“I know, I know. I shouldn’t call her stupid. Well, she did say I could go to Illumination Night with one of her old friends and her. Maggie’s mother won’t let her out after dark with me, no big shock, so at least I’ll get to go. As long as Abigail doesn’t lose me in the crowd. Which, of course, would be intentional.”
Maggie was Lucy’s best pal, though Maggie’s mother—who had a dicey history with John that went back a few decades—wasn’t keen on the friendship.
“Who’s driving?”
“Jeez, you sound like Dad. Abigail’s friend is picking us up.”
“Well, don’t worry. If your sister loses you, text me. I’ll find you.”
“You’re going?”
“Yes. Some of our guests are, too. Do you want to come with me?”
“I’d rather do that, for sure. But Dad keeps saying he wants me to try to get along with what’s-her-name.”
“Abigail.”
“Right.”
Annie laughed. “It sounds as if you’re not quite there yet. But keep at it. And maybe I’ll run into you tonight.”
They rung off before Annie thought to ask Lucy to please tell her father that she’d called. Then she went back into the kitchen and found Francine.
“Are you and Jonas going tonight?”
Francine shook her head. “Earl thinks Bella might have a cold, so I think I’ll go spend time with her. Not that Claire doesn’t have it under control but . . .”
“But she’s yours.” Annie smiled and waved, then circled into the great room. Just as she reached the staircase to go up to look for Meghan, Annie spotted her in the reading room, staring out the window.
“Hey,” Annie said. “I was looking for you. If you’re serious about going to Illumination Night, would you like company?”
Meghan’s eyebrows went up; her eyes widened. “You want to go?”
“Of course,” Annie replied, then whispered, “What kind of sister-in-law would I be if I didn’t make sure you saw the sights?”
“Then it’s a deal. What time does it start?”
“Lots of people go early and bring a picnic supper. I could wrangle up some food for us. There might be chicken in the freezer and . . .” Then Annie’s phone rang. She almost didn’t answer it, but it could be John. “Ah,” she said, “excuse me a second.” She pulled the phone from her pocket and quickly answered. But it wasn’t John. It was Kevin. Calling from Hawaii.
* * *
“That was fast,” Kevin said as soon as Annie said hello. “Were you expecting someone more important?”
A wave of warmth rushed into her cheeks. She stared at Meghan; her mind went blank. “What?” she asked.
“You answered really fast. I figured you thought it was someone important.”
She winced. “Who could be more important than my brother?” She saw Meghan’s face go slack.
“For starters, your fiancé.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.” She stood perfectly still, afraid if she moved something might break—like her promise to Meghan. She was glad Kevin hadn’t called via FaceTime.
“Or the famous journalist. Who I expect is now an official guest at the Inn?”
She wanted to be out of Meghan’s sight and sound. She wanted to wander into the reception area or the great room or, for that matter, Edgartown. She wanted to escape the despair on Meghan’s face, her jaw now having gone from slack to tight as if she were in pain. Of course, she was in pain. Why wouldn’t she be?
What had Kevin just asked her? Oh, right. Simon. “Yes. Mr. Anderson has arrived.”
