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“Hey man, that was your ball.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
“Oh, come on, jump for it.” It was comical to watch and listen to them. Finally, after what felt like hours without Parker by my side, he swam under the net and came up next to me, wrapping his arms around me. I smiled at him as he kissed the back of my head.
Feeling light and alive, I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a big family with an ache in my heart as memories of my mom intruded, making me miss her even more. I realized I was all alone in the world, without a single family member left. It was a lonely feeling knowing nothing could fill that void.
Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes momentarily, I willed the thoughts out of my mind for the time being. Parker seemed to sense something was wrong as he squeezed me tighter.
Leaning back into his chest and watching the others play Keep Away with the ball seemed to ease my tension. I turned, giving him a peck, and headed to a lounge chair, wearing a more modest bikini than the one I’d worn on the boat.
Parker…
I watched as her little ass twitched when she walked, thinking I didn’t give a damn if it was naked, in a thong, ormodest; she was damn hot and sexy. I got out of the pool, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around my lower waist. I was hoping Olivia liked what she was so intensely watching.
I walked over to her and offered to refill her drink; she thanked me as I walked up to the lanai tiki bar I had built for my parents on their last anniversary. They had a massive outdoor kitchen next to it. Liv was envious of its outdoor setup; it was equipped with anything and everything needed for a comfortable outdoor gathering. She had mentioned wanting something just like it while we had been in the pool. She took the drinkI handed her as I sat beside her and we chatted for a bit, feeling relaxed and carefree.
“Your mom’s a hoot; she’s so sweet and adopts everyone, treating us like family.” She had loved the flowers we brought her, and the wine. After carefully arranging the flowers in a vase, she displayed them on her kitchen table.
With dinner almost ready, she told everyone to dry off and get ready to eat.
Liv and I went into my old bedroom to change. She mused at the trophies, the stack of old albums I had collected, the pictures of my golf tournaments, and earlier days’ news clippings of my wins.
Olivia…
I felt like I knew more about him, or learned something new, daily. Yet I felt like I couldn’t remember a day without him, as if we’d been together forever. I quickly dressed, trying not to take too long, read the clippings, and looked around as much as I wanted to, but my stomach was calling to me with a loud rumble.
Parker laughed and rubbed my bare belly. “Let’s go get some food for you.” He kissed my nose, and we went to the dining room. The aroma teased all my senses as platters were passed around to be served. With a salad, lasagna, and warm bread settled on my plate, Martha said grace as we held hands around the table. She asked that we be looked after and have an abundance of love; it was a sweet prayer.
After a bit, Parker told his mom we were leaving soon. She hugged me and thanked us again for the beautiful flowers and the wine. She thanked us both for coming and made us promise to get together soon.
“Why don’t you guys come to dinner at our place next weekend after our Tarpon trip?” I offered.
“Yeah, Mom, that would be great. We can cook it on the grill if we catch anything,” Parker said.
Plans all set, we invited his sister, her husband, Kayla, and Javier. On the way home, I asked Parker to text El and ask them to join the fish feast the following weekend. He did so, and they responded they’d love to. The ride was quiet as we listened to the radio, and the night air was cool but refreshing. I had decided not to put the soft top back up until we got home. Simba barked in the backseat when we passed another vehicle, and he saw a dog in the back.
“Simba. Quiet, boy,” Parker said, and Simba laid his head back down and waited to be home.
More than once, my mind went back to the conversation with Kayla that evening, as well as revisiting the pain of losing my mom. By the time we reached my house, I was exhausted. Aswe put the top up, Parker inquired if I was okay; he must have realized I wasn’t quite myself on the ride home.
“You okay, babe?” He looked at me with concern.
I smiled shyly and responded, “Just a little tired. Thoughts of my mom came rushing in at your mom’s house. I miss her a lot, but love feeling a part of your family. I wish she were alive to meet all of you, especially you. She would have loved you.”
As I took a settling breath, Parker took me in his arms, holding me securely, wrapped in love. “I know, baby. I’m sorry. I love you.”
“I love you too. Let’s have a nightcap.” Hand in hand, we walked in, settled Simba, and headed to the kitchen to make a strong nightcap. Sitting in the Globo, we snuggled under the throw blanket and talked about the upcoming fishing trip. I was a bit wistful, wishing that the hours would pass slower; tomorrow sometimes seemed too close. Yet discussing it helped me forget the anxiety, and I began to grow excited. Parker was excited as he talked about the trip. He told me about his old fishing trips and had me laughing in no time.
“That’s not true,” I said.
“Yes, it is. I swear,” Parker said.
“Really, how would that be possible?”
“I’m telling you it happened. My buddy reached over to pull in a Tarpon, and the Tarpon pulled him out of the boat. Everyone yelled to him to drop the pole; it was hilarious.”
I sat up and looked at him. “Did he get hurt?”
