“I’m waiting until we speak to the executor.”
My stomach fills with dread. I forgot about that part. They would have left a will for us. I have no idea how our parents distributed things. They weren’t obscenely rich, but they had some money. Well, Russell had money. My mother and I always made it by, but she never owned anything aside from my childhood home, which she had inherited from my grandparents, and then she sold it.
“Do you know …”
“No, I don’t. The executor is meeting with us in two days. I’ll text you the address to his office.”
I can’t help but feel how it’s all so … icy. I visited them in Coconut Beach often over the last few years. This is the first time I’ve been here and felt cold from the inside out. I shiver.
My phone buzzes in my purse. I reach for it, seeing a text from Savannah and one from Axel that came in earlier.
Savannah
Big hugs tonight!!! I’m so sorry I can’t be there for you because of my stupid flight delay! I love you, and I’m thinking of you! I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.
I blink back the moisture in my eyes before typing out a quick response and liking her message.
Summer
Can’t wait to see you. This sucks.
Another text comes through.
Axel
Flight was delayed again. I’ll probably get in around midnight tomorrow. You got this, hot stuff!
I don’t bother responding. Axel’s default setting is to be overly positive. He doesn’t take life too seriously. When I’m sad or upset, he doesn’t understand why I can’t just snap out of it. Of course, this is different, but he’s just never been the best at comfort.
My fingers feel slightly numb as I turn the phone off and slide it back into my purse.
I’ve been crying for four days straight. Now I just want to get through today and tomorrow and sleep for a month.
“Oh, dear, you look just like her!”
I look up, my eyes landing on a sweet-looking older woman with big, teary eyes, round-framed glasses, and bright pink hair. She grasps my hand, stepping into my personal bubble. Her long, colorful skirt swooshes around her ankles.
“I would recognize a mini Clara anywhere. Oh, darling, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother and I talked about you nonstop. She was so proud!” She pulls me in for a tight hug, sniffling into me and engulfing me in a thick cloud of lavender essential oil perfume.
Dayton is still beside me. His face is stone cold, emotionless. I haven’t seen him shed a single tear for the death of his father.
I hug the woman tighter, squeezing her against me.
“I was her new neighbor. She was so excited to surprise you with the house, both of you.” She turns to Dayton. “You must be Russell Junior.”
“Yes, this is Russell Junior,” I quickly add before he has time to correct her.
He shoots me a cold glare but extends his hand. “Yes, ma’am. Did you say new neighbor?”
I didn’t catch that because I was too focused on Russell Junior. I turn to the woman.
She’s nodding, using a tissue to dab her eyes. “Yes, neighbor to the left of their house on Sunrise Beach. It was going to be a beautiful surprise.”
Dayton and I stare at her before glancing at each other. It’s clear from the look on his face that he didn’t know about them moving either. She pulls us both into another hug with each of her short arms, forcing me to be crushed up to Dayton’s arm. I can smell his cologne and feel his body heat. He stiffens.
“I’m happy to have you two as neighbors, and I promise you I’ll be here for whatever you need during this time of grief! Your mother and father wouldn’t want you to be sad forever.They’d want you to live. You’ll have a casserole and a dessert from me first thing the day after tomorrow, you hear? All the Bees will send something your way—Glenda, Birdie, and Priscilla. We take care of this island.” She finally releases us, and we both exhale.
“Thank you, Mrs. …” I say.
