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“I had to help my dad fix it,” Josh informed her. “He’s not too
good with tools.”
Katie glanced at Alex with a smirk. “He didn’t mention that.”
“It’s okay. I knew what to do. But he had to help me with the new
inner tube.”
Kristen fixed her gaze on Katie. “Are you going to come to the
beach, too?”
Katie sat up straighter. “I don’t think so.”
“Why not?” Kristen asked.
“She’s probably working,” Alex said.
“Actually, I’m not,” she said. “I have a couple of things to do
around the house.”
“Then you have to come,” Kristen cried. “It’s really fun.”
“That’s your family time,” she insisted. “I wouldn’t want to be in
the way.”
“You won’t be in the way. And it’s really fun. You can watch me
swim. Please?” Kristen begged.
Alex stayed quiet, loath to add pressure. He assumed Katie would
say no, but surprising him, she nodded slightly. When she spoke,
her voice was soft.
“Okay,” she finally said.