She had a good point. Cole was supportive, and Emmie was very easy to get along with.
"I know." I continued to listen.
"Do you? Because you don't sound so sure."
"I'm sure. I just have so many things on my plate. I guess I lost focus there for a little while."
"Well, whatever you do, don't lose focus on what you have with Cole. Someone will come along and snatch that good man up so fast, you won't know what hit you."
That was the problem. I was very well aware of someone ready to put her claws all over him if given the chance.
"Enough about me, how's everything with you?" I said.
"Same as usual. The workload never ends."
"Do you have time to help me with a few things on the computer?"
"Sure. Oh, I knew I had something to tell you!"
She clapped so loud till she darn near scared me out of my skin.
"You're not going to believe this. I just took on a new case at work. It's a huge deal. Guess who the defense attorney is for the case?"
"Are you going to give me a hint?"
"See if these clues jog your memory. Tall, dark brown hair, Pelican Beach High… prom king and queen."
My mouth flew open in utter disbelief.
"Ethan Davis?"
"Yep!"
"Oh… my… gosh…"
Ethan was Rebecca's high school sweetheart. They were perfect together. Everyone just knew they were going to get married after college. He received a full ride to UCLA, which was great for him, but not good for the relationship. They tried to stay connected after the move, but the distance made it difficult.
"Wow, what's he doing in Pelican Beach? I thought he decided to plant his roots out in California."
"Apparently, he uprooted from California and is now planting his roots in Pelican Beach again."
"No, wayyy."
"Yes, way!"
I couldn't tell if Rebecca was excited or annoyed. One would think they'd be happy to catch up after all these years.
"Why the sour face? I'm sure it was nice catching up, right?"
"Nice? I don't think so. He stood in the courtroom looking like some sort of arrogant hotshot who already knew he was going to win the case. He didn't even recognize me at first. He blew right past me with his fancy suit on looking like something out of a magazine."
She was one to talk. Rebecca was the most competitive, well-dressed lawyer I'd ever met. And I wasn't just saying that because she was my sister.
"So, what did he say when he realized it was you?"
"He finally humbled himself and cracked a smile. I think he was surprised to see me in court, to be honest."
"I don't know why. You always said you were going to be a lawyer from day one."
"Who knows, maybe he was just surprised to see that I'm still here in Pelican Beach,” she said.
"Did he look good?"
"I wouldn't know because I wasn't looking at him like that."
"Yeah, right, Becca. Save it for someone who doesn't know you better."
"He looked nice, but I couldn’t care less. He showed me how important I was to him after he left for UCLA."
Eventually, I was going to finish working on my inventory. I was determined. But right now, it was clear that Rebecca needed to talk, so I put my pen down.
"That was years ago, Becks. You can't blame him for doing what was best for his education."
She looked away without addressing my comment.
"It doesn't matter. I just thought you would get a kick out of knowing he was back in town and working on the same case."
"I guess it really is a small world." I joked about it, but there is some truth to it.
"Either that or a small town," Rebecca said.
That's something we both could agree on.
"Alright, let's get on the good foot. After I help you out, I'm going to stop by the house and check on Mom and Dad,” she said.
"Perfect. That way, I can head to Cole's for dinner without having to worry."
"How's Dad doing this week?"
"He's back to his usual. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I can tell that Mom is not back to normal."
"Understandably so. I'm just thankful that he didn't get hurt."
"I know."
We spent the next couple of hours organizing my online system. It was rare that Rebecca spent much time away from work, so I was grateful for the extra help.
Payton
I arrived at Cole's house around six to cook with Emmie. The past year had been filled with opportunities for us to bond. We visited amusement parks, built sandcastles, and even did schoolwork together. As of late, her most favorite thing to do is explore with my camera. She's actually a pretty good photographer.
"Grandma, Payton's here. I'll get the door." I could hear Emmie yelling to Alice from the front porch.
"Payton!" she said.
"Emmie! How are you?"
"I'm good. Do you like my new Converse sneakers?"
"They're too cute. The pink and white matches your headband perfectly."
"Thank you. That was my whole plan."
Emmie recently entered this new phase at eleven years old, where looking cool mattered a lot to her. She didn't like to leave the house with her doll anymore, but secretly she still kept a whole collection in her room.
"And guess what else matches?"
"What?"
"Wallaaaa." She pulled a pink and white polka dot apron out from behind her back.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it. It looks like somebody is ready to cook!"
Alice invited me in.
"Somebody has been ready to cook ever since her dad called and said that you were coming. Speaking of her dad, he should be here any minute now. Put your things down and make yourself comfortable."
"Thanks, Alice."
She always made me feel welcomed whenever I came over.
"Emmie, at your request, tonight's menu will consist of grilled salmon, baked potatoes, and asparagus," I said.
"Delicious!"
"I have to say I'm rather impressed. I thought you were going to say something more along the lines of cheeseburgers and fries."
"I like burgers and fries, but Dad likes
