“Still challenging, though Knox is managing the chaos well. The west wing is complete, but the east wing is progressing slower than we’d like.”
“I thought the subcontractors were on a tight schedule.”
Ryan nodded. “They are, but special events at the hotel—even though they’re welcome—can hinder us. Knox, Whitley, and I are constantly refining the plan, but we have a hard deadline before the spring and summer rush. We have a charity surfing competition soon. Every room available is booked, so construction will be limited for the duration.”
“Will you make it in time?”
He squeezed her hand. “We have a plan, and Knox is excellent at creative execution. He’s never let me down.”
“Maileah mentioned that event. She said Sailor will be involved.”
“Absolutely. This an important event, and he’s the hometown favorite. Many people will come to see him.”
April knew he was talented, but that surprised her. “Is he that popular in the world of surfing?”
“He’s a champion,” Ryan said, arching an eyebrow. “You don’t follow surfing, do you?”
“Not really. I surfed some here as a kid, but my mother treated so many surfing related injuries in the ER that it put me off the sport. How about you?” He’d also grown up on Crown Island, although they hadn’t known each other then. Ryan’s family lived on another side of the island.
“We played in the surf, but chess was my main sport back then.” He chuckled to himself. “And then I went away to private school. But you should see Sailor. The guy is a natural. The hotel is booked solid with fans, surfers, and media. It’s great for business, but if we’re not ready, we’ll have to cancel some reservations until the work is complete.”
“Is Deb working out on the project?”
“She’s fantastic at sourcing furnishings for the guest rooms. Her fresh interiors are just what we needed. Guests love the new look—refined elegance meets beach chic.”
April was relieved that Ryan was pleased with her friend’s work. They talked a little about their families, and Ryan asked about Maileah’s job search. “Let me know if I can help.”
“I’ll mention that to her.” April wasn’t sure if Maileah would accept help from Ryan, but she would do anything for her daughter. Making sure she avoided the costly pitfalls of life was April’s primary concern for her.
6
Maileah pedaled one of her grandmother’s vintage bikes along Orange Avenue, relishing the burn in her muscles after conquering the Queen’s Ride, a mountain path her mother had told her about. The late afternoon sun was warm, though a sea breeze cooled her skin.
She passed Regal Bikes and spotted Adrian outside talking to a couple on their bikes. In the next block, she spied a boutique with sunny yellow awnings and a beach mural painted on one side of the corner building.
She slowed her bike for a better look. Beach Babes had attractive window displays. She couldn’t keep borrowing Junie’s new island wardrobe. Maileah was taller than her sister, so many of her clothes were too short.
She needed suitable clothes if she was going to stay on Crown Island. Todd had asked her out tonight, and she hated to raid her sister’s closet again. A turquoise blue sundress in the window caught her eye.
She eased her bike to a stop. As she locked it to a light pole, a woman about her age with wavy, mahogany-colored hair leaned against the door, watching her with a smile.
Maileah stood. “You have some cute outfits in the window.”
“Thanks, and welcome to Beach Babes,” the woman said, stepping aside. “I’m Babe. Are you visiting the island?”
After introducing herself, Maileah said, “It started that way, but I decided to stay. How could you tell?”
“Most locals don’t lock up their bikes,” Babe replied. “People can’t get too far on an island. And that sweet ride is unique.”
“It’s one of my grandmother’s.”
“Nurse Ella, right?”
“Wow, good guess. How did you know?”
Babe gestured for her to follow her inside. “Adrian and Sailor restored your grandmother’s bikes. Your mother has been here a few times, so I’ve seen April on a couple of those old beauties. If you’re from Seattle, you’ll need a different wardrobe here.”
“That’s why I stopped.” Maileah glanced around, impressed with the clothing assortment and accessories. “May I see that turquoise sundress in the window?”
