In the end, they were lucky. Everyone kept saying that.
The National Weather Service designated it an F4 or “devasting” on the rating scale. They clocked wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour.
It claimed lives, destroyed Barton’s, took the roof off of the south side of the block. It had broken the windows of Hope’s Table, created damage up and down Irish Hills. It lifted roofs off buildings, collapsed others, and ripped the bark off trees.
But they were lucky it wasn’t worse. Over and over. They were lucky.
Libby didn’t feel lucky. All her work, all the promise of Irish Hills, and all the plans she still had to complete were nearly swept away in minutes.
“Hey, lady.”
There was Viv, in the doorway, with two coffees in hand. Another pillar of strength Libby had leaned on in the last two weeks, was Viv. They were supposed to be providing safe haven for Viv’s recovery. Instead, she was holding Libby up, lately. And handling whatever J.J. needed.
“Come in, come in. The folding chairs are the best I can offer, sorry.” Libby indicated for Viv to sit.
“Looks good to me." Viv sat down. “I’m here to give you the news first.”
Libby knew what it was, and she had no energy to fight it anymore. She’d fought to get Goldie, Hope, and Viv here.
She’d promised a vibrant place for second chances, where they could re-live some of the best times of their lives. But now, they were re-living the worst. It was a crumbling mess. She was sad, resigned.
“So, when are you leaving?”
“Well, in a week.”
Libby nodded. “Not even finishing out the summer, I get it.” Libby wasn’t going to hold Siena to the lease. How could she? “I wouldn’t be surprised if Goldie beats you.”
“What are you talking about?” Viv looked perplexed by the conversation she herself had started.
“It was beautiful while it lasted, is all. I’m just so sorry I couldn’t make this work. That I couldn’t deliver on the promises.”
“What are you talking about? You didn’t summon a tornado.”
“I know, but well, it was the last straw. It was the universe telling me, without a doubt, that I was leading a lost cause. I’d like to take your lead. But I’m afraid I don’t have that option.” Libby was crying now, she had been stoic, and now she was a puddle.
Viv rushed forward to her. “Excuse me, I just came to say I bought a double lot for Siena and me. I just paid to have storm windows installed at Just The Thing. And Joe Cassidy is currently scouting trailers for me while we work with the architect. What the devil?”
Libby looked at her friend. There was a fire in Viv’s eyes. There was steel in her spine. The woman who’d showed up in June with one foot in the grave was nowhere to be found.
“You’re staying? Siena is staying? Even after all this?”
“Honey, you have built something here, something that is going to outlive all of us. Irish Hills isn’t a rest stop or a ghost town. It’s even got movie stars and sports heroes! Heck, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Goldie Hayes or Larson Taggert. This place is happening, and that’s because of you.”
Libby felt the tension in her jaw release. She hadn’t realized she’d been clenching it. She’d been doing it since the moment the tornado came.
Viv was staying, and so was Siena.
“Ha, and Goldie too, none of you are bailing?”
“Nope—well, actually, there is some water in the wine cellar at Hope’s, and you know Keith is still bailing over at the marina.” Keith had been working not stop after the tornado swamped many of the boats docked at his place.
“Ha, funny, very funny.”
“You know, I had thought I was on my last leg, and I guess I am. I guess we all are. Nobody knows what is around the corner. I may be on my last leg, but I’m not lying down. I’m going to run on it, you know?”
“I am so glad you’re staying, so glad you’re feeling…well, what are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling needed and supported by my friends. I’m feeling proud of what Siena’s building. I’m feeling hopeful, about the future, instead of dreading it. Even with what happened to Dean, I feel like we can be there for J.J. Bottom line, I’m feeling. All of the things, good and bad. All of it right here, with my Sandbar Sisters.”
