Page 80 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"I thought you were going to Florida next month."

"We decided to put that off. The plane tickets are so expensive right now."

She hated the idea that her parents were scrimping on vacations and plane tickets when they'd invested a chunk of money in her business.

"We'd rather just drive up and see you," her mom continued. "Maybe around Mother's Day. Do you think you'll have any rooms open?"

She pulled up the calendar on her computer. She wished she could say she didn't, but the inn was only half-full that weekend. The real rush to the lake would come June through August, when the summer heat was a big draw. "I have rooms available."

"Great. I'm trying to talk Grayson into coming as well."

"What about Nathan?"

"Who knows where he'll be. Adam told me about his accident. It doesn't sound too serious. Have you talked to him?"

"No," she said, realizing she'd meant to send Nathan a text, but she hadn't. "I'll see if I can get a hold of him."

"I hope you can. I've texted him. But other than sending me back a thumbs-up emoji, he had nothing else to say. I hope he's having fun, but I worry about him. It doesn't seem smart for him to take so much time in between jobs. But I can't really complain, because he's self-supporting and seems to enjoy his life."

"He does seem to have a good time," she agreed.

"I just hope you stay in touch with him, Lizzie. Even though he's not the best at calling or texting back, I think he needs to hear from us. He needs the connection to his family."

"Why would you say that?" she asked curiously. "He's always been so independent."

"True, but he's also the middle child. Adam and Grayson were tight. You and Chelsea were close, and Nathan got lost sometimes. I think that's why he likes to pretend he doesn't need anyone."

"I never thought about it like that," she said slowly. "Nathan was always the funny guy in the family. He never seemed to have a care in the world."

"That's what he wanted everyone to think, but I suspect his constant wanderlust is because he's looking for a place to belong. That makes me a little sad, like I didn't do enough."

"You did great. All your kids know you love them," she assured her mom, reminded once again how lucky she was to have not just one parent but two who cared deeply about her and her siblings and their family unit. Justin's parents might be brilliant medical professionals who had saved countless lives, but they hadn't been aware of what was going on in their own family, especially when their kids were young. Her mom was still worrying about her brother, and Nathan was in his thirties.

"You always make me feel better, Lizzie," her mom said. "How is everything with you? Are you seeing anyone? Or is that a silly question? I'm beginning to think that inn will be the closest thing I get to a son-in-law."

"You're getting Brodie. Focus on that."

"I love Brodie. But I want all my kids to find their special someone, including you. I know you're busy with the inn, and it makes you happy, but work isn't everything. Oh, why am I wasting my breath? I know where your priorities are right now, and that's on building your incredible business. Dad and I can't wait to see what else you've done with the place."

"I can't wait to show you," she said, hoping by the time they came in May some of her problems would be behind her. Because the last thing she wanted to show her parents and her investors were the stack of bills in front of her. "But, Mom, I have to ask…"

"What's that, honey?"

"You were looking forward to Florida, to seeing your friend Linda. Is it a money thing? Do you need some of your investment back?"

"Oh, no. We're fine. We'll go to Florida another time. Don't worry about us. We'd rather come to the inn and see you."

"If you're sure."

"We are. Now, have fun tonight."

"I will. Bye." As she ended the call, her gaze moved from the bills to the packet from Falcon Properties. She really didn't want to think about selling the inn. But if she failed at keeping the inn running, there were a lot of people she loved who were going to suffer a loss right along with her. Her mom had told her not to worry, but she couldn't help but be concerned. It wasn't just that her parents weren't going to Florida, but that she found herself wondering what else they were putting off because their money was tied up.

She stared at the folder for another long minute. She wasn't ready to look at their offer yet.Was she?

* * *

Justin didn't get done talking to Maxwell until after eleven. After two hours of intense discussion, he'd finally won him over, and the deal was done. With that verbal agreement, he'd checked in with Anthony to fill him in on next steps. By the time he ended all that, it was after one, and he was starving. The beach picnic for the eclipse wasn't starting until four, and he needed some food. He also needed to see Lizzie. He wasn't sure which hunger was bigger.

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