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“I doubt that.”
“That’s because I’m able to fool you, too.”
She laughed. “I don’t think so.”
“You’re just saying that because we’re friends.”
“You think we’re friends?”
“Yeah,” he said, holding her gaze. “Don’t you?”
He could tell by her expression that the idea surprised her, but
before she could answer, Kristen came splashing toward them,
holding a fistful of seashells.
“Miss Katie!” she cried. “I found some really pretty ones!”
Katie bent lower. “Can you show me?”
Kristen held them out, dumping them into Katie’s hand before
turning toward Alex. “Hey, Daddy?” she asked. “Can we get the
barbecue started? I’m really hungry.”
“Sure, sweetie.” He took a few steps down the beach, watching his
son diving in and out of the waves. As Josh popped back up, Alex
cupped his mouth. “Hey, Josh?” he shouted. “I’m going to start
the coals, so why don’t you come in for a while.”
“Now?” Josh shouted back.
“Just for a little while.”
Even from a distance, he saw his son’s shoulders droop. Katie
must have noticed it as well, because she was quick to speak up.
“I can stay down here if you want,” she assured him.
“You sure?”
“Kristen’s showing me her seashells,” she said.