by Maci Grant
“Who is it? I’ll throw him off of the beach right this second.” His expression darkened as he turned toward the beach.
Blu took a slight step back. She was surprised that AJ was so determined to stand up for them all. Or was it just the kids?
“Wait, AJ, don’t. It’s not really his fault. I should have been watching the kids better. It seems to me this guy lives for this contest. I wouldn’t want him to miss out just because I wasn’t doing the best I could to keep the kids out of his hair.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” AJ turned back to look at her with a half-smile. “If it were me he’d be swimming with the sharks already.”
“Hey, it’s everybody’s beach, right?” Blu smiled.
“Sure. But if he gives you any more trouble I want you to tell me, understand?” He waited until Blu looked up at him, and then met her eyes. “I mean it. I don’t want him bullying you or the kids. Okay?”
Blu tried to hide her smile but it blossomed on her lips before she could. “Thanks, AJ.”
“No problem. See you tomorrow.” He waved to the kids then walked off toward the beach.
Blu wondered if he was going to have a conversation with Kirk after all. She didn’t think it would be so terrible if he did.
Once she had the kids settled with snow cones Blu sent a text to Maddie.
Are you still at the beach?
Maddie texted right back.
Leaving now. These people are nuts.
Blu invited her to join them for snow cones. She smiled when Maddie agreed. Before Maddie started working as a nanny, Blu was often without a friend during the summer months. It was nice to have someone nearby to spend time with.
A few minutes later Maddie and her charges arrived. Maddie joined Blu at the table while the kids settled in at another table.
“Can you believe that nutcase on the beach?” Maddie shook her head. “He started shouting at me because I brushed some sand off my sandals. I don’t even know why they’re allowing kids to participate in the contest if the contestants are going to be that crazy.”
“I know, I couldn’t believe that he was combing the sand.” Blu laughed. “I guess that it’s important enough to him to be that focused, but they need to realize that kids are part of the equation. I’m sure AJ will say something to him.”
“Oh, you’re sure?” Maddie leaned close to her. “Just why are you so sure? Hm?”
“Maddie, stop!” Blu rolled her eyes.
“It sounds to me that things between you and AJ are getting rather personal.”
“Only you could turn two nearly nonexistent conversations into some kind of relationship.”
“That’s how it starts, you know. A conversation here, a chance meeting there, and before you know it, you’re married with five kids.”
Blu nearly choked on her snow cone. “Now I’m pretty sure that you’re the one that’s nuts. That will never happen to me.”
“You never know. True love often comes out of the blue.”
“I might not know about that, but I do know I’m not having five kids!”
“Okay, fair enough. That you might have some control over.” She lowered her voice so that Marley and Joey couldn’t hear her. “But I sure wouldn’t mind having a few with AJ.”
“You should ask him out.” Blu’s eyes widened. “That’s a great idea! You guys would be perfect together.”
“Uh, I don’t think so. I’ve seen the way that you look at him.” Maddie shook her head. “In my mind, that man is taken.”
“Wait a minute! I don’t look at him in any special way. If you see something, it’s probably because he reminds me of someone. I just can’t place who. Anyway, he’s not taken. He’s the opposite of taken. I’d love to see you happy with someone, and AJ seems like a great guy.”
“So, why wouldn’t you ask him out?” Maddie frowned.
“We’ve talked about this. I like the way my life is right now. I went through that dating and looking for a husband phase. Now I’m rather settled into the idea of being free to live my life how I choose. Is that really so wrong?” Blu finished her snow cone.
“Maybe not wrong, but I don’t know if I believe you.”
“Believe me or not, but if you don’t go after AJ I can guarantee you that one of these young nannies will.”
“Ouch, good point.” Maddie wiggled her eyebrows. “He’s not going to be on the market long.”
“Blu, can I have another?” Marley smiled at her with bright blue teeth.
“Oh, no, I think we better get you home to brush your teeth.”
“Oh, yes!” Maddie laughed. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow?”
“Absolutely.” Blu stood up and rounded up the kids. “Hopefully things will be calmer.”
“Hopefully AJ will be there to supervise.” Maddie winked at her.
Blu only laughed as she herded the kids out the door.
Chapter 6
On the way to the car Marley started to cry.
“Marley, what’s wrong?” Blu looked down at her.
“I left my favorite pail at the beach!”
“Are you sure?” Blu frowned. “I thought I cleaned everything up.” She sighed as she realized that she’d been in such a rush, she might have overlooked the pail.
“I know I did. It’s there. Someone will take it!” Big tears rolled down Marley’s cheeks.
“Oh, sweetie, we can get it tomorrow, can’t we? We’ll be back there in the morning.”
“Someone will take it!” Marley wailed.
“Alright, alright. Let’s go back to the beach. I’m sure it will still be there.”
She hustled the kids into the car and drove back to the beach. Most of the kids had cleared the area, but the experts were still there.
“Stay out of their way.” Blu did her best to steer the kids away from the roped-off sand. She knew that the more she tried to keep them away, the more they would want to wander over there, but she hoped that she could find the pail before that happened.
