Natalie hadn’t anticipated a heart-to-heart this morning. How to get out of it? “I’m not hiding, I promise.” Something in her sister’s eyes flashed like a distant storm brewing on the horizon. “I am a good listener,” Nat offered. “What do you really want to talk about?”
“This.You.” Celeste caught herself and took a breath. “You’re talented. Amazing. You bring the sunshine along with you everywhere you go. It’s just really awesome. You’re a wonderful person and I want you to hear me say it. I want you to know it.”
Fear trembled just under her heart and she swallowed. Hard. The words sounded too much like someone making sure nothing went unsaid. “Are you sick?”
“No.” Celeste pushed at her bangs. “I’m healthy as a horse. You’ve got access to my medical records. Check if you don’t believe me.”
Nat wasn’t entirely convinced. “Then why are you saying all this stuff?”
“Because you need to hear it. We all need to hear more of the good stuff, don’t we?”
Nat shrugged. “Guess so.”
Completely out of character, Celeste boosted herself up to sit on the countertop. “Blame it on the offer on the house.”
She snorted. “Hardly. That was a lowball cheap shot and I’m still not convinced Jackson didn’t have a hand in it.”
“So what?” Celeste swung her legs. “But knowing that situation put him in your head, I don’t want that old negativity to fester. Even if he is somehow involved, Roni and I know nothing about that has anything to do with you.”
Except she’d brought him into their world before she’d seen his true colors. And based on the new sculpture in progress, negative feelings served a purpose. Still, she was fortunate her sisters didn’t hold a grudge about her failed marriage. They might feel differently if they knew the whole truth, but that wasbetween her and her father. And there were more reasons, more recent excuses, for why she and her dad never spoke.
She folded her arms, a cold prickle dancing across her scalp. “Thanks. Logically, I hear you.” And yet, if Jackson was involved, she would make sure to disabuse him of any notions of taking over Hargrave family property.
“Good.” Celeste hopped down to the floor. “Our reputation is too good to be affected by an unfortunate victim washing ashore.”
“True.” Nat managed to suppress the shudder that came along with any thought of that moment. “Trent handled all of that like the pro that he is.” His cool demeanor made her wonder what else he’d seen and survived.
“Your mind’s drifting again. To Trent?” she queried, a knowing sparkle in her gaze.
“I won’t even ask how you know that,” Natalie grumbled.
“Call it sisterly intuition.”
“Uh-huh. I’m looking forward to the day when I can turn those tables on you.”
Celeste scoffed, automatically dismissing the idea of jumping back into the dating pool. Natalie and Veronica refused to allow it, frequently suggesting outings that introduced Celeste to more and more people. Yes, she’d been madly in love with her husband, but she was way too young to give up on romance.
“How are things coming along for your booth at the music festival?” her sister asked, blatantly changing the subject.
“Good. I’m reviewing teacher recs for student volunteers this week.” Natalie had gotten approval for an arts and crafts kids booth at the annual Brookwell Island Music Festival. Drawing big name music stars as well as those undiscovered, the festival was the biggest tourist event of the year, consistently growing in both community participation and outside attendance. “I want to be hands on and involved, but not locked in for every hour.”
“Makes sense. And if you really get desperate, I’m happy to volunteer.”
“Really?” Natalie couldn’t quite wrap her head around it.
“Is it that out of character?”
“Of course not. You’re the queen of all things helpful and organized. It’s just…” When she didn’t finish Celeste stared her down. “Just unexpected. Even with a plan and volunteers, there’s likely to be mess and chaos,” she warned. Two things Celeste had a low tolerance for. Then it hit her. The real draw for her sister was the vibrant, happy-kid energy. Celeste was wired for motherhood and currently poured all her nurturing instincts into the business. Not the same. “If anyone can bring harmony out of chaos, it’s you.”
“You mean it?” Celeste lit up with hope.
“Always. Join us for as many hours as you like.”
“Thanks, Nat.” She refilled her coffee.
“My pleasure.” Natalie rinsed her cup and loaded it into the dishwasher. “I should get over to the gallery. I have something in progress.” And she was curious if it would speak to her while she was in such a good mood. “Plus, there’s the inventory to plan for the booth. I’ll need more than coloring pages and crayons.” Knowing she would need to reach out to local businesses for supplies, she had to have an actual list.
“Such as?”
