“Rosalie said she’d be back by seven,” she says, checking her phone. “She hasn’t read my messages. Should we be worried?”
“Why didn’t she stay?” I ask, curiosity creeping in.
“She’s exhausted. She’s been cleaning the bed and breakfast nonstop. Winnie’s soaking up her last days of summer sleeping in, rearranging her room. Drew helps some, but Rosalie’s working from sunup to midnight.”
“She might be sleeping,” Seth says. “I doubt she’d abandon the kids. This might be the first time she’s had a moment to herself.”
“I just hope she’s not working again. I told her I’d help in the afternoons. Hailey’s dad volunteered to help you with the heavy stuff this weekend. She rented a pod storage unit.”
“Mom’s on her way,” Drew says, walking up. “Need help with anything? I feel lazy just standing around.”
Ellen laughs, pulling him into a side hug. “You’re supposed to be lazy. You’re a teenager.”
He blushes.
“If you want to help, come with me. We’re getting the s’mores stuff ready while everyone showers and changes.”
He nods and follows her.
“Why is she doing all this alone?” I ask Seth as we stack wood. “Why not wait for the crew?”
“Gerald said she’s not used to slowing down. Worked through college, two jobs while pregnant, online classes until she couldn’t anymore. Then worked just as hard after graduating. It’s always been just her.”
“Wow,” I say, watching the kids burst out of the house, full of energy.
“Do they ever calm down?” I grouch, and Hailey jumps at me. I catch her midair, nearly stumbling.
“Jesus Christ, give a man some warning.”
She chuckles.
“Hi,” Winnie says, waving. I nod as Hailey hugs her uncle. Drew stands next to Winnie.
She asks, “Still sulking?”
“It was hot today. I wanted to swim too. You’re not the only new kid,” he mutters.
She rolls her eyes and walks off as two girls from Hailey’s basketball team approach her.
“Chase, anything I can do?” Drew asks.
“No, bud. Go hang out with the guys. They’re just standing around.”
He nods and walks away.
“I wish he didn’t feel so left out,” Hailey says, watching him hover near the group.
“I don’t think Winnie told him about the swim party,” I say.
Hailey’s eyes widen. She stalks over to Drew, pops her hip, and holds out her hand. I chuckle.
“She’s a force.”
Rosalie walks out with Ellen, eyes wide as she takes in the backyard while Ellen explains her landscaping plans. Our eyes lock.
And there it is again that pull.
I mutter a curse under my breath and move to light the fire.
