“No, I’m not kidding,” Frankie said. “But don’t get nuts about it. Things are very new between us, and we’re just sort of…figuring it all out.”
“Mom, that’s insane. In the best possible way.” Willa broke out in a big grin and came down the steps again. “I’m happy for you. Lucas is literally the best guy ever. And you deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks.” Frankie moved in to hug her daughter.
Willa stepped back. “I’ll hug you later. I feel a little gross right now. Seriously, I need a lot of soap and hot water. Then I just want to crash and watch some TV.”
Frankie laughed. “I feel the same way. In fact, I might join you on the couch after I shower. Although I have work to do, too.”
Harper got Archie fresh water, putting it down for him. He went to it right away. “I’m going to shower, too. Then crashing on the couch sounds like the perfect idea. I’ll probably need to go through some email. Work never ends, does it? See you kids on the couch in a sec.”
Frankie nodded. “That’s the plan.”
In less than half an hour, they were all back in the living room, all in comfortable clothes, all smelling like soap and shampoo. Damp hair had been clipped up and, in the case of Frankie and Harper, they’d brought their laptops.
Willa was, as always, on her phone.
Frankie felt human again. Ready to tackle a little work before dinner, but also happy to spend some time just hanging out with her sister and daughter.
She realized that this time with them was something special. It might never happen again. She wanted to absorb every second of it.
They got drinks and settled into their usual spots on the couch. Archie nestled in between Frankie and Harper. Willa searched around for something on the television. “Any preferences on what to watch?”
“I don’t care,” Harper said. “I’ll be focused on emails for a minute or two. Your choice.”
“I agree,” Frankie said. “You pick.”
“Okay.” Willa kept scrolling through the options.
The sun was a few minutes away from setting, streaking the sky visible past the back deck in sherbet shades of peach and pink.
Frankie stared out the sliding glass doors. It was so beautiful here. Not that it wasn’t pretty where she lived. Charleston wasa lovely, historical town. But this place was kind of magical. All that water. Being right on it, having it within easy view, that was something special. She felt drawn to it. Just watching it flow past made her instantly calmer and more at peace with life.
The colors of the sunset grew more intense as the sun sank lower. “Look at that sky,” she whispered. “It’s so beautiful. I wish I could stay here forever.”
“Then why don’t you?” Harper asked.
Frankie looked at her sister. “What?”
“Why don’t you stay?” Harper’s mouth bent in a curious smile. “I think about it all the time.”
Willa gasped, the television momentarily ignored. “Aunt Harper, are you going to move here?”
“I don’t know,” Harper said. “But I have been thinking about it.”
“Because of Mr. Ripley?” Willa asked.
Harper hesitated, her smile growing ever-so-slightly larger. “He is certainly a factor. Working with him is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Outside of Arlington and his family, of course. Arlington was one of a kind.”
Willa shifted position, turning in Harper’s direction. “So if you stayed here, could my mom live here, too?”
“Willa.” Frankie stared at her daughter.
“What?” Willa said. “It’s a valid question. Besides, the place you live in is a dump and that’s not in comparison to this place. It’s a dump all on its own merits. That’s just me being honest. Don’t deny it.”
Frankie raked her fingers through her damp hair. Willa hadn’t lied. Frankie’s apartment was not great. “It’s what I can afford. And my job is there.”
“You could, though, you know,” Harper said. “Live here. If you wanted. There’s more than enough room. There’s a whole guest house I haven’t even been in yet.”
