Page 49 of Surfside Sisters

“So how long will you be here?”

“Forever. I’m not going back to the colony.”

“Isabelle, listen to yourself. The colony has nothing to do with the fact that Gordon broke up with you. The colony is about your writing.”

“Well,you’vebeen writing, haven’t you?” Isabelle demanded.

“Um, yes.”

“So I can do it, too. I can write at home. And be with all the people I love.”

They talked for an hour. Isabelle calmed down. “I’m going to pack now.”

“Okay. If you’re sure. I still think you should talk to someone in charge at the colony. Someone wise.”

“Wisdom isn’t going to bring Gordon back. I don’t need wisdom. I need comfort.”

“I’ll see you in a couple of days,” Keely told her.

—

Keely texted Tommy and he came to her house at midnight. He smelled of beer and the cigars the guys smoked at their poker games and he was slightly tipsy. Keely met him outside on the porch so they wouldn’t wake her mother.

Tommy ambled up toward her with a big grin on his face. “So why the urgent message?” He put his hands on her waist, pulling her toward him.

Keely put her hands on his chest, gently pushing him away. “I’ve got something enormous to tell you.”

His eyes lit up. “You’re pregnant?”

“Tommy, I sold a novel. I’m going to have my novel published and they’re going to pay me and I’m flying into New York tomorrow to meet with Sally Hazlitt, my agent.”

“How much money are you getting?”

Keely hedged that topic. “Money’s not even the point—”

“We could make a down payment on a house.”

“Maybe. Maybe we could. But, Tommy, listen, this is a very big deal! I’m going to have a novel published!”

“Yeah, I’m happy for you, babe. I get it. So how long will you be away?”

“I’m not sure. Two days, maybe three.”

“When you get home, I’ll take you to dinner at the Chanticleer to celebrate.”

Tears sprang to Keely’s eyes. “Oh, Tommy, thank you! You don’t have to do that, but I’m so glad you want to do that.”

“Crap, Keely, don’t you know I want you to be happy? Just because I never read many books doesn’t mean I can’t understand about you writing one.” He pulled her close again. “I’m proud of you, babe. I’m glad for you. I just wish you didn’t have to go away.”

“I won’t be long,” Keely said.

“Tell me when your flight is. I’ll take you to the airport.”

Keely wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him thoroughly. She was grateful for his understanding, and she was high on her fabulous news, and right then at midnight with Tommy’s arms holding her close, she thought she was the luckiest woman in the world.

—

The next morning, Keely wheeled her roller suitcase into the hall.

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