Captain Reyes had worked from the same lifeguard station during the summers when Simon and Noah built their castles.
He did not look at me first.
His eyes went to the flag in Noah’s hand.
Then he headed directly toward the woman.
She noticed him and straightened.
The moment she saw the box, her expression brightened.
Captain Reyes stopped beside her blanket with a courteous smile.
“Excuse me, Ma’am.”
She adjusted her dark glasses.
“Congratulations,” he said. “You’ve been selected for today’s special beach presentation.”
People nearby began paying attention again.
The woman looked from side to side, checking that they were watching.
“Oh,” she bubbled. “Well. That’s nice!”
He extended the golden box.
She accepted it eagerly with both hands.
The ribbon slid free.
She lifted the lid.
Her smile remained only until she saw the contents.
“What the hell is this?” she exploded.