“It’s green,” he said, looking at the drink in his hand minutes later. “And she used leafy things that should go in salad or not in anything.”

Ava snuffled and then slurped hers. Dylan tried his, and was surprised. It didn’t taste as bad as expected, but there was still something earthy about it.

“I played ball for the Trainers’ team today.”

“Nice.”

She may not think she was softening to him, but she was.

“So, about Zander.”

“I’m not talking about him.”

“Okay then, how’s it living at home with Mom and Dad?”

“Okay, but I need to move out as soon as I get full-time work.”

“And you want to do that in a hairdresser’s is my guess?”

She shrugged.

They walked along the boardwalk, and Dylan stopped to lean on the railing. Before them was water, gray and choppy today.

“Zander lives there. I’m thinking of moving in with him.”

Dylan followed his sister’s finger to the group of cabins across the water. He and Joe had spent a bit of time there as teenagers.

“Mom’s gonna love that.”

“I’m old enough to not need her permission.”

“Just as you’re old enough to choose what career you want without her permission, so why haven’t you?”

Ava shrugged. “I don’t know; I guess there’s always that little thing inside you that seeks your parents’ approval.”

“Ah, that little thing.” Dylan took another mouthful and discovered something lumpy had traveled up his straw and into his mouth. Shuddering, he swallowed.

“She means well, I guess, but she’s so controlling. I wanted to leave again after I came back after law school, but I just haven’t found the courage yet.”

“You can come to New York with me if you want?”

“No, but thanks. I like Ryker, I feel safe here, and I like the people. I’m not a big-city person like you and Charlie. This is home.”

“Ava, I really need you to know that when I left I was angry and hurting. I didn’t make contact because when I finally came to my senses I thought you and Charlie would be okay without me. I was wrong, and selfish for what I did, and I need you to know that and how sorry I am.”

“I hated you after I stopped missing you.” Her words were so quiet he had to lean in to hear them. “You were my hero, the one I went to when it got too much with Mom. Then suddenly you were gone. It was like you’d died.”

Dylan fought the urge to touch her. Wrap his arms around her, and hold her close. She wasn’t ready for that, and he wasn’t entirely sure he was either, but one day, he promised himself, he’d do that.