I wasn't sleeping, I was just lying facedown on the chaise under the umbrella. In my bikini, which is getting worn out on the bum as is always the case. It's dark green and plain and my towel matches. I have a headache. I'm about to drag myself back across the lawn to my own house to maybe try and actually sleep for an hour when I feel lips against my shoulder and a hand land on the back of my head.
Neamhchiontach. Are you awake?
I shake my head but otherwise I don't move.
Why don't you come inside for a drink and cool off?
Caleb got central air. I'm jealous. Our house is oppressive in places and I have kept the curtains closed for days now but that reminds me of the time Jake left and I didn't want to see any light at all so I can't be inside. I could spring for the central air but it's usually only two weeks worth of weather cumulatively each year so it seems like such a waste. Also I have a theory that if you never manage to tolerate anything you'll always be miserable.
On the other hand, well, here I am with headaches and nausea and extreme crankiness.
He moves his hand from my head, tracing his fingers down my spine and I shiver because that's what I do. Of course he mistakes that for interest and slides his hand down over my thigh.
I hear Loch swear (record time getting across the backyard) and I look up but Caleb doesn't move.
Loch says a whole host of lovely things to him in Gaelic and I cringe. They're going to drown each other before June is over.
I roll over onto my back and look up at Caleb with a smile. Diabhal-
He puts his hands up. It was just a suggestion. I'm trying to do things to help make you comfortable in this heat. He smiles down at me as if Lochlan isn't even there.
Except that he is and he's now beside us and he shoves Caleb right into the pool.
I'll admit, it's not nearly as frightening as when he's tackled Caleb and they've gone over the cliff. One of these days they're going to bounce off the face of it and not survive. So this is child's play. I roll back over and put my head down. I just need to lie still and then I'm not too hot.
I hear Caleb get out but Lochlan's already gone back to the house. He doesn't mind the heat. Never has, never will. And frankly I don't blame him for pushing Caleb into the pool to break whatever spell he was trying to cast over me. Caleb should know better but he can't seem to help himself and has been cornering me every chance he gets.
Did you have your phone on you?
Yes, Bridget. I always seem to.
You should leave it inside.
I'll bear it in mind.
