I watch, helpless as Summer stands up and folds herself into Mrs. Henderson’s arms. It’s clear that both women cared about Carl very much from the way the two hold each other, lost in their own grief and sadness. Serena and Mila go back to work, giving them some privacy, but there’s no way I’m leaving.
Eventually, Mrs. Henderson steps back, patting Summer on the arms. “There’s so much more I want to talk to you about, my dear. But not today. For now, I just needed to get a good look at you, and at the resort. Carl had such plans for this place.”
“I’d love to show you around,” Summer says, a watery smile on her beautiful, tear-streaked face. I watch the two of them walk away, stopping to greet Pete and Turner, before carrying on for a slow walk around the property.
“Who would have guessed Mrs. Henderson would have all the intel on Summer’s childhood.”
Mila comes to stand beside me.
“No shit. I wonder what else she knows,” I mutter under my breath, before turning to my sister. “How are things going in the main building?”
“Great, actually. We got a first coat of paint done everywhere. There’s a few loose floorboards to deal with, but it’s pretty much a blank slate in there now.”
“That’s fantastic. Thanks, Mills.”
Mila shoves at me with her shoulder. “She may be your girlfriend, but she’s my best friend. I want to see her happy just as much as you do.”
Serena joins us then. “I’m going to head out, guys. I’ve got a class to prepare for.”
“Thanks for coming Serena,” I flash her a grateful smile. “I’ll tell Summer you had to go.”
Serena waves, and walks to her car. Reid, Turner, and Pete come up to us not long after.
“Well, son, I think we got some mighty good work done today,” Turner says, wiping his brow with a cloth. “Carl would be damn happy to see this place coming together.”
“Muffins are on me tomorrow, okay guys? I’ll save you some apple streusel ones,” Mila says, earning her a round of thanks.
Reid claps me on the shoulder. “I’m off, too, need to prep some stuff before work tomorrow.”
“See ya man, thanks for helping out.”
Summer and Mrs. Henderson make their way back to us just as Reid is pulling out.
“Oh shoot, did I miss getting to say goodbye and thank you to everyone?” she says, showing off her gigantic, caring heart once again.
“Don’t worry. They know you’re grateful,” I reassure her.
“Mrs. Henderson, can I trouble you for a ride back into town? I don’t think Ethan and Summer are quite ready to go yet, and I need to get some prep work done at the bakery.” My sister winks at me as she takes the old lady’s arm.
“Thank you so much for coming and telling me about my dad,” Summer interjects.
Mrs. Henderson gives her a meaningful smile, and I get the idea that the two of them spoke about a lot of things on their walk around the resort. “Don’t forget to come and see me soon, dear. There’s so many more things I want to tell you.”
As we watch Mila and Mrs. Henderson go, Summer puts her arm around my waist and leans into my side with a soft sigh.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“She lied to me. About so many things.”
I know she’s talking about her mother, and I know if I open my mouth right now all that will come out is anger at that woman.
“I’ve thought about calling her and asking why she did it. But I know she won’t answer me, at least not with the truth. She’ll tell me how terrible my father was, and how much she hated living here. She’ll make it all about her. The same way she did everything when I was growing up.” She turns to me, and the pain in her eyes spears my heart. “Why do people hide from the truth?”
“I wish I knew, babe. I’m so sorry.” We stand there in silence for a while. I wish there was more that I could do right now, but there isn’t. She’s got to deal with the reality of what her mother kept from her. Eventually, the sky starts to darken, and I realize if I want to set up my surprise for her, I need to do it now.
“Why don’t you move the chairs over to the spot in front of cabin one. We could build a fire and relax for a bit.”
Summer looks up at me, and I’m relieved to see a small smile stretch across her face.
