There was a new stone patio, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, and enough
chairs for every cousin, grandchild, aunt, and uncle we could gather.
I arrived carrying potato salad and a bottle of lemonade.
Natalie hugged me at the door.
“Mom, you actually bought a swimsuit?”
“I did.”
She smiled.
At least, she smiled then.
An hour later, I removed my linen cover-up.
Natalie’s expression changed immediately.
“Mom.”
“What?”
She lowered her voice.
“Seriously?”
I looked down.
“What?”
“Could you please cover yourself?”
For a second, I thought she was joking.
Then I saw her face.
“There are twenty people here.”
My cheeks burned.
I knew exactly what she meant.
The scar.
The wrinkles.
The body she thought should remain politely hidden.
I reached for my cover-up.
That was when Aaron stood.
“No.”
Natalie frowned.
“What?”
“If she has to cover up, then so do I.”
Before anyone could react, he pulled his T-shirt over his head.