The pail was not in sight at first. Blu scanned the beach area that they’d occupied earlier.
As she looked over the beach she noticed a woman who stood several feet away from where the experts were working on their sand. She wore a huge floppy sunhat, big sunglasses, and a flowing sundress. She reminded Blu of a cross between a movie star and a spy. The woman stared, not at the beautiful water, but at the three experts working on their sand sculptures.
Blu spotted the pail not far from where the woman stood. She hurried toward it. As Blu approached, the woman turned and walked away in the other direction.
“There it is!” Marley barreled past Blu and scooped up the bucket, which just happened to contain a large amount of cool water that splashed all over Blu’s shins and feet.
Blu yelped with surprise. “Marley!”
“Sorry.” Marley giggled.
“Quiet, please!” Bianca shrieked. “I’m trying to chant!”
“That’s it. We’re done with the beach today, kids.” Blu shook her head and escorted the kids back to the car.
All that afternoon the kids drew pictures of what they might create in the sand. Blu enjoyed listening to them banter back and forth about their ideas and other sculptures that they’d seen. Maybe the experts were difficult to deal with, but the kids were still having a lot of fun.
“How did it go this morning?” Rachel walked in with a pile of mail in her hand.
“It was good.” Blu nodded. “The contest should be interesting.”
“Great. Marshall said he’ll definitely be here, so I’m excited. But it’s probably best not to mention it to the children until we know for sure.”
“I understand.”
“How about you, Blu? Want the night off? I’m home and would love to snuggle up with the kids and a movie.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Any time I can get with them makes me happy. Besides, this is your summer too. I want you to have the chance to get
out and have some fun. I hear there’s a bonfire down on the beach tonight.”
“Oh.” Blu swallowed hard. She couldn’t imagine trying to blend in with all of the young nannies and locals that would be there. “Thanks, Rachel.”
“You really should go. I know it may seem like you have all the time in the world now, but trust me when I tell you that time is fleeting.”
Blu nodded and smiled at Rachel. It was kind of her to be concerned. But Blu still didn’t think that she would survive the bonfire.
After Rachel and the kids were curled up on the couch, Blu texted Maddie to see if she was going to the bonfire.
Will be there, and so will AJ!
Blu frowned. That was even more reason not to go.
But maybe Rachel was right. Summer only lasted so long, and Blu would soon be back to juggling homework, extracurricular activities, and play dates. It was a life she loved, but it often didn’t leave her a lot of free time for herself. Of course a bonfire was not her idea of fun. Still, she thought it would be best to get out of the house as Rachel requested.
It wasn’t always easy living with another adult in the house, even if she was paid to be there. At least Maddie would be at the bonfire, which meant she was bound to have a little fun.
As she left the house she actually experienced a brief surge of excitement. The moon was on the rise, the weather was a perfect balmy temperature, and she could already smell the bonfire in the air.
She made her way to the edge of the beach. In the flicker of the firelight she could see several familiar faces. None of them were Maddie.
Blu lingered by the entrance of the beach. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to break into the party without knowing if Maddie was there. She pulled out her phone and dialed Maddie’s number. As she waited for her to answer, she heard a cell phone ring nearby. She turned in the direction of the sound and found Maddie walking toward her—with her arm linked through AJ’s.
Blu lowered her eyes, as for a split second an embarrassing amount of jealousy rushed through her. What was that? She couldn’t even think it through, as Maddie slung her arm through Blu’s.
“Ready for some fun?”
“I think so.” Blu smiled.
“It’s good to see you, Blu.” AJ tipped his head toward her. “Maddie found me restocking the bar and insisted that I join in on the fun.”
“She has a knack for that.” Blu laughed. All traces of jealousy disappeared as fast as the fire snapped out a few embers.
“There are some beers in the cooler and I think there are some bottles of wine floating around too.”
“Alcohol on the beach?” Blu raised an eyebrow.
“It’s a party, Blu, relax.” Maddie gave her arm a squeeze. “I’ll get us some drinks, you two find us a spot near the fire.”
“Will do.” AJ nodded as Maddie walked away.
Chapter 7
Blu glanced over at the clear blue water. She clasped her hands behind her back and tried not to pay attention to the fact that AJ was right beside her.
“We don’t normally allow it, but with the sandcastle competition there’s a lot of people that are in from out of town—it’s just one night.” AJ shrugged. “What’s a little bending of the rules?”
“You mean breaking the law?” Blu looked over at him. “I guess that’s not a big deal to you, since the law will not come down on you, huh?”
“Wow, wait a minute. Slow down.” He laughed. “I requested and received permission from the police chief—like anyone else could. He offered to provide added security for the event, just like he would for anyone, Blu.”
Blu lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
“No, you just assumed I was a criminal.” He leaned a little closer to her. “Or at the very least not a very good bartender.”
“I really didn’t mean that.” Blu sighed. “I guess I’m used to dealing with kids.”
“So now I’m a kid?” AJ crossed his arms.
Blu looked up at him with a frown.
“No, that’s not what I meant at all.”
