Page 35 of Smuggler's Cove

“Heck,Ifeel sorry for you,” Olivia answered.

“It’s odd. I don’t feel sorry for myself. I am shocked. Stunned. But sorry?”

“You are shocked, alright. Give it some time to set in.”

“What am I going to miss? Expensive clothes? I’ll make my own.” Madison grunted. It was at that moment when she set her course. It would be the beginning of a stellar career.

Olivia chuckled. “You were always the one to change things up. Prada would be apoplectic if they saw what you did to one of their outfits.”

“Right! Remember when I turned the white pantsuit into a white capri pantsuit?”

“White was always a good color for you. Or is it the absence of color, my friend?”

“I think clear is the absence of color.” Madison was finally starting to relax. It was good to have a long talk with her dear friend.

“Listen, I am going to call Nana and let her know I will be coming up tomorrow. Might as well get out while the getting is good. Hey, why don’t you jump on a train and visit?”

“You are going to need a little time to sort things out. How about the following weekend? Or maybe if you are up to it, you can come to Boston. There is lots to do here.”

“I’m already liking this new arrangement.” Madison was smiling. “Gotta get going.”

“Keep me posted. Whatever you need, you know I will be there for you.”

“I love you to the moon and back!” Madison said cheerfully. Then she dialed her grandmother’s number and gave her an update and an estimated time of arrival.

“Honey, I am so glad you are coming tomorrow. You need to be around family.”

Madison caught herself when her thoughts went toFamily? Where is my mother?Instead, she said, “Lincoln is going to stay here until Friday. Well, not here at the hotel. He is moving in with his friend Tyler. He is bringing his things over there tonight.”

“What about school?” Nana asked.

“The plan is for him to complete his freshman year at Pace, and then transfer to Baruch.” She took a breath. “I must report to RISD Monday morning. If it is alright with you, I’ll stay with you and Pops until I can find a place.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You can stay as long as you want.”

“Thanks, Nana.”

“And you can borrow my car to get to school. Since your grandfather retired, we really don’t need a second car, although I wish he’d get out from under my feet once in a while.”

Madison laughed. “Mom said you’re volunteering at the library.”

“Yes. That is one of my excuses to get out of the house.” She laughed. “I keep telling him he needs a hobby. Then he says thatI amhis hobby. Zip-a-dee-do-da.”

“So that’s where my mother got that expression?”

“We don’t have a copyright on it, dearie,” Nana chuckled. It was good to hear her granddaughter was in a light mood. All things considered.

* * *

Later that evening, Lincoln checked in with his sister. “All settled in. You okay?”

“Yes. Did you check out of your room?”

“I called the front desk. They said you told them to put everything on the card.”

“Correct, and I am checking out in the morning. I am taking the ten o’clock train.”

“Is your watchdog still in the lobby?” Lincoln asked.