Page 30 of The Secrets We Treasure
Chapter 7
There’s a certain feeling that only going home can bring. It’s substantial and grounding like marrow reconnecting with the bone. Treasure had chosen an outside, forward-facing spot on the ferry. Her body resting against the railing, she turned her face to the wind, breathing in the salty air. Memories flashed a slideshow through her brain as the ferry continued its onward trek toward the one spot of earth and water that had left an indelible print on the center of her soul. No matter how far she climbed up the ladder of worldly acclaim or how vast her travels, inside, she was still that simple island girl who derived her strength from the warm hand of the sun on her face and the gentle stirring of the honeysuckle-infused breeze.
She’d been back to the island a few times since her breakup with Greer, but he’d been off living in other places. This would be the first time they were on the island together. Anticipation trickled through her veins. She’d not told either Laci or Greer about her impromptu visit. Her plan was to show up at the party on Friday and surprise them. It would be tricky keeping the secret from Greer. However, seeing the shock on his face would make the subterfuge worth it.
Her stomach tightened. Coming back here could cause her problems with Greer’s mother and Josette Chasing, especially if they got wind that Treasure and Greer were resuming their relationship. Maybe it was time to confront them both and put old ghosts to rest. That was the only way Treasure would have any peace. She couldn’t get close to Greer while having the constant threat of her secret hanging over her head. Could she muster the courage to reopen the past? Did she dare tell Greer the truth? Surely, he would understand once she laid out all the facts. Or maybe he wouldn’t. He could come to loathe her once he learned the truth. Keeping her distance from Greer and Honeysuckle Island had protected her secret. But now, she could be opening Pandora’s Box.
She sucked in a breath, willing herself to calm down. One step at a time. A prayer went through her mind as she asked for help. Treasure had learned when Ben passed away that she could draw on the powers of heaven to help heal her heart. Treasure had grown up attending church with her mom. Then, when Treasure learned the painful truth about her mother’s affair with Oliver Chasing, she became disillusioned with God and right and wrong. While Treasure had never let on to her mother that she knew about her affair, something inside of Treasure shifted. She no longer put any stock in the things her mother said. She became cynical about the hypocrisy of so-called Christians. Eventually, she stopped going to church altogether. When she and Greer broke up, Treasure found herself in a dark place.
Then, she met Ben, and he helped bring light back into her life. Ben had a strong belief in God. He helped Treasure regain her faith. When he died, Helen and Kevin were there, patiently holding her hand through the process and exhorting her to turn to God for strength.
Now that Treasure was older, with a clearer perspective, she felt more compassion for her mother. Treasure had certainly made her share of mistakes and had no right to judge. Treasure still couldn’t condone having an affair with a married man. However, she realized that only God could truly judge someone, for He knew the heart.
Her stomach tightened. Was her mother okay? Treasure had no idea what to expect. The good news was that the party wasn’t for two more days, meaning she could put all her effort into looking after her mother with no distractions.
Treasure spotted Pembrooke Lighthouse first, and then Harbor Village came into view. The reflection of the sun played on the quaint, coastal-style buildings nestled against the marina, making them look as though their feet were stretched deep into the rippled water. Treasure could almost imagine that the buildings had outstretched arms, welcoming her home. She soaked in the luster of the predominately white buildings mixed with a few fanciful pastels. The marina was bustling with expensive sailboats and not one but two impressive yachts. Treasure spotted several golf carts puttering along the road that ran alongside the marina. Honeysuckle Island was unique in that the only motorized automobiles allowed on the island were a few utility and emergency vehicles. Everyone else drove modified electric golf carts.
After the ferry docked, Treasure disembarked and walked over to the only rental company on the island to get a golf cart. When Doris, the woman working the counter, saw Treasure, her eyes lit with recognition. “Treasure,” she squealed, “great to see you.” She came around the counter and threw her arms around Treasure, giving her a tight hug. “How are you?” Doris chirped, when she released Treasure.
“Good. How are you?” Doris grew up in the neighboring town of Summerhaven. She and Treasure had attended high school together. There were around two thousand private residences on Honeysuckle Island. Approximately six hundred people lived on the island year-round. Of that number, Treasure could count on one hand the number of families who sent their kids to public schools. Laci and Greer’s families lived on the island year-round and pooled their resources with several other families to hire private tutors for their children. That left Treasure to take the ferry back and forth to Summerhaven every day to get to school. It was hard on Treasure to know that her two closest friends were hanging out together while she was off in Summerhaven.
“I’m fine as peach wine.” Doris looked Treasure up and down. “Look at you … Miss Sophisticated. I watched you on both seasons of The Singing Bachelor and follow you on Instagram. You’ve turned into quite the celebrity.”
“Thanks. Do you live on the island?” Doris had put on a little weight since high school, and her hair was shorter than Treasure remembered.
Doris scrunched her brows. “Heck, no. This place is too rich for my blood. I live over in Summerhaven. I don’t like having to ride the ferry back and forth, but the pay’s good, so I keep doing it. How long are you here?”
“Um, I’m not sure,” she hedged.
“I guess that depends on your mama’s health.”
Treasure jerked. “You know about that?”
“Yeah, my sister Hannah works at the hotel.” Compassion stirred her features. “Is your mama doing okay?”
“I think so. She was released from the hospital yesterday. Cherry is looking after her until I could get here.” Cherry was Treasure’s mom’s best friend. The two had worked together at the hotel for years.
“Well, I sure hope Barbara’s okay. I take it you need to rent a cart?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll fix you right up.” Speculation flickered in her eyes. “Guess who blew into town yesterday? Greer Nash,” she boomed before Treasure could answer. Doris clicked her tongue. “Age has certainly done him good. I follow his YouTube Channel. Do you and Greer keep in touch? Y’all used to date, didn’t you?”
Heat seeped into Treasure’s cheeks. “We did. And yes, we keep in touch.”
“I guess all the beautiful people have to stick together,” she sighed. “You look terrific. I don’t know how you stay so thin,” Doris added with a trace of envy.
“Thanks. I’ve always been tall and lanky. It’s about time I filled out.”
“Oh, honey. You certainly have … in all the right places.” She pressed her hands over her stomach. “It wouldn’t hurt me to lose a few pounds, but I suppose I like my caramel brownies a little too much.”
“I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself. You look good,” Treasure said.
Doris waved a hand. “No, I don’t, but thanks for being kind.” Her eyes widened. “I almost forgot. Congratulations on your engagement. Your manager seems like quite the catch,” she said with a coy smile.
Treasure’s spine stiffened. “Thanks.” Great! Just what she needed … everyone on Honeysuckle Island believing she was engaged. Oh, well, it couldn’t be helped. Speaking of Ethan, just since her plane had landed, she’d missed two calls and a text from him, saying that he had an idea he wanted to run past her. Treasure hadn’t responded. She needed a break from Ethan. She’d text him later this evening. Whatever idea he had brimming in his head could wait until then.
Doris went around to the other side of the desk and began typing on her keyboard. “Do you wanna rent by the day since you’re not sure how long you’ll be here?”
