Page 81 of Chase
It doesn’t surprise me that Arden’s dad bought a house up here.
We don’t get given the tour. Instead, we’re ushered through the house and out to the deck. The house has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the beach. The stairs off to the side of the deck lead to the beach. The sun is just starting to set over the horizon. The sky is a combination of blues and purples.
Arden planned our arrival perfectly.
“Wow,” Ally whispers leaning on the railing of the deck. “This is beautiful.”
“I hoped we’d make it in time. Dad said this was one of the selling points, the view, especially at sunset. We have this little slice of paradise to ourselves. It’s a private beach,” Arden tells us.
We’re all watching the sunset and don’t hear Martha come out.
“Come on everyone. Sit. Eat,” she says, placing a dish on the table. It’s then I see she has set out plates loaded with spaghetti and bowls of garlic bread. Even extra little bowls of parmesan cheese. She’s thought of everything. Not surprising. I’m pretty sure that’s where Arden learnt his organisational skills.
We all sit and dig in. You don’t disobey Martha. We learnt that at a young age. She’ll whack you over the back of the head. She’s one of a kind. It won’t be the same, her not being around next year.
I don’t think Arden is going to be able find a suitable replacement.
There’s a collective mmmm around the table as everyone digs in. Ralph comes out with drinks for us, putting a beer in front of those of us over eighteen and cans of lemonade in front of Millie and Julia.
“That’s not fair,” Julia says, complaining about the drink in front of her. “I know for a fact that you let Arden drink when he was fifteen. I’m sixteen. Almost seventeen, dammit,” she protests, and Rhys spits his drink across the table.
We all look at him.
“Sorry. I’ve never heard Julia throw a tantrum before.” Rhys straightens in his chair and takes another mouthful. Successfully this time.
“You should’ve seen her when she was twelve. She went through a stage. It was mostly hilarious. But sometimes annoying as hell,” Ally adds.
I often forget that Rhys hasn’t been with us since prep.
“Nope. Not going to happen.” Ralph stands taller and crosses his arms.
His I mean business look.
“But why?” Julia retorts.
“Because I said, and while your dad isn’t here I’m in charge,” Ralph replies.
Julia responds by poking her tongue at him and huffing. Which causes us all to laugh.
“It’s beer or apple pie,” Ralph deadpans, giving her a choice. A choice we all know the answer to.
“Fine. But I still think you’re mean,” Julia says admitting defeat. Apple pie is her weakness.
“That’s okay, princess. I know you still love me,” Ralph says chuckling while he makes his way back into the house, no doubt to join Martha for dinner.
“I’ve planned something for you girls tomorrow,” Arden says between a mouthful of food.
“What?” Ally and Julia say at the same time.
“I’ve set up a private fitting at Giselle’s for you to get dresses. You will all need formal dresses.”
“No fucking way?” Ally yells. “Really? Like really really?” She asks excitedly.
“Yes, really,” Arden says offering no further explanation.
“I fucking love you.” She responds.
“What’s Giselle’s?” Yasmin asks confused.
