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Big Chowderwas crowded,overflow from the long holiday weekend. I parked my bike on the sidewalk, then headed inside. It took my eyes a second to adjust to the dim lighting, a major contrast from the still-bright sunshine outside.
“Hey, Misty. Have you seen Bethany?” I asked, glancing around.
“Nope. I haven’t,” she said, shrugging.
“Okay. Is it cool if I just grab a table outside?” I asked, shivering, the cold air conditioning blowing down on my barely-dry skin.
“Sure. Need a menu?” she asked, holding a sticky plastic menu out to me.
I held up my hand, declining. “Nah, I know what I want.”
“I’ll be out in a sec with water. Want something stronger?” She cocked her head.
“Hmm. Maybe.” Then I remembered Violet. “Yes, definitely. I’ll take a beer, whatever’s on special.”
“You got it.”
I breezed back through the doors and snagged a high-top table on the sidewalk. Leaning back in my chair, I inhaled the salty air, relaxing for the first time all day.
Fuck this. What did she know? I loved Starlight Bay, loved the beach, loved teaching children. Loved Grant.
My eyes fluttered open and I almost fell out of my chair.What the?‘Love’ was a strong word and not one I threw about freely. Is that really how I felt? I gripped the table with both hands, concentrating, as tiny effervescent bubbles floated up into my chest. Despite my argument with Violet, I did feel lighter, happier, more content.
Damn. I was in love with Grant.
“Ohmygod, help.” Bethany rushed over, screech whispering in my ear. Violet was ten steps behind her on the sidewalk, swirling her long, flowy skirt. My good mood came crashing down again.
Bethany slunk down into the chair next to me, leaving the seat on my other side open for our mother. I guessed it was only fair, seeing as how she’d been with Violet all day long. I patted Bethany’s hand, waving Misty over.
“We’ll take two more beers, please.”
Misty nodded, as if she understood our predicament, casting a slanted glance at Violet.
“Oh no, I don’t drink. It’s against the collective policy,” Violet protested, arranging herself in her chair.
“Well, you’re in Starlight Bay, so you’re in good shape,” I said. Misty pivoted, heading into the restaurant to fetch the drinks, happy for an excuse to bolt. At the moment, I fervently wished I had her job.
“How was your day, sweetheart?” Violet asked, staring me down, her eyes wide. Pretending she cared.
“Great. Yours?”
“Lovely, thanks for asking. I walked the beach for hours. So peaceful. So much time for reflection.”
I somehow managed to hold my eye roll in check, opting for a sip of water instead. I hoped that beer would get here sooner rather than later. Maybe I should tell Misty to keep ‘em coming; I only had to ride my bike two blocks.
“Really? What did you reflect on?” I asked.What a shitty mother you were?
“Life. Love. Eternity,” Violet answered in an ethereal voice, rubbing the insides of her wrists.What, was she a magic lamp or something?Maybe I could get a free wish or three.
“And?” I asked as Misty plopped the three beers down. Bethany and I both lunged for ours; Violet left hers sitting in the center of the table.Fine, I’d drink it.
“I spent time thinking about you girls, your life choices.”
Bethany gnawed the corner of her lip while I stewed, aggravation rolling around in my stomach, mixing with the beer.
“What about them?” I asked, annoyance seeping into my voice.
