Page 30 of Trouble Walked In

“Uh-huh.” She took another sip. “When she first got here, Della seemed tired. Now that she’s rested a few days, I’d say she seems lonely. And sad.”

“Lonely. How could she be lonely? She’s surrounded by people all the time.”

Carrie looked at him, all trace of amusement gone from her eyes. “The loneliest place on earth is in a crowd if it’s not the right people.”

“It sounds like you speak from experience.”

Carrie shrugged and took another sip of her wine. “Anyway, Lizzie’s spent the past few days trying to figure out what’s wrong and come up with nothing, so good luck to you.”

“Thanks.” He tipped his glass at her. He’d need all the luck he could get.

Chapter Nine

Lizzie held the back door open and waited for everyone to go inside for dinner. Twinkle lights now dripped from every branch and bush they could reach around the lawn and the wedding arch. The sun had set and the lights were on, making the lawn feel like a fairy bower. “Thanks, everybody. It looks fantastic. The bride will be thrilled.”

Mark patted her shoulder. “I pulled the tent out of storage just in case, but hopefully we won’t need it. It would kill the effect.”

“I checked the forecast,” Lizzie said. “There’s a small cold front coming tomorrow, but it’s supposed to clear off fast. It should be decently warm and sunny this weekend.”

“Good. One less thing to worry about.” Mark passed through the door.

Lizzie put a hand out to stop Della before she followed the boys inside. “Della, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Della looked at her with curiosity. “Sure.”

Lizzie let the door shut so they’d have a little privacy. “Renic is staying here. He checked in this afternoon.”

“I thought you kicked him out?”

“I did.” Lizzie pursed her lips. “Then he made a reservation under a fake name and paid the deposit.”

“Cancel it.” Della didn’t sound concerned. “Refund the deposit.”

“I can’t.” Lizzie couldn’t believe she was in this situation. How had she let this happen?

“Why not?”

Lizzie winced. “I spent the money.”

“So?” Della looked confused.

“I can’t give him what I don’t have, Della. I paid the plumber with Renic’s deposit. There’s nothing left.”

“Oh.” Della waved her hand as if that were the least of their concerns. “I’ll give him the money, then you can make him leave.”

Lizzie’s pride itched at the offer. She was supposed to provide for her sisters, not the other way around, and she wouldn’t take advantage of them, no matter how much she needed the money. “No. I told you your money is no good here.”

Lizzie opened the door and gestured for her sister to go on through.

Della didn’t budge. “Why the hell not?”

“You’re my little sister, not my bank manager. That’s why not. It’s a temporary cash flow issue, not a permanent situation. Besides, I honor my commitments. He's paid to stay, so he stays.”

“Youhateasking for help, don't you. I don’t think I realized quite how much until right this second.” Della tilted her head to one side. “You’d rather let Darth Renic stay under your roof than accept help from your little sister.”

Lizzie sighed in exasperation. “I don’t care what you say. I’m still not taking your money.”

Della brushed past her into the house. “Fine. But I’m not playing nice.”

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