who was ten years older than Autumn, and the woman Autumn thought was her Nana had come to be her family instead.
But Autumn didn’t need her world to be torn apart right now. She was pale and had lost weight, and she was so exhausted that she had dark circles under her eyes. What she needed was peace, love, consistency, support and plenty of rest so that she could heal.
Once again, Mary had chosen to keep her mouth shut. But she knew Autumn was curious about her father. What if she got it in her head to take one of those ancestry tests that were advertised on TV all the time?
Mary was about to go back when the door swung open and her granddaughter came out wearing a visor, sunglasses and a bikini with an orange sarong tied around her hips.
“There you are,” Taylor said when they almost collided. “Mom up yet?”
“She’s having breakfast.”
“It’s not like her to stay in bed. Is she sick or something?”
“No. She’s lost a lot of sleep over the past eighteen months and is catching up, that’s all.”
“Okay.” She anchored her bag on her shoulder so she could pull her ponytail tighter. “Caden just texted me. Said he’s met a group of kids our age at the beach and wants me to come down.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“We’ll see.” She didn’t seem completely convinced. “They need me to make the teams even for volleyball.”
“It’s always nice to meet new people.”
“Except... I didn’t come here to make friends. I just want to be left alone.”
Obviously, Autumn wasn’t the only one who needed to heal. “That’s understandable. Grieving makes it hard to socialize. But the right friend can help you through the worst of times.” Mary was speaking from experience. She had no idea what would’ve become of her had she not met Laurie when she did.
“That’s hard to believe,” she grumbled. “I’m so tired of the friends I have.”
“You’ve known a lot of them for years. What don’t you like about them?”
“Everything they say and do seems lame.”
“They haven’t experienced what you have.”
“I guess. Anyway, will you tell Mom where I am?”
“Of course. She’ll be in before too long.”
“Thanks.” Her ponytail bounced as she whirled around, clutching her beach bag, and Mary had to wonder how the secrets she’d guarded for so long might impact her grandchildren.
She battled a sinking feeling as she went inside to finish cleaning up. She was convinced they were all better off not knowing, which was why she hadn’t told them.
Hopefully, they’d have at least one more summer just as they were. After what’d happened to disrupt their lives already, she thought they deserved it.
* * *
The group Caden had met consisted of three girls and three boys. Taylor could see them lounging on the sand not far from one of the volleyball nets strung across this portion of the beach. The ball itself sat next to a tall, skinny dude with red curly hair and turquoise swim trunks.
Caden was far more outgoing than she was, so he was usually the one who made new friends and then introduced her. Although she’d never admit it to him, she appreciated that she had someone to make that process a little easier, but she still hated the part at the beginning, when she didn’t know someone and it was awkward and uncomfortable.
Once she realized that she’d be meeting more kids than she’d anticipated, she probably would’ve chickened out and turned back, except her brother spotted her right away, jumped to his feet and came jogging over.
“These guys are cool,” he said as he reached her and took her bag. He knew from experience that she was often resistant when it came to unfamiliar settings and people, that he had to ease her into it, so he’d gotten good at it. She guessed he’d taken her bag as a way of committing her, since she’d have to ask for it back if she changed her mind.
“How do you know?” she grumbled, eyeing them warily. “You’ve barely met them.”
“We’ve already played one game.”
She slanted him a glance. “Really? One whole game?”
He ignored the sarcasm. “You never like anyone until you get to know them. Give these kids a chance, will ya?” He lowered his voice. “Besides, the girls are hot. I could really use you as a wingman. Chicks always feel more comfortable when a guy’s got his sister around.”
“Remember that you owe me a favor the next time we’re arguing over who will ride shotgun,” she