“Just some things that don’t fit my style anymore.”
Inwardly, Maileah shuddered as she recalled the outfits she’d worn clubbing with Hawk. He liked her to look as cheap as he was. At the time, she’d thought acting like that was fun, but now, she was ashamed of her choices.
She realized how much she had hurt her family, especially when she took sides with her father.
She’d packed her clothes and accessories to move in with Hawk. But she hadn’t had a chance to unpack before the relationship imploded, so she shipped everything to Crown Island before she left.
Only now, she didn’t want any reminders of her old life.
This was a fresh beginning.
Junie peeked under a flap. “What are these? Halloween costumes?”
“Might as well be.”
“If you don’t want them, you can donate them,” Junie said. “I’ll help you go through them.”
When Maileah told her what was inside, her sister grinned. “Guess you won’t need those with Todd. Have you heard from him?”
Maileah brushed off her jeans. “He wanted me to see his new place this weekend, but I told him I was moving.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t offer to help,” Junie said.
“He did, but I knew we could handle it.” Maileah had a lot on her mind. She had borrowed Deb’s large SUV to move the boxes she’d stored in her grandmother’s garage.
After she and Junie had carried in her belongings, Maileah looked around. “I don’t have much to show for a woman who’s been on earth as long as I have been.”
Her sister slung her arm around her. “That’s because you carry your experiences inside. I don’t know anyone who has had more travel and adventures than you have.”
“I suppose that’s true.” She hugged Junie. “Thanks for helping. There is one more thing I want to do.”
Opening a cupboard, she found an old watering pitcher and vases. “Let’s bring some of those gorgeous wildflowers and roses inside.”
“Great idea. Do you have any scissors or clippers?”
“I don’t know. Check the drawers.”
“Score,” Junie said, bringing out a pair.
Maileah opened the French doors to the patio, and the two clipped flowers from the abundance of growth. “I’ll have to keep these trimmed, I suppose.”
Babe hadn’t mentioned anything about a gardening service, so she assumed that was her responsibility, but she’d ask. Not that she minded though. Trimming looked easy enough.
They brought their cut flowers inside, arranged them, and placed them in the living room, bedroom, and outside on a table.
“There,” Maileah said with satisfaction. “I’m home at last.”
“I know the feeling,” Junie said. “Although I’ll miss you at my place.”
“You’re welcome here, too.”
Just then, footsteps sounded on the path outside, and Maileah opened the front door. “Mom, Nana, what a surprise.” She welcomed them inside.
“I thought you might need some housewarming supplies.” April held up a bag from a local pizzeria and a bottle of wine.
Ella looked around, smiling. “Augustus and I had a sweet little place like this when we first married. That was before we bought our home on Beach View Lane. I loved its simplicity. I think you found a real gem, darling.”
“Thank you, Nana,” Maileah said, taking the pizzas into the kitchen. “My stomach was starting to rumble. We can eat outside.”
