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“Stage fright, huh?”

“Something like that.” She made a face.

“Performing with others helps. Reminds you that you’re not alone on stage. Plus, controlling your breathing—pulling from your diaphragm—gives you more control and power over your voice.”

“Sounds like you have more experience than just tree removal.”

“I can saddle a horse too.” He flashed her a grin. “What else does Dani have up her sleeve for this end-of-summer celebration?”

“In addition to the concert and talent show, she wants games on the lawn of the Grand, a parade showcasing the island businesses, and plenty of food. She asked me for more ideas, including a name for the festival, but I’m kind of stuck. I haven’t been on island in almost five years.”

Satisfied the piece of lumber would work, he marked it, set the longer end on the edge of the porch for stability, and lopped it off at the penciled mark with his uncle’s battery-operated circular saw.

“You could call it Summer Sunset MusicFest.” Asher picked up the cut-up chunk of wood and tossed it into the wagon. “What about a battle of the bands? Local performers could battle against one another.”

She looked at him a moment as if pondering his words. “Maybe you should be doing the advertising for the festival. I like that name. I’ll share it with Dani. As for the battle of the bands, isn’t that what the talent show would do?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. But I feel like a talent show highlights one individual or a small group of people, whereas a battle of the bands could bring in bands from the surrounding areas. You could sell tickets and raise even more money for the revitalization of the island.”

Sadie stayed quiet as she cupped a hand around her face and tapped a finger against her slightly turned-up nose. Was that respectful pause or did she hate his idea?

He really needed to keep his mouth shut, but there was something about Sadie that had him opening up more than he had to anyone else in a long time.

He wasn’t sure what to think about that.

If someone told her a year ago that she’d be living out of boxes right now while crashing with Gran, Sadie would’ve laughed.

A year ago, she had her life mapped out. She had a plan and loved working the plan.

That was before her faith and trust in humanity were shattered. Now there were very few people she believed.

She could trust her gran. And her parents. And Dani and Lily.

Her friends wouldn’t let her down.

Maybe it was their belief in her that sparked the urge to dig into the past.

And her recent conversation with Gran’s neighbor, who didn’t seem as grumpy as she’d first expected.

Maybe she’d misjudged him.

Maybe.

Time would tell.

Once her eyes adjusted to the dimness in the musty garage, she lifted another box off the towering stack she’d put in place only a week ago and set it on the floor at her feet. She opened it, and a familiar fragrance wafted from the cardboard.

Her heart seized as she breathed in the subtle scent that reminded her of her late sister. A hammered metal photo frame of Lauren’s face smiled at her from underneath the box flap.

Sadie pulled it out and pressed it against her chest. “I miss you, sissy.”

She turned the photo upside down and set it on the shelf next to the stack of boxes, then dug out assorted journals decorated with doodles and stickers, gathering them in her arms.

“Sadie.” A deep voice sounded behind her.

She yelped, sounding more like someone had stepped on a duck. Sadie spun around and lost her hold on the journals. They splayed at her feet, spines up.

As she reached for them, she found Asher in the doorway.