“They like the idea of it. The reality should be more comfortable.” Lillian pulled out her phone, showing Kate images of sleek, modern hotel lobbies. “This is what travelers expect now.”
“This isn't a boutique hotel. It's our home.”
“It's a business,” Lillian corrected. “And if it's going to survive long-term, it needs to adapt.”
Kate looked to Dani for support, but her sister was absorbed in fabric samples. The men had already removed two of thearmchairs Kate's mother had picked out, loading them onto a truck like garbage.
“Stop!” Kate yelled. “Just... stop.”
Everyone turned to look at her.
“Those are Mom's chairs. That's Pop's desk where he used to do the books. You can't just throw away our history because it doesn't meet your aesthetic standards.”
“Kate,” Dani started, using that placating tone that made Kate want to scream. “They're just things.”
“They're our things. Our memories.”
“Memories don't pay bills,” Lillian said coolly. “I'm trying to help you create a sustainable business.”
“I didn't ask for your help with decorating.”
“You asked for my money. It amounts to the same thing.”
The words hung in the air like a slap. Kate saw Amy at the top of the stairs with Pop, keeping him from coming down into the conflict. Even she knew this was a battle Pop didn't need to witness.
“Actually,” Kate said, her voice dangerously quiet, “I didn't ask. You offered. You showed up here dying and desperate for forgiveness, and we took pity on you.”
Lillian's face went pale, then flushed. For a moment, she looked every one of her seventy-three years. Then she recovered, spine straightening.
“I see. Well, if you'd prefer to maintain your... quaint aesthetic, by all means.” She gathered her purse. “I have a doctor's appointment anyway.”
After she left, Dani turned on Kate. “Was that necessary?”
“Was any of this necessary? You didn't even ask me about the furniture.”
“Because you would have said no.”
“Exactly!”
“Kate, those chairs were falling apart. The desk has water damage. Just because Mom picked them doesn't mean we have to keep them forever.”
“You don't get to make that decision alone.”
“I'm trying to help!”
“You're trying to take over. There's a difference.”
Dani's face crumpled slightly. “I'm trying to be part of this. To contribute something besides money I didn't earn.”
Before Kate could respond, Ben appeared in the doorway. “Bad time?”
“Perfect timing,” Dani said, brushing past him. “Maybe you can talk sense into her. I'm going for a walk.”
Kate stood in the half-empty lobby, looking at the spaces where the chairs had been. Dust marks outlined their absence like ghost furniture.
“Want to talk about it?” Ben asked.
“No.”
