Page 39 of Easton Island

“And the other kids at his school? Is he making new friends?”

“Unfortunately, Naomi Renaud, Grandmother’s nemesis, has two great-grandchildren who go to the same school and are giving him a hard time.”

“Bummer.”

“He told some kids you gave him the arrowhead. They don’t believe Tristan.”

“Looking back, we should have snapped a photo of us together,” Harlow said. “What grade is he in? You told me, but I don’t remember.”

“Fifth grade. He’ll get through it. To answer your question, he has a couple of friends, so that helps.”

Harlow’s voice grew muffled. “Hey, I need to get going. Tell Tristan I said hello and to keep his chin up.”

“Will do.”

Ronni came back on the line. “I gotta run. Jax booked us a carriage ride, and they’re waiting for me to board.”

“Have fun.”

“We certainly are.”

Morgan started to set her phone down when it chimed again. It was a text from her grandmother, inviting her and Wyatt to breakfast the following morning to celebrate Tristan’s science fair ribbon and welcome Prissy to Easton Estate. She promptly replied, accepting the invitation.

The rest of the afternoon flew by, handling new reservations, confirming existing ones, emailing upcoming guests a current schedule of events going on around the island, and it made Morgan appreciate how much Ronni handled, dealing with the day-to-day business operations.

She finished at five on the dot and swung by the kitchen where Tina was prepping for the evening’s social hour. “Are you sure you don’t need me to hang around and help host?”

“No.” Tina waved dismissively. “The guests chit-chatted with you last night. Grace plans to pop in to say hi and tell them about the Lilac Inn, so I think we have our bases covered.”

“Oh, good.” Grace and Morgan had come up with a clever plan to cross-promote their businesses after comparing notes and realizing they were, in essence, already doing it. If Locke Pointe was booked, Morgan gave guests Grace’s number and vice versa.

It had worked well all the way around and was a win-win for everyone—the guests looking for a place to stay, plus it helped fill vacant rooms.

Before she left, Morgan swung by the workshop. She found Greg sharpening the riding lawn mower’s blades, gearing up for the height of the summer cutting season. “Knock. Knock.”

“Hey, Morgan.”

“Hey, Greg. I’m getting ready to head home. Tina and Grace are hosting this evening’s social hour. Do you need anything before I leave?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

Noting the sad look on his face, Morgan stepped closer. “Are you okay?”

“I’m a little bummed out.”

“About Hailey?”

He nodded.

“It’s never fun when relationships hit the skids.”

“Nope. Mom invited me to dinner, so I’m going over there.”

“Good. The key, at least for me when I’m feeling down, is to stay busy.” Morgan turned to go, and a sudden thought popped into her head. “Grandmother Elizabeth is hosting breakfast tomorrow morning to celebrate Tristan’s honorable mention ribbon for his volcano and welcome Priscilla Finkpin, who moved to Easton Estate.”

He absentmindedly brushed grass clippings from his pantleg. “I…uh…don’t have the right clothes.”

“Do you have a pair of slacks and a collared shirt?”