Page 71 of Beautiful Crazy
“And he’s already gone?” Charley asks.
“Yeah, he flew out a few hours later.”
“I hope she’s okay.”
“Me too. I’m sure she’s going to be fine, but I can’t imagine finding something like that out and being all the way across the country from my mom. It probably added to his stress.”
“Do you know how long he’s gone for?”
I shake my head, taking a sip from my straw. “No, I haven’t heard from him yet today. I’m sure it’ll depend on how badly she’s hurt.”
“Mom, look!”
Shielding my eyes from the sun with my hand, I look out toward the beach where the kids are having their ownlittle picnic. The grill’s back patio area opens up right to the beach, which makes it convenient for moms like us who want to enjoy a girls’ brunch while the kids play. We can keep an eye on them while they still get to feel like they’re hanging out alone.
Sutton’s smile is wide and bright as he shows me the kite he’s got floating in the air. They’ve been working on getting their kites airborne since we got here, and he’s the first one to do it.
“Good job, babe!” Glancing across the table at Grace, I ask, “How was your date last night?”
Her face scrunches up, which tells me all I need to know. “It went okay, I guess. Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse.”
“What didn’t you like about it?”
“You know how it goes.” She rolls her eyes. “First dates are awkward. The conversation often feels forced, and I don’t know. I just didn’t feel that spark with him, you know?”
“This is exactly why I’m more than fine staying single for a while.” Georgia laughs dryly. “I’m sorry it didn’t go as well as you wanted it to.”
Grace has been single for a while, but lately I can tell she’s getting tired of it and is more than ready to put herself out there again. She’s always been somewhat of a hopeless romantic, hence why the divorce of her high school sweetheart hit her so hard.
“I’m sure the right guy will come along… eventually.” Grace chuckles. “I also don’t even really know what I’m looking for, if I’m being honest. Do I want to just have some casual fun? Am I wanting a relationship? Am I ready for that?”
“A little casual fun couldn’t hurt.” I shrug, thoughts of Everett and what he admitted last night coming back to me. “You’ve never been with anybody other than Ethan, so figuring out what you like and what you don’t might be good for you.”
Breathing out a sigh, she takes a drink. “It’s intimidating,” she admits. “And I think I’m too far in my head about it. The last time anybody other than Ethan saw me naked was back when I was a hot, skinny cheerleader who had boobs up to my chin, and now I’m a divorced single mom who looks like I was rode hard and put away wet.”
Laughter bubbles past my lips before I can stop myself. “Oh, please,” I choke out. “Grace, you are gorgeous and the furthest thing from haggard.”
Grace frowns, and I want to pull her in for a hug. “Logically, I know you’re right, but it’s just… daunting.”
“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Georgia says in reference to the dating app Grace downloaded. “It’ll happen, but I’m proud of you for getting back out there.”
“What about you?” Grace asks Georgia. “I haven’t heard any fun sexcapades from you in a while. You going soft on us, big sis?”
Georgia doesn’tdateper se, but she does get laid quite frequently. I’ve always admired my older sister for how she prioritizes her needs and the things she wants. She has a strong personality and she’s not afraid to use it, especially when it comes to men—and the occasional woman. She’s got some of the best sex stories.
“Nah, work’s been pretty crazy lately, so I haven’t had time for much else.”
“Boo, that’s boring,” Grace pouts, and I laugh.
“I’m going to that book convention in Charlotte next weekend, though,” Georgia adds. “I’m thinking of downloading an app while I’m there and finding somebody hot to spend the night with.”
“What about you, Char?” I ask, turning my attention to our friend quietly listening to it all.
“Not a damn thing is happening in this corner,” she mutters with a laugh. “It’s cobwebs up here, and I plan to keep it that way. However, I did just purchase the best damn vibrator I’ve ever used.”
“Well, cheers to that!”
We all laugh, taking a drink as our food gets dropped off. Right as I start eating, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I somehow already know who it is before I even look at the screen. A smile tugs on my lips as I realize I’m right.