Natalie leans into her husband, already crying. “We’re sorry we didn’t realize it sooner. You didn’t deserve that from us.”
In the next instant, I’m engulfed in their embrace, and when I pull away, Natalie’s tears have stained my shirt.
I blot my own misty eyes with the back of my hand and force a cleansing breath. “Thank you for that.” I’ve needed those words from them, but I never thought I’d get them. “Bea is ecstatic, of course. But this leaves us with a little problem. Where is Dr. Connelly supposed to stay?”
7
Claire
“I’m sorry,what? I was under the impression I would stay next door.” Out of habit, I collect my hair into a topknot. When I find my wrist void of an elastic, I let the strands fall back onto my shoulders.
Asher’s daughter left with her grandparents, but not before she insisted on an adorable mini fashion show of tutus. Now I’m propped on a stool at the kitchen island while her father’s fancy espresso machine whirs to life.
If Jack and Natalie, whom I briefly met moments ago, are staying in their home for the summer, that leaves me homeless.
Okay. That’s dramatic. I wouldn’t be homeless since he’s proposed that I live with him and his daughter.
“Listen,” he begins. “I realize this is a little unconventional, and quite possibly not all that professional, but we’re practically family, right? My sister is dating your brother’s best friend, and my cousin is engaged to your brother. That makes us…” He runs his fingers through his messy hair, eyes fixed on the ceiling. “Well, it actually doesn’t make us related at all, but it does make us… friends?” He saysfriendslike he’s unsure.
“Can’t I stay in one of the other residences?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “We’re completely booked out.”
Unease curls through me. “And you’re sure the roof won’t be fixed anytime soon?”
He shakes his head. “I really am sorry it’s such a mess.” With a glance over his shoulder, he checks on the espresso machine. “Do you want cream or sugar?”
“Neither, thank you,” I tell him as I brainstorm solutions. “Okay… how about out in town?”
He sets down our coffees and slides onto a seat across from me at the kitchen table. “Your only option there, really, is a tent at a campground. The closest motel or rental property is over thirty minutes away. And we require the camp doc to stay on the premises during the summer, anyway, should there be an emergency in the middle of the night.”
I take a sip, mulling over his words. “I’m not so sure this is a good idea.”
“Whatever you do, please don’t quit,” he pleads, desperation in his voice. “The third bedroom is already set up for guests, so you’ll have your privacy.”
A slow breath escapes me. “I’m not going to quit. Can I just—Can I have a minute to think?”
“Of course,” he replies.
Abandoning my hot beverage, I excuse myself and step out onto his back porch. Then I hoof it down the steps. Once I’ve set foot on the shore, I pull my phone from my pocket and call Millie.
“Hey, boo.” She answers on the first ring. “Did you make it to the camp all right? Are you settled?”
“About that…”
I unload the entire story, explaining how Jack and Natalie canceled their trip and revealing that my only option is to stay with Asher.
She hums. “I don’t see what the big deal is. My brother’s great. And so is my niece. You’ll have your own room.”
“Yeah, but Asher is my boss. I shouldn’t be living with my boss,” I whisper-yell, despite being yards away from his cabin.
“But this is different.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. He’s my brother. And the nicest guy I know. He has good hygiene and I promise he’s not weird.” She laughs. “This camp is important to him, Claire. Plus, you’ve always wanted a roommate.”
She’s got me there, though I didn’t imagine bunking with a single dad and his daughter.
