by DK Herman
Gram's fourth of July barbeque was a success. We had lots of friends and plenty of great food. People swam and played horseshoes, or sat around in the shade and talked. Just after dark, we watched The Herville Country Club's fireworks. Then everyone left around midnight, full and happy.
Gram had hired Allison. She was going to work for us full time, cleaning and helping Liv in the kitchen. She fit right in with the family.
I promised Ben I'd be careful and kissed him goodbye. He had his truck back and was picking up his friend to go to the lake. There wasn't any cell service where he was going, so we wouldn't talk again until Sunday. I'd miss him, but I was looking forward to the week with Gabi.
Most of the drive was easy, but the traffic got worse as we neared the ocean. We found our beach side campground and checked in. It’s a really nice place, close to everything and most of the campsites are on the beach. I maneuvered Chitty into our spot and ran out onto the sand.
I heard Gabi swearing from inside Chitty. I ran to the side door and climbed inside.
She was angrily rooting through her suitcase. She looked up with fire in her eyes. "After I packed, my family helped themselves. Hannah took my new bikini, and it had to be my boys who made off with my flashlight and extra cash. I'll have to hit an ATM."
I shook my head and chuckled at her outrage.
"Just wait until they call looking for the dishes, silverware, and a lot of their favorite clothes." She put her hands on her hips and smiled. "I'm not telling them that I put them in the dishwasher and dryer before I left. The spoiled little snots will never look there!"
I made sympathetic noises and went back out onto the beach. I spread my arms and felt the thrill of standing before the immensity of the Atlantic. Sniffing the heavenly scent of ocean air, I waded into the water up to my knees. It was going to be a great week!
That evening, Gabi and I sat in front of our camp fire drinking a bottle of wine. I was happy and in a good relationship, so Prohibition had been repealed once again. It felt good to relax. Gabi and I discussed what we wanted to do this week.
Gabi was on her third glass when I could tell the alcohol was hitting her.
"I have to tell you something, and you're going to be mad," she said, waving her glass in the air.
"Then don't tell me." I took a sip of the crisp Chardonnay and wiggled my toes in the warm sand.
"You're my best friend, I have to." Gabi sat up straighter and sighed.
"OK, shoot." I braced myself for a joke. Sometimes Gabi has a weird sense of humor.
"Somebody was paying your dates to be duds." Gabi downed the rest of her wine.
"What are you talking about?" It was my turn to sit up straighter.
"I was telling somebody who you were going out with. Then he contacted them and paid them to do things you'd hate on your dates." Gabi poured the last of the wine into her glass. "I didn't realize what he'd been doing until after the salt shaker guy. That's when he confessed what he he'd done. He said that he couldn't stand you dating other men."
I was speechless.
"I'm really sorry, Hallie. And he only did it because he loves you."
"Who?" I said. Then I put up a hand to silence her, and I put a finger to my lips."No, I need this vacation. Don't tell me until we're on our way back. I don't even want to think about it now. I'll deal with him when I get home."
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