heart attack, it was Peter’s sudden freedom from his parents. His mom spent al her time hovering while his dad became more ornery over his new diet and restricted activity.
Peter puled on a basebal hat, grabbed his blue tooth and slid on a pair of sunglasses. “Going for a run,” he yeled as he stepped onto the deck. After a few warm up stretches, he stepped through the dry sand and punched in Libby’s number. When he hit the packed sand near the low morning tide, he broke into a jog. The salty scent of ocean air filed his senses. He loved spending time on the coast.
“You’re right on time.” Libby answered.
Peter smiled. The sound of her voice always made his day, like when a great song popped into his head. “Yeah, wel I’m stil sucking up so you won’t dump me.”
“Stop it. I’ve told you a milion times, it’s okay. How’s your dad today?”
“Better than ever. My mother’s been driving him nuts with al her attention. Every time he starts to work, she threatens to cal 911. He sees the doctor for a folow-up tomorrow. I think Mom is loving every minute of control until the doctor gives him the okay to work again.”
“That’s great he’s doing so wel.”
“Yeah, but he’s always blasting the TV. To annoy my mom, he’s been watching Charlie’s Angels movies over and over. It’s driving her nuts.” Peter loved his dad’s tactics.
“My mom loved Charlie’s Angels. She used to watch it when she was a little girl. In fact she wanted to name me Jil after one of the characters, but my Dad wouldn’t let her.” He pictured Libby as a tiny baby cradled in her mother’s arms, her parents negotiating the name that would stay with her for life. “You, a Jil? I don’t think so. Libby is much spunkier. Fits you better.”
“Plus I don’t have the Farrah Fawcett sex appeal.”
“Now there I’l disagree.” Libby was more beautiful than any movie star. She just didn’t know it, which he loved about her.
“You’re sucking up again.”
“Never!” He laughed.
“You’re breathing heavy. Where are you running today?”
“The beach.” He dodged a woman walking a fluffy little dog.
“Where are you?”
“Just arriving at Parfrey’s Glen.”
Peter loved Parfrey’s Glen. It held special memories of their times together. “I wish I was there.”
“Wel, I wish I was in Southern California on a warm beach, not freezing blustery Wisconsin. Al the leaves are off the trees and everything looks dead and cold. It could snow any minute.” He imagined her bundled up against the cold, holding the colar of her coat closed so the sharp wind wouldn’t bite so hard.
He pictured her rosy cheeks and windblown hair. “I know, but hang tough. It won’t be long now and you won’t have to live there anymore. Did you fil out the passport forms yet?” He’d been hatching a plan to get her out. If things went his way, she’d join him on tour and finish high school via home schooling like he did.
“They’re filed out, but I don’t know how we’l get them signed without a parent.”
“Don’t worry I’m working on it. Once my mom isn’t so freaked out about my Dad, I’l tel her everything. There is no way she won’t step forward and help. When she sees an injustice, she’l move heaven and earth to fix it. She’l deal with your aunt and take over guardianship.”
“Are you sure? She’s never even met me. Why would she do that?”
“Because she cares about me and she always supports everything I do. You’re part of my life and living with your aunt can’t continue.” His mom had the biggest heart and he knew she’d be moved by Libby’s sad situation. He hadn’t mentioned it before because he wanted to respect Libby’s privacy. But the more he learned about her home life, the more he worried.
“I can’t believe you’re going to get me out of here. It’s like a fairytale and your going to rescue me from the evil queen.”
“Yeah, I’l have to get my white horse out of the stable to make it complete.” He dodged a rogue wave that washed ashore and threatened to soak him.
“Shut up. You are so ful of yourself.”
He grinned at the sarcasm in her voice. “So what are you up to today?” The beach became more crowded by the minute. He didn’t expect to be recognized, but sunglasses and a hat never hurt.
“When I get back, there’s a research paper waiting. That should fil the rest of