Reed showed them the work they’d done in the kitchen, which brought everything up to code but kept the vintage look. When they stepped outside in the car court area, Reed looked up at their quarters above the garage. “We haven’t touched this section yet.”
Ivy and Bennett looked at each other. “That’s because we hadn’t planned on doing much,” Bennett said. “We can manage most improvements ourselves.”
Forrest put his hands on his hips. “As long as our crew is here, you might as well take advantage of it. This was included in the budget.”
Ivy was pleasantly surprised. “If we ever move, we could add this unit to the inventory. I know we hadn’t planned on it originally, but if we have the budget to do it now, we should.”
They all climbed the stairs and went inside.
Reed gestured around the space. “New paint at a minimum. Might as well sand and refinish the floors, too.”
“That tragic kitchen sink should go,” Forrest said, chuckling. “We’ll add that to the list. Cabinets, too. They didn’t use the same quality here as in the main house.”
“That’s true, though I want to keep the vintage look and feel,” Ivy said, leading them to the bathroom. “I have a lot of ideas about this space.”
They spoke for a while, and finally, Forrest said. “You won’t be sorry, but you’ll have to find a place to stay for a while. Poppy is moving home for the rest of the renovation.”
Bennett turned to Ivy. “My sister has a nice guest bedroom she offered earlier. Shall I call Kendra?”
“Let’s take her up on it,” Ivy replied.
Bennett grinned. “Dave and I can jam on the guitars, and we can teach Logan.”
“Sounds like fun.” Ivy enjoyed spending time with Kendra, too.
As they discussed finishes and timelines, Ivy’s phone vibrated. Glancing down, she saw a missed call notification from Lea. Her stomach tightened with disappointment. How had she missed it? Then she realized the call had come in during the council meeting.
Bennett noticed her expression. “Everything okay?”
“I missed a call from Lea. I need to speak to her.”
“Go ahead,” Bennett said. “We’ll finish here.”
Ivy hesitated, torn between her responsibilities to the inn and her growing unease about Lea’s situation.
“The house has stood for nearly a century,” Bennett added. “It can wait another hour.”
“Thanks for that.” She squeezed his hand before hurrying toward a table by the pool, mentally composing what she would say.
She hoped Lea would pick up.
22
Outside by the pool, the fresh air was a welcome relief to Ivy after the dust and paint fumes inside. The lazy rippling water should have been relaxing, but she was on edge about this conversation she needed to have with Lea.
She pulled out her phone and dialed Lea’s number, willing her to answer. However, once again, the call went to voicemail, asking her to leave a message.
“Lea, it’s Ivy again. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please call me back when you get this. It’s important.” She paused, wondering how much to reveal. “It’s about something else we found in the house.”
After ending the call, she ran a hand through her hair in frustration.
Just as she was about to rejoin Bennett, Forrest, and Reed in the house, her phone rang. It was Andrew. Ivy’s pulse quickened as she answered.
“Did I catch you at a good time?” His deep voice carried the thoughtful, professional precision of a well-educated man.
“As good as it gets. What’s going on?”
“I’ve submitted the legal request to the Swiss bank.” His tone held a hint of satisfaction. “Their in-house counsel verified the long-dormant account. It’s in the name of Amelia Erickson.”
