She looked up, startled. "Good morning," she said, clearing her throat. "Did you sleep well?"
I shrugged and dropped my towel onto the chair next to hers. "I guess," I said.
My mother shaded her eyes with her hand and looked up at me. "Are you and Taylor having fun?"
"Tons," I said. "Buckets full."
"Where is Taylor?"
"Who knows?" I said. "Who cares?" "Are you two fighting?" my mother asked casually. "No. I'm just starting to wish I hadn't brung her, is all."
"Best friends are important. They're the closest thing to a sister you'll ever have," she told me. "Don't squander it."
Irritably I said, "I haven't squandered anything. Why do you always have to put the blame on me for everything?"
"I'm not blaming you. Why must you always make things about you, dear?" My mother smiled at me i
