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“We’ll talk later.”
I nod and race off down the beach.
I find Bug sitting in the sand a few hundred feet away. She’s picking up shells and throwing them into the water.
I plop down next to her, pick up a shell and throw it. “I know what you must be thinking.”
“No, Dad. You don’t. Because if you did, you’d know that I was thinking how convenient it was that Marti invited me for a sleepover so you could go have a booty call with the slut who probably just slept with that other guy a few hours before moving on to you.”
I take a deep breath, knowing I need to tread carefully. “Darla, you willnotcall Allie a slut again. It’s very disrespectful and absolutely untrue. Do you hear me?”
She knows I mean business—I rarely use her given name—and nods. “Did you arrange the sleepover?”
“No, sweetie, I didn’t.”
“But what about that other guy she was with?”
“It was Storm Calloway. Her cousin.”
She visibly deflates. “Great. Just freaking great.” She throws a large conch shell, and it makes a big splash.
“Bug.” I take her hand and hold it in mine. “I really like Allie.”
Her head shakes over and over. “It’s gross. She’s practically my age.”
“She’s more than twice your age. She’s a grown woman. And I’m a single man. There’s nothing wrong with what we’re doing.”
“You see her when you go to New York City on business.”
It’s not a question.
“Yes. I do.”
“And when we visit Marti and Charlie, you sneak away and spend time with her.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you’ve picked up on all that.”
“Is she using you?” She pulls her hand away and throws another shell. “Are you using her?”
“Nobody is using anyone. It’s just… complicated.”
“Complicated how?”
If I can’t answer that question for myself, I sure can’t explain it to Bug.
“Hey, you two.” Allie’s mom, Sarah, comes up behind us. “Welcome to Antigua.”
I stand and kiss Sarah’s cheek. “Thanks. It’s really beautiful.”
Bug scoffs and mumbles something unintelligible.
“Bug, I have your dress in our bungalow. When would be a good time to try it on? We have someone on hand to make alterations if it doesn’t fit properly.”
Bug looks at me like she’s as relieved as I am that our conversation came to an abrupt halt. Is she worried about Allie becoming a permanent fixture in my life? Am I worried that shewon’t?
I swear to God both questions loom in the air between us before she spins to Mrs. Montana. “I’d like to do it now if that’s okay.”
“Now would be perfect.” Sarah raises a hand. “I’ll see you at the rehearsal dinner tonight, Asher?”