“Twenty-nine,” Claire corrected.
Margie studied her silently, eyes wide and lips pursed. The only thing they could hear was a loud boat buzzing by on the water.
Claire let out a sigh. “He’s innocent, Margie. He’s not a spy. He’s a kid who got mixed up with the wrong company.”
Margie rung her hands together. “Are you sure you don’t want me to tell Hank?”
“No.” Claire looked around, trying to think of how to convince Margie not to panic. “He’s a sweet kid. He’s just like Becca, and reminds me so much of her. Lucy dropped by last night. I didn’t expect her, so I was surprised, but the two of them became the fastest of friends.”
Margie smiled and was about to say something when she was interrupted by a deep, bellowing voice.
“Good morning, ladies!”
Claire turned around. It was Chip, waving at them from the parking lot.
Margie dropped her voice low again. “Who’s that?”
“The general manager of the hotel.”
“The one who doesn’t like you?” asked Margie.
Claire elbowed her subtly in the ribs. “Hey, Chip!” she called out.
“Because he’s smiling at you like he likes you,” Margie said as she waved.
Claire wanted to elbow her again, but Chip had already reached them.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” he said.
“It is,” Claire said, forcing a smile. “Am I late for our meeting?”
“No, of course not. You’re never late.” He smiled and nodded at Margie. “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Chip.”
Margie extended a hand to shake. “Hi Chip! I’m Claire’s friend Margie.”
“I’ve heard so much about you,” he said. “Did you come by for a tour?”
Claire shot Margie a look, which Margie expertly avoided. “You know, I wouldlovea tour.”
“Come on in.”
He started walking ahead of them, and Margie followed. “I live on San Juan Island. Do you know Hank Kowalski? He’s the Chief Deputy Sheriff.”
Chip turned around and smiled. “Oh yeah, of course I know Hank. Great guy.”
Margie smiled, and Claire knew what was coming. She was powerless to stop it, just as Margie was powerless to stop herself from trying to set Claire up with every guy they ever knew. She’d tried to force many romances over the years – the girls’ soccer coach, a substitute teacher, even Margie’s brother Mike.
“Hank is my husband,” Margie said brightly.
Chip nodded. “No kidding.”
Margie continued. “Claire is single though, as you probably know.”
Claire closed her eyes. This was going to be a long tour.
