CHAPTER FIVE

Lucy’s POV

I thought arriving here in Hawaii would reconnect us and help me unwind, but everything that happened only made me more stressed. 

“Noah, go wash up and change into your pajamas.” I told him. 

We had just arrived back at our room after shopping and eating dinner outside on the veranda. 

“Tom, can we talk?” I called out. 

“Not now, Lucy. I’m exhausted.” he complained. 

“Please.” I rolled my eyes and sighed.

He didn’t say anything and just nodded. We headed to the kitchen. 

“Tom, why are we paying for Blair’s expenses?” I scoffed. 

Since we arrived, I noticed she hadn’t paid for anything. It was very hurtful to see, especially since we had a tight budget. Not to brag, but I’d been supporting our family for years with my small salary, since his paintings were hard to sell. 

“Lucy, can we not talk about this right now?” Tom said, massaging his forehead. 

“No, Tom. Let’s talk about it now. I already agreed for her to come, and now I’m also covering her expenses. This is unfair.” I groaned. 

Tom shook his head. I could tell by the wrinkle in his brow that he was getting frustrated. 

“Blair barely eats, and like I said, she’s a close friend. She’s not some stranger. I already told you she helped me get discounts on this trip. We should be thankful.” he said, lowering his voice. 

“It’s not just about her meals, Tom. Her shopping? Her room? She’s even staying in a large room right next to ours.” I sighed quietly. “The money that we saved on the discounts are being spent on her!”

Tom didn’t respond, just shrugged his shoulders and left for bed. I took a deep breath and groaned, feeling that familiar pang of invisibility.

The next day, Blair woke us up wearing that smug look I hated the most. It was like she knew that her presence sent me and Tom to bed upset with one another most nights.

“Guys! I found the most amazing place for brunch. Like, I swear. This place is heaven. Many celebrities love to eat here.” Blair twirled her sunglasses as she spoke, the excitement in her voice bordering on theatrical. 

“Brunch?” I rubbed my sleepy eyes, my back already sore from doing everything, from carrying go-bags for the beach to cleaning up after Tom, Noah, and even Blair from time to time…

“Yeah! Brunch! Not just your basic eggs and toast.” She leaned in toward Noah, her tone dipping into something sweet and suggestive.  

Of course, I know what brunch is. I decided not to say that out loud, though.

“They serve things like truffle caviar toast, lobster thermidor, handcrafted cocktails with edible flowers. It’s exclusive. Locals only. But I pulled some strings.” 

Tom grinned. “Sounds fancy.” 

I forced a smile. “Is it in our budget?” 

Blair let out a dramatic gasp, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, Lucy. Come on. It’s vacation. Live a little!” 

Noah jumped in before I could say more. “Can we go, Mom? Please?” 

And just like that, we were walking into one of the most elegant cliffside restaurants I’d ever seen. The place was wide. White curtains fluttering, golden sunlight pouring through the open archways, the clink of champagne flutes and soft jazz in the background. Everything smelled like sea breeze and rich people. 

A hostess led us to a corner table with a breathtaking view of the ocean. I felt out of place, wearing my old sandals and a cover-up that did little to hide my body. 

Blair looked like she belonged there. Like she owned the entire place with her cinched waist, halter-top sundress with a slit that ran the length of her upper thigh.  

“This is where celebrities come when they don’t want to be seen.” she whispered loud enough for other tables to hear. 

Tom chuckled. For some reason he found entertainment in her bland remark. 

Noah bounced in his seat. “I can’t wait to try!” 

I tried to keep my focus on the menu. My fingers trembled as I flipped through. My eyes grew bigger. Everything was expensive. Even the water had a price. 

Then Blair suddenly gasped. 

“Oh. My. God.” She pointed dramatically at the centerfold of the menu, like she’d found buried treasure. “You guys. We must get this.” 

I leaned over and froze. Lobster thermidor. Three hundred dollars. 

“Blair.” I kept my voice low. “That’s way over our budget.” 

“Ohh. Okay, let’s-

Before she could respond, Noah slammed his little hand on the table. 

“I want lobster! Mom, you said I could pick today!” 

Tom raised an eyebrow at me, that same silent pressure in his eyes. ‘Don’t ruin the mood. Everyone is staring at us’.

I looked between them, Tom, Noah, Blair, and suddenly felt like I was the outsider crashing their perfect little family. 

“Fine.” I said, quieter than I had intended. 

Blair clapped her hands. “Yay! Trust me, Lucy. It’s the restaurant’s signature dish. We’re going to love it.”

When the food came out, the lobster was placed in the center like a crown jewel. Butter steamed in a porcelain pot beside it. 

“This is divine.” Blair moaned after the first bite. “Mmm. So worth it.” 

Tom wiped her chin with a napkin, chuckling. “You’ve got sauce here.” 

Then as if remembering I was sitting there, he glanced at me and smiled, his hand touching mine under the table. I was too upset to even push him away.

Noah seemed to love the lobster. I didn’t even know he liked it. He never ate it when I cooked it.

My stomach turned.  I picked at my salad silently. I didn’t touch the lobster, not a single bite. 

That night, Blair stayed late in our room, playing cards with Noah until I had to remind her it was bedtime.

“Let’s go surfing tomorrow at my secret beach.” Blair suggested before leaving. 

“Secret beach? What’s the name?” I asked. 

“Seluna Beach.” she said, clapping her hands. 

I grabbed my phone and searched for it. My stomach twisted. 

“Blair, it says Seluna Beach isn’t recommended for tourists. The tides are unpredictable—” 

“Nah, that’s just internet talk.” she laughed, cutting me off. “I’ve been there a dozen times. It’s totally fine.” she shrugged. 

Tom leaned back in his chair. “Lucy, stop worrying so much.” 

“Yeah, Mom.” Noah chimed in, pouting. “Why do you always ruin the fun?” 

I looked at their faces and knew I’d lost again. 

“Okay.” I whispered. 

The three of them lit up with excitement. I walked to the window, eyes fixed on the dark sea. I didn’t know why, but something felt wrong.