Lakehouse

Chapter 8

I'm so surprised to see them. Parker and Catherine look equally shocked.

Parker's mom smiles at me. "Hi Kam."

I smile back. "Hi Christy."

His dad, Jack, gets off the couch and wraps his arms around me. I knew I always liked him. "I'm so sorry my dear." He whispers quietly.

Parker's older sister walks over to me and shakes my hand. "I can't remember if we've met, but I'm Juliette."

I shake her hand. "I'm Kameron."

"And this is my husband Harrison."

"Nice to meet both of you."

While they are talking with Catherine, I slide over to Parker.

"How did they know we were here?" I whisper to him.

He tries to make himself look busy. "I'm not totally sure. Maybe Chase's parents told him."

I sigh. "They have luggage..."

"I'm sorry Kam. I know you wanted this to be relaxing. I'll try to get them out."

"No, no. It's fine. They're your family. And with everything that's happened, we should be with people we love." I run my fingers through my hair.

He nudges me with his shoulder. "Thanks."

He clears his throat. "You guys must have left pretty early, are you hungry?"

Christy nods. "Please.",

Juliette wanders over to me. "I'm really sorry about Chase."

"Just awful." Harrison chimes in.

"Thanks." I try not to sound annoyed.

Christy eyes me. "So why did run away and bring my son with you?"

Parker glares at his mom. "I wanted to come." He says through his teeth.

Catherine plops down next to me. "We all wanted to be here for each other while we deal with this."

Jack pops a grape into his mouth. "Well that's great."

His mom forces a smile. "So P, how is the writing going?"

"Fine mom." He says sharply.

"Are you still liking New York?" Harrison asks.

Parker shrugs. "I wish I was in Chicago."

"Well, Chicago has some great publishing houses." Juliette sits down on Harrison's lap but watches Parker intently.

"I know. I might move home."

"Oh honey, that would be so wonderful. You could move back in with us!" Christy says excitedly.

"No." Parker snaps.

I don't remember his family dynamic being this tense.

Parker finishes cooking. "Lets eat."

We all endure a very uncomfortable breakfast filled with empty conversation.

After we eat, Catherine and I sneak out and walk over to Stephanie's house.

"Do you guys want something to drink?" She asks as we walk through the mansion.

Catherine shakes her head. "No thanks, I'm good."

"Me too."

"Well it's a beautiful day, we should go sit outside."

We follow her through the house and out onto her back patio.