Page 49 of One Southern Summer

The water was soothing. Far more enjoyable to listen to than the grouchy baby she carried in her arms.

“I’m so excited.” Addison squealed and skipped along the flagstone path.

Glad somebody is happy to be here.Avery’s stomach clenched. Hayes wailed louder. She patted his backside and followed Addison up the steps to the front door. Addison pressed the smart doorbell button.

“Hello there, my little cutie patootie,” Whitney’s voice greeted them. “I’ll be right out.”

Eyes wide, Addison glanced up at Avery. “She can see me?”

“Yes, her doorbell is very smart. A camera talks to an app on her phone.”

The front door opened and Whitney appeared, wearing a leopard print knee-length dress over her swimsuit. Her smile seemed surprisingly genuine. Bangles and a charm bracelet jangled on her lean tan arms as she sank to her knees. “Hi, sweet girl. Don’t you look adorable. I’m so glad you’re here. Give me a hug.”

Addison hesitated then stepped into Whitney’s outstretched arms. “Hi, Grand—I mean, Mimi.”

Avery swayed back and forth, desperate to soothe Hayes.

Addison pulled away and reached for the tote bag. “I’m ready to swim.”

“Me too.” Whitney straightened. “Hello, Avery. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Whitney. Thank you for the invite.”

Whitney formed her ruby red lips into a pout. “What’s wrong with the little mister? Is he hungry?”

Hayes twisted in Avery’s arm, shoving his fist in his mouth.

“I’m taking him to the pediatrician. Pretty sure he has an ear infection.” Avery carefully shifted him to her other arm.

“Oh, dear. I was so hoping he’d get to stay.”

“I’m afraid not.” Avery angled her head toward the bag Addison clutched with both hands. “Addison brought plenty of toys, her goggles and floaties. She’ll need to wear those when she’s in the water.”

“I’d really like for you to come inside and meet Olivia Claire. She’s studying elementary education at Auburn and grew up at The Oasis. Her family is lovely and I’m certain you’ll approve.”

“Approve of what?”

“I’ve hired her to help look after your children.” Whitney stepped back and motioned for them to come inside.

“I trust your judgment. We really need to get going.” Avery forced the words out, determined to keep her tone neutral.

Whitney didn’t even try to mask her disappointment. “That’s unfortunate. We need to spend some time reconnecting.”

“We’ve crossed paths twice now, Whitney. You were either in a hurry to get to lunch or occupied with another conversation.”

The silence between them was thicker than the Alabama air after a thunderstorm.

A muscle in Whitney’s contoured cheek twitched. “Addison, why don’t you scoot on in to the kitchen. Olivia Claire’s waiting. The two of you can play for a few minutes and then we’ll go out to the pool.”

“Bye, Mama.” Addison dashed into the next room without looking back.

Avery drew a deep breath and forced herself to meet Whitney’s fiery gaze. “I’ll be back at 1:30 to pick her up. She doesn’t have any food allergies, but she needs constant supervision in the pool.”

Whitney heaved a sigh. “I know how to supervise children in my own pool, Avery. As I mentioned, we’ve hired Olivia Claire so Addison will have more than enough attention.”

“I am not questioning your abilities. Only making my expectations clear.” Avery offered a thin smile, even though she wanted to scream right along with Hayes. Oh, this was not going well.

“If we’re going to have a discussion about expectations, then I have a few of my own to share.”

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