“Sounds mysterious,” Ethan said, waggling his eyebrows. “So it’s settled. You’ll stay tonight.”
“Just one more night, if that’s okay.”
“Of course it is,” Ginger said. “However, we should go soon. We don’t want to be late and lose our appointments.”
Ethan wolfed down his breakfast. “I’ll see you all later.”
Marina watched Ethan rush upstairs. Beside her, Ginger murmured, “I’ll bet he finds an excuse to stop by Beach Waves.”
After arriving at the salon,Marina opened the door for their party. The bell on the salon’s front door jingled, matching everyone’s high spirits.
Kai was already waiting for them. “Hi, you gorgeous ladies—who are about to look even more fabulous shortly. It seems Ginger booked every stylist here for us.”
Holly glanced around the bustling salon, splashed in shades of pink and whimsical sayings on the walls. “What a cute place.”
Ginger spoke to the receptionist. “There are several of us, but I would like our guest to have special treatment. It’s a big day for her tomorrow.”
“I understand,” the receptionist said brightly. “Brandy can take her right now.”
At the mention of the owner’s name, Holly swung around, suddenly alert. “Did you say, Brandy?”
A woman a little older than Holly turned around to greet her. “Welcome to Beach Waves.”
Suddenly, Holly looked flustered, and her face paled as she stared at the salon owner. “You’reBrandy?”
Nodding, Brandy looked surprised at Holly’s tone. “Are you okay?”
“I think I need some water,” Holly said, sinking into a chair. “I’m feeling like I might faint.”
“I’ll get you a glass,” Brandy said, frowning with concern. She hurried away.
Kai sat next to Holly and took her hand. “What was that about? Do you know Brandy?”
Looking panicked, Holly blurted out in a hoarse whisper, “That’s who I wanted to try to meet in Los Angeles. What is she doinghere?”
“This is her salon,” Kai said. “But she moved from L.A. What’s going on with you?”
Holly pressed a hand to her heart. “It’s complicated. Not long ago, I took a DNA test and got a match.”
Marina knelt beside the young woman. “On Brandy?”
Dabbing her eyes, Holly nodded. “I think she’s…my sister,” she finished softly. “But I don’t think she knows that. I wasn’t even sure if I was going to talk to her. I just wanted to see what she looked like.”
“Well, you’re here now,” Kai said.
“But I’m not ready yet.” Holly bit her lip and frowned. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”
9
Ginger placed a hand on Holly’s shoulder to comfort her. “Life seldom serves up what we expect, dear.” She traded a look with Marina, who nodded. This was a delicate matter of importance to these two young women.
Now Ginger understood why fate had drawn Holly here. She was as sure of this as when telling her life story to Jack. Coincidences had figured prominently in her life and likely in most others, if people thought about it. Holly’s intuitive sense was strong; whether she realized it or not, she was meant to be in Summer Beach.
“We’re here with you, so it’s a perfect time,” Marina said, taking her hand. “One of us can talk to Brandy for you, or with you.”
Holly searched Ginger’s face. “After collapsing like this, I guess I should tell her now, right?”
“That would be best,” Ginger replied.
