“I’m not going to disagree with that, as long as you don’t take that separation as a way to push further and further away from her. You have to face your issues with her, or else you’re going to hold on to those bitter feelings and it’s going to do nothing positive for your health.”
“You’re right.” I let out a sigh. “I think I just need a break right now.”
“I get that, and it’s super fair. You deserve that break, just don’t let it create so much distance that you can’t return.”
I nod, knowing Tilly is right.
“In the meantime though, we can spiff this place up for you.” She opens the other window and then dusts off her hands. “We’re going to need the two shop-vacs.”
“You’re going to help?”
“Yeah. Your usual helper is back in the U.K., so I don’t mind filling in until he gets back…that’s if he comes back. Have you heard from him?”
“I have. We were texting earlier. He’s working through some things back home.”
“What does that mean?” Tilly asks as I pick up the cardboard and bring it to the hallway before bringing in the cleaning supplies I brought with me. Tilly, like the good friend she is, joins me and we start cleaning the bathroom together.
“Not sure, I didn’t want to ask too much. Seems like he’s stressed though.”
“Has he fixed things with Rupert?”
I shake my head. “No, they haven’t spoken to each other since leaving.”
“Jesus.” Tilly sprays window cleaner on the mirror while I work on the toilet. “That is unlike them. What was said between them?”
“Honestly, I think it’s something that Aunt Kitty said to Rupert. At least that’s what I gathered at the dinner from hell. It seemed like Rupert and Aunt Kitty were on the same page while Theo and I were sort of blindsided. It’s another reason why I’m mad at Aunt Kitty, for assisting in breaking up their bromance. It makes me angry. They were so close. I can’t see how they could just stop talking to each other like that.”
“Yeah, that’s so odd.” She wipes down the mirror and then moves to the counter while I continue to scrub. “What a disaster.”
“Tell me about it. I feel like everything is up in the air right now and I’m trying to keep it together, but I just have this foreboding feeling that’s looming over me, telling me I had a glimpse of happiness but it’s all going to be taken from me.”
“That’s just fear of the unknown taking over your brain, you can’t let that happen. Everything will work out?—”
“Renley,” a voice calls from the stairs that lead up to the studio apartment. “Renley, are you up there?”
I glance at Tilly, confused, as I stand and walk out to the main space. “Yes,” I answer just as Marjorie walks in, looking absolutely disgusted as she takes in the apartment.
“What on earth are you doing?”
What the hell does it look like I’m doing? No wonder she’s not very well liked in town.
“Cleaning the studio apartment while the new windows are being installed.” I toss my dirty paper towel toward the bathroom and then wipe my hands together. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Yes.” Marjorie folds her arms in front of her chest, as if she’s trying to keep her limbs as close together as possible so she doesn’t have to touch anything. “I spoke with the mayor, and well, we have some bad news.”
My expression falls, because I’m sure this news is bad for me, but beneficial for them.
Tilly steps into the room as well, being my second pair of ears, which thankfully seems to knock Marjorie’s confidence ever so slightly. Tilly is a valuable asset to the town with her paintings. She brings in a lot of wealthy traffic.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Marjorie exchanges a look with Tilly and then turns back to me. Shifting on her feet, she says, “Well, the business society had a meeting with a very popular chain, and they’re willing to pay five times the amount for the shop space, as well as make a considerable donation to the town that will help pay for a new boardwalk. It’s a hard deal to pass up.”
My heart falls to the ground, because she can’t be serious. Is she really saying what I think she’s going to say?
“What are you saying?” Tilly asks.
“The business society has come to a difficult decision that unless you can open the store by next week and prove that you can be successful, we’re going to have to overrule the decision of ownership and give the store to the chain, given the monetary benefits for the entire town.”
