She and Junie cleaned up while their mother found a checkered tablecloth and Ella located the wine glasses.
After filling their plates with pizza and salad, the four women sat around the table under the umbrella, enjoying the new surroundings.
April pulled the cork from the wine. As she poured, she said, “First, I’d like to toast to you and your new beginning here on the island. I know you’ll find what makes your heart sing.”
“And his name is Todd,” Junie added with a grin.
Maileah’s smile faltered. “Maybe. Or maybe not.”
Junie frowned with alarm. “Did something happen between you?”
April and Ella looked between them with interest.
“I’m reconsidering a lot of things in my life.”
“Isn’t he part of the shiny new life you want?” Junie asked.
Ella touched her glass to Maileah’s. “It’s always good to consider your options.”
Maileah leaned over to kiss her grandmother on the cheek. “I’m going to start meeting you in the mornings for yoga. My brain needs a kickstart, and my body needs more flexibility and balance. Or is that the other way around?”
“It’s both,” Ella said, a smile lighting her face. “Monday and Wednesday. Don’t be late.”
“I want to alternate that with walking, but I can’t wait to get back on a jet ski.” She’d noticed a pair in the open garage at Sailor’s home and imagined he took those out with Skeeter.
A twinge of jealousy threatened her, but she pushed it away. She had no reason for that. She wanted to be happy for them.
As they ate and talked, dusk began to gather. Something caught Maileah’s eye. “Hang on, I think I found something.”
A cord dangled from a branch, so she looked around until she found an outlet to plug it into. Tiny white fairy lights flickered to life, illuminating the tree above them.
They all gasped at the leafy boughs stretched overhead like a protective embrace.
“What a magical place you’ve found,” her mother said. “I’m sure your life will come together here.”
“That’s my goal, Mom.” Maileah sat with her family again. Taking in the faces around her, she thought about these women who meant the most to her, the ones who had been there for her when no one else was.
Leaning against Junie, she reached across the table and clasped her mother’s and grandmother’s hands. “I know I have a sharp tongue and often leap before I look, but thank you for not giving up on me. You’ve saved me.”
“You saved yourself,” her mother said. “We just cushioned your fall.”
“You sure keep things lively,” Junie said.
Maileah laughed. “Maybe a little less so in the future.”
“You don’t have to take it that far,” Ella said, winking at her.
After finishing the wine and putting the rest of the pizza and salad into the refrigerator, Junie and April helped tidy the cottage while Maileah organized her toiletries and workspace. Both tasks took little time because she’d been traveling light.
Ella put herself in charge of supervising, and she was chatting away about her memories of Crown Island. “This is the first time you’ve lived by yourself in a long time. Will you feel safe after we leave?”
Maileah glanced around. “I was just thinking about that. It seems a little odd, but I’ll get used to it.” She’d had roommates or boyfriends since college. “Maybe I’ve been afraid to be alone.”
“It’s understandable.” Her grandmother touched her hand. “Call me if you need anything or want to talk, though you’ll probably find plenty to keep you busy.”
“I will, but don’t be surprised if your phone rings.”
Her gaze landed on her workspace, which she’d set up on a small table facing a window. A laptop, a coffee cup full of pens and pencils she’d collected from her travels, a notepad, assorted charges, and an old hand-loomed potholder for a coaster.
