Page 71 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

We shared a laugh.

Lee and Ian informed us which family owned what businesses as we continued our meal. Who’d gotten married or divorced. Who had slept with whom. A real-life soap opera.

Kate rolled her eyes suddenly and mumbled something in my ear, but I missed what she said. Then someone tapped my shoulder. I knew who it was by Kate’s expression before I had turned.

“Oh, hi. Je—”

Jessica didn’t let me finish. As always, she cut to the chase.

“Lee. Ian.” She wiggled her fingers, batting her eyelashes.

Jessica skipped over my sister and ignored the other couple at our table. I’d wished Stella and Isaac sat with us, but they were at another table with Isaacs’s friends.

“Jessica.” Ian flashed a quick grin.

Lee gave her a curt nod.

Jessica let out a soft sound, something like a clearing of her throat, and placed a hand on Ian’s arm. “Anyway, congratulations on your painting, Ian. It’s beautiful. I’ll be shopping for art soon to fill up the wall space at my new home.” She turned to me. “It’s too bad Tyler won’t be able to attend the father and son event. I’m so sorry about that.”

She sounded genuine, but I never knew, when it came to that woman. Yes, she was nice to me, but occasionally she said the most insensitive things, bordering on rude. I thought she was trying sometimes, but had a serious lack of people skills and didn’t know how to communicate with any subtlety. Either that or I was reading her wrong, and she had zero redeeming qualities.

“Tyler is going,” Ian said matter-of-factly. “I’m taking him.”

“You’re his father?” Jessica glanced between Ian and me, then she shook her head. “Oh, silly me. I’m not thinking straight. I had a bit much to drink. Tyler’s father is … you know …” She lowered her voice. “Dead. You’re being nice to take him. That’s so sweet of you, Ian. You’re so kind to people who need help. Thanks for coming to my rescue.” Jessica rubbed his arm again. “Anyway, I better get back to my table. Ian, don’t forget to save me a dance.”

I peered up to the stars and began to count the nearest ones. I needed something to distract myself from jumping on top of that woman. Never in my entire life had I wanted to punch someone so badly. I also needed to get rid of the jealously brewing inside me.

Ian could be friends with or date any women. He also had the right to rescue anyone. Apparently, that’s what he did—rescued women. Perhaps I wanted to be the only one.

Ugh! Stop these nonsense thoughts.

“That’s so sweet of you to take Tyler, Ian,” Kate said. “Thank you. Abby didn’t tell me.” She glared at me with a we’re-going-to-talk-about-this-later look.

I hadn’t told my sister because I didn’t want to get a lecture from her or have to explain anything. Besides, we’d been busy, and the topic never came up.

Kate wiped her mouth with the white fabric napkin and set it back on her lap. “What was that all about with Jessica, Ian?”

Leave it to my sister to be nosey, but I was glad she had asked.

“Jessica and I are friends,” Ian said. “I’ve known her for years. She had a flat tire the other day, and I happened to be on the same road. I fixed her flat, and the next day she came over to give me a carrot cake to thank me. I invited her in, and we talked for hours. She does better one on one.”

What else did she do for you? Stop. Stop. Stop.

“I bet she does.” Lee raised an eyebrow.

Lee’s comment didn’t help, even though he was kidding. He was kidding, right?

After dinner was over and dessert was served, upbeat music wafted out into the night from giant speakers. Some people gathered in groups to chat while the others danced.

Ian excused himself to take a phone call, and Kate and Lee were talking to Lee’s friends. As I sat there deciding whether to go home, I realized I hadn’t driven, and I would have to call a cab. I didn’t want Kate and Lee to leave early on my account.

As I contemplated what to do, I people watched. I used to be confident, bolder, and made conversation easily, but after Steve passed away, something in me had died. I didn’t like this version of me. Where had this shy, timid woman come from?

I spotted Ian walking back to our table, but woman after woman grabbed his attention to talk to him. Some were simply greeting him, a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Others clutched his hands as if they didn’t want to let him go.

He was on the move again, but this time Jessica stopped him. She was so naturally flirty with him. The way she smiled, the way she caressed his shoulders. And, to my horror, he seemed to be enjoying her company. Then she dragged him to the dancing area.

The music was loud and bouncy, and Ian occasionally put his hand on her hip as they danced. To make things worse, Stella and Isaac joined them. I needed to look away. What was I doing, spying on them?