“Aren’t you full of surprises?” She stares forward with a small shake of her head.
We don’t say anything else on the rest of the short drive. She basically runs into the house and opens the door—like she’s been here a thousand times—to greet an excited Slate. I grab his leash, harness, and a bottle of water.
I take her past where we watched the sunset together. She’s holding Slate’s leash and he doesn’t pull her. He’s on his best behavior. Ivy can’t get enough; she’s radiant.
When she tells me about Vivian flying in today, I pretend like I didn’t already know. I was in the office when she was making arrangements at the front desk. It’s more fun listening to her share the details. She talks ridiculously fast and I’m trying to keep things straight.
“We’re going to leave the swings up for a few more days. Good weather and all,” I mention to her. “If you want to show Vivian and hang out. You can always get blankets at the front desk.”
“Ah! I love that idea. Thanks for the suggestion.” She beams.
The walk was short. Ivy talked almost the entire time. It’s clear she’s excited. When we’re back at the lodge, she mentions how she wants me to meet Vivian.
“Viv will want to meet the person who convinced me to hike. Even if it’s just for a minute.” She’s trying to convince me but it’s unnecessary.
“Sure. Just let me know when you guys are around,” I say nonchalantly, like I’m not excited to meet the person who makes Ivy light up.
I’m such a sucker.
Chapter Thirty-One
I TAKE A BREAK from prepping for the Bliss4ul meeting and head down to the lobby. Bea’s at the front desk and waving me over.
“Miss Ivy! How was your hiking adventure?” Her hair accessory of choice is a thin gold clip with a few delicate flowers. I haven’t seen the same accessory twice.
“So good! Slate is adorable. Nice weather. Can’t really ask for much more.”
“Good company?” But before I can answer, she continues. “Slate is a lump! But he sure is cute.” She giggles.
The companywasgood. And I have a feeling Bea already knows it. I bet she’s one to gossip after a drink or two.
“I see your friend is coming to stay with us. How exciting!” Her attention is on the computer screen. “Now, this is no Salem, but here are a few things that might be fun for the two of you.” Bea hands me a piece of paper, with a few business cards stapled to it.
It’s a list of possible activities: tarot reading, psychics, candle making, and dinner suggestions. Next to each are the open times for when Viv will be here. My heart swells.
“Bea, this is so sweet.” I mean it. Tears prickle at my eyes tono surprise of mine.
“Don’t get all weepy on me. If you don’t see each other often, it’s important to make the most of it.” Her smile is genuine. She’s right.
“This all sounds fun but we don’t have a car. I remember Holland mentioned there were no car services here.” The planner in me immediately goes from gratitude to logistics.
“Don’t you worry about that. Vivian will have a rental car.”
“She will?”
“She will. It’s better than scheduling a car service. We’re so far from the airport that a flight change becomes a logistical nightmare,” Bea says matter-of-factly.
When I wasn’t planning for the meeting, I was overthinking everything with Holland. And before I knew it, time had flown and I didn’t research anything for Viv and I to do, other than dinner. This is helpful.
“Bea, this is kind. And thoughtful.” I put both hands on my chest and she reaches forward for one of them.
“It’s no problem. And I can’t speak to the quality of anything, besides the candle making. Here’s my tip, don’t grab more than four scents or you’ll end up with a candle smelling like vomit or garbage.” She squeezes my hand.
Seems like a solid tip.
“I’m going to get lunch and make some calls. Do you need anything?” There’s the people pleaser in me, offering to help someone at a job I know nothing about.
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love an iced tea.” She gestures towards the restaurant entrance.
