Page 52

Story: Birdie By the Bay

“Right now?”

“This very minute. I’m not talking about real estate or future earnings. I’m talking about cold, hard cash in the bank.”

Harlow threw out a number, what she’d found while going over the various accounts to make sure Robert hadn’t cleaned them out.

“Do you know a hundred people could live off this amount for the rest of their lives?”

“A hundred people?”

“Okay. Maybe not a hundred people, but you for sure.”

“I also have a ton of debt.”

“Sell it. Sell the cars, the expensive homes. Get rid of it all, take stock and find out what’s truly important.” Lottie snapped her fingers. “No one is immune to being replaced. The fact of the matter is if…or when you decide to call it quits, you’ll be replaced in the blink of an eye by someone shiny and new. Have you ever heard of the band, the Eagles?”

“Almost everyone on the planet has heard of them.”

“They wrote a song about being washed up and fading away. Even the Eagles knew they would someday be replaced. Although no one is as great as the Eagles.”

“Dad loves them too,” Harlow said. “But I get what you’re saying. I have an incredible amount of pressure, both self-inflicted and from my husband, to stay on top.”

“No one can decide but you, Harlow. All I’m saying is you’re able to make changes if you choose to do so.”

“We’re at your place, Lottie,” Marty announced.

“Already?” She grabbed her purse and hopped down. “Marty will drop you off at home and make sure you get to the house safe and sound.” She turned to go.

Harlow stopped her. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You don’t know how much tonight meant to me.”

Lottie leaned in and hugged her. “I do, dear. I could see it in your eyes. A little peace. A little joy. A little of Mackinac Island’s charm.”

Marty waited until Lottie was inside. She flicked the porch light, giving him the all clear signal before continuing on.

Only a block away was Wynn Harbor Inn’s gate. Marty hopped down. He set Harlow’s wheelchair in place and then stood at the ready to help her ease onto the seat. Because of her earlier exertion and overdoing it a bit, her legs were rubbery, and she gratefully accepted his help.

“Thank you, Marty. You’re the best.”

He hung his head, a sheepish look on his face. “I hope it’s okay to ask. My little sister found out I gave you a ride and is bugging me about getting your autograph.”

Harlow patted her pockets. “I would be happy to give you one but I’m fresh out of pens and paper.”

“I have a clipboard.” Marty handed her his clipboard. She slid the pen from the top and flipped through the pages until she found a clean sheet of paper. “What’s your sister’s name?”

“Lilly.”

“Lilly. To Lilly. You have the best brother in the world. Harlow.” She drew a heart and a smiley face.

Marty laughed out loud. “This is hilarious. Every time she starts annoying me, I’m going to remind her about what you said.”

“Because you are.” Harlow spun her wheelchair around. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Would you like me to walk you the rest of the way?”

“There’s no need.”

“Are you sure?” Marty held the gate, watching as she wheeled herself through.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be fine.”