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“That’s one doctor’s order I cantotallylive by.” Leaning back into her seat, Mason grinned at Sadie. “So. You and Ellie.”

“Dude, come on. You already know.”

“We do.” It was Vera and Chase in unison again.

“Fine, fine. I’ll leave you alone. For now,” Mason added with a wink.

The rest of the drive to the Cape was fun and carefree as they listened to music and chatted about life. They asked about Sadie’s college plans and where she was staying and if she was excited. Sadie admitted she was nervous, but they all encouraged her it would be okay.

As Vera pulled the Jeep into the driveway of the beach house, Sadie took it in. She’d seen pictures from the house before but had never seen it in person. It was a large, two-story house with sandy colored siding and a porch that wrapped around in an L-shape. Due to the slope in the back, the backyard was expertly concealed aside from a small pathway that seemingly led down to the pool. Sadie grabbed her bag from the back as she walked up the stairs to the front door where she was immediately greeted by Ellie.

Who was wearing a black two-piece bathing suit that left little to Sadie’s imagination.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Ellie hugged Sadie quickly before motioning her inside. She followed Ellie through the house to a hallway. “You’re staying in my room with me if that’s okay with you. There’s a trundle bed.”

Sadie tried not to overthink the last tidbit as she followed Ellie up the open spiral staircase to the second floor. Ellie’s room was the second on the left, with a nice view of the backyard and ocean over the trees. The walls were light pink and covered with posters from musicals and Playbills, most signed. She smiled at the poster of her aunt’s latest show framed over her nightstand. Ellie had eagerly told Sadie all about the show a few days ago, and Sadie loved listening to her talk about the things she loved.

The furniture in the room was sparse: a bed, nightstand, and dresser were all there was. And it was much cleaner than Sadie had anticipated. Not that she expected Ellie to be messy. It just didn’t have the feel of a normal teen’s room. But Ellie wasn’t just a normal teen. And they’d just gotten there the day before, so why would it be messed up already?

Stop overthinking, Sadie.

“So, this is it.” Ellie sat Sadie’s bag on the floor by the bed. She sat down, crossing her legs as she leaned back slightly onto the bed. “What do you think?”

“It’s very you.”

“Is that a good thing?” Ellie seemed unsure as she cocked her head at Sadie.

Sadie shrugged, a smile on her face. “I think so.”

Ellie blushed and Sadie couldn’t help but grin stupidly.

It’s gonna be a long week.

“So, the bathroom is there,” Ellie pointed to a closed door, “but it’s shared with Everleigh so be sure to keep both doors closed. She’s really great about not bugging me when I’m in there, though.”

“That’s good.”

“She’s the best.”

Not for the first time, Sadie wished she had a sibling. Ellie had not one butfouramazing siblings and two equally amazing sisters-in-law. She was lucky, and Sadie hoped she knew that.

“Do you want a tour of the house?”

“Sure.”

Sadie followed Ellie through the three floors—Sadie was surprised there was a basement as well—for the grand tour of the Mackenzie house. They ended the tour by the pool, where everyone had gathered. And by everyone, it felt like everyone. Isla and Vera. Mason and Chase. Blake and Alexis and their kids. Brayden and Everleigh. Walker and Maddie. Even their Aunt Eden was there. Sadie felt overwhelmed as she waved at them all.

Thankfully, Ellie must have sensed Sadie feeling overwhelmed and suggested they take a walk on the beach. Ellie grabbed an oversized T-shirt off the back of a pool chair. Sadie tried not to study the muscles of Ellie’s stomach as she slipped the tee over her body.

Yup. It’s gonna be alongweek.

Chapter 23

Ellie