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boasted. Jane knocked on the door, suitcase in hand. Wyatt met her and showed her to the room they would be sharing. He then gave her a quick tour and took her up to see his parents, who were having a drink on an upper deck.
    It was the first opportunity Jane had to really see his family dynamic. It was not healthy. His father was a well-documented adulterer. His mother was the picture of the steadfast loyal wife by his side, never showing emotion thanks to her regularly scheduled Botox appointments. She was also an obsessive control freak. Jane wondered to herself if this was who Wyatt had gotten it from. She fixated on everything else around her to clearly avoid the issues of her husband. Wyatt, who was their only child, was her pride and joy and could do no wrong.
    It was clear she had political aspirations for him. It was also clear she did not share Wyatt’s view that Jane was a suitable companion for his future. In her mind, since Jane's family did not have any true wealth or power to aid her son, she was just temporary. His mother seemed to also believe that Jane was inviting the attention of her husband. Jane felt so unsure of how she was supposed to behave.
    She was only trying to be polite. She just wanted them to like her. It was discouraging to realize they would like her no matter what she did. She could also see Wyatt was becoming annoyed that she was not getting on with his parents. What was meant to be a relaxing vacation at the beach with her boyfriend was anything but. Most days were spent by the pool or on the beach. Jane had stocked up on conservative one piece bathing suits. She looked as though she had stepped out of a movie from the 50’s.
    There was a second floor deck off the den that overlooked the pool and the beach. In the mornings, they would all eat breakfast there. After breakfast, Wyatt, and sometimes his mother, would take Jane out around town. There were many quaint touristy shops that offered a multitude of souvenirs for the vacationers. Jane picked up a couple of things for her parents and Lacey. They would have lunch out, mainly seafood at local restaurants. Once back at the house, they would rest by the pool or beach until dinner. They had a chef on hire preparing the main supper meals. Weather depending, they would eat on the 3rd floor deck with one of the best ocean views.
    She felt as though she was making a very good impression. Wyatt's dad was mainly absent, constantly taking calls for work and working in his office. Wyatt's mother was still cool to her, but she hoped over time that maybe, just maybe, she could grow to like her.
    The scenery was so beautiful Jane would sit on the deck and sketch. Pad and pencil free-hands that she hoped to translate to oil or water color once back at home. She was drawing a seagull perched on a post with the beach and waves behind. Wyatt’s mother approached her once while she was sketching and mustered a “Not bad” when she saw Jane’s drawing. Jane was elated. That was the nicest thing his mother had said to her all summer. She thanked her and smiled brightly.
    “It’s nice to have a hobby,” Wyatt’s mother said, walking away. Considering this was Jane’s work, that comment was crushing. She put her supplies away and went to find Wyatt.
    It especially hurt because she had not taken the time to draw in so long. Here she thought, being on vacation, she could try to pick it back up again. Sure her nails were longer now, but she thought it was still a fair effort. Maybe it was time for her to hang it up altogether.
    She tried to stay close to Wyatt most of the time in an attempt to avoid any uncomfortable situations. One morning, when she woke up, he had gone to the store for his mother. She contemplated staying in their room until he returned. Then she heard his mother say, "Is that girl going to sleep all day?" At that, Jane decided maybe a solitary stroll on the beach would be a good plan.
    She put on her suit and a wrap and headed out