Fearless - Fern Michaels Page 0,54

idea where Rosalee is? Do they talk? Text?”

“No. Her parents forbade her to have any contact with him.”

“They’re legal adults now—can’t they make that decision themselves?” Anna’s heart broke for Patrick and Rosalee.

“I suppose they could, but as far as I know, Rosalee has moved on. I asked Patrick about it once, and he left me with the impression he was over her, but I don’t think he is. And maybe he never will be. That’s why he spent all of his free time holed up in his room these past two years.”

She remembered his story from the ship, and she could have sworn he had said Patrick spent his entire four years of high school hiding away, but it was easy enough to allude to two years as four, especially in a situation like Patrick’s, worried about his son’s future and knowing that his entire life might’ve been different had he not fallen in love at such an early age.

“That explains why you sent him to so many therapists,” she said. “I’m guessing he’s depressed?”

“Yeah, he’s been on a few medications, though none really helped him. Now, I’m duty-bound to see that he gets to college. After that, he can do whatever the hell he wants. I’m sure it will be something to spite me,” Ryan said, disgust in his tone.

“I can’t imagine he’s too enthused about much, when he was left in limbo, not having any say in a very crucial decision that obviously has deeply affected him. Though look at him. He’s like a shark.” They turned their attention to Patrick, doing lap after lap in the pool.

“They called him ‘Sean the Shark’ in school. Sean is his middle name. Funny you picked up on that.”

“Well, it’s true. Watch him.” Anna had never seen such precision, speed, and grace. He was meant to do this, she thought. Later, if things progressed, she planned to give serious thought to Patrick’s future as a swimmer, and if she could help him, she would. Such wasted talent.

“I’m glad you invited us. This is a major milestone,” Ryan said. “I knew he missed this,” he added.

“He’s welcome to come over anytime and swim,” Anna said. “He’s like one with the water. I could watch him all day, but I’ve been rude.” She stood up, holding her hand out to indicate he should stay. “Ginger ale?” she asked.

“You read my mind.” He smiled as he watched her.

“Be right back,” Anna said, going to the small refrigerator and taking two bottles of ginger ale and two glasses. She filled both glasses from the ice maker. Her mini outdoor kitchen was great at times like this, and even more so, you couldn’t see it as it was hidden behind a fancy wall away from the pool. She’d set up the grills early this morning, and the smoky mesquite scent was putting her in perfect party mode. She would film this one day, when her life was calm and settled. She adored playing hostess.

She’d sent Jeb and Mona for booze, for even though she wasn’t much of a drinker, she did like to have it on hand. Lubbock County was partially dry, but there was a strip of liquor stores located on a stretch of Tahoka Highway, just outside the city limits. They should be here any minute, unless Mona had to make a pit stop at Walmart, which was highly probable given her love for the supermarket giant. She would spend hours roaming the aisles if you’d let her. Lucky for all of them, she usually went alone, but this was a holiday weekend, and more than likely, she’d find something on sale that she just had to have or something Christina needed. A crazy T-shirt or a pair of shorts that barely covered the cheeks of her butt, as she would say. Dear Mona, Anna thought, as she returned to the table. What would I do without her?

“Here you go.” Anna handed him the glass, along with a napkin.

“All fancy, I see,” Ryan said, taking the glass from her.

“It’s habit, what I do,” she commented, sitting down beside him. She pushed her chair closer to the table in order to get beneath the giant umbrella. The hot Texas sun was shining as brightly as a ball of fire. She used her napkin to wipe the perspiration from her forehead. She’d twisted her long hair into a topknot and wore a yellow tank top with white shorts. The coolest outfit she had that was