Page 41 of Until August

What a curse.

“I’m just tired.” It wasn’t a total lie, but it wasn’t the truth, either. Remy and I were friendly, but I didn’t know her like Scarlett did.

Remy was married to Shane, and she was also Scarlett’s husband, Dylan’s twin.

And even though she was nice, and I knew she’d understand, I didn’t want to unload my problems on her.

Or anyone else, for that matter.

Scarlett joined us on the patio and flopped down onto the cushion next to me. She wore a blue 1950s-style dress, red lipstick, and bare feet. The femme fatale version of Alice in Wonderland.

She took a bite of my scone, set it back on the plate, and then helped herself to my finger sandwich.

We’d been sharing food since grade school when she declared that my packed lunches were far superior to her gourmet deli lunches.

“Help yourself, Alice.” I handed her the rest of my scone. I wasn’t hungry anyway.

She brushed the crumbs off the skirt of her dress. “Kids’ parties are exhausting.”

“The party only started twenty minutes ago,” I pointed out.

“But I’ve been planning it for months. I woke up at six this morning to decorate.”

Dylan and Scarlett’s backyard had been transformed into Wonderland. My best friend was an artistic genius and had created a magical place with yards and yards of tulle and sculptural floral displays that were edible.

I patted her arm. “It looks beautiful, babes.”

Scarlett stretched out her legs and leaned back on her palms. “The kids don’t care, though. They would have been just as happy if we took them for burgers and spent the day at the beach.”

“But you’ll do it again next year,” Remy teased.

Scarlett sighed. “Yep. I can’t seem to help myself. Besides, we got some great photos.”

“And you’ll have all your beautiful memories.”

Just as the words left my mouth, our attention was diverted by a shriek. With Dylan chasing her, Isla streaked across the backyard in her tuxedo, tulle skirt, and top hat. He caught her around the middle and stalked over to the pool, dangling her above it.

“Oh no, he wouldn’t,” Scarlett muttered.

“It’s like she doesn’t even know my brother,” Remy said, and we laughed.

Before Scarlett walked away to rescue her daughter, she pointed her finger at me. “We’re going to talk about this.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I feigned innocence.

“How long have we been friends? I know you better than you know yourself, so I know when something is wrong.”

I shooed her away. “Go deal with your husband.”

“Mommy! Save me,” Isla yelled before she had a giggling fit that made it clear she loved the attention from her dad. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Remy with her ocean eyes and long dark hair.

Not wanting to be left out, Everly, who looked more like Scarlett, ran over to them, and tried to jump on Dylan. Securing Isla in one arm, Dylan scooped up Everly in the other arm.

“Show off,” Remy said, and we both laughed again.

“Dylan, no!” Scarlett shouted just as she reached his side. But she was laughing too, and it was too late.

Dylan jumped into the pool, holding his daughters, who were still fully dressed in their Mad Hatter outfits.