Sunsets At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 2)

by Michele Gilcrest

"I'm sure your assistant would appreciate it when you hire one."

  In between taking bites of my sandwich, I managed to divert his attention back to the project.

  "So, getting back to the Donovans, why don't you just set a hard and fast deadline? Just stress that you have to settle on a final design so that you can adhere to a schedule."

  "It sounds easier said than done. I'm trying to move them along, but you know how it is. Even after we're finished, I still have to help out with their fundraiser, so I want to tread carefully while trying not to lose my mind."

  "Fundraiser?"

  "Yeah, Lexi laid the pressure on to help out with their annual fundraiser, and I caved."

  "About Lexi."

  I gathered up the nerve to say what was on my mind for quite some time.

  "With everything going on, I didn't have a chance to talk to you last week."

  "What's up?" he said.

  "Cole, I'm almost certain Lexi is trying to drive a wedge between us."

  He looked surprised by the statement.

  "Are you serious?" He laughed it off.

  "Yes, I'm very serious."

  "I know she can be a handful, but she would never try to do something like that. What makes you say such a thing?"

  To me, it was obvious. But sometimes, men had a way of letting matters like this fly completely over their heads.

  "Let's see. Shall we start with my encounter with her last week? I tried to come in and bring you lunch like I normally do, but I couldn't because she was too busy grabbing the food and shoving me out the door."

  "Shoving you?" he said.

  "Well, not exactly shoving, but she did take her foot and slam the door closed. Which was totally uncalled for."

  "She told me you had to run along because it was about to storm."

  "See, that's what I'm talking about right there. Yes, it was about to storm, but I tried to come in and say hi. What she was doing was intentional."

  "I'll admit she has a way about her, but I'm sure she didn’t mean any harm."

  If I didn't know any better, it seemed like Cole was defending her.

  "Really? Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but to me, it's nothing but a continuation of the way Lexi and her mother treated me when I was working for them."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Mrs. Donovan made it very clear that she thinks her daughter Lexi is a better choice for you. And, she didn't mind letting me know face to face."

  "Keywords being 'last year’. I'm sure she knows by now that we're together."

  "Okay, Cole. It seems like no matter what I say, you have it all figured out."

  "Payton, that's not what I meant."

  Thankfully, I was finished with my food. I thought it might be a good idea to start cleaning up before the conversation became even more irritating.

  "Paytonnn…come on. Don't be like that."

  He took the napkins out of my hands and laid them down.

  "Come here." His hands slid around my waist.

  "Look, the Donovans are long time clients and friends. I know they can be a handful at times, but I don't pay attention to any of that."

  "What kind of client or friend tries to come between you and your love life?"

  He paused.

  "I can't explain her actions. All I can do is assume that Lexi was being her usual irritating self, and it probably just came off the wrong way."

  "Well, you know what they say about those who assume?"

  I probably was pushing it with the last comment, but my level of annoyance was at an all-time high.

  "So, you don't believe me?"

  "Cole, of course, I believe you. It's just Lexi and her mother that I don't trust."

  "Come here."

  "I'm right here."

  "Closer," he said.

  Cole kissed me. Then he paused to look me in the eyes, draw me in closer, and kissed me again. Being in his arms always made me forget about everything else. Sadly, the sound of the front door opening brought me back to reality.

  "Hello, love birds." Rebecca grinned.

  "Hey, Rebecca. How are you?" Cole said.

  "I'm well, thank you. It looks as if you two are even better."

  I balled up the paper bag on the counter and tossed it at her head.

  "Payton Matthews, you don't want to start that with me. The last time you threw something at me, you ended up soaking wet."

  "That means I still owe you one. Better sleep with one eye open." I teased.

  We both inherited our playful spirit from Dad, which Cole found to be amusing.

  "You two are funny. Listen, I need to head back, but try not to hurt each other while I'm gone."

  He gave me a final kiss before leaving.

  "Payton, before I forget. Emmie wants to know if you can come over for dinner tonight. I told her you might be really busy planning for the opening, but of course, she still wanted to extend the invitation."

  "I wouldn't miss it. What's on the menu?"

  "Whatever my Mom decides to get together. She's watching Emmie until I get home."

  "Cole, your Mom deserves a night off. Why don't you ask Emmie if she would like for us to cook together?"

  "Me? Cooking? Hey, I already warned you about my cooking a long time ago."

  "I know. Don't worry. We'll show you a thing or two. I'll pick up the groceries on the way to the house if you want. Just send me a text and let me know."

  "Sure thing. I love you."

  "Love you too."

  "See ya, Rebecca."

  "Bye, Cole."

  Rebecca pressed me for information once he left.

  "Sooooo…" she said.

  "So, what?"

  "So, it looks like things are going really well with you two."

  "Yeah."

  "That's it? That's all you have to say? I'd give it a year tops before the two of you are making wedding plans."

  Rebecca had come a long way from being the one who initially had a crush on Cole.

  "We're just enjoying each other right now if that's okay with you."

  "Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable in that space because I can tell that man is head over heels about you."

  "You think so?" I said.

