“No. Swim more!”

“We’ve got to get some lunch, and put some clothes on so we can meet people. We can swim more tomorrow.”

Noticing the quivering lower lip, Tina hoped she could get out of this one with a minimum of public disturbance. “I promise,” she added, hoping that might placate the girl.

As they worked their way towards the side of the pool, Mandy swam over to greet them. “Uh, if you’d like to talk for a few, I can swim with her.”

That was a tempting offer. “You don’t mind?”

“Not as long as she doesn’t.”

“Do you want to swim with your cousin Mandy?” Tina could have predicted the response. Especially as the girl was pushing away before the question was completed.

Letting go, Angelica swam her way to the teen and grabbed on.

“Please don’t let go of her in deep water.”

“We’ll just hang out here.” Mandy swam herself and the girl to the side of the pool and grabbed a kickboard that was on the side. “Okay, Angie?”

“Okay.” Angelica took hold of the board and immediately tried motoring away. Only to be quickly guided by the teen who grabbed hold of the board and dragged the laughing child through the water.

Comforted by seeing how attentive the teen was to her daughter, Tina slipped out of the water and grabbed her things, carrying them to where Paulette sat.

“I hate you,” Paulette said as Tina approached, wrapping herself in the robe from the room.

“Excuse me?”

“You’ve got that body after having a child.” Paulette shrugged. “It’s just not right.”

“Will you feel any better if I told you I spent a lot of hours in the gym?” Tina took a seat next to the woman, sitting where she could keep an eye on the pool.

“No. I’d rather imagine that such a state is unobtainable for mere mortals.” With that the older woman cracked a smile. “It is good to see you, honey.”

“It’s strange to be here.”

“You can say that on the best of days,” Paulette drawled.

With that the two laughed again.

“I spoke with Jane this morning,” Paulette continued. “She said you were here, but she didn’t say you’d brought the little one.”

“I want Angelica to know her family.” Tina gave a shrug. “I think.”

“She is a lovely little thing. So it’s just the two of you.”

“Yeah, just us.” Tina picked at the threads of the towel. “Probably a stupid idea.”

“I’m sure your sister appreciates what it means for you to come.”

“If Steph hadn’t called and asked me, I probably wouldn’t have.”

“I know I’m glad to see you. So’s Janey. A lot of others will be, too.”

“Thanks.” Tina looked out at the two in the water. “It’s nice of Mandy to watch Angelica for me.”

“She’s a good kid. Sometimes.” Paulette gave another laugh. “Just wait until you get to the teen years.”

“I’m in no rush to get there.”

“Mandy babysits for a few people. She’s good at it.”

“Seems to be.” Tina took a look at her phone. “But, it’s getting late. If we’re going to get in lunch and a little rest, we do need to get going.”

“So we’ll see you this afternoon?”

“I’m sure it’ll be an event not-to-be-missed.” Tina gave her cousin a hug and a peck on the cheek. “We’ll see you then.”

(end part 3)