Kendall opens up, the wedge that was there through dinner is gone. She’s a happy, bubbly teenager. Truth. That’s all it took. All that was required to gain her favor. Magnolia squeezes my side as she passes by on her way to the freezer. The dynamic in our world has changed and I like it.
I’d do anything to keep it.
Anything.
“Tell me about yourself. I already know you came to town whenthat basedid,” Kendall says, grabbing my attention.
“I did. I love Bronze Bay. It’s been good for me,” I reply, meeting Magnolia’s gaze. “It’s been slow lately.”
“You’re a Navy SEAL then?” she asks, eyes big and rounded. She already knows I am, she wants to hear me say it.
Clearing my throat, I form the speech in my head and change it to the truth. “Yes. I am.”
“That’s so cool. So, you can like kill anyone?” Her tone is hedging on sarcastic.
I grin. “Not just anyone,” I say, biting my bottom lip to stifle a laugh.
“That’s enough about that, Kendall,” Magnolia chides, setting a bowl of ice cream in front of her daughter. “You mentioned you were riding your bike down to the beach again. Isn’t it a little late? Juliet isn’t here either. I’m not sure if I’m okay with you going down there by yourself. Are you meeting that boy again?”
Kendall pauses, and her gaze darts left. She’s going to lie. Most definitely. “No, Mom. It’s a group of people like before. No drinking or drugs or illegal activities. Plus, don’t you want some alone time?” Oh, she’s good. Really good.
“No,” Magnolia replies. “But I guess you can go. Tracking on your phone. We can rent that movie when you get back?” Her tone is hopeful, with that right amount of desperation that I imagine a teen needs to hear to be agreeable.
“Sure Mom. That sounds great. Will Aidan be joining us for a movie?”
I shake my head. “No. No. I’ve occupied enough of your mom’s time this weekend. It should be a girl’s night.” I’d love nothing more than to infringe on movie night, but I need to find my place and rushing things won’t bode well for my long-term goals. Patience. That’s what will get me to the end zone.
Kendall shrugs. “You can stay if you want. I don’t care.” She pauses, seems to consider something and turns to face me, chin tilted up. “I’m just going to say it. Word on the street is you’re a bit of a player, Aidan. Not only that, but you like younger women. It’s not my place to say anything,” Kendall says, apologizing to her mom and continues. “Don’t’ be that kind of person. That’s what I wanted you to know...” Magnolia looks shocked her daughter has spoken with such fierceness on her behalf. “So, yes, you can stay, but I’m on to you.” Kendall looks away.
I clear my throat. “I can assure you I have the best intentions and don’t have any plans to hurt your mom in any way. I do appreciate your fire,” I say, grinning. Kendall’s straight face stays in place. “I mean it. You received bad information from the Bronze Bay rumor mill.”
Kendall nods and sighs, long and hard. I reassure her once more. “I can’t stay for a movie tonight. I have stuff to do at home and an early alarm. Rain check for sure, though.”
Magnolia looks disappointed, but I know I’m making the right decision. I shovel the last scoop of ice cream in my mouth, wash my bowl, and bid my farewells as effortlessly as I can make them seem. Kendall grunts and waves, and Magnolia walks me out to the mudroom. Her eyes are wide and beautiful. I blink a couple of times to erase my stymie.
“Thanks for tonight, Aidan. That could have gone awry and you reined it back in. Sorry, for Kendall. The gossip around here really is something.” Magnolia shakes her head. “You’re so good. I can’t believe my luck. Thank you.” She goes on her tiptoes and kisses me quickly on the cheek. We’re far enough from the dining table that Kendall can’t hear us, but she would be able to see our head above the swinging doors that separate the kitchen and mudroom.
“Hey,” I say. “I was honest. I think that’s the best course of action for me. I caution you that I have no idea what I’m doing. This is all fly by the seat of my pants, but I’ll always try. Okay? Know that.”
“I know,” Magnolia replies.
Kendall flies past us both, hitting the screen door at a bolt. “Riding my bike down to the beach. I have my cell. I’ll be home in an hour, Mom. Nice meeting you, Aidan. Remember I’m watching you!”
“Be careful,” Magnolia yells at her back.
“Sure thing, Mom!”
“Don’t talk to strangers,” Magnolia adds.
“Strangers shouldn’t be your worry,” I whisper. “Boys she knows already are the problem.” I grin. Magnolia swats me on the shoulder.
“Do I need to remind you that I was younger than she is when I got pregnant with her? I have every right to worry about every boy in the world. Strangers or not.”
“I’ve never been more acutely aware of that fact now that I’ve met her. She is a carbon copy of you. I’m sorry. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Don’t worry. Too much,” I add. Magnolia turns to watch Kendall pedal her bike away. “That must have been hard. Giving up your childhood like that. So quickly.”
“It wasn’t easy,” Magnolia says. “But I’d do it again if given the chance. She’s everything to me.”
“I know,” I say. “You are doing a good job, Magnolia. In case no one has told you that lately. She went to bat for you against me because she cares about you.”