  "Yes, of course, I think so. Wake up and smell the coffee, Payton. He waited for you when you were uncertain about dating after the divorce. He dropped everything to come be with you when he found out about Dad, and let's not forget that he has a daughter who absolutely adores you!"

  She had a good point. Cole was supportive, and Emmie was very easy to get along with.

  "I know." I continued to listen.

  "Do you? Because you don't sound so sure."

  "I'm sure. I just have so many things on my plate. I guess I lost focus there for a little while."

  "Well, whatever you do, don't lose focus on what you have with Cole. Someone will come along and snatch that good man up so fast, you won't know what hit you."

  That was the problem. I was very well aware of someone ready to put her claws all over him if given the chance.

  "Enough about me, how's everything with you?" I said.

  "Same as usual. The workload never ends."

  "Do you have time to help me with a few things on the computer?"

  "Sure. Oh, I knew I had something to tell you!"

  She clapped so loud till she darn near scared me out of my skin.

  "You're not going to believe this. I just took on a new case at work. It's a huge deal. Guess who the defense attorney is for the case?"

  "Are you going to give me a hint?"

  "See if these clues jog your memory. Tall, dark brown hair, Pelican Beach High… prom king and queen."

  My mouth flew open in utter disbelief.

  "Ethan Davis?"

  "Yep!"

  "Oh… my… gosh…"

  Ethan was Rebecca's high school sweetheart. They were perfect together. Everyone just knew they were going to get married after college. He received a full ride to UC
LA, which was great for him, but not good for the relationship. They tried to stay connected after the move, but the distance made it difficult.

  "Wow, what's he doing in Pelican Beach? I thought he decided to plant his roots out in California."

  "Apparently, he uprooted from California and is now planting his roots in Pelican Beach again."

  "No, wayyy."

  "Yes, way!"

  I couldn't tell if Rebecca was excited or annoyed. One would think they'd be happy to catch up after all these years.

  "Why the sour face? I'm sure it was nice catching up, right?"

  "Nice? I don't think so. He stood in the courtroom looking like some sort of arrogant hotshot who already knew he was going to win the case. He didn't even recognize me at first. He blew right past me with his fancy suit on looking like something out of a magazine."

  She was one to talk. Rebecca was the most competitive, well-dressed lawyer I'd ever met. And I wasn't just saying that because she was my sister.

  "So, what did he say when he realized it was you?"

  "He finally humbled himself and cracked a smile. I think he was surprised to see me in court, to be honest."

  "I don't know why. You always said you were going to be a lawyer from day one."

  "Who knows, maybe he was just surprised to see that I'm still here in Pelican Beach,” she said.

  "Did he look good?"

  "I wouldn't know because I wasn't looking at him like that."

  "Yeah, right, Becca. Save it for someone who doesn't know you better."

  "He looked nice, but I couldn’t care less. He showed me how important I was to him after he left for UCLA."

  Eventually, I was going to finish working on my inventory. I was determined. But right now, it was clear that Rebecca needed to talk, so I put my pen down.

  "That was years ago, Becks. You can't blame him for doing what was best for his education."

  She looked away without addressing my comment.

  "It doesn't matter. I just thought you would get a kick out of knowing he was back in town and working on the same case."

  "I guess it really is a small world." I joked about it, but there is some truth to it.

  "Either that or a small town," Rebecca said.

  That's something we both could agree on.

  "Alright, let's get on the good foot. After I help you out, I'm going to stop by the house and check on Mom and Dad,” she said.

  "Perfect. That way, I can head to Cole's for dinner without having to worry."

  "How's Dad doing this week?"

  "He's back to his usual. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I can tell that Mom is not back to normal."

  "Understandably so. I'm just thankful that he didn't get hurt."

  "I know."

  We spent the next couple of hours organizing my online system. It was rare that Rebecca spent much time away from work, so I was grateful for the extra help.

  Payton

  I arrived at Cole's house around six to cook with Emmie. The past year had been filled with opportunities for us to bond. We visited amusement parks, built sandcastles, and even did schoolwork together. As of late, her most favorite thing to do is explore with my camera. She's actually a pretty good photographer.

  "Grandma, Payton's here. I'll get the door." I could hear Emmie yelling to Alice from the front porch.

  "Payton!" she said.

  "Emmie! How are you?"

  "I'm good. Do you like my new Converse sneakers?"

  "They're too cute. The pink and white matches your headband perfectly."

  "Thank you. That was my whole plan."

  Emmie recently entered this new phase at eleven years old, where looking cool mattered a lot to her. She didn't like to leave the house with her doll anymore, but secretly she still kept a whole collection in her room.

  "And guess what else matches?"

  "What?"

  "Wallaaaa." She pulled a pink and white polka dot apron out from behind her back.

  "Do you like it?"

  "I love it. It looks like somebody is ready to cook!"

  Alice invited me in.

  "Somebody has been ready to cook ever since her dad called and said that you were coming. Speaking of her dad, he should be here any minute now. Put your things down and make yourself comfortable."

  "Thanks, Alice."

  She always made me feel welcomed whenever I came over.

  "Emmie, at your request, tonight's menu will consist of grilled salmon, baked potatoes, and asparagus," I said.

  "Delicious!"

