Page 65 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“Um, yeah.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, Mom.” She looked at Sadie, unsure what to do. Shrugging, she opened the bathroom door and stepped out into the hallway. “All’s good.”

But her mother’s narrowed eyes seemed to negate that statement. Isla flipped Ellie’s hair behind her shoulder as she arched an eyebrow.

Shit.

“Did you leave Sadie in the bathroom?”

Ellie felt her cheeks blush. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

She knew her mom well enough to know she wasn’t mad. The playful smirk as she opened the bathroom door and motioned for Sadie to come out told her that much. Sadie looked as embarrassed as Ellie felt. Never did she think hermomwould find them making out.

“Sorry, Isla.”

“It’s okay, Sadie.” Isla smiled softly at them. “Ellie isn’t the first daughter I’ve caught making out in this bathroom and I doubt she’ll be the last.”

“Wait,” Ellie shook her head, laughing, “what?”

“Oh, yeah, go ask your sister about that.”

“I should probably get back to my moms anyway.” Sadie expertly excused herself as Ellie stayed back with her mom. Who, if the smirk on her face was any indication, was enjoying the moment a littletoomuch.

“You’re not gonna tell Mama, are you?”

“You want me to lie to my wife?”

Ellie sheepishly smiled. “What if I said please?”

Isla laughed, pulling Ellie into a hug. “Oh, baby girl. Mama already knows. Who do you think told me you and Sadie snuck off together?”

“She really missed her calling to be in the FBI.”

“You’re telling me.” Putting her arm around Ellie’s shoulder, Isla led her back over to the table. Ellie sat between her parents, not missing the bemused look on her mama’s face as she patted her leg.

“I told your mom she was going to have to lock those bathroom doors.” Vera winked at Ellie before pulling her into a hug to let her know she was teasing.

Note to self: we’ll have to be more careful in the Cape.

Chapter 22

Sadie

Sadie had always been a light packer. She’d once gone to a softball camp with only a backpack. Her go-to summer clothes were shorts and tees, which, in theory, meant she usually was a light packer.

However, that wasn’t the case when packing for Cape Cod.

Not only did she have no idea what to wear, she was going to be there for aweek.While Ellie and her family were planning to stay another week, Delaney had said she could only stay for a week. Her mom claimed the Mackenzies would want family time without her there. Sadie didn’t feel like arguing with her. After all, if for some reason the trip didn’t go well, she knew when her mom was picking her up.

That was if Sadie ever got her bag packed. Her duffle bag was currently sitting way too full for a six-day trip, and yet Sadie still didn’t feel she had anything to wear. Ellie had told her they usually just hung out around the house and to bring comfy clothes and a bathing suit. But Ellie had also mentioned they might go out to dinner—whether alone or as a group Sadie hadn’t clarified—so she wanted to be prepared for that too.

“Ugh,” she groaned as she stuffed a pair of khaki shorts into the bag. They would have to work for dinner out because she was running out of time to be ready.

While most of the Mackenzies had already gone to the Cape, Vera, Mason, and Chase were going a day later. They’d offered to pick up Sadie, as there wasn’t room in the other cars going. Sadie was glad Chase was going to be in the car, otherwise she knew Mason would hound her about her and Ellie.

Who am I kidding? Mason will still tease me.

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