She was sorry she couldn’t enjoy it more.
When they finished the tour, Kaylyn showed her the restaurant. “This is the sister restaurant to the other Lot 28, which is a one Michelin star restaurant,” Kaylyn beamed with pride.
“She has a one Michelin star restaurant?” Nikki asked as her eyes popped.
“The whole place is a five-star experience,” Kaylyn beamed. “I mean, sure, it didn’t start that way, but then Paul came along and helped her turn this place around. He sort of co-joined with her so she could take his brand, and here we are,” Kaylyn said as she opened the door to the house.
“That’s incredible,” Nikki remarked. “I had no idea.”
Kaylyn nodded. “Paul should be coming by shortly, but make yourself at home,” Kaylyn said. “I’ll be back at the desk if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Kaylyn,” Nikki gushed. “I appreciate you.”
“My pleasure,” Kaylyn said, then retreated.
Nikki walked slowly into the space, already feeling lousy. She had never been there, and it pained her that she had missed so much of her sister’s life—twenty-one years of it. She set her bags by the door and walked around the room.
Nikki could sense her sister’s presence as she wandered over to the mantel and picked up pictures of when she was younger. Nikki felt the pull on her heartstrings, and she choked on the invisible lump that had formed in her throat.
It was hard as she smelled the throw draped across the sofa or wandered into the kitchen and smelled the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, and she swiftly brushed them away moments before a knock sounded on the door.
She knitted her brows as she returned to the door and pulled it open. She gasped when she saw who it was. “Paul?”
“Nikki,” he said as a wide grin developed on his face.
Before she could say another word, she was in his arms, and he hugged her and lifted her off the ground like an old friend. “You’re the Paul who Kaylyn mentioned?” Nikki asked in disbelief.
“I am,” he said and entered the house. “It’s a pity we have to reunite under such sad circumstances.”
“Yeah,” Nikki replied. She had dated Paul all through high school, but they’d broken up when she’d left for college. She hadn’t seen him since, but he had aged well. “You look good, Paul.” He had a more distinguished face. He wore a few days-old face stubble, and his black hair had streaks of gray running through it. His gray eyes were warm and kind and danced when he smiled.
“Right back at you,” he told her. “Listen, about Trish…”
“Right,” Nikki replied as she gathered her wits. “I need to get to the hospital. I haven’t been to see her yet.”
“Okay. I can take you if you’d like,” he offered. “I just came by to check on you and to see if you needed anything. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you.”
“I’m glad you and Trish found each other,” Nikki said gratefully. “I’d hate to think she was out here all alone.”
“Yeah, when she came back here, we sort of bumped into each other accidentally. I was sad to hear she hadn’t heard from you in a while, but when I realized she owned this place, I stuck around to make sure she was okay and helped her out when I could.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. We reconnected and became fast friends. I saw how I could help her by suggesting she change the restaurant's name. People already knew about Lot 28 and would expect the same quality service here. She’d pick up business better, and it worked,” he said as he widened his arms. “I was just happy she wasn’t too proud to accept the offer, but we’ve been somewhat of partners since then.”
“That was awfully nice of you, Paul.” Nikki smiled. “I wouldn’t expect anything different from you. You were always a white knight.” She remembered that about him from her high school days. “It may not be necessary, but thanks for everything. I haven’t been around, but it’s good to know she was in good company.”
“She was.” Paul smiled. “Everyone around here loves her. And you know, you can always call me, just like she could.”
“I might be calling you a lot. I haven’t been to Camano in years.”
Paul chuckled. “Nothing’s changed. You’ll get the hang of things. How long are you staying?”
“It all depends on how well Trish is doing. And then there’s that business with the lawyer that I still haven’t figured out.”
“Oh right,” Paul said, but Nikki got the impression he knew exactly what she was talking about. “When do you meet with him?”
“Tomorrow. I’m not sure what that’s about because she isn’t dead,” Nikki said and gulped again.
