Merlin tugged on Sassy’s sleeve. “There’s a pool, Mom,” she whispered loudly. “It’s really nice here.”
Kirk could tell that Sassy was wavering. Obviously, Merlin was her soft spot. In the old days, she wouldn’t give in about anything, ever.
“Merlin, go give the cab driver some money for his trouble.” With shaky hands, she pulled her wallet from her coat pocket. “Then me and Kirk need some time. Okay?”
“So we’re not going?”
“Not just yet. We’ll see.”
Merlin took the wallet and ducked under Sassy’s arm. She skipped down the stairs. As she passed Kirk, he said, “I’ll go make some coffee. You can have the pool to yourself if you want.”
“Cool. No one better come in because I’ll be skinny-dipping.”
“Appreciate the warning.”
She disappeared through the front door, leaving Kirk and Sassy i
