera?” She leaned against the wooden railing.
“Well, don’t worry. If they don’t show up, you can always move on.” Jenna smirked.
“Ugh. Jenna, I was kidding. I just wish Pete would jump at the chance to be with you.” Bella turned back toward the parking lot. “There they are.” She pointed to Caden and Evan. Pete was nowhere in sight.
“Pete isn’t with them.” Jenna rolled her eyes. “See? He’s totally not interested.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions.” Bella went to greet them.
“Sorry we’re late.” Caden looked sporty and handsome in a pair of khaki shorts and a white tank top. He carried a small duffel bag and raked his eyes down Bella’s body. He settled a hand on her hip, leaned in close, and said quietly, “Love that bathing suit, babe.”
She had worn an emerald-green bikini that accentuated her bust, along with a white cotton miniskirt. She loved getting a rise out of Caden, and the suit earned her another lascivious look.
Caden pressed a kiss to her lips. “I’ll go put our stuff inside and be right back.”
“Sounds good.” She turned her attention to Evan, who was scrolling through texts on his phone. “Hey, Ev. How’s it going?” Bella said.
“Good. Thanks for hooking me up with TGG. I called on the way over, and Dad’s taking me to meet them Friday.” Evan wore a black tank top, revealing his gangly arms. He quickly scanned the boat. “Where’s Jamie and Vera?”
“They’re not here yet, but hopefully they’ll get here soon.” She watched Evan cross the deck and join Amy, Tony, and Caden.
Her heart went out to Jenna, standing at the edge of the boat, peering over the parking lot. “He’ll be here, Jenna.”
“I’m not so sure.” Jenna nodded toward Jamie coming up the dock. “Where’s Vera?”
“No idea.” Bella wondered that, too.
Jamie waved as he approached. His thick, dark hair stood on end against the breeze.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Jamie stepped onto the boat. “Gram wasn’t up to coming, but she sent chocolate chip cookies for Evan.”
“Lucky kid. Is Vera okay?” Bella asked.
“She said she was really tired. I think she had second thoughts about spending the day on the water. You know how she is about ruining other people’s fun. If she got tired or hot, she wouldn’t mention it. She’d rather suffer in silence than make a boat turn back.” He rubbed his stubbly chin and turned compassionate eyes to Jenna.
“Jenna, don’t kill the messenger, but Pete stopped by and said he had a pool emergency.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “What kind of excuse is that? A pool emergency?”
“Jenna, he does pool maintenance,” Bella reminded her. “I’m sure it’s not an excuse.”
“Whatever. You know what? Men suck.” Jenna touched Jamie’s arm. “Not you, of course.” Jenna stomped off toward the far end of the boat.
“Sorry.” Jamie shrugged. “For what it’s worth, he seemed pretty bummed about missing the fishing trip.”
