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“They look wonderful.”
“Thank you.” I followed her inside and set the bags down on the kitchen table. “Pop didn’t say anything about staining them. Did you want that done, too?”
“I’d like the whole porch stained, but that can wait until you’re less busy. The important thing is that the steps are fixed. I’ve been putting it off for a while and they were getting pretty bad.” She put milk and eggs in the refrigerator then turned to face me. “So you met Eve?”
It took me a second to catch up with the change of topic, but once I did, I nodded.
“She’s staying for the summer.”
“Yeah, she mentioned that.”
“She hasn’t visited here in years. Maybe you can show her around sometime.”
If I’m reading the room right, Winnie is playing matchmaker. Normally I hate that kind of thing, but I have to say, I’m not opposed.
Last night, Dex said he thinks I’m in a rut. I don’t think my life is in such a sad shape, but it’s definitely become routine over the past couple years. Maybe the woman whose touch made my palm tingle is just the person to shake things up a bit.
Chapter Five
Eve
My phone buzzed, pulling my attention from the blank page. I smiled when I saw my daughter’s face on the screen.
“Finally. We’ve been playing phone tag for two days.”
“Sorry, I’ve been swamped,” Grace said.
“How are you? Did you get all your papers written?”
“I handed the last one in yesterday. And to celebrate, I’m heading to London for the weekend with some friends.”
“That’s great. I know you’re there to get a master’s degree, but I want you to enjoy your experience at Cambridge, too.”
“I am. What about you? Are you having fun with Aunt Winnie?”
“For sure. You know how amazing she is and it’s so beautiful here.” I sighed. “I wish I visited more through the years. Instead, we only saw each other during her annual trips to Scranton.”
“Well, you’re there now and that’s all that matters. In fact, once you’re done there, you should come here for an extended stay. There’s plenty of room in my flat. You’ve always wanted to live in England.”
That’s true. I planned on studying abroad when I was in college, but got pregnant before that happened. I’ve never regretted having my daughter, but there are things I wish I’d gotten to experience. So of course I’ve done my best to make sure Grace didn’t miss out on anything without being too much of a nag.
“Thanks honey, but you don’t want your mom there cramping your style.”
“I could call you Eve and tell everyone you’re my sister. God knows you look young enough.”
“I appreciate that,” I said. “Let’s talk about it after I see how this summer goes.”
“Don’t think I’ll forget about it.” The line was quiet for a few seconds before Grace spoke again. “Mom, in between writing amazing books, make sure you enjoy your experience in Seaside. Relax, maybe hook up with a hot guy.”
“Grace!”
I tried to sound shocked, but couldn’t stop laughing.
“What? You’re young and single,” she said. “Live a little.”
“I’ll live once I finish my book.”
That led to a conversation about my lack of writing, then the subject shifted to her classes and what she planned to do in London. When she yawned, I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. It’s almost midnight in England.
