Rory nodded. “You know, I think Trey would like the idea of ziplining,” she contemplated. It was a great idea to have invited him. A smile appeared on her lips. she looked up and caught Dianne’s perceptive gaze. “What?”
“It’s nothing,” she replied, flicking her wrist forward in a nonchalant fashion.
“It’s nothing,” Rory countered. “That look was saying something.”
“I was just thinking… it’s refreshing to see you guys getting along, that’s all,” she reasoned.
Rory smiled at her cousin and nodded. “It’s surprising how quickly we settled our differences, but I understand him better now, and I’m able to see that he’s a really down-to-earth guy and cool to hang out with. It’s starting to feel like I’m gaining a brother— two brothers actually, from my mom’s relationship with Donny, and I’m glad, especially getting to spend time doing fun things with him like this.”
Dianne tipped her head in understanding, but her lips twitched downward as a shadow of regret passed over her face. “I know what you mean. I kinda wished me and Jake still did stuff like that.”
“Why don’t you guys?” Rory asked.
Dianne’s hazel eyes were doleful as she replied. “We used to do everything together. We were inseparable, you didn’t see one of us without the other being close by, but ever since our dad died two years ago, he’s been…different— distant. It feels like we’ve grown even farther apart since I got engaged.” Her eyes shifted to the ground as she mumbled, “It’s like I don’t exist to him anymore.”
“That’s not true, Dianne.” She reached over and rubbed her arm encouragingly. “I’m sure the same Jake you used to do all those things with is still there. He’s just…trying to find a way to cope with all the changes he’s had to go through. He still needs you, even if he doesn’t say it.”
The doorbell sounded, halting the rest of her speech. “That must be Trey. I’ll get it.” Rory rose, turned, and made her way toward the front door. She pulled it open to see him standing before her with his hands in the pockets of the blue hoodie pullover he was wearing, a broad grin on his face. Instantly her own lips lifted to mimic his.
“Hey, you,” she greeted.
“Hey,” he greeted, stepping through the door. “So, why exactly are we going to Camano Island?” he asked, looking down at her.
“We’re going to a wine tasting,” she replied.
Trey’s brows scrunched together. “A what?” he asked.
“Wine. Tasting.” she enunciated.
A frown etched into the corner of his mouth.
A bubble of laughter erupted from Rory at his expression. “It’ll be fun,” she persuaded, hooking her arm with his, effectively preventing him from escaping. She walked him down the hall toward the family room. “Don’t worry, we’re doing more than just wine tasting,” she assured him.
“Like what?” he asked, a brow raised in skepticism.
“They have ziplining,” she said excitedly.
This got Trey’s attention. “Are we going to the Kristofersons’ Farm?”
“Yup,” she confirmed with a quick nod.
“Sweet,” Trey expressed, his mood improving.
“Trey, you remember Dianne?” she asked when they finally stepped into the room.
“Hi, Dianne,” he greeted with a slight wave.
Dianne returned his wave while giving him a polite smile. “Hi.” She turned to Rory. “Ready to go?”
The trio left the house and made their way down to the dock. It was almost noon, but the sun barely peaked through the silver clouds. The slightly gusty wind swirled around them. The brilliantly colored fallen leaves rolled over each other, some levitating above the earth as they followed the rhythm of the wind. It was really chilly. Rory slipped on her jacket.
When they made it to the dock, Diane untied the boat while Trey climbed aboard and reached out to help Rory onto the deck.
“All aboard!” Dianne called out gleefully. “I’ve always wanted to say that,” she finished with a small fist pump.
Rory chuckled at her cousin’s silliness before settling in the cockpit with Trey. Dianne, who was now standing at the helm, guided the boat out of the harbor, leaving a trail of smooth wave pool tides as the engine revved.
As the boat glided effortlessly through the blue-green waters, Rory and Trey rose from the seats to lean over the railing at the side, looking out at the horizon. The cold water spritzed their faces as the chilly offshore breeze became gustier. Rory could see a few birds in the distance soaring high. The snowcapped mountain ranges in the distance and the cloud-filled sky resembled a canvas set in place. She felt relaxed, peaceful.
