Reunions
"Archer William!" My best friend Caydence yells chasing her two-year-old up the beach.
I snicker shaking my head at them. I wonder when she will learn. We have guests arriving in an hour and it will take her about that amount of time to talk him into leaving here.
"We have to go!" She shouts completely defeated.
"Don't want to mama." He pouts.
"Grandma and Grampy are arriving shortly. Don't you want to see them?" She asks him putting her hands on her hips.
"Can they come here?" He asks.
"I'll give you five dollars and ice cream." I shout. This perks him up as he races up the sand to me.
"Really Calla?" She huffs.
"Desperate times, my friend. Desperate measures." I hand the five bucks to my nephew and pat his head.
"Ice cream!" He cheers.
We stop to the ice cream stand on the way home. We had to upgrade from a two bedroom to a three which puts us on the outskirts of the beach now. Win, win. I push the door open and breathe in the air conditioning.
"Bath!" Caydence shrieks which sends him running again. This time his father scoops him up and hangs him upside down.
"Daddy." He giggles.
"Bath." Collin says sternly, setting him on his feet again. Asher marches to the bathroom and Caydence follows behind. "Ice cream and five bucks?" He asks making me grin. "Evil woman." He sighs.
"It works every time." I shrug plopping down on the couch. "How are we doing on time?"
"Enough for you three to clean up."
"The apartment ready?" Our parents rented the three bedroom upstairs for the summer.
"Should be. I have the key so we can make sure."
"I'll let you do the honors. I need a shower." I wrinkle my nose making him laugh at me. I head to my room which has a seperate bathroom in it. Starting a shower, I step under the spray and feel all my muscles relax. I took the two weeks off that my parents will be here so it's one less headache for me.
When I get out of the shower I put on a yellow sundress and matching strappy sandals. I curl my hair into loose curls and apply makeup. I meet Collin in the living room where I see Caydence struggling to dress Asher. Sighing I take over so she can get ready.
I manage to dress him, apply shoes and comb his hair all while he watches his cartoon program. Apparently Collin is consumed by talking trains too. When Caydence comes out I cat call. She's in a white sundress with flip flops. Her hair is straight hanging down her back and her makeup is on point.
"God, I am a lucky bastard." Collin whispers making me smile. Before anyone can move the doorbell rings and I hold my breath suddenly hyper aware of everything.
