Page 31 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Nope,” Landon said. “But I gave him another warning. Must be his third or fourth.”

Everleigh grinned across the table at her brother while the rest of her family members laughed. It was Sunday night, and Mom had insisted that everyone come over for meatball subs. Landon and Amber were there, along with Harlowe and Branson. Everleigh had hoped to get her sister alone later so they could talk.

“What’s happening at the inn?” Amber, Landon’s girlfriend, asked.

Everleigh swallowed a bite of the sub. “I moved in last week, and I got Alana’s suite organized. I took a few bags of clothes to the donation center and brought some of her things to Mom.” She met her sister’s curious stare. “I brought you a few things too, Harlowe. I didn’t know if you’d stopped by Mom’s to get it all since you never answered my texts.” She had messaged her sister earlier in the week about a couple of bracelets she’d set aside for her, but as usual, Harlowe didn’t answer. And that silence hurt Everleigh more than she cared to admit.

“Thanks.” Harlowe lifted her glass of Diet Coke. “I meant to text back. Slipped my mind.”

“That’s okay. I’m sure you’re super busy at work.” Everleigh smiled at her sister and then turned her attention back to Amber. “How’s the fire department?”

“Busy,” Amber told her. “I keep telling Landon we’re busier than CCPD, but he disagrees.”

“There’s no way you work harder than we do,” Landon said.

Dad shook his head. “I used to hear that when I was at the police department. The age-old rivalry between the police and fire departments never ceases, does it?”

Landon looped his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders. “It keeps things interesting.”

Everyone chuckled.

After they finished supper and Mom’s scrumptious homemade cheesecake for dessert, Everleigh carried the dishes to the counter, where Amber was loading the dishwasher.

Back in the empty dining room, Everleigh found her sister standing alone by the table. As she approached, she felt the chill of Harlowe’s cool gaze.

“Is it true that you convinced Cade to sell the inn?”

“I’m so glad you and Branson came tonight,” Everleigh said.“I’ve missed you. Maybe we can get together for lunch or coffee this week.”

Then Harlowe took hold of Everleigh’s arm. “Answer my question, Everleigh. Are you selling the inn?”

Everleigh nodded. “Yeah. It’s true.”

“Why?” Harlowe searched her eyes. “You loved that place, and so did Alana. Is it greed?”

Everleigh took a small step backward. “No, it’s not at all about greed.”

“Then what are you going to do with all of that money?” Her sister’s eyes demanded an explanation.

“I’m going to start a nonprofit in Alana’s memory.”

Harlowe scrunched her nose. “Why would you do that?”

“Everleigh? Harlowe?” Mom appeared in the doorway. “We’re going to sit out on the patio. Come join us.”

Harlowe moved past her, and Everleigh sighed.

***

Later that night, Everleigh hugged her folks good night and then walked out to her blue Chevrolet Trailblazer. She’d been relieved when her father had told her it had been delivered; then he’d offered to pick her up for supper so she could drive it back to the inn.

Harlowe and Branson climbed into their older model Honda Accord and then backed out of the driveway. Everleigh wasn’t surprised that her sister hadn’t bothered to say goodbye, but the snub still stung.

“I guess you and Harlowe still aren’t talking?” Landon sidled up to her and leaned against the hood of her SUV.

“What gives you that idea?”

“The looks she was shooting you during supper and then out on the patio. Yet you never stopped smiling at her, Everleigh.Why do you put up with her even when she’s downright mean to you?”

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