“So this means you’re coming to Winnie’s birthday party, right?” she asked.
A genuine grin spread across my face. My niece Winnie was one of the coolest kids on planet Earth. Selene had been single-momming it for a while now, but Winnie was pure, chaotic sunshine.
The two of us were kindred spirits.
I looked around Brandt’s apartment. We had lived together for a year, and there wasn’t much there that really felt like home anyway. I could always find a new apartment. “Yes, I’m in. Text me the details and I will be there. Do you mind if I stay with you for a few days? Just until my murderous rage subsides a little?”
Selene chuckled. “Sure. I can fix up the couch for you. And don’t do anything that’ll put you in jail. My advice is to make sure your revenge is nearly undetectable. Split the seams in the seat of his pants. A little hair remover in his shampoo. Glitter bomb the vents in his car.”
I chuckled, feeling lighter already. “You are diabolical.” I loved seeing a wicked side to my typically buttoned-up older sister.
Selene laughed again. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I sighed. “I really love you.”
We said goodbye, and a sly grin spread, slow and easy. I had some work to do before I headed home to Star Harbor.
THREE
ELODIE
My hometown was onlyabout sixty miles from Grand Rapids, but without a car or a boyfriend who had one, I had to rely on a rideshare just to get home. Nothing saysthrivinglike fleeing your city in the back seat of a stranger’s Toyota Corolla, marinating in the scent of stale air freshener and crushed dreams.
Thankfully, I could talk to just about anyone, whether they wanted me to or not. My driver Jeb was more than happy to make the drive for an obscene price, so conversation was his penance.
It only took seven minutes into the drive before he was telling me all about his wife of thirty years and their new grandbabies.
What can I say? It’s a gift.
Truth was, hearing all about Jeb’s recent squabble with his wife, Rita, was the distraction I needed. I’d have to find an apartment, a new job—my wine-induced headache was back with a vengeance.
“And there I was, watching my favorite bass fishing videos on YouTube when she’s chewing my ear about somegrocery list nonsense,” Jeb continued. “I told her it could wait. So, you tell me ... am I wrong?”
One corner of my mouth tugged up for poor, clueless Jeb. “Sounds to me like she was simply making a bid for connection. Sure, her timing could have been better, but I’m certain she didn’t mean to interruptBass Masters.”
“Busters,” he corrected. “Bass Busters.”
“Right. You’ve gotta make it up to her, Jeb.” I shook my head. “Show her that she’s more important to you thanBass Busters.”
“Well, of course she is!”
“Jeb ...” My voice lowered: “What was the last thing you did, just for Rita? Took something off her plate or reminded her that you’ve only got eyes for her?”
His pale-blue eyes flicked to mine in the rearview mirror as he grumbled.
“That’s what I thought.” I dug through my purse, pulling out a business card and handing it to Jeb. “Tell them Elodie Darling sent you, and they’ll handle everything—a premium bouquet, handwritten note, the whole ‘husband of the year’ package. The owner owes me a favor.”
“Really?” Jeb accepted the card with a wide smile. “Thank you. Truly.”
I patted his shoulder. “It’s my pleasure. But flowers are a Band-Aid. It’s up to you to make sure Rita knows she’s still your girl.”
Jeb smiled. “Are you a therapist or something?”
I laughed, sinking back into the cloth seats. “No. I just know people.”
He nodded, and we continued on in companionable silence, occasionally making small talk about his grandkids or the weather. My attention focused on the tree line that zipped past as we got closer and closer to my hometown.
The wide curve in the highway brought the Lake Michigan coastline into view. The fresh water glittered and was much clearer than the river that ran through the city. I cracked the window open and pulled in a deep breath of warm, Michigan air.
