Page 12 of Escape to the Sun

“This is the heart of Casa del Sol. We call it grande casa. The big house.” She swelled up in pride while she spoke, and with good reason as far as Heather could tell. The place was beautiful. It was rustic, and perfect for the jungle landscape, but at the same time, the decadent finishings made the large room feel cozy and welcoming.

“All our guests gather here for meals, drinks and…well, just for everything.” Sherri walked over to a large polished plank of wood that hung from the ceiling. “Our hanging table.” She gave it a push so it swung gently. “It truly is the heart of the place. I hope you feel at home here.”

There was no way she couldn’t. Heather took a minute to walk through the space, letting her fingers trail along the rail that opened out to the ocean directly beneath the building. With the shutters open, it was only a three-sided building, which allowed the trade winds to flow through, keeping it cool. At the back of the room was a large bar that looked well stocked. The other side of the room held a mixture of padded benches, cozy-looking chairs, and hammocks strung up from the open beam ceiling. Paintings and handicrafts hung on the walls, and as the sun set further, small LED lights that looked almost like stars came on to give the space an even more magical feel.

Heather turned and almost stumbled over a black lump on the floor. “Oh, I didn’t see you there.”

“That’s Thor.”

“Thor?”

“He’s my guard dog.”

Heather raised an eyebrow. The dog certainly didn’t look like he was guarding anyone from anything. He hardly raised his massive head from his paws when Heather tripped over him.

“I know he doesn’t look like much, but you should see him handle a snake.”

“Snakes?”

“Hasn’t been one inside in years.” Sherri pointed to Thor. “Thanks to my boy there.”

“Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better.” Heather stepped around the dog and went over to the bar, where Sherri was mixing up a pitcher of something that looked delicious.

“Do you like mojitos?” Before Heather could answer, she laughed, a deep throaty sound. “Of course you do.” Sherri shook her head. “Everyone likes mojitos. But mine are the best. I make them with mint right out of my garden. There simply isn’t anything better. Is there, Ash?”

Heather whirled around. She hadn’t heard him come in. His arms were loaded down with supplies. A Panamanian man followed behind with a similar load.

“Nothing better, Sher. I’ll be ready for one in about thirty seconds.” He winked in her direction before he walked past the bar into the kitchen area.

“Leave all that,” Sherri called after him. “Luis will take care of it, won’t you, Luis?” The other man nodded. “Of course he will,” she added in Heather’s direction. “That’s what I pay him the big bucks for.”

Heather laughed and accepted the drink Sherri held out for her. She’d only been there for a few minutes, hadn’t even seen where she’d be staying, and already she knew she wouldn’t want to leave. She walked toward the rail and gazed out at the sun setting over the turquoise water.

“It’s pretty special, isn’t it?” Sherri said beside her.

“It really is.”

“And the sunset is pretty nice, too.” The older woman laughed. They clinked their glasses together and drank deeply before she put her glass down with a start. “I can’t believe I didn’t even show you your room. I swear, I don’t know where my mind is these days. I can’t remember anything unless I write it down. You’d think I’d remember to show you, though.” She shook her head, the lines on her forehead deep with concern.

“It’s fine, Sherri.” She put her glass next to the other and squeezed the woman’s hand. “I’m not in any kind of hurry. I think I’d be happy to stay right here all night.” She hoped she sounded reassuring. Forgetting small details was never a reason for concern. At least, they weren’t for Heather.

“It’s not okay, honey. I should have taken you up straight away. A girl like you needs a place to stay, to call home. A place you can rest and recover.” Her hands fluttered around her face until Heather took them in her own and squeezed gently.

“Honestly. I’m not in any rush. But if you’re ready now, why don’t you take me up?”

It took a second, but the woman’s face cleared; the panic and worry evaporated as quickly as it had appeared. “Yes,” she said, her voice once more soft and serene. “That’s a good idea. I don’t know why I let myself get worked up about these things.”

Heather picked up her backpack and followed Sherri out the back door that led to the garden, passing the kitchen and Ash, who reclined against the doorjamb as he watched them.

* * *

“What was that all about?”

Ash reclined in his chair, his feet resting on the swinging table. He’d helped himself to a mojito and was on his second glass but this time, Sherri returned to grande casa without Heather.

She retrieved the glasses that had been left on the rail, refreshed her own with ice and joined him at the table. “She’s nice,” she said, ignoring his question. “I think Heather will be good for Casa del Sol. Maybe as much as it will be good for her.”

She drank deeply, draining half her glass. Ash watched her closely. Something was not quite right with Sherri. He knew she’d tell him in her own time. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to wait. Particularly after bringing her a boat full of medical supplies. If there was something wrong, he wanted—no, he needed—to know. Sherri was the only thing remotely close to a family he had left, and if there was anything wrong, he’d make sure he fixed it.

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