“Mom, I’m twenty-three years old. I don’t think you need to know my everywhere abouts.” Spencer spat out, not sounding like herself.

“Well it’s just you invite your girl friend along and then completely ditch her. I never raised you to be rude.” I noticed Spencer flinch at the mention of “girl friend” and no matter how ridiculous she may have been acting I had to come to the rescue.

“Oh, don’t worry about it Paula. I told her to go on ahead, while I set up the tent.” I looked over at Spencer to find her playing with her food and managing to look everywhere but at me. “Right Spence?”

“Mhm.” She responded lamely.

I shook my head and continued to eat my food. Spencer didn’t even touch hers, beside to play with it.

“Sooooo.” Clay said, thankfully breaking the awkward silence. “Chelsea and I have something we’d like to share with the family and considering you’re all here.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Well here it goes.”

Just then Clay grabbed Chelsea’s hand from under the table to reveal a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. I smiled to myself, while the rest of the family went ecstatic over the great news. I looked over at Spencer who was too smiling, but unlike her family, I could see right through its fakeness for I knew what she was truly thinking.

“That’s great honey!” Mrs. C said, placing kisses on both Clay and Chelsea’s head.

Paula must have noticed Spencer’s slight distress, because within seconds she was by her side.

“Don’t worry baby girl, someday you’ll meet the right guy and you’ll be the one flashing the ring.” I heard Paula whisper in Spencer’s ear, only loud enough for her to hear, before kissing her cheek.

Spencer then quickly jumped to her feet and sprinted down the beach.

“What is her problem?” Mrs. C looked to Mr. C and he shrugged, while giving me a quick look from the corner of his eye. “Was it something I said?” Paula was truly clueless.

“I’ll be right back. Great dinner Mr. C.” I patted the dark haired man on the back then jogged down the beach to catch up with Spencer.

Good thing I am required to run for the police academy, because running in the sand is not exactly a stroll in the park.