“Yes, but we also have business to discuss.”
Josie drops her tote bag on the counter and pulls out a notebook covered in stickers. Along the sides are bright color-coded tabs. While she does that, Mia helps herself to the kitchen, then returns with two fluffy cinnamon rolls for her and Josie.
My sister flips to a page marked with a hot-pink tab. At the top, it saysSeaside Summer Celebrationin bubble letters. She spins the binder around. Her ideas are clearly laid out with bullet points and to-do lists.
“Wow,” I say. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“Mia helped.”
We both glance at her, and she’s mid-bite, but she smiles. “Mmhmm.”
“I know you’re doing so much to keep this place running. If there is one thing I’m good at, it’s throwing a party,” Josie explains. “Mia agreed to help with social media. Fallon’s in. Cal is going to talk to the owner about doing a drink special at Cocktails & Chaos to celebrate. I’ve already talked to half the boardwalk vendors. Now that we’re combining it with the surf competition and Fourth of July week, it’s perfect. So many people are on board to help.”
“I’m just so impressed,” I tell her, feeling my emotions start to build up. “You’ve done an incredible job.”
“You inspire me.” She grins. “We’ll have maximum traffic with everything that’s going on. Gran doesn’t need to know the details; other than we’re doing an open-house celebration. I was thinking about having free hot dogs, coupons for bookings, and the entire works. It will look like a summer party, but the intent is to increase business. Grandma’s pride stays intact. It’s a win-win situation.”
I’m living for my sister’s excitement.
“I just need you to say yes, Wen.”
Mia shrugs. “She’s in.”
“I have to hear it from her mouth,” Josie says.
I laugh because she’s doing the thing I couldn’t bring myself to do, asking for help in a way that doesn’t feel like begging. “Yes.I think this is going to be incredible. Thank you so much. Do you need me to do anything?”
“Nope. Just be yourself and have fun. I’ve got this all taken care of. This is going to be the best community celebration we’ve ever had.”
I walk around the counter and give her a tight hug. “Thank you.”
“We’re in this together,” she says, packing up her stuff.
She and Mia eat and drink coffee at the dining room table. The two of them laugh and chat about a book they’re reading.
When they’re done eating, Josie stops at the counter before leaving.
“You look different today,” she says.
“I got some quality sleep last night,” I explain. It’s not a lie.
She narrows her eyes. “It’s suspicious.”
“Bye, Josie.”
“What do you think?” she asks Mia, who studies me.
“She looks like she had a good night.” Mia waggles her brows.
“Out,” I say, pointing at the door. “Both of you.”
“See you tomorrow! Heard Rose is making waffles. Have a good day, sis!” Josie calls as the door swings shut behind them.
I lean on the counter and can’t stop smiling. Maybe everything will work out.
I pull my phone from my pocket and type in Carter’s cell number from his booking.
Wendy
