One Summer

27

Jenna and Jack were sitting out on her rear deck with their mugs of coffee when the music started up. The deck flooring really did appear to vibrate.

“Now do you see why I need the soundproofing?” she asked, covering her ears.

Jack nodded and laughed. “Yeah. I get it. We finally had to get Mikki to start practicing at another kid’s house back in Cleveland. Even with that I’m not sure I can hear out of my right ear.”

“The long-suffering parents of musical prodigies. Want to carry our coffee down to the beach? My head is already hurting.”

They strolled along the sand together. It was well after eight but still light outside. A jogger passed them heading in the opposite direction, and an elderly couple were throwing tennis balls to a chubby black Lab. As the dog ran after a ball, the man and woman held hands and walked along.

Jenna eyed them and said, “That’s how it’s supposed to turn out.”

Jack glanced at her. “What?”

She pointed at the couple. “Life. Marriage. Growing old together. Someone to hold hands with.” She smiled. “A fat dog to throw balls to.”

Jack watched the old couple. “You’re right, it is supposed to turn out that way.”

“So your wife grew up here?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that why you came down here? Memories?”

“I guess so,” Jack said slowly. He stopped and turned to her. “And my wife planned to bring the kids down here this summer. So I thought I’d do it for her. And I wanted to see the place too.”

“You’d never been here before?”

Jack shook his head. “My wife had a twin sister who died of meningitis. They lived here for a while longer. But then I guess it just wasn’t that... um... good,” he finished, a bit awkwardly.

“I’m so sorry.”

They started walking again. She said, “So how’re the kids dealing with the move and all?”

“With three kids, they all sort of handle things differently.”

“Makes my job seem simple. I’ve only got one.”

“Well, Mikki is pretty independent. Just like her mom.”

“She seems fantastic. Liam is not easily impressed when it comes to music.”

“She and I butt heads a lot. Teenage girls. They need... stuff that dads just aren’t good at.”

“I feel that deficiency with Liam too, just on the flip side.”

“He looks like he’s doing fine.”

“Maybe in spite of me.”

“So you’re divorced now?”

“Long time. Right after Liam was born. My ex moved to Seattle and has nothing to do with him. I just have to put it down to my poor choice in men.”

“How’d you manage college and law school with a kid?”

“My parents were a huge help. But sometimes I’d take Liam to class with me. You do what you have to do.”

Jack stopped, picked up a pebble off the beach, and threw it into the oncoming breakers. “Yeah, you do.”

Jenna sipped her coffee and watched him. “So are y’all just down here for the summer?”

“That’s the plan. Look, I’ll write up that estimate and get it to you tomorrow.”

“I tell you what. Why don’t I just give you a check tonight to help cover the materials and you can get started.”

“You don’t want an estimate?” he said in surprise.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I trust you.”

“But you don’t know me.”

“I know enough.”

“Okay, thanks for the coffee.” He smiled. “And the trust.”

“Stop by the Little Bit again. Have to try the killer onion rings.”

As they walked back, she said, “I really am sorry about your wife.”

“Me too.” Jack glanced back at the old couple still walking slowly hand in hand. “Me too.”