overhead. For that moment, they were both like kids again, mesmerized by the dazzling Fourth of July display.
Chapter 21
Shelby was awakened from a deep sleep by the sound of a car door slamming in the cul-de-sac. She got out of bed and walked over to the window. Carefully, she peeked out of the blinds. A low fog dimmed the early morning light, but she could still see the black limo in Logan’s driveway across the way. Iris was standing in a nightgown and robe with her arms crossed over her chest as she watched the car speed away. Logan stood beside her. He wrapped his arm around his mother’s shoulder and guided her back in the house.
Mr. DeLuca had just arrived at the lake only two nights ago for the Fourth of July party and was leaving already? Shelby had noticed a tension between him and the family, and it was not helped by Mutt showing up. She turned to go back to bed, but Scarlett was at her feet, whining to go outside for her morning ritual.
“It’s a little early,” Shelby said. “But all right, let’s go.”
After throwing on some jeans and a sweatshirt, she leashed the dog and grabbed her cell phone. Logan had looked pretty down. Maybe he would like to join them on the walk, so Shelby texted him.
Heading out with Scarlett for an early walk. Want to join us?
Shelby brushed her teeth and hair in the bathroom while waiting for a reply.
Yes. Meet you out front, he answered.
The birdsong was like a symphony overhead as they walked toward the water. The morning mist rose from the surface of the lake, warmed by the sun penetrating through the fog. Shelby waited for Logan to speak first, not wanting to pry.
They sat down on the damp sand and stared out over the water. Scarlett lay down beside Shelby and nudged into her leg.
“You’re up early,” Logan said. “Did we wake you?”
She knew exactly what he was referring to but tread lightly. “I was ready to get up soon anyway. It’s the grand opening today for the dog park.”
Logan kicked some sand with his foot. “Right, congrats. I wish I didn’t have to work.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for the scene this morning.”
“I didn’t hear anything except the slamming of the limo door.”
When he turned to her, his eyes were moist. “They fought after the guests left the party the other night, and again this morning as my dad packed to leave for another work trip. Gabe and I stayed in our rooms, but the argument was hard to miss. She was upset he was brokering deals during the party instead of being with the family. And he made such a big deal about Mutt showing up, then brought a quick end to the conversation when my mother tried to intervene. It doesn’t take much anymore to get them started. My mother ran in the house crying when he left and will probably spend the rest of the day in bed. I wish I could do something for her.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I wonder what your dad’s deal is with dogs, anyway.”
“Who knows?” Logan said. “My mom said once he’d been chased by a big black dog on his way to school as a young child. But it’s hard to imagine my dad letting that faze him.”
“Some things never cease to scare us,” Shelby said.
Logan shrugged. “I guess.”
“I’m glad we got Mutt home safe and sound that night,” Shelby said. “Gabe is a quick thinker. You’ve got to hand it to him, snatching some food for Mrs. Williams and the dog from the party.”
“He’s a great kid,” Logan said. “I just wish my dad would hang around long enough to notice it.”
Shelby thought a moment, trying to figure out what to say. “It’s hard to be happy when our parents are miserable.”
Logan hugged her in close. “You always seem to understand.”
“You can tell me anything,” Shelby said.
He titled her chin up to meet his gaze. “Thank you. And you can always tell me anything, too.”
Shelby thought about his offer. She’d never had anyone to really tell about her mother. The shame and fear of judgment had kept her holding that burden all to herself. “It’s been hard living with my mother moving all the time, no money or friends. But I can see how it can be just as hard even with all those things.”
Logan smiled. “So what is the secret to happiness do