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They meandered at a leisurely pace, all the while Aunt Birdie entertained her niece with stories about her travel adventures and most recently living on board a cruise ship.

“It sounds fascinating,” Harlow said. “Visiting all those exotic locations yet only having to unpack once. I bet you met a lot of interesting people.”

“A boatload, literally. But enough about me. I’m sure you’ve met quite a few people in your travels, living the high life,” her aunt teased.

“Not really.” When Harlow first got into the film and acting business, she was geeked at the thought of what she believed would be an amazing adventure. Traveling around the world, learning about other countries, other cultures. Granted, she had met oodles of interesting characters but under a controlled environment orchestrated by her handlers.

In many ways, she felt she’d lost touch with the real world. And now her aunt had driven home the point Robert oversaw almost every aspect of his wife’s life. It made sense. In a nutshell, Harlow lived in a bubble.

“To be honest, there are only a few people I trust,” Harlow confessed. “My publicist, my makeup artist, Selma our housekeeper, Vic, and Robert.”

“I find this incredibly sad.”

“I guess I’ve been so busy working and promoting my brand, Harlow Wynn, I forgot how to live.”

“We’re changing all of that,” Birdie vowed. “I’m so glad I came here. You need a dose of reality, and I’m going to help make sure you get it.”

A slow smile spread across Harlow’s face. She had no doubt her aunt was going to be exactly what the doctor ordered. “I can’t wait for a big dose of Aunt Birdie.”

“Both you and your dad. He needs a dose of Birdie too.”

“I don’t disagree.” Harlow changed the subject. “Why don’t you stay in one of the empty cottages instead of going to all the trouble and expense of buying an RV?”

“I have my reasons. The first one is because I purchased a plot of land on the other side of the island. I plan to build a small cottage to live in during the summer months, when I wrap up the rest of my travel adventures.”

“Live here?” Harlow clapped her hands. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. Have you told Dad?”

“Not yet. I figured it would be best to share my plans in small increments. I don’t want to give him a heart attack. Anyway, I figured I could work on lining up a contractor. It’s too late to start this fall, but maybe I could hit the ground running in the spring. Besides, one of those cottages is yours.”

It was true. David had filled one of the empty cottages with Harlow in mind, right down to the curtains. It was as if he’d decorated every square inch to suit her tastes in the hopes one day she would return.

“I won’t be around after I recover.”

“Where will you be?”

It was an excellent question. A relevant question. Yes, she had a career to consider. The upcoming job was what she’d worked so hard for. Other actors would give an arm and a leg for the role she’d snagged. To be honest, it would be heartbreaking if Harlow walked away.

On the other hand, she was beginning to see her life was empty and shallow, perhaps even meaningless on some levels.

“I’m not sure,” Harlow answered honestly. “Fulfilling my contract is what I’m focusing on right now. I’ll reassess to find out where I’m at when I get to that point.”With or without Robert, she silently added.

“We’re here.” Birdie held the post office’s door.

“I think I’ll hang out on the sidewalk. If I remember correctly, there’s not a lot of room to maneuver around inside.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Harlow gave her a thumbs up. “I wouldn’t mind doing a little people watching.”

“Suit yourself. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Her aunt dashed into the post office, leaving Harlow and her scooter parked near the bike rack, giving her a bird's-eye view of the action going on around her.

She lifted her leg, ignoring the sharp, shooting pain running down her spine. Harlow scooched forward. Lifting both arms over her head, she did a long and low stretch, reaching out to touch her toes.

“Harlow?”

She jerked upright. A young girl who looked to be around ten years old hovered nearby, a shy smile on her face.

“Hello.”