After taking a bite of cheese, Kai asked, “Where are all the guys?”
“Jack usually walks Scout about this time, and Leo is probably with him,” Marina replied.
“I’ve been trying to reach Axe,” Kai said. “And Ginger asked me if I’d seen Oliver after his golf game.”
“Maybe they’re all plotting together.”
Kai made a face. “Those guys? Please, they’re the last ones I’d suspect of anything.”
Marina arched an eyebrow at that. “Uh-oh. Bored much?”
She’d been concerned about her sister. As much as Kai had longed for a baby, Marina suspected she might be overwhelmed with the duties of motherhood. Or worse, she would miss the excitement of traveling and performing on the musical theater circuit.
Kai shrugged. “Sometimes I wish something would happen around here. I love Summer Beach, but it’s hardly Broadway.”
“Nothing is,” Marina said, peering at her sister. “Are you feeling blue because you took the holidays off?”
“I had to. That English nanny almost killed me, but now, I miss it.”
“You were fabulous inMary Poppins, but maybe it was too soon for you to take it on. With Stella getting older, it will be easier.”
Kai’s face bloomed at the memory. “It was a fun production, even with all the kid herding. Little scene stealers, every one of them.” Kai made a face.
“Even Leo?”
“Oh, my gosh, especially Leo.” Kai’s eyes widened. “When I cast him as Tiny Tim last year, I created a monster.”
Marina laughed, knowing Kai didn’t mean a word of what she said.
With a theatrical sigh, her sister rested her chin on the heel of her hand. “I love Stella, but I underestimated this entire mommy gig. If it hadn’t been for Brooke and Ginger, I don’t know what I would’ve done. By next year, Stella should be walking and talking. When do they start speaking again?”
“Give her a little longer to piece together sentences.” Marina grinned, recalling how she managed with twins. Those early years weren’t easy, but she remembered them fondly now.
Marina spread homemade ricotta onto a small cranberry toast, drizzled honey, and sprinkled flaked sea salt. “Here, try this.”
“Do you have any wine to go with it?” Kai asked. When Marina looked surprised, she added, “What? Like you never did that? Besides, I’m on holiday.”
She realized her sister needed an artistic outlet, or at the least, a little break from the daily duties of motherhood—much as she loved her daughter. “How about my bubbly holiday special?”
“Absolutely.” Kai snapped her fingers, swaying to the Christmas pop songs on the sound system. “I’m feeling better already.” Smiling now, she wiped Stella’s green, avocado-smeared face and hands and kissed her cheek. “What a happy mess you are.” She put a few banana slices on the carrier tray in front of her, and Stella broke into a toothless grin.
“I know of a good babysitter you might like. A retired nurse. She might have time during the holiday season.”
“Really?” Kai brightened. “I’d love her number.”
“I’ll give it to you.” Marina brought a bottle of chilled cava—the Spanish version of champagne—to the counter and poured a small glass for Kai. She added a splash of deep red Chambord and a sprig of mint. “A Kir Royale for a royal pain in the?—”
Interrupting, Kai said breezily, “Thanks, Sis. You’re the best. You’re not joining me?”
“Not while I have to cook. That’s how accidents happen in the kitchen. So, do you want to hear some news?”
“Please, I’m dying here. I’ve already outlined the next two years of productions, and I’m choreographing dances and blocking scenes in the living room. I’ve broken a vase and a candy dish with my high kicks. At this rate, Stella will be an assistant director by the time she starts kindergarten.”
Marina jerked her head toward their grandmother’s cottage. “Ginger has a visitor.”
Kai choked on her cocktail. “Not another man?”
“What? No!” Marina chuckled at the absurdity of that. “Holly is her name.” Quickly, Marina told her about their meeting and how Ginger had invited her to stay.
