Page 47 of Summer People
I frown. “Doubt I’ll dance again.” I take the bag but set it on the counter between us. “I need a few extras today.” I try not to scowl. “Please.”
“Got some company, huh?” Cank chuckles as he pats my shoulder. “I bet someone will be a happy man this summer.”
I heave out a sigh and consider faking an emergency to get the fuck out of here.
Flora crosses her arms, one brow arched, waiting. Right, the donuts. I’m not sure if Libby likes chocolate, so I figured I’d get a variety. I should have looked on that stupid site Sutton found that listed all of Libby’s favorite things. I can’t very well ask Flora to wait while I look it up on my phone. Not without making this encounter even more uncomfortable.
So with a deep inhale, I point at the case.
“Can I have one espresso cream, one Berkshire maple, one tiramisu, and one strawberry shortcake?”
“Oh, you’re having Wilder over.” Flora beams as she eases a donut into the bakery box she’s pulled out for my ridiculouslylarge order. “That man can eat his weight in donuts. Give him my love.”
With a grunt, I take the box. I have no idea why she thinks Wilder is coming, nor am I giving him anyone’s love.
“By the way, Sheriff.” Cank shifts, his boots scuffing the old wooden floors. “There are a few packages over on the Boothbay dock waiting for pickup. Apparently, Ms. Sweet ordered some stuff from Amazon.”
I sigh. Libby hasn’t mentioned ordering anything, but if I know her, she probably assumes the magic ferries that have yet to show up with her luggage will also deliver the packages.
“I’ll take care of it.” I tap my card against the reader, and the secondapprovedflashes on the screen, I stomp out.
Keeping my eyes down and a scowl on my face, I hurry down the street. If I look cranky enough, there’s a good chance no one will stop me. It’s summer vacation, and with Sutton out of school, I don’t even have enough words for her, let alone anyone else.
Maybe I’ll have her FaceTime with my parents this afternoon. My mother loves chatting with her. I sometimes wonder why my brother didn’t leave his perfect little sweet pea with them. But they had been down in Florida at a fifty-five plus community for two years when he passed. Even if Hunter had been open to Sutton growing up in Florida, they would have had to move. Instead, they come up for a couple weeks every year.
Bing perks up from where he’s lounging on the porch. His presence outside means Libby’s awake. He rushes down the steps and circles my legs as I trek through the half-dead grass. The lack of rain this summer isn’t doing the lawn any favors.
“Yea, I have your treat.” I’ve barely got it out of my pocket before he snatches it out of my hand. “You act like you haven’t eaten in a year.” My hand is on the screen door handle when Sutton’s voice filters out.
“No. He won’t even open the door, but everything inside is exactly like they left it.”
I wince. She has to be talking about her parents’ room. I shut the door the day I moved in and haven’t opened it a single time since. Sutton knows she’s free to go in, free to use the room. But I’m living enough of my brother’s life. I can’t take over his room too.
“Do you go in there because it makes you feel closer to them?” Libby’s voice is gentle, careful.
“I don’t remember them. Not really.” Sutton pauses. “Maybe small things, like how Dad smelled like the ocean. And Mom’s laugh. But that’s it.” When she falls silent again, I lean closer to the door, my chest aching. “Is that bad?”
Silently, I watch them. They’re curled up together, and Libby is running her fingers lightly through Sutton’s blond hair.
“No, pretty girl,” she almost whispers. “That’s just what happens. Time goes on and memories fade. I hardly remember my mom. That’s why I’m here this summer, even if no one wants me here. I stay because this island holds my last memories of her.”
“I’mglad you’re here. I don’t know anyone else who’s lost their parents. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about it.”
“I’m always here to talk pretty girl.” Libby rests her head against the top of my niece’s.
Guilt rises in my throat. I wasn’t thrilled when I found out she’d be here for the summer, and I was anything but welcoming when she got here. She’s being threatened by a costar and tormented by someone trying to scare her off the island, and all she wants is to spend time in the place that holds memories of her mother. On top of all that, she’s made time for Sutton without complaint.
Damn, I’m a jerk. That changes now. Libby won’t stay past September, but while she’s here, I will make sure she knows she’s wanted every day. And not just by Sutton and me.
I’ve already spoken with Doris who, moving forward, will order anything Libby wants without so much as a frown, and if she can’t get something, she’ll come to me. I’ll pick up Libby’s packages, and I’ll make sure the dock hand in Boothbay has my cell so I’m alerted if she orders more. And I will have a sit-down with anyone who doesn’t actively work to make Libby smile.
I clear my throat, then step through the door. “Donuts have arrived.”
Sutton pops up and tosses her arms in the air. “Yes!” She dances in a circle. “You got double chocolate, right?”
“Two of them. And I got one of everything else so you two can have a donut party.” I force a cheerful tone, though by the way they both freeze and stare at me, I fear I’ve missed the mark.
“What’s wrong with you?” Sutton frowns.
