“And as for this girl of yours …,” Caitlin began, and Noah opened his mouth to stop her. Even if they’d found a way to make peace with their past, he wasn’t ready to talk about his future with her. Not yet.
Luckily, his phone buzzed in his pocket, giving him a reason to cut the conversation short. “It’s the station,” he said, checking the message. He got to his feet, suddenly in a hurry – and not just to escape this conversation. “A big fire across town, all hands on deck.”
Caitlin nodded. “It was good seeing you,” she said. “You take care, OK?”
“You too.”
Noah left the fire inspection paperwork at the front desk and headed out, still thinking over the unexpected run-in with Caitlin. She seemed well, and he was glad. Whatever dark place she’d spiraled to after their tragedy, she’d found a way back from it.
And so had he—with Evie’s help. She’d been the one to help free him from the last chains of guilt. She’d told him he deserved love, and for the first time in a long while, he’d believed her.
So why couldn’t she believe the same thing for herself?
20
Bunny Vanderberg arrived at the Beachcomber Inn in a cloud of lavender perfume and snooty disdain. “Well, this is certainly off the beaten track, isn’t it?” she said when Evie came to meet her on the front steps.
They were only five minutes from the highway, but Evie plastered on a wide, welcoming smile. “It’s such a secluded spot,” she said brightly. “You won’t hear anything but the sound of the ocean waves.”
“Hmm,” Bunny said, taking a look around over the rim of her designer sunglasses. She was in her seventies, maybe, but perfectly preserved, wearing a pastel twinset, slacks, and pearls. “We’ll see about that.”
“Do you have any bags?” Evie asked. “I’ll bring them in for you.”
“No bellboy?” Bunny asked, raising one sculpted eyebrow.
“Nope.” Evie kept smiling. “I like to give guests the personal touch.”
“Very well.” Bunny gestured. “They’re in the trunk. And I do hope you have organic bedding. The last place I stayed only had two-hundred-threadcount sheets, and I swear I’m developing a rash.”
She swanned inside before Evie could even respond.
OK then.
Evie hauled the oversized case from the trunk. It would have been too much to hope that Bunny was a warm, fuzzy kind of woman, primed to ooh and ahh over the Beachcomber in delight. No, Bunny was clearly the most feared and respected critic around for a reason—which just meant that when Evie wowed her, the praise would mean so much more.
Evie headed inside and found Bunny running a finger along the bannisters. Evie smiled. Let her try to find a spot of dust in the place; she’d been up since dawn, making sure every last detail was perfect.
It had given her something to do, at least, after another sleepless night with Noah on her mind.
“I have you in the Saltwater Suite,” Evie said, leading Bunny up the staircase. She’d decided to lean into the beach theme for the room names, at least. “It has our very best views of the water—and a lovely sunset view.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“And here we are.” Evie opened the door wide, revealing a king-sized bed made up with fresh blue and white linens, an antique writing desk, and chic en suite bathroom. She checked Bunny’s expression for any sign of approval, but the older woman was frustratingly straight-faced as she stepped into the room and looked around.
There was silence.
Evie gulped. “You take your time settling in. I can give you the grand tour anytime you like.”
More silence.
“OK then! We have afternoon tea served on the terrace, and I’ll go see about a salve for that rash.” Evie backed out of the room and hurried downstairs, her heart pounding with nerves—or maybe it was the exertion from lugging that trunk up the stairs. Either way, she was crossing all her fingers and toes Bunny wouldn’t find fault with the room and crush her B&B dreams before they’d even begun.
The front door swung open as she reached the ground floor. “Evie, sweetheart?” Aunt June called out as she arrived with a cluster of her book club friends.
“Welcome!” Evie exclaimed, ushering them inside. She’d sent out an invitation to afternoon tea in an effort to make the place seem like it was bustling and full. “Come on through, please relax. I have scones and cake—and don’t worry,” she added. “Summer baked everything.”
“Well, isn’t this lovely?” June looked around approvingly. “I don’t suppose you have any champagne? You know, to toast the occasion?”
Evie had to laugh. “I think I have a bottle somewhere,” she said, and went to go rummage in the kitchen. By the time she found a bottle of prosecco, June and her friends were lounging out on the back porch with loaded plates, enjoying the afternoon breeze. “How about mimosas?” Evie asked, and was met with a chorus of approval.
Someone cleared their throat behind her. It was Bunny.
“Did you want one too?” June asked, beaming. “The more the merrier. I just love your jacket,” she added. “So chic. Vintage Chanel, there’s nothing like it.”
“Why, yes,” Bunny said, her frown softening.
Evie bit back a cheer. If anyone could melt Bunny’s stony exterior it was June. The woman could charm the pants off anyone—and probably had.
“I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt,” Bunny said. “While we do the interview.”
“The interview?” Evie gulped.
“Yes, I always like to tell my readers a little about the proprietor,” Bunny explained.
“The face behind the glowing review,” June piped up.
“Well, we’ll have to see about that,” Bunny said, but she was almost smiling.
Evie would take it.
“Sure, I’d love to chat,” she said, pouring a mimosa for Bunny. She steered her to a comfy couch in the shade and sat down across from her trying not to seem too nervous. “What would you like to know?”
“Why don’t you tell me a little about what inspired you to open this place?” Bunny asked, pulling out a small voice recorder. “You don’t have any background in the hospitality industry, do you?”
“No, I’m a beginner,” Evie said. “But when I saw the ad, I was ready for a change. Who could pass up the chance to own a slice of Cape Cod for just a dollar?”
Bunny frowned. “A dollar?”
“You don’t know the story?” June broke in from her table nearby. “My word, it was the talk of the town!” She launched into an explanation of Debra’s ad—and how everyone thought she’d been making a huge mistake. “But look, it brought Evie to us,” June said, smiling. “She’s fit right in.”
“My, that is quite a story,” Bunny said, scribbling something in a notebook.
“A cover story, perhaps?” June asked, sending Evie a wink.
“Perhaps,” Bunny said, and Evie almost cheered.
Maybe Bunny had a soft side, after all.
“I couldn’t have done it without all the help from everyone here in Sweetbriar Cove,” Evie said, not wanting to take all the credit. “People have been so generous with their time and expertise.”