Page 3 of Strings Attached
With a swipe, the screen comes to life and Alex and Ethan’s smiles fill the frame. Their faces distort and freeze for a second before coming back to life again. Magnolia Cove really does have terrible cell service.
“Hi, sis! How did the last performance go?”
“Standing ovation. Jules was brilliant, as always.”
Ethan gives one of his massive grins. “If I know anything, my sister-in-law shined as well.”
“I agree.” Alex is practically beaming, her fingers tucked under chin. Her engagement ring glimmers even over the pixelated video footage. “We should have flown to see this one!”
“What? Are you kidding?” I laugh, forcing the expression even though it feels like the most contrived one I’ve worn all week. “You already saw the show in Paris and Milan.”
“And both were brilliant.” Ethan sighs wistfully and looks at my sister. “Not to mention the boulangeries and pâtisseries we got to visit.”
“Perfection.” She nudges him. “I still think your pain au chocolat outshines any we’ve had along the Seine, though.”
The way Alex looks at Ethan—like he’s her entire world wrapped in flour and sugar—makes my chest ache with happiness for her. After everything she gave up for me, she deserves this kind of love. This kind of contentment.
“Actually…” I twist a loose strand of hair around my finger. “I was thinking about taking my sabbatical in Magnolia Cove. Maybe help with the wedding planning some?”
The video image freezes at that moment, capturing Alex and Ethan’s parting lips and raised eyebrows. They don’t want me to come. Of course, they probably want to spend this time alone and I’d just burden them.
“Or not. I could always go back to New York and?—”
“Of course we’d love for you to come, Missy.” The video unfreezes and Alex and Ethan exchange a meaningful lookbefore my sister turns back toward me. “Magnolia Cove is just kind of weird about long-term visitors.”
“I can rent a place. I have the money.”
Alex laughs. “I’d hope you’d stay with us, of course. You just kind of need permission to stay longer than a month.”
“Permission?” They exchange another look. I chew my lip. “Alex, blink twice if you’re in a cult and need rescuing.”
“No cult. Nothing that exciting, I’m afraid.” Alex swipes golden bangs back from her forehead. “It’s just… the town council is really strict about residency permits. Something about preserving the island’s character and limited housing. But don’t worry—Ethan knows someone on the council. We can probably fast track your application. I’ll email it to you.”
Ethan frowns at my sister. “I know someone on the council?”
She raises her eyebrows. “Yes.”
A sigh escapes my brother-in-law, and he scrubs a hand over his face before nodding. “Don’t worry about it, Missy. We’ll get it taken care of.” His expression softens as he smiles at Alex again. “I know your sister will love having you visit for a while longer.”
His tone puts me at ease. Okay, they’re happy to see me. And I’ll make sure I’m not a burden, starting with filling out this application to perfection so they don’t have to correct anything.
“Sounds great. I’ll see you guys next week, then?”
“See you then!” The video freezes again, their faces paused in bright, happy expressions.
All right, Magnolia Cove. Here I come.
Dean
I’ve decided I hate the color cream.
I can’t stop rotating the damned envelope that arrived this morning and ruined my daily agenda. It’s cream, of course. Heavy for a letter. Closed with a golden seal.
And it’s from my family.
Mom called on Sunday like she does every week. Months have passed since she sent me mail. But it’s not even her name on the envelope. It’s Nell’s.
I flip it over again.
