Chase backed up into the middle of the pool, and held his arms up. “One… two…”
“Three!” she squealed as she leapt into the water.
“How are those ribs feeling now?” Brody joked.
“They’re not so sore anymore,” Chase said, spinning around with Khloe in his arms.
“He’s Superman,” I said, standing. I walked into the house to look for Beverly. She should be outside enjoying the party with us. I poked my head into the kitchen to find her squeezing lemons into a pitcher of water. “Whatcha doing?”
“I figured I would wait inside until everyone has arrived. I want to be able to hear the doorbell.”
“I can wait in here,” I said. “Go in the pool.”
“How does the water look?” she asked. Tim had always been the pool expert. This was the first summer without him, and Beverly had to hire someone to open the pool unbeknownst to the boys. As usual, she did not want them to know she was struggling with something without their dad.
“It’s amazing.” I stood beside her and gave her a hug. “You are amazing.”
“Right back at ya, kid.” She squeezed me tightly.
“Now, go out there and enjoy that pool.”
She reluctantly picked up the pitcher and left the kitchen.
I cleaned up the lemon remnants, and wiped down the island. I watched everyone outside through the window by the sink. Everyone was smiling. Everyone was here. Everyone was okay.
The doorbell rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. I walked to the foyer and opened the Brooks’ front door. “Hi.”
Claire’s smile mirrored my own. “Hi. I, uh, brought watermelon.”
I took the container from her. “I told you, you didn’t have to bring anything. Thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
I gestured for her to come inside. “I wasn’t sure if you would want to come.” I shrugged. “It is a little awkward, I guess.”
Claire nodded in agreement. “My daughter invited me to a party. I wouldn’t miss that for the world.” She pointed to my inked up arm. “That looks great.”
I looked down at the beautiful warrior princess permanently drawn on my skin. “I know you never liked tattoos.”
“This one suits you.”
I smiled. “Come on. Everyone’s out back. I’ll introduce you.”
THE END
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the readers out there, especially my friends and co-workers who have encouraged me along my journey. Thank you for the reviews, and thank you for spreading the word about my books. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing support system.
I would like to thank my cover designer, for both Collision and Avoidance. Miro was excellent to work with, quick, and always managed to take my visions to the next level. If you’re looking for a designer check out his work: https://qtbdesign.wixsite.com/qtbdesign
I would also like to thank my headshot photographer and friend, Val. I am super awkward when standing alone in a photo, but she made me feel completely at ease. Her work is flawless. See for yourself: https://www.facebook.com/BluFoxPhoto/
I need to say a huge thank you to one of my very best friends, Dorthy. For 180 days of our school year, we have carpooled together – one hour there, and one hour back – in constant traffic. For countless hours, she listened to me talk about my books, let me bounce ideas off of her, and she even shared some of her very awesome ideas with me (Those cracks on the title of Avoidance? Yep, that was her idea!)
Last, but never least, I am beyond grateful for my wife, Stacy. She has spent many nights staring at the back of a laptop as I typed; she has listened to me obsess over the reviews I received; she has read and re-read each chapter I wrote; she took the kids out of the house so I could have some peace and quiet to work in; and she has always pushed me to keep going, no matter how discouraged I felt at times. I could not have gotten as far as I have in this process without her support and love.
Coming Soon…
“The Other Brother”
the story of Tanner Brooks
Avoidance Page 24