Page 7 of Sensual Nights

"Yes, everything is fine. I sold another condo and brought Mason his keys. Quinn's letting him move in before closing so he can get out of his apartment."

"Aw, that's so sweet of Quinn. He's a good person."

"He is." Carley stared at her sister, whose appearance had changed tremendously in the past few months and it was for thebetter. She smiled at Margo and took a deep breath. "You look happy, Margo. I hadn't realized how much your appearance has changed in the past few months. You looked tired and kind of sad before. Now, you look bright, vibrant and ten years younger. Marriage agrees with you."

Margo laughed. "This marriage agrees with me. The last one, not so much."

"True. I should have clarified."

Margo sat in Jace's vacated chair and motioned to hers. "Take a seat and tell me what's going on."

Carley sat and faced her sister. "I'm selling these condos easily. I've gotten two new listings this week and I love selling real estate." She took a deep breath. "I'll never be able to thank you enough for the opportunities you've given me. I appreciate it more than you know."

Margo's smile was infectious. It lit up her entire face. "I knew you could do it. You're my sister and I want only the best for you. I'd have done anything to get you away from that loser, Don, you were living with."

Carley nodded her head. "I'm embarrassed about the years I spent with him. I must not have had any self-esteem."

Margo laughed. "Well, the same could be said of me. So, here's to new beginnings and bright futures." They high-fived in the absence of drinks to cheer with.

She sat back and listened as Margo told her about the new ideas she had for the Sandbar. She was excited and alive when she spoke of her husband, Jace, and the plans they had. Carley was happy for her sister and brother-in-law, but a little hole of sadness built in her heart and felt like a weight.

A half-hour later, Carley's phone and watch chimed. She glanced at her wrist and saw a text from a potential buyer. She grinned.

"I have someone else interested in looking at the condos. We'll have to push Quinn along to get the rest of them built, the way they're selling."

Margo laughed. "Good for both of you. And I might add, success looks good on you."

Carley laughed. "It sure does feel good."

Carley stood and Margo jumped from her chair and wrapped her in a warm hug once more. Carley was the older sister of the two, yet she was seeking comfort from her younger sister. What did that make her? She should always be the strong one. At least that's what their father would have said.

Her eyes filled with moisture, and she blinked rapidly to dry them. Margo pulled back, and the beautiful smile she'd had on her face only moments ago faded. "What's wrong, Carley?"

"Nothing."

"Bullshit."

"It's...nothing."

"I said. Bullshit."

Margo's eyes bore into hers and held.

Carley took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's stupid."

"I bet it isn't."

"It is."

"Well, I could use a little stupid right now. Then we'll both chuckle about it and move on with our day."

Carley rolled her head on her shoulders and huffed out another breath. "I guess I'm feeling a little lonely. Or something. I don't know. I'm more successful than I've ever been. I have a fantastic home. My own business. I don't know what's wrong with me. See, stupid."

Margo pulled her in for another hug. "Aww, honey. It's not stupid. I used to say the same thing to myself when Logan was on a trip, and I rattled around the house alone. I thought I was the most pathetic creature on earth."

"You did?"

"I did."

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