Page 16 of Just Like That

A laugh burst from my chest and I sighed as I sat up to keep a closer eye on him. He was cautious, but I knew he wasn’t a strong swimmer, and I didn’t want him getting too far without me.

A soft laugh floated next to me, and I looked over to see the pregnant woman smiling at Teddy’s back. “For what it’s worth, I think you did the right thing”—her head gestured toward Teddy dipping a toe into the lake—“letting him make the choice on his own.”

The woman was gorgeous, with brown hair piled on her head and large black sunglasses shielding her eyes. Her two-piece swimsuit was bright yellow with little ruffles at the hip. Her exposed belly was very pregnant as her left hand stroked across it.

I smiled at her. “I’m still kind of figuring it all out.”

The brunette nodded. “We all are.” She leaned toward me and held out her hand. “I’m Lark Sullivan. That’s Penny.” She pointed to the little girl I’d seen kicking the waves earlier. Lark rubbed her belly. “This is Ethan.”

I shook her hand and smiled. “Pleasure. I’m Hazel and that’s Teddy.” The woman’s name sparked a memory as I thought about the kind, silly firefighter from yesterday. “Sullivan? Any relation to Lee? Firefighter ... mischievous smile ... ?”

Lark nodded. “That would be Lee. He’s my brother-in-law. You know him?”

I smiled again. “We met yesterday. Teddy took off on a little adventure of his own and wound up at the fire station. He and a few of the crew there kept an eye on him until I could get him.”

“Oh ... so you’re JP’s mystery woman.” Lark sat at attention and scooted forward.

Heat traveled up my neck, and I was certain my cheeks were stained red. I swallowed hard as JP’s words from the night before rattled in my brain.

If the neighbors can’t hear my woman scream, then I’m not doing my job right.

My uncomfortable laugh passed between us. “Definitely not his woman, but wow—news travels fast around here.”

She looked at me over the rim of her sunglasses. “You have no idea.”

Lark continued to look at me, though I didn’t get a sense of judgment. Only pure, unbridled curiosity. It was practically oozing from her perfect, poreless face.

“So you know JP King?” I asked.

Lark watched her daughter play in the waves, and we shared a smile when Penny invited Teddy to play with her sand toys.

“Everyone knows everyone in this town—at least, if you’re a townie. But the Sullivans and the Kings have a unique, generations-long history. The families are old-time rivals, but we’re also kind of family now. The men still pull petty pranks on each other from time to time, but it’s mostly harmless.” She swatted a dismissive hand between us as she continued, “Since Russell King was arrested for the murder of his wife Maryann, things have been quiet. Deep down I think we’re all working together to find a happy ending to such a heartbreaking story. It’s a trauma bond, I’m sure. Ha!”

The uncomfortable laugh burst from her chest at the end of the ramble, and I simply blinked at her as my brain ping-ponged with all the information she had thrown at me.

It was ...a lotto take in.

I had seen the reports in the news about prominent businessman Russell King. His fall from grace had made headlines after he was accused of harming his wife, who had disappeared over two decades earlier. In fact, it was one news station that had made a passing mention of his son, John “JP” King, taking over their business, that was the final piece to finally finding Teddy’s dad. Olive’s letter had mentioned the Michigan town and the name JP King.

Clearly it was a sign.

Had it not been for that café with the news turned up too loud, I might never have had the guts to set out and find him.

The universe had been looking out for us, that I knew for sure.

I squinted at the sun, wondering whether Lark might reveal more information about the elusive grump. “Well, would you like to hear my side of it?”

Lark squealed and scooted closer. “Would I ever!”

I liked Lark. She seemed like the kind of woman you could confide in. Olive had always been my best friend, and the pain of knowing that, despite our bond, we never really knew each other stung.

I could be a better friend next time.

Maybe I could start with Lark.

SIX

JP