“It’s going well. The kids have been very welcoming — their parents, too. Plus, I’ve taken up snorkelling. I’ve never seen such a variety of coloured fish and coral before in my life. It’s stunning.”
“Snorkelling is one of my favourite things to do. Everyone on the island does it,” Evie replied. “It’s so relaxing. It doesn’t matter how stressful my day has been—if I can get some time in the water, looking at the fish and the reef, all that anxiety simply lifts from my shoulders.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” he said, studying her with a grin. “I wanted to talk to you about something. It’s kind of awkward, so I’m not sure how to broach the subject.”
“Oh?” Her cheeks warmed, and she wished she could be anywhere else. She could see where he was taking the conversation, and it made her uncomfortable.
“I ran into your sister the other day outside the bookshop.”
“Did you?”
“Yes. I didn’t realise you had a twin.”
“I must not have mentioned it,” she said, reaching for a carton of eggs and placing it on top of her peaches. The basket was unbearably heavy now.
“It’s disconcerting how much alike you look.”
“I know—it’s strange for me as well. I don’t see her often, so when she visits, I have to look at myself in the mirror each morning and remind myself we’re two different people.”
“Really? You do?” His brow furrowed.
She laughed. “No, I’m kidding.”
“Oh, of course. Anyway, I asked her out on a date, and we’re going to dinner together soon. I can’t do it this week—I had to postpone—but we’ll catch up next week. I hope you don’t mind.”
She inhaled a quick breath. “No, of course I don’t mind.”
“Great. I’m glad to hear it. That’s a relief. I don’t want to step on any toes, and I know sometimes relationships between siblings can be complicated.”
“Not at all. I hope you have a lovely time together.” She should tell him, should spit it out.Emily is married!She should shout it, stamp her feet, do something to let him know. But of course, if she did that, he’d think she was simply being spiteful, hateful or petty. Emily would explain the situation in a way that made Evie the villain, as she always did. And Evie and David would have to avoid each other for the rest of his time on the island.
Evie was exhausted by all the drama Emily put her through. She’d had enough of it. If Emily wanted to squander her own marriage by dating someone else, that was her business. Evie wasn’t about to get involved. Not again.
After a full day of packing books into boxes and wiping down bookshelves to get rid of the dust, along with taking a thorough inventory, Evie was exhausted. Her back ached, her throat was raw, and a headache had begun pounding against her temples about two hours earlier.
Emily had gone home at lunchtime complaining about being used as slave labour, and Evie hadn’t seen or heard from her since. Janice had stayed until five and had kept up a steady stream of upbeat conversation for the entire day. She was truly a life saver, and Evie had never felt so old in all her life. Every single part of her body ached, and all she wanted to do was collapse in her bed and go to sleep. But she had to eat first or she’d keel over.
She nudged the last box into the back storage room with her knees, not attempting to lift it on her own. She removed her dust mask and reached for her purse where it hung on the coatrack by the kitchen. When she stepped outside, the moon was already creeping up the dark edge of the sky. A few stars sparkled overhead, and the hum and shush of the ocean sighing against the dock nearby gave her an immediate sense of peace and wellbeing. It was all going to be okay.
The amount of work involved in renovating the bookshop was overwhelming to her at times. It was why she’d avoided doing it for so long. But now that she’d been forced to take the step, she was glad. It was well past due, and she was excited to see what the space would look like when the work was complete.
“Evie, wait for me,” Penny called out to her from behind.
Evie stopped and turned to see her friend speed walking from the direction of the primary school. She folded her arms. “What are you doing at the school?”
Penny laughed. “I wasn’t at the school. I went for a walk. What are you doing?”
“I was going to eat at the Thai restaurant down by Betsy’s shop. I’m starved.”
“I’m hungry too. Would you like some company?”
“That would be great, if you don’t mind eating with someone covered in dust and no doubt smelling as though I haven’t showered in a week.”
“You look and smell fine.” Penny looped a hand through Evie’s arm. “It’s so nice to see you.”
They walked arm in arm together to the restaurant and asked to sit outside. They were seated at a small round table beneath an awning, with a tealight candle flickering between them. They each ordered a meal and a glass of wine. A gentle breeze lifted Evie’s hair from her neck, cutting through the humidity.
She sighed as she leaned back in her chair. “It feels good to get off my feet.”
