My twin shrugs her shoulders, not meeting my eyes. “Nope. Not yet.” She seems sad about that fact and I make a mental note to come back to that topic. But right now, I can feel their energy shift to focus on me, so I quickly pour the wine and drink half of my glass.
“Okay, if the inquisition is about to begin, can we at least get comfortable?” I walk into the living room and sit down in one of the cozy chairs Tawny has in here. There’s a blanket on the back and even though I’m not cold, I pull it over my legs, tucking my feet underneath me, just for comfort.
Once my sisters are sitting down on the couch opposite me, Tawny starts.
“It’s not an inquisition, Kayla, but we know something’s up. Why are you back, why are you staying at the inn, and why do you seem so jumpy and distant?”
“We’re worried about you,” Ella chimes in softly.
This is it. The moment I come clean. I know they’re going to freak out, but before I can overthink it, a picture of Sam leaning close comes into my mind. It’s like a soothing wave of peace washes over me. It’s bizarre that a man I just met can have such an affect on me, but I’m grateful for the strength that fills me just from picturing his face. He’s been through a traumatic loss and he’s still standing and thriving. I can do the same.
“Alright, I’ll tell you everything, but let me just start by reminding you that I am here, I am safe, and I am physically fine.”
They exchange worried glances with each other and sit up straighter. I take a deep breath and dive in.
“Remember last month when you didn’t get an email from me for about a week? I was in Germany, shooting for that company that sells rock climbing gear. On the second day of our shoot, we were inside a cave. There was a rockslide and the entrance got blocked. I was trapped with one of the reps from the company for a while before they dug us out.”
The cries and gasps of shock from my sisters are making my eyes mist over and I’m struggling against the onslaught of memories. I can hear the rumble as the rocks begin to fall and see the light disappear as the entrance was blocked. Once again, unbidden, I think of Sam and Toby. And once again, it calms me just enough that I can continue.
“The rescue team got us out as fast as possible, but it was a long time to be trapped. I went to France, stayed with Amalie to get my bearings. I’ve spoken with a psychologist and he suggested I take a break from work and come home, so here I am. As for staying at the inn, I just wanted to be able to have a little space. I love you guys, but I need some time alone to figure my shit out. I hope you understand.”
When I finish, the room is silent except for the quiet sounds of crying coming from Ella. My twin is the more sensitive one of us, so I’m not surprised by this. Tawny is frozen, her eyes boring into me. The quiet doesn’t last, however. Within moments they’re both crowding me on the chair. Ella has climbed into my lap and Tawny is on the arm of the chair, wrapping her body around both me and Ella. They start to speak at the same time, and between that and the sobs coming from Ella, it’s hard to make out what they’re saying.
“…can’t believe you didn’t tell…”
“…holy fudge, we could’ve lost you…”
I let go of the tension I’ve been carrying ever since we were rescued. It feels overwhelmingly good to have my sisters with me, to feel their love and concern for me. I don’t know why I was so worried about telling them. Hearing Ella’s food versions of cursing and Tawny’s gentle chiding over me keeping it a secret just reinforces that Doctor Dave was right. I needed to come home.
Eventually, our tears dry up and we go into the kitchen for more wine and dinner. They ask me a few questions, but both of my sisters seem satisfied with the answers I give about how long I’m staying — I don’t know, but for a while; and about what support I need — not much, I’ve still got my therapist.
Over dinner, we shift the conversation to Marcus’s development on the north end of the island. Ella’s eyes light up when she talks about her husband. Their story is a crazy one, meeting on a ferry and instantly falling in love, but I can’t help but draw a parallel to Sam. We met on a ferry, and while it’s not love, I certainly do feel a strong pull towards him. When I mention Sam and Toby and the fact that they’re moving into one of the homes, Ella leans forward eagerly.
“Oh my gosh, you know who he is, right Kayla? Sam is a super famous mystery author. He writes under the name S. Thomas. His books have hit all kinds of bestseller lists! Marcus told me he’s super keen on moving here with his son. I can’t believe they’re here already. The house won’t be done until spring.” She frowns at that, and I’m quick to fill in the gap.
“He is here with his son, Toby, who will be in your kindergarten class this fall. He wanted Toby to have time to settle in and start the school year here, instead of having to move mid year. They’ve rented an apartment in town.”
“It certainly sounds like you know a lot about our newest resident…” Tawny drawls, and I can feel the blush covering my cheeks.
“Well, I, umm, we went for lunch today. He wanted to thank me for helping with his kid on the ferry ride. Toby had wandered away and he was with me when Sam found us.”
“Is his kid as cute as he is?” This is from Ella, who is now looking positively giddy. I know she’s already picturing wedding bells for Sam and I in her head. The girl reads too many romance novels and is now living one out herself. Of course she wants to see both Tawny and I as happily in love as she is.
I roll my eyes at her, even though on the inside, I’m nodding wildly. “Yeah, Toby is an awesome kid. Sam seems like a great dad and a great guy.”
“So you’re going to see him again?” Tawny asks, a satisfied smile on her face. Suddenly, I get it. They’re both excited because they think Sam and Toby might be enough enticement for me to stay here forever. I can’t tell them they’re wrong, because who knows what I’m going to do, but I also don’t want them to get their hopes up too high.
“I mean, I guess so. But he’s a single dad. He’s not going to be interested in anything serious, he’s got a kid to worry about.”
My efforts to downplay things with Sam go unnoticed.
“This is so great. We’ll have to invite them over for dinner soon, on a night when Marcus is free. Oh, Tawny, maybe we could do a big dinner at the inn?” Ella is chattering on excitedly. Thankfully, Tawny must sense my growing panic because my big sister puts a hand on Ella before turning to me.
“Kayla, we’re just really glad you’re home. No matter how long you stay. And if Sam and his son are going to be a part of your life while you’re here, no matter how small, I would love to meet them.”
Her calm and accepting words are exactly what I need to hear. Ella, on the other hand, seems put out.
“Excuse me, Tawny Michaels, where the heck was this understanding when I fell for Marcus? You were insane with your overprotective act!”
