Chapter 75

When Garth got no comment on his revelation, he started up the motorcycle and rode off toward the back of the resort, ignoring his parents, who seemed accustomed to such treatment. Just then Kendall Sutherland emerged from the lobby with his folks, coming along like some knight to rescue Jennalee. “Kendall,” she called, jumping up as he came over, pulling his gray wheeled suitcase.

“Hurry up,” his father commanded.

“Hi, Lee,” the boy said when he reached her.

She threw her arms around him. “You were so great with Daniel,” she said, kissing his cheek. “I was totally impressed and I know it meant the world to him, poor kid. How was he at the police station?”

“Polite. He said Noel had crossed the line, but he wouldn’t give them anything more so they backed off. He’s a tough kid.”

Harley stood, offered his hand which Kendall shook. “I’m proud of you, cuz. See you next year.”

Kendall nodded, gave Jennalee a long look, and said, “Next year.” Then he joined his family, who loaded the car and drove away.

“Is he a close cousin?” Jennalee asked Harley.

“Yes. His father Dean is my mom’s brother so he’s a first cousin, the real thing.”

“That makes it all the better,” said Jennalee.

As they spoke, a motorcycle approached and soon Garth drove up to them. “What the hell, man?” he said.

“You missed all the excitement last night,” Harley told him. “There was a fire.”

“So my stuff is ruined?”

“I got our clothes out. They’re wet and smoky, over in the trailer.”

“Shit,” said Garth.

“Hey, at least they’re not ash,” countered Harley.

“How’d it start?” asked Garth.

“Noel’s kid set the room on fire. He was trying to kill his father.”

“Wow, did Noel make it?”

“He’s in the hospital. Smoke inhalation. He was lucky.”

Garth blew out a sigh. “Which kid was it?”

“Daniel, the ten-year old. He confessed to the cops, but he’s released for now.”

“Man, I don’t believe it.”

Garth may have spoken to Harley, but he kept his eyes on Jennalee. Harley made a point to gradually move between them, knowing what his brother could wreak on girls. Jennalee was grateful for the intrusion because Garth had been looking at her thatway, reminding her she’d given herself. What made it worse was she couldn’t recall why she’d done such a stupid thing.

“Hey, Dad,” Garth suddenly called. Earl Laidlaw, who already had his eyes on his son, didn’t move a muscle. “I think I need to blow out a fuel line,” Garth continued. “She’s running a little rough.” He then wheeled his bike over to his father, who opened the trailer and took out a tool box. Jennalee wondered what all they had in that little trailer. It seemed bottomless.

With Garth occupied, she felt her embarrassment drain away. She sat back down on the fountain’s brick edge, this time scooping up a handful of water to splash on her face. A second splash, and then Harley was beside her. “He’s an asshole,” he said.

Sutherlands were now spilling out of the lobby. “Look,” Jennalee noted. “It’s Lorene. Is that her husband?”

Lorene wore magenta capris and a white tank top, while the man with her kept to the traditional look, a green polo over khakis. He looked worn; she looked like an actress stepping onstage. “Vaughn’s already left,” Jennalee said to Harley. “Why’s she acting like that?”

“Like what?”

“You know, like she’s the belle of the ball, like it’s some grand entrance.”

“Except it’s an exit,” Harley noted.

“Okay, grand exit. Look at her, parading around.”

Lorene was saying goodbye to various people while her husband, who appeared to have once been nice-looking, took their bags to a dark blue Mercedes. Harley and Jennalee were watching them when Troy Southerland came over with Carl.

“Harley,” he said, extending a hand which Harley stood to take. “Good to see you and I hope you do well at your competition. You’re the one with the talent in this family, you know. The rest are just moneymakers, which in the long run is nothing.”

“We’re proud of you,” Carl added, offering his hand.

“Thanks, guys,” said Harley. “That means a lot. I plan to blow ‘em away at the competition.”

“Let us know, okay?” said Troy. “Post it on Facebook. Tell the world. Brag. You never do that and you should.”

“You’re right. I’ll make a point.”

“Lee,” Troy said, turning to Jennalee, who got up. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you and you’re also one talented lady. You guys are the perfect pair.”

Jennalee couldn’t help but beam at somebody seeing what she saw, especially a gay guy. “Thanks,” she managed, overcome by such heartfelt words. Surprising from a Sutherland, but no, he was a Southerland. Maybe there was a difference. She’d have to think on that.