Birdie cleared a spot and plopped down. “I’m getting up there in years. I’ve traveled the world, seen the sights, have ticked off almost every adventure on my bucket list. I have everything I’ll ever need. A family I adore. A home I’ll be building to live out my final days on the most magical island on the planet.”
“You couldn’t have picked a better spot,” Harlow agreed.
“I’ve been blessed beyond measure. Decent health, enough money…more than enough money to live comfortably.” Her aunt thumped her chest. “I need to feel like I’ve accomplished something good, not to score brownie points when I get to heaven and stand at those pearly gates, but because it’s the right thing to do, to help others in need.”
Aunt Birdie paused, and Harlow could see she was starting to get emotional. “To those whom much is given, much will be required. I still have a lot to offer. It would be a shame to waste it.”
Harlow thought about her own life. Very few people knew she donated a sizable sum of money from each of her movies to specific nonprofits—those that tugged at her heart. “I understand, and I’m proud of what you’re doing. However, you’re still my aunt. I love you dearly and I worry.”
Birdie sprang from her seat and hugged her tightly. “I love you to the moon and back. I’ve taken every precaution I possibly can to ensure my safety, sticking with my friend who is familiar with Cuba and where we’ll be traveling to.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure. We’ll be playing it by ear. As far as money is concerned, I’m taking as much as I think I’ll need for a month, maybe more.”
Harlow’s jaw dropped. “A month?”
“As I said, it depends on how it goes. I promise to keep in contact with you and your father as much as possible.” Her aunt returned to the task of packing.
Harlow, still deeply concerned about the humanitarian trip, pointedly changed the subject. She told her about the anonymous complaint. “Caleb told me not to worry about it and he would handle it.”
“Caleb is such a sweetheart.” Birdie whistled flirtily. “Not to mention a hottie to boot. Seeing how your divorce is final, you should snatch him up before someone else does.”
“Not interested. I’ve already been down that road. Besides, I’m too busy to have a man in my life.”
“Busy-schmizy.” Her aunt dismissed the excuse. “I’ve noticed the way his eyes light up whenever I mention your name. Caleb Jackson has his sights set on you.”
“He had better set them somewhere else.” Harlow slowly stood. “I need to rehearse a few more of my lines. Do you need a ride to the airport tomorrow morning?”
“Thanks for the offer, but Marty is going to give me a lift.” Her aunt gave her a brief rundown of her flight schedule. Basically taking a commuter plane to Detroit and then a direct flight to Havana.
Despite her reassurances, Harlow couldn’t shake her uneasy feeling and concern over her aunt’s trip. Back at the cottage, she parked her bicycle on the porch and slipped into the house.
The tantalizing aroma of baking bread lured her into the kitchen where she found her father removing loaves from the oven. “It smells heavenly in here.”
“I’m making slow cooker pot roast for dinner. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving.” Harlow traipsed into the kitchen where she found Mort sitting smack dab in the center, closely watching her father’s every move. She gave him a few scratchies to say hello. “Do you need help?”
“I planned to make side salads if you want to chop some lettuce and vegetables.”
“I would love to. There’s no chance of me setting it on fire or burning it in the oven.” She removed a head of lettuce and toppings from the fridge, grabbed a clean chopping board and got to work. “I stopped by to see Aunt Birdie on my way home.”
“To talk her out of her Cuba trip? I’ve already tried. She’s bound and determined to go.”
“It’s a noble undertaking. The good news is she’ll be traveling with someone who is familiar with the country. I hope she knows what she’s getting herself into.” Harlow finished chopping the lettuce and placed it in the spinner bowl. “Caleb stopped by Lighthouse Lane after the Mackies left. He found a tick on my neck.”
“You gotta be on the lookout for them especially if you’re wandering around in the woods.”
“Which I was.”
“On your neck, you said?”
“The back.” Harlow flipped her hair up and showed him the general location.
David squinted his eyes. “I see a small red spot. At least it wasn’t burrowing under your skin yet.”
“It started to. He got it out with his pocketknife.”
