[2015] Just the Essentials by Shari L Tapscott

Author:Shari L Tapscott [Tapscott, Shari L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 1723916269
Amazon: B016E9UPQO
Published: 2015-11-06T07:00:00+00:00

Liv instantly takes to Shannon and Agnes, and the three girls sit and talk with their plates in their laps. Mom and Sandy catch up while Allen and Dad man the grill. That leaves me, Jack, and Ginger clustered together, trying to think of things to talk about.

“Was Marcus all right with you leaving for the holiday weekend?” I ask Ginger.

She takes a kitten-sized bite of coleslaw and swallows primly, never quite meeting my eyes. “Didn’t we tell you? Marcus and his parents are here visiting…” She trails off and takes another bite.

“Hudson.” I point my fork at her. “You can say his name. I’m fine.”

Ginger studies a grilled slice of pineapple. “I’m supposed to meet with them later at the fireworks.”

“Mom and Dad, too?”

“No, I’m sure they…I mean we thought about, maybe, trying to all sit together…”

Ginger’s never been this hesitant in her life.

“It’s fine, right, Kinsley?” Jack meets my eyes. “I’m sure we can all get along.”

I shoot him a grateful look. Even though my family’s arrival has made it impossible for us to go alone, he’s still going to go with me.

“You don’t have to, Jack.”

“I want to.” He raises his eyebrows. “It will be fun.”

We both know from the experience with Hudson at dinner that it will be anything but fun.

Ginger, however, looks relieved. “I’m so sorry, Kins. This is such a mess.”

I wave her concern away and take a huge bite of potato salad just so I won’t have to talk about it any more.

But it only gets more awkward when we reach the fireworks display. Hudson’s parents are already here, looking out of place.

“How are you, Kinsley?” Dan asks, giving me a warm pat on the shoulder.

Even though we’re not together, Hudson’s dad is still intimidating.

“I’m fine. Thank you, sir.”

It’s strange to see Hudson’s family in camp chairs. It’s just so…wrong. Barb is decked to the nines despite how casual all the other families are, but she doesn’t seem to mind.

“You’re still more than welcome at our house,” Dan continues. “We just want you to know that.”

I glance at Hudson, but he’s busy talking to Marcus and Ginger. His arm is slung casually over Amber’s shoulder, and the two of them look more relaxed than I’ve seen them yet.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Jack and I set our chairs just a little behind the rest. The last thing I want is all their eyes on the back of my neck.

Leaning toward him so no one will overhear, I say, “Not quite what we had planned, huh?”

He nods toward Hudson’s family. “How are you doing with all this?”

I study Jack in the dimming light. His expression is warm and relaxed. He lounges in his chair like he’s lived in it his whole life. In fact, he has. This is his world—camp chairs and cook outs, fishing trips and four-wheel excursions.

“I’m good.” It surprises me that I mean it.

Soon, the fireworks begin. I slide my hand down the fabric arm of my chair, letting my fingers drift just off the edge.

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