Crazy Little Thing Read Free

when I finally joined them on the beach later that evening. Jasper had gathered some chairs in a semicircle so we could watch the sunset near the water. He and Dody were there, waiting with the kids.
    “I was putting things away,” I said.
    She put her hands on her hips and frowned. “You’re always putting things away!”
    “Darling, would you and Jordan find me some bird feathers?” Dody interrupted. “If you do, I’ll make you each a dream catcher.”
    Paige nodded and skipped away, pulling Jordan with her.
    Jasper gestured to a beach chair. “Have a seat. Want a beer?” He reached into the red cooler sitting next to him in the sand.
    I couldn’t recall the last time I’d had a beer. The women of Glenville didn’t drink beer. They sipped expensive chardonnay from delicately stemmed goblets. Of course, most of them polished off the entire bottle in one sitting to wash down their Prozac. And by them, I mean me.
    But I was officially on vacation. Time to kick back and relax. “Sure, I would love a beer. Thanks.”
    No sooner had I taken the bottle from one cousin’s hand when the unmistakable melody of my other cousin rang out.
    “Free at last, baby girl! You are free at last!”
    Fontaine, Dody’s younger son, galloped down the deck steps two at a time, his lime-green shirt unbuttoned and flapping in the breeze. His dark hair was artfully gelled into place and he sported a dashing new goatee. He kissed the air next to my ear. “You look fab, Sades. Broken heart agrees with you.”
    “Thanks, Fontaine. You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
    He smiled, flashing unnaturally bright teeth, and flexed a slender bicep. “I know, right? I’ve been doing yoga with Mom.”
    Jasper choked on his beer. “It’s revolting to watch.”
    Fontaine twitched a dark brow. “You’re just jealous because I’m so bendy.”
    “Right. If I ever need to stick my head up my own ass, maybe I’ll join you. Here’s a beer.” He tossed it to Fontaine, who caught it with a flourish.
    “Boys, play nice,” Dody said, extending her leg and wiggling her foot. “Fontaine, do you love my new flip-flops? I got them for a steal at the dollar store. They were a dollar.”
    “What are the odds?” Jasper mumbled, immune to the thrill of finding cute, cheap shoes.
    “Sparkly, Mom. Good find.” Fontaine plopped down into a beach chair and I did the same.
    The sun glowed orange, casting light and shadows across the sand. It was nearly time to tuck my kids into bed, but Paige was giggling, tossing feathers into the air and watching them float downward. Jordan was poking at a dried clump of seaweed with a driftwood stick. Maybe just this once they could stay up late. Tomorrow we could establish our bedtime routine.
    “Fontaine, tell Sadie about your magazine interview,” Dody said. Then she turned to me. “He was interviewed for a magazine, Sadie. Isn’t that exciting? It’s all about his new interior design job and how everybody is doing fong shewy.”
    “It was a blurb, Mom.” Fontaine sipped his beer.
    “Nonetheless, it was very flattering.” She dabbed moisture from her eyes. “You’ve got your fancy decorating job, and Jasper works at such a nice restaurant and has a beautiful girlfriend. You are both doing so well.” Her voice caught with emotion. “Walter and I are so proud of you.”
    “Have you been talking to Dad again?” Jasper’s tone was as dry as the sand.
    “Not directly, of course. But my spiritual advisor has. She’s very wise.” Dody lifted her foot again, admiring how the sun reflected off the sparkles of her one-dollar flip-flop.
    “Wise enough to swipe your money and tell you gibberish. If she’s so good at communicating with Dad, ask him where he left the good rake.”
    “He can’t be bothered with such trivial, earthbound questions,” she answered.
    “Why? It’s not like he has someplace else to be,” Jasper responded.
    “Oh, phooey. I’m not discussing this with you anymore. Sadie,