She noticed that AJ’s lips seemed to be quivering. It certainly wasn’t cold on the beach. Had she offended him so much that he was about to cry? Just when she was getting ready to apologize again, AJ broke out laughing.
“I’m sorry. Man, you’re always so serious. I just wanted to joke around a bit with you—thought maybe I could make you smile.”
“That wasn’t very nice.” She grinned.
“But it worked.”
“Well, if it’s fun you’re looking for, Maddie is the right girl for you.”
“Maddie? Sure she seems like fun.” AJ shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“She’s very fun. She always keeps me laughing.” Blu walked toward the fire with AJ a few steps behind.
“Here you go.” Maddie joined them at the fire. She handed them each a bottle of beer and opened one for herself.
Blu pretended to take a sip. She wasn’t much for drinking, especially in public places. But she didn’t mind blending in.
“Thanks.”
“Thanks a lot, Maddie.” AJ took a swig of his beer and squinted at the firelight. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“You know what it’s perfect for?” Blu smiled.
“What?” AJ looked over at her.
“A nice long walk on the beach. Don’t you think, AJ?”
“Yes, it is.” He stepped closer to her. “Is that an invitation?”
“It’s more like a suggestion. I’m a bit too tired for walking, but I’m sure Maddie would be up for it.”
“Oh?” AJ blinked. He looked over at Maddie. “Is that right?”
“Sure, I’d love to take a walk.” Maddie grinned.
As they walked off together Blu felt a sense of relief. No matter how hard she tried to shake it, she couldn’t ignore the feeling that AJ felt familiar to her. It was like he was a long-lost friend.
By the time Maddie and AJ returned from their walk, the fire had died down and Blu had had her fill of small talk.
“Well, this was fun. I think I’m going to head home.”
“Already?” Maddie pouted.
“I know, I know. But I’ve got the class early in the morning, and to be honest, I’m really tired.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.” AJ unwound his arm from Maddie’s.
“Oh, actually I didn’t drive. I walked.”
“Then I’ll walk you to your house.” AJ tilted his head toward the dark street. “It’s a bit late to walk home alone.”
“I think I’ll be fine.” Blu smiled.
“I insist.”
“You insist?”
“Blu, it’s really not a bad idea.” Maddie finished her beer. “There are people drinking on the beach. There may be people driving drunk. What’s a little company hurt? Right, AJ?”
“That’s right.” He nodded.
“Alright, you can walk me to the end of the block. Will that be safe enough?”
“I suppose it will have to do.”
Blu gave Maddie a quick hug, then she and AJ began to walk across the beach to the parking lot.
She tried to think of something—anything—to say, but AJ’s presence seemed to be making any clear thoughts impossible. Why?
“Thanks for the escort, AJ.”
“It’s my pleasure.” They reached the other side of the parking lot. “I’m looking forward to seeing Joey and Marley’s sculptures.”
“Me too. They’re really excited about it.” Blu glanced over at him. “I can take it from here. I’m sure that Maddie is waiting to share another drink with you.”
AJ paused and looked over at her with a quirked eyebrow. “Why do you keep mentioning Maddie?”
“Do I?” Blu smiled in what she hoped was an innocent way.
AJ’s expression remained stiff with his jaw locked. He drew his hands out of his pockets and folded his arms. “You do. You keep encouraging me to spend time with her.”
> “Is there something wrong with that? Maddie’s an amazing woman—and she’s fun. Why wouldn’t you want to spend time with her?” Blu’s words were muddled by her own confusion.
“I’m sure that Maddie is amazing. I’m sure that there is nothing wrong with her. But no, I don’t have any interest in spending time with her.”
“Oh.” Blu blinked. His tone was rather cold. She hoped that Maddie hadn’t gotten too invested in the idea of dating him. “I’m sorry. I guess I just thought—you’re single, she’s single, and—well, it seemed like a good match.”
“Did it?” He raised an eyebrow and unfolded his arms. As his arms fell back to his sides he took a single step in her direction.
The movement caused Blu’s cheeks to flush for a reason she couldn’t explain.
“Yes, otherwise, I wouldn’t have encouraged it. I’m sorry, I guess I was mistaken. Maybe you’re already seeing someone?”
“No. No one.” His posture relaxed. “I’m a little selective about who I spend my time with. You know, the summer crowd, groupies or romantics, not much in between.”
“I guess.” Blu frowned. “I should get going. It’s late.”
“Which is why I should walk you.”
“But I thought you were selective about who you spend your time with?” Blu grinned. Her words were an attempt to lighten the mood that had become strained between them.
AJ didn’t crack a smile. Instead he slid his hands back into his pockets and rocked forward some on his toes.
“I am.” He met her eyes. “I’d be more than happy to walk you home, Blu.”
Chapter 8
Blu stared at AJ as her mind caught up with their conversation. Was it possible that he was trying to indicate that he wanted to spend time with her? She was so rusty when it came to the dating game that she couldn’t be confident in her ability to read the situation. She felt her cheeks growing warm as she looked away from him.
“Like I said, I’m fine to walk home. But I appreciate the offer.”
