“Me either.” Although she'd said the words, Laurel felt a hesitation. Adam's face with his appealing smile and captivating blue eyes flashed through her mind. She closed her eyes and willed away the image.
“Did you?” Robert asked, then added, “Laurel?”
“What? I'm sorry. What did you say?”
“I was wondering if you brought a swimsuit?”
“Yes, of course.” She tried to focus on the passing countryside, but her mind wandered back to Adam. Maybe he's at the Olympics. She glanced at Robert. “Have you ever thought of going to the Olympics?”
“The what?”
“The Olympics. You know, where people from all over the world get together and compete in different sports.”
“Oh. No. I'm not much interested.”
Laurel was unable to imagine someone not being interested in an international event like the Olympics.
Robert slowed and pulled in alongside several other cars parked at the lakeshore. “Looks like there's a crowd today. Everyone's trying to get in a last swim before summer ends.” He climbed out, quickly came around the truck, and opened the door for Laurel. “I'm looking forward to your mama's fried chicken.”
“It's the best,” Laurel said, grabbing her towel. She stuffed it under one arm and held Robert's hand as they walked to the lake. Will and Jean were sitting on a blanket beneath a tree. “Hi, Mama. Daddy. It's warm out, isn't it?”
“It nearly is. Nothing like we used to get in Madison. But I s'pect for the valley, you might call it a scorcher.” Will chuckled.
Jean kept an eye on Susie who toddled along the waterline, splashing in ankle-deep water. Falling on her bottom, she giggled. “That little girl has no fear.”
“She loves the water,” Robert said.
Brian raced up from the lake and jumped into the middle of the blanket. “I'm hungry. Laurel and Robert are here. Can we eat?”
“Yes,” Jean said with a smile. “We can eat.” She opened the picnic basket, then set out chicken, biscuits, a jar of pickles and pickled beets. She called to Luke. “It's time for lunch. Bring Susie with you, please.”
Luke splashed water at Mattie, dunked her, and headed for the beach. Then he scooped up Susie and raced Alex and Mattie for the blanket. The three teens dropped onto the spread.
“Are those pickled beets?” Robert asked.
“Yes.”
“I love pickled beets.”
Will removed the lid and held out the jar to Robert. “Have as many as you like. Jean makes the best I've ever tasted.”
Robert took several slices and ate them, then licked red juice off his fingers. “I ought to get the recipe for my mother. She'd like these.”
“I'll write it down, and you can take it home to her,” Jean said. “I thought it was my fried chicken you were really crazy about.”
“I like that too.” Robert took a chicken leg and bit into it.
Laurel's good mood had faded. Robert seemed to care more about food and recipes than he did about things like the Olympics. What are we going to talk about for the next fifty years? Stop fretting. We have lots in common. He's just being nice to Mama.
Robert took another piece of chicken.
“How's the house coming along?” Will asked.
“Good. I've got the interior walls set, and I'm working on the roof. We ought to have the whole house finished in another six or eight weeks.” He winked at Laurel. “It should be ready in plenty of time for our wedding.” He took her hand. “By the way, Mama found some material for curtains when she was in town. She wanted to show it to you.”
“But I've already got material.”
“I know, but Mama liked it so much that I told her it would be all right. I hope you don't mind.”
Of course I mind! Laurel thought. Tension settled over the group. “I guess if she has her heart set on it,” Laurel conceded, giving her mother a helpless look.
Jean offered a sympathetic smile.
“You want to go for a swim?” Robert asked Laurel.
“Right now? We just ate. I thought you were supposed to wait at least thirty minutes.”
“We won't swim hard. And you barely ate.” He stood and held out a hand to Laurel.
She took it, allowing him to help her to her feet. Laurel didn't feel much like swimming, although the lake sparkling beneath the sun did look tantalizing. “Let me get on my suit,” Laurel said, heading up a path leading to a small dressing room. The short walk made her feel better, and so did Robert's admiring stare as she came out of the bathhouse.
Fed up with her changeable moods, Laurel was determined to have a good time. She raced Robert for the water and didn't slow down as she stepped into the lake. Its icy coldness sent spikes up her legs and into her body. Squealing in delight, she kept going.
Robert waded in beside her. As soon as the water reached his waist, he dove in. When he surfaced, he pushed his hair out of his face and smiled at Laurel. “Come on. Dive in.”
“No. It's too cold.” Shivering, she held her arms close to her.
“Either you do it, or I'll do it for you.”
