Page 83 of Dreaming at Seaside
“Don’t you want to fish?”
“In a minute.” Evan shifted his eyes away, and when he brought his attention back to Bella, a chill ran up her spine at the frightened look in his eyes.
“You okay?”
He looked away again and fidgeted with his phone. “How long are we going to be out here?”
“A couple hours, I guess. Is something wrong?”
He looked at Caden, then dropped his eyes to his phone again. “I can’t get any service. I had it back at the dock, but I’ve lost it.”
“That happens a lot out here. Is something going on that you need service right now?” She didn’t like the way his demeanor had changed since he arrived.
He shrugged again.
“Ev, if something’s wrong, I’m sure Joe can get in touch with someone for you.”
“I’m cool.”
“Ev, come take this line.” Caden waved him over to the railing.
Evan shoved his phone in his pocket and joined Caden. Caden handed him a fishing rod, but Evan’s expression didn’t change.
“Remember when you caught that big one two summers ago?” Caden asked Evan.
Evan handed him the pole. “I don’t want to fish.” He stalked to the other end of the boat, leaving Caden to stare after him.
Bella reached for the pole. “I’ll take it. You should go to him. I think something’s wrong.”
“He’s just moody.” Caden draped an arm over her shoulder, holding the rod in the other hand, and nuzzled against her neck.
“I don’t think so.” She watched Evan standing farther down the deck with his shoulders hunched forward as he scrolled through his phone. He fisted his hand around it and punched the air.
“Babe, he’s just going through something right now. You even said he’d get through this hard time just fine.” Caden turned back toward the water.
An uneasy feeling drew Bella’s eyes back to Evan.
Amy squealed. “I’ve got one!”
Distracted by Amy, Bella glanced back at her, despite her mind still being on Evan.
Tony came up behind her, dwarfing her small frame with his large body, as he reached around her and helped her bring in the line.
“Hang on tight,” he guided her. “Good. Now reel it in slowly. That’s it.”
“Okay. Okay.” Amy smiled brightly. “I got a fish!”
“Way to go, Amy,” Jenna cheered from the other side of the rail, where her own line hung in the water. “I knew you’d snag one before me.” She threw her head back and laughed. “Get it?” She elbowed Leanna.
“You’re so silly.” Leanna bumped her with her hip.
In the excitement, Bella slipped away and went to Evan. He turned away as she neared, a move that screamed trouble in Bella’s experienced mind.
“Evan, you sure you don’t want to fish?”
He nodded.
“Well, you’re missing out on a good time.” She leaned on the railing and looked out over the water. It was a warm, sunny day, and she only wished Evan could enjoy it.
