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it didn’t matter. Even so, it took almost a minute of steady
breathing before she felt somewhat in control again. Kristen and
Josh were in the same places, though Kristen had bent over to
examine another seashell, ignoring her soaring kite.
She heard Alex approaching behind her.
“Told you it wouldn’t take long,” he said easily. “After we eat the
s’mores, I was thinking about calling it a day. I’d love to stay out
until the sun sets, but Josh has school tomorrow.”
“Whenever you want to go is fine with me,” she said, crossing her
arms.
Noting her rigid shoulders and the tight way she’d spoken the
words, he furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure what I said that
bothered you, but I’m sorry, okay?” he finally said. “Just know
that I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
She nodded without answering, and though Alex waited for
more, there was nothing. “Is this the way it’s going to be with us?”
he asked.
“What do you mean?”
“I feel like I’m suddenly walking on eggshells around you, but I
don’t know why.”
“I’d tell you but I can’t,” she said. Her voice was almost inaudible
over the sound of the waves.
“Can you at least tell me what I said? Or what I did?”
She turned toward him. “You didn’t say or do anything wrong.
But right now, I can’t say any more than that, okay?”
He studied her. “Okay,” he said. “As long as you’re still having a
good time.”