Page 13 of Second Chance in Charlevoix
“Oh, you’re a doll.”
Standing there in Izzy’s tight hug, Marlowe heard the front door open. Moments later Sam pushed through the door, a plastic bag of groceries dangling from each arm.
“Sam, can you sub for Izzy tonight at bingo? She has to pack. You know, for her move to Skipper’s.”
The information had the desired effect. “Sure. What time?” No hesitation on Sam’s part.
Apparently, they’d both had enough of sharing a bedroom. Marlowe loved her sister but they were adults now. Sharing a room belonged to their childhood of midnight talks and cookie crumbs in the bed. Now, if Marlowe draped a sweater over the arm of a chair, Sam hung it up.
“Seven.” No need to persuade Sam and Marlowe appreciated that. A sister should always come through for you.
“Thanks, Sam. So sorry.” Izzy blew a kiss to Sam and Marlowe roared when Holly did the same. “There’s just so much going on right now.” Taking Holly from Marlowe’s arms, Izzy positioned the baby in the highchair and disappeared into the pantry.
Just as Marlowe was telling the group about closing her first sale that day, Aunt Cate shuffled in, rubbing her eyes. She often took naps in the afternoon. How she did that with the men sawing andpounding, Marlowe would never know. Apparently headphones helped.
“Thought you two were going to Tall Oaks tonight.” Going over to the old refrigerator, Aunt Cate opened it and peered inside.
“We’re leaving soon,” Marlowe explained. “Sam is going to sub for Izzy, who has to pack. She might be moving this Sunday.”
“Great, I’ll babysit while you pack.” Then she did a half turn. Aunt Cate was pretty perceptive and she may have noticed that Izzy was upset. “You know I hate to see you go, sweetheart. Both you and Holly.”
But Izzy gave their aunt a look. No negotiations on this one. She was determined that her baby would be in a safer place. Marlowe admired her for that. Her own throat had been bothering her, and she’d resorted to lozenges from all the stuff in the air. Although the bedrooms did not originally have ceiling fans, Marlowe had sent an email to Seth to add that to the must-have list for those rooms.
After Sam had a quick peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the two of them took off. The minute they turned the corner, Marlowe told Sam about the woman who’d visited the bakery that day.
They exchanged a look. “I still wonder about where Izzy is with Skipper,” Sam said. “He still has a certain appeal. You know, that beach boy look.”
“Yes, but Izzy hasn’t seemed to notice. She talks more about his baking skills.”
Sam chuckled. “Sounds like his charms aren’t lost on…what’s her name again?”
“Camille.” Marlowe sighed. She had a feeling they’d be hearing a lot about that woman.
Chapter 7
Samantha
“Why is Izzy so upset about this woman who stopped in?” Sam asked as she drove toward Tall Oaks. “I thought Skipper was all in the past.”
“Me too. I admit I don’t understand it.” Her sister chuckled. “Have you seen Skipper in the bandana he wears now while he works?”
“I don’t think so, but I remember him from when they were both in high school. I stayed up many nights, waiting for Izzy to come home.”
“Curfews never meant anything with that girl.”
“Exactly.” Remembering, Sam tightened her hands on the steering wheel. “And Skipper? He was enough to make any woman entertain cougar thoughts.”
“And he’s just gotten better.” Marlowe shook her head and they both laughed.
But Sam still had questions. “Back to this Camille. What was their relationship in Paris? Romance or friendship?”
“I don’t know the situation. But I’ve never seen Izzy look that upset about Skipper.”
“Then maybe this move to his house is not a good thing.” Sam frowned. When it came to the family, she was used to being in charge. But now that Aunt Cate was with them, their aunt often took that role. “Maybe Izzy better think twice.”
“Oh, she’s very serious about the move. And I agree with her. Breathing in any chemicals plus the sawdust can’t be good for anyone, much less a baby.”
“You’re probably right. It’s so strange to see Izzy with that baby. When the marriage didn’t work out, she seemed glad that they’d delayed having children.”
