At noon Livy came by with lunch for everyone, and people scattered around on the porches and snacked on the feast she brought. He sat next to Evelyn and tried not to stare at her while she ate. He and Violet were practically strangers to the town, and yet, she’d done this for Violet. For him. For both of them. The kindness and goodness of these people overwhelmed him. He was still a bit stunned over it all.
“Aunt Evelyn, can you come over here?” Livy called out. “The Keatings know someone they think would be great to hire for the cafe. We need more help.”
Evelyn stood. “I’ll be back.”
She walked across to the teal cottage where Livy and the Keating brothers were sitting. At least he could tell which color cottage was which as the bright paint was put on each of them.
Violet dropped down beside him, cradling her arm in her sling. “This is amazing, isn’t it?”
“It is.” He still stared at Evelyn.
Violet elbowed him with her good arm and nodded toward Evelyn. “She’d probably say yes if you asked her out, you know, Robby.” Violet stuck her tongue out at him like she used to do when she was a little kid, bounded back up, and headed over to the teal cottage.
By late afternoon, the cottages were all painted. Jesse had finished repairs on all the porches and stairs. The Keating brothers had gone to Parker’s and gotten new glass for a few broken windows and replaced the broken panes along with fixing the last of the cottages that needed some plumbing work. Things were starting to look up for the formerly ramshackle resort.
Evelyn came over to stand beside him as the last car of helpers pulled away. “It looks great, doesn’t it? I really think Violet’s idea to paint each one a bright color was brilliant. It looks so cheery.”
He eyed the cottages and was surprised that he really liked how they’d turned out too. “I thought Violet was crazy when she said this is what she wanted to do. I’m more of a conservative, paint them all the same color type of guy. But I agree, it turned out really nice.” He turned to Evelyn. “I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you.”
“You’re not. There’s no repaying to do. It was just neighbors helping neighbors. You’re going to have to get used to how we do things in a small town, city boy.” Her eyes sparkled as she teased him.
“I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness.”
“Don’t be. We were glad to help.”
Maybe he should ask her out. Just to thank her for arranging all this. Show his appreciation… That would be theneighborlything to do. Of course, if he did, he’d never hear the end of it from Violet.
He gathered his courage. “So… I was wondering…”
Her phone rang, and she held up one finger as she answered it. “Okay. No, I’ll be right there.” She slid the phone back into her pocket. “I’ve got to run. Getting a rush at the cafe and one of the workers called in sick.”
Disappointment swept through him. He’d hoped she could stay for a bit. Maybe have some tea. Just sit and talk.
“You were saying something?”
“Never mind. It will keep. We’ll talk later.”
“I’m sure we will. You know, the next time you come in for ice cream.” Her gentle laughter floated across the distance as she headed to her car.
He went inside and found Violet sitting at the kitchen table, sipping iced tea. She motioned to the pitcher sitting on the counter with her good arm. He grabbed a glass, filled it, and sat down beside her.
“I think that was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.” Tears started to cloud her eyes. His sister was such an easy crier. At happy moments. At sad ones. Movies. Books. You name it, she cried.
“Don’t start.” He frowned sternly. Not that she ever listened to him.
She dashed them away. “I’m just happy. I’m so grateful. It’s turning out just like I pictured it. And now we’re getting really close to being able to pick an opening date. Get it up on the website. Open up for reservation. It’s becoming real, isn’t it?”
“It is. And as much as it pains me to admit it to you, the cottages and their bright colors turned out really nice.”
“You mean I was right, and you were—what’s that word again—wrong?” She cocked an eyebrow.
“I didn’t exactly say that.”
“But… it’s what you meant.” She grinned, her teasing chasing away her tears.
“Well, it appears you picked a very generous town to move to.”
“I did. And buying this resort was a great decision, wasn’t it?” Her eyes lit up.
