Page 28

“Hey, sis. Dinner’s ready when you are.”

She trudged through the kitchen and dropped heavily into a chair at the table, melting over the chair back. “Feed me. I’m exhausted.”

“Tough day?” Anya asked.

“Not terrible. I had to listen to a ten-minute diatribe from a customer who didn’t have a ferry reservation and was shocked that they were stuck on island an extra night.” Vi shrugged. “I mean, I get it. It sucks. But you came to an island. Planning for the return trip is just as important as the trip out.”

“That’s why I just don’t leave,” I said officiously.

Anya chuckled. “Be careful or you’ll be right about that WNFH post.”

“I’m just a hermit in need of a rock.”

Violet glanced between us. “I don’t think anyone on the island would consider that news.”

I dished up chili, and Anya and I took spots at the kitchen table.

“This is delicious,” Anya complimented.

I was far too old for flushed cheeks and stammering, but it still took effort to respond placidly. “Thanks.”

My sister sighed, drawing out the sound theatrically. “I guess we’ll keep you if you’re cooking for us.”

“Thanks, sis.” My tone was wry. Her lip twitched.

She turned to Anya. “Having brothers is a blessing and a curse.”

Anya cast me a sideways glance from beneath her lashes, pursing her mouth. “I wouldn’t know.”

Vi waved a hand in the air. “I forget you’re an only child. Lucky duck. What’s it like not to have to share everything?”

“Not all it’s cracked up to be.”

Something about Anya’s guarded tone made me want to protect her from further questions. She’d folded, hunching in on herself with every word about family.

“Vi, what did you really have to share?” I scoffed gently. “You were the only girl.”

“The car. Mom and Dad’s attention.” She ticked off items on her fingers. “Gran.” She scowled down at her extended middle finger. “Maybe I’m grateful for that one. Sometimes less scrutiny from her is a good thing.”

I chuckled. She wasn’t wrong. I wouldn’t be in my current predicament if it weren’t for Gran’s tendency to butt into her grandchildren’s lives.

Anya seemed to relax as conversation turned away from family dynamics and toward garden-variety small-town gossip. Vi was convinced we were getting a new Chinese restaurant, but I argued that none of our general contractors could keep a secret worth beans, and I hadn’t heard anything about a new project. I’d believe it when I saw the grand opening sign.

After dinner, Violet yawned. “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m going to go rot in my bed and turn in early. You good if I abandon you for cleanup?”

I nodded, and she slipped out of the kitchen. Anya helped me with the dishes, a peaceful silence settling between us. The sun was just drifting toward the horizon, the waning rays lighting the kitchen in a gentle glow as I put the last bowl away.

“I’m too restless for TV.” She glanced outside. “It’s not dark yet. Maybe I’ll get in a walk. Do you want to join me?”

It was impossible to gauge if her offer was sincere, or if she truly wanted to be alone. Their tiny house didn’t leave us a lot of options if we stayed indoors. But given recent events, I wasn’t wild about her wandering the road overlooking the bay at dusk on her own.

“Want to see if we can catch the sunset instead?” I asked. We should have just enough time to drive out to Lime Kiln or one of the other hot spots for sunset chasers.

“Ooh. Yes… That’s a great idea. It looks like it’s going to be a good one tonight. I haven’t been out to the lighthouse in forever.”

It was probably a bad time to tell Anya her eyes sparkled prettier than any sunset. I pushed down the impulse.

“I’ll just grab my keys.”