Falling For Nick by Joleen James

discarded oyster shells. Beside him stood the white plastic five-gallon bucket that had been his constant companion on the beach since he'd become big enough to tote it around. The bucket had housed everything from small crabs, to shells, to driftwood.
    The day she'd seen him on the beach the light had been fantastic, the day cloudy but bright, the water a steel gray against a cold January sky. She'd been afraid she'd be unable to catch the different shades, the textures of the shells and sand and water. But to her surprise she'd been pleased with the finished work. She'd captured John perfectly, from his dark hair to the untied tennis shoes on his feet. She didn't usually display photos of her son, but in this particular shot, with his head bowed, his face was hidden from view. Even after she'd framed the picture, she'd debated showing it, not sure she really wanted to sell this one.
    The shop bell rang, and John came through the door, followed by Robert. Since Clea worked until three-thirty, Robert had offered to meet the bus, hoping to avoid a repeat of the fight yesterday afternoon.
    "Hi, guys," Clea said. The smile John usually had ready for her was absent.
    "Hello," Robert greeted, shrugging his shoulders as if to tell her he had no idea of John's mental state.
    John came to the bar and climbed up on a stool. His tousled hair made him look younger than his nine years. They hadn't really talked since last night. He'd been so angry and closed off. She'd given him some private time to digest the news of Nick's return.
    "How was school?" She watched his face, looking for a sign of how he felt.
    He shrugged. "Fine."
    "Do you want some cocoa?" she offered, hoping to soften him up. She couldn't stand to see John upset. His closed look upped her anxiety.
    "Okay."
    Another one word answer. Disappointed, Clea turned away to fix the cocoa. "Robert what can I get you?"
    "Cocoa sounds good to me."
    "Coming right up." Every bad feeling she had about Robert since Nick's return to town melted away as she made the cocoa. He'd promised to be there for John, and he was. She could always count on Robert to live up to his word. He was John's life preserver, something solid John could hang onto during this difficult period.
    "John and I are going to go and play some basketball before dinner. Toby's going to meet us at the court. Is that all right with you?" Robert stirred an extra spoonful of sugar into his cocoa before taking a sip.
    "Of course. I'm off in a few minutes anyway. I've got a nice salmon upstairs. Will you join us for dinner?" She glanced at John. "Toby, too. If he wants to come."
    John shrugged again.
    Robert gave her a smile of understanding. He knew how much John's indifference bothered her.
    "I'd love to come to dinner. Thank you." Robert tugged John's arm. "Come on, buddy. Let's take our cocoa with us. Toby's probably waiting."
    Together they left the shop. Quickly, Clea tidied up her workspace. If she hurried, she could get a walk in before Robert and the boys returned. Getting some fresh air might help to clear her head.
    She glanced over at DeAnn. The beautician smiled at her, no doubt eager to pick up the conversation where they'd left off. Well, she wasn't going to give DeAnn that chance.
    "Mitzi?" Clea called.
    "Yes?"
    "I'm leaving."
    "Gosh, is it that time already?" Mitzi came out of the office. "You okay?" She glanced at DeAnn.
    "I'm fine. I need some air." Clea shrugged her coat on. "If Robert and John are looking for me, tell them I'll be right back."
    "Will do." She walked Clea to the door. "Have a nice walk."
    "Thanks." She smiled at her friend.
    Clea left the shop and ran upstairs to get her camera. She intended to follow the line of the canal on her walk. She'd seen some blue herons earlier that morning, and hoped to see them again somewhere along the shore.
    Back on the street, the brisk air stung her cheeks. She walked, her pace fast, putting one mile, then another between her, the town, and her problems.