Blakely:
The usual drama. Sadie and Lucy had a fight, and Lucy said she wasn’t going, which means Joely won’t go. I’d rather go to the beach!
Emery:
Sure, Blake. If skiing doesn’t work out.
She read the text thread again, kind of wishing she’d made time to go to the shower. Rex could’ve handled things at theGazette. After Ava’s visit, being a part of the Quinn sisterhood was beginning to matter.
She felt lighter and brighter about things after telling Caleb the rest of the story and closing the gap on their shared past.
Joanna:
Miss you, Em. Xo.
Emery:
Miss you all too.
Dad:
I like this spring break idea. Maybe we’ll all go.
The flurry of texts following proved that the Quinn family was much too busy for a spontaneous vacation. Sophisticated Sips had a full calendar through the spring, never mind all the wedding planning.
Dad:
Okay, I give. Maybe in the fall.
Setting down her phone, Emery gazed out the window, full of thought and sentiment. Maybe this Quinn family venture was more beautiful than she’d allowed.
The rest of the day was too beautiful to stay inside. She texted Caleb to see if he wanted to ride bikes, then headed out, running into Tobias as he came in to clean. In his mid-fifties, he was stout and jolly, with a fisherman’s tan.
“You’re here on a Sunday?” she said.
“The fish were running yesterday. Had to take the boat out. I’m going to give the floors a good buffing.” He was always buffing that floor. “You have to take care of terrazzo. But, Miss Emery, I got to tell you, if I run the sweeper over the newsroom carpet much more, the thing will shred completely.”
“Be gentle with her.” Emery patted his arm. “And next time, bring me some fish.”
“Will do, Miss Em. Rats, I wish I’d known you liked seafood.”
She’d just arrived at the Sands when her phone rang. Expecting to see Caleb’s number, she stopped in the shade of Cottage 7 to seeUnknownon the screen.
To answer or not to answer ... that was always the question. She answered.
“Emery Quinn?” The masculine voice was elegant, bent with an aristocratic accent.
“Speaking.” She shivered as if something grand was happening.
“This is Sted from the House of Blue Chamber Office. The royal family is delighted to accept your invitation to visit Sea Blue Beach. His Royal Highness Crown Prince John and Her Royal Highness Princess Gemma are available Friday evening, April twenty-fifth, and Saturday, the twenty-sixth, until four p.m. Will that work for you?”
Okay, this was a grand prank. “Rex, come on, is this you?” Emery made a face at her reflection in the dark window of her cottage.
“Pardon me? Hello? Miss Emery Quinn?”
“Speaking.”
“Did you hear what I said?”
