She’d been so wrapped up in her own problems and Theo’s, she’d not really taken the time to see how Logan was. He looked like he needed to talk, and she wanted to be there for him. Not everything needed to be taken personally, she reminded herself. Logan’s mood was about what was happening with him, not her. She was of no use to herself or Logan if she forgot that. Trust was not something she was used to giving, but she was getting there with Logan.
The lake was overcrowded, so she dove in and swam out a ways to get away from the masses. She floated on the cool surface of the lake, letting the stress go as the water supported her. The sky above was brilliant blue. It was time to let go and relax. The sounds from the beach faded and her mind cleared as she drifted with the gentle current. Being in the water had always soothed her, a place she could escape, and just float.
From the distance, Shelby saw another lifeguard come to relieve Logan for a break. She swam back and toweled off while he stood waiting for her.
"Tell me something good,” he said, his lopsided, dimpled smile back.
“The dog park is reopening tomorrow, and Wally's doing so much better."
"I'm happy to hear that,” he said.
His smile was warm, but his eyes were still listless. The dark circles under them told of the sleepless nights he’d had, much like Shelby’s.
"How’s it been since your dad left?” she asked.
Logan sighed before meeting her gaze. "Not good.”
“Do you want to talk about what’s going on?"
Logan took her hand. “Let’s take a walk where it’s more private.”
To avoid the crowds, they walked up the trail Logan had shown her before. The towering trees provided a shady retreat, and a large boulder provided a quiet place to sit.
“It’s been tough at my house the last few weeks,” Logan said.
Shelby squeezed his hand. “Tell me what’s going on. I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you much lately.”
“No worries,” he said. “You’ve had a pretty full plate yourself.”
Shelby waited for Logan to open up to her.
“According to my mother, my dad won’t be joining us much, if at all, the rest of this summer. He is, and I quote, ‘On an extended business trip to the San Juan Islands near Seattle.’ Some international clients are flying him out in a private plane for meetings. Like we're supposed to believe that? It's the middle of summer, and that's one of the most beautiful places on Earth to vacation. He said he might not always have reception. What's he going to be on, a yacht? Even they have reception.”
“I’m sorry."
Hurt and anger had shattered Logan’s usual lighthearted demeanor. He continued. "My mother has her doubts, too. She’s been walking around in a daze, not eating, barely sleeping. I think she's worried that he's not coming back this time at all."
"Would he do that?" Shelby asked.
"Who knows what he would do? My birthday is coming up, and he didn't even remember that."
Logan looked disgusted. She felt terrible for him and for Iris. "Maybe I can help somehow,” she said, putting her hand over his. “I know what it's like to have a parent that's difficult to deal with.”
"Do you?” Logan said. “Your mother sounds fairly easy compared to my dad."
"Well, she's not," Shelby said. "Just because she's not a jet-setter running all over the world with big clients doesn't mean she's any easier to deal with. You have no idea what my life has been like.”
Logan apologized profusely. "I didn't mean it like that. I’m sorry. I'm just worried about my mother. I can hear her crying through her bedroom door and I feel so helpless. And Gabe is constantly talking about wanting a dog as if it would replace having a father. Everything is so on edge and I feel powerless to fix it."
“It’s not your job to fix it, believe me,” Shelby said. “I’ve tried with my mom. They are the parents. Sometimes we have to put ourselves first.”
He put his arm on her shoulder. "You are the wise one. Tell me about your mom."
Shelby told him about her mother, the dark times, and the pending demand for Shelby to join them in Florida.
Logan put his arm around her shoulders. “Will you go?"
"I don't want to," Shelby said. "I'm tired of leaving places. Do you have any idea how many times I've moved in my sixteen years?"