  "I have to say I'm rather impressed. I thought you were going to say something more along the lines of cheeseburgers and fries."

  "I like burgers and fries, but Dad likes it way more. He could eat burgers and fries every day of the week."

  "Well, tonight, we're going to show him how to make something different."

  Alice confirmed Emmie's confession about Cole's eating habits.

  "I don't know where your dad gets his habits from because it's certainly not from me."

  Cole walked into the kitchen just in time to join the conversation.

  "What's this I hear about my eating habits?"

  Emmie thought his timing was hysterical.

  "Don't stop now, everybody. Carry on. You were saying something about me eating way too many burgers." He teased.

  "You know it's true, Dad."

  "I see how it is. I guess next time I'll just have to go to Neil's Famous Burgers all by myself."

  "All by yourself? You can't do that.."

  "Emmie, don't fall for it. You know your dad is just teasing you,” Alice said.

  Alice was so cute. She had beautiful white hair, styled in a bob, and always smelled like something sweet. She was a natural when it came to cooking and baking.

  "I'm going to let you guys get settled in the kitchen while I get ready to head back to the house," Alice said.

  "Aww, Grandma, I thought you were going to sleep over?"

  "Emmie, Grandma just spent the last two nights here. I have to get back and check on the house."

  "Mom, you could at least stay for dinner."

  "Thank you, sweetheart, but I actually have plans. A friend of mind is stopping by the house this evening."

  Cole had a curious look on his face.

  "Grandma is allowed to have a life too, you know," she said.

  Cole didn't look happy.

  "Where did you meet your friend, Alice?" I asked

  "We met at our last HOA meeting. Turns out, he moved into my subdivision last year, and I had no idea. He's a nice gentleman."

  "Does this nice gentleman have a name?" Cole said.

  "Yes, his name is Stanley. I'll have to share more with you later, son. I don't want to be late."

  The doorbell rang as she was speaking. Emmie and I had already started cleaning the asparagus and preparing the seasoning for the fish.

  "You stay here. I'll get the door,” Alice said.

  When she left the kitchen, I teased Cole about his reaction.

  "Aren't you rather protective?"

  "Hey, I only have one mother. I'm just doing my job and looking out for her, that's all."

  Emmie leaned over and whispered in my ear.

  "Dad doesn't like it when Grandma meets new friends."

  "Is that so?"

  It was all in good fun. I don't think Cole really had an issue with Alice meeting new friends. He just liked to make everyone else think he did.

  "Okay, Emmie, where's your Old Bay seasoning?"

  "Right here."

  I looked up and saw Alice walking into the kitchen with Lexi Donovan. Cole accidentally knocked a bottle of water onto the floor.

  "Cole, you have a visitor. Apparently, you left your cell phone at the Donovans’ house."

  Emmie ran over to hug Lexi and say hello.

  "Lexi, you're just in time for dinner," Emmie said.

  I could feel my whole demeanor start to shift. Cole glanced at me before respo
nding to Emmie.

  "Emmie, honey, that's sweet, but I'm sure Lexi has to head back."

  He turned to Lexi. "Thank you for bringing my phone. I must've left it on the counter."

  "It's no problem at all. The last time I lost my phone, I completely panicked. I figured you would want yours right away."

  "You should've called the house number. I could've easily turned around and driven back."

  "Oh, nonsense. As much as you've done for us, it was the least I could do."

  Was it unreasonable for me to envision myself dragging her out of the house by the ponytail? Of course, my mother raised me better than that, but a girl could dream, couldn't she?

  Everyone in the kitchen fell to an awkward silence before Lexi turned to acknowledge my presence.

  "Hi, Payton. I didn't realize you would be here."

  "Hi, Lexi."

  Emmie continued to try and convince Lexi to stay.

  "Please stay for dinner, Lexi?"

  "Sure, why not?"

  Alice looked confused. If this wasn't a bold move on Lexi's part, I don't know what was. Clearly, she was ignoring the social cues coming from the adults.

  Cole spoke up. "Uhh, Lexi, I'm sorry. I know Emmie is excited."

  He glanced at Emmie while he continued to speak.

  "But, tonight was a special evening planned to spend time with Payton. We're all going to cook together, right, Emmie?"

  He gave her a look.

  "Right," Emmie said.

  "And, since Payton went out of her way to make sure we have just enough groceries and all…"

  "I get it. No worries,” Lexi said.

  She walked over and bent down in front of Emmie to speak to her.

  "Emmie, I'll tell you what. How about we plan a special evening soon?"

  "Okay!"

  "It can be you and me and even your dad if he wants to join us."

  I continued shaking the seasoning on the fish. It was probably going to be the saltiest fish I've ever made, but I had to do something to keep from giving this woman a piece of my mind.

  "I guess I should be on my way," Lexi said.

  "I'll walk you to the door." Cole left with Lexi while Alice stayed back.

  "Sweet Emmie, I forgot my purse in the guest room. Would you run and grab it for grandma?"

  "Sure, I'll be right back."

  Alice stepped closer so that only I could hear her.

  "What in the world was that about?" she said.

  "Oh, this is normal for Lexi. She's been on a mission lately."