Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia Page B

and go home for the day.”
    Catylen shook her head. “I agree the girls shouldn’t be here. But neither should you. The police are equipped and trained to handle these type of situations.”
    “It’s something I must do.” Jezzica pressed her lips tightly together.
    “Yeah, I know your mind’s made up, and when you decide something, there is no arguing with you.” Catylen stormed back into the shop.
    Jezzica scooted in the door behind her sister. “I have to do this. But for now, let’s all go home.”
    Back at the cottage, Tasha and Lauren were quick to change and head out to the shore. Jezzica gave Rusty some demanded attention, as her sister stared out to sea. “Have you heard from Mike?” Jezzica wanted to ease the hurt in her sister’s eyes.
    Catylen shook her head. “After Lauren walking in and finding what she did, I don’t expect to hear from him. I contacted an attorney. Remember Carl Weaver?”
    “I heard he’s one of the best. Have you talked to Dr. Ellie?” Jezzica stretched out on the lounge chair.
    Catylen raked her hair back, secured it with a band she pulled from her pocket, and lay back on the lounger across from her sister. “Not about this. The marriage is over, and I’m ready to carve out a new life for myself.”
    Tasha popped up the steps onto the deck. “I’m going to make lattes. You want one?” She nodded at her mom and aunt.
    Jezzica smiled at her niece. “Trying a new flavor?”
    “I’m thinking tropical and beachy. Something with coconut and pineapple.” She sashayed into the cottage.
    “The hard part is telling the girls. It’s difficult failing in front of your children.” Catylen dabbed at the tears that slipped down her cheeks. “So what did you decide about seeing Dr. Ellie?”
    “Still considering it.” Jezzica put her feet over the side of the chair and sat up. Her heart hurt for Catylen. Her sister had always put the needs of Mike and girls ahead of her own—she was a terrific wife and mother.
    “Go for it. She’s awesome.”
    Jezzica stood and walked to the railing. “Are you going to continue seeing her?”
    “With the decision about the divorce made, I think it would help.” Catylen focused on her sister.
    Tasha returned with a tray and set it on a table between the loungers. “Thank you, sweetie.” Catylen pick up a mug.
    “The pineapple smells heavenly.” Jezzica picked up a cup and sipped a little foam off the top.
    “I have a thermos. I’m going to take it down to the beach. It’s actually cool down on the sand.” Tasha retraced her steps and quickly reappeared, toting a large beach bag and headed down to the shore.
    “Think I’ll get my shower.” Jezzica moved toward the door.
    “Okay. I’m going to walk down and visit with the girls.” Catylen stood and straightened her skirt that had shifted around. “Let’s order in pizza.”
    Jezzica nodded. “Good idea. No cooking and little cleanup.”
    “Hurry, you’ll miss the sunset.” She heard her sister’s final words and smiled.
    By the time Jezzica rushed upstairs, and then returned, Catylen and the girls had lit candles and set the table. Jezzica loved having her nieces visit. They were young and full of vibrant energy. Oh, how she remembered being that age. A longing to experience being carefree again settled in her stomach so forcefully it became an ache. What a difference the past few years had made—they had stolen her whole world. “I’m sorry. Did you say something, Lauren?”
    “I offered you the last piece of pizza for your thoughts.” Lauren tossed her hair back over her shoulder and smiled at her aunt.
    When had her nieces grown into perceptive young women? “Sweetie, my thoughts wouldn’t even rate a pepperoni.” Jezzica pushed back from the table. “If the three of you don’t mind cleaning up, I’m going for a walk.” She zipped down the steps, ignoring her sister’s protests that walking alone wasn’t a good idea.
    The sky was filled with shades of