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And so while the inn looked much the way it had for the past ten years, many changes had taken place that weren’t readily apparent to the casual eye. A digital revolution had taken place between the walls of the building. No one would be without their connection to the outside world.
Over the decades, furniture in each suite was periodically replaced with period-looking replicas that provided modern-day comfort. Small bedrooms with community bathrooms had been replaced by private suites. A large addition had been added in the 1950s. It had been carefully done so it would blend with the original building. Josie thought they’d done an excellent job.
And though she now owned fifty percent of this charming inn, it was the other fifty percent that worried her. Lane had failed to mention that he wasn’t the full owner. Was his lack of admission accidental? Or intentional?
Ding.
Josie pulled out her phone to check her messages. She hoped it wasn’t another problem with the inn. The message was from Sara, letting her know that all of their guests were now checked-in for the day. All they had to do was see to their guests’ needs, which was sometimes easy and other times a challenge.
Josie messaged back that she would be stepping out for a late lunch, then she’d be in an important meeting for most of the afternoon and not to be disturbed unless it was a dire situation.
She turned her attention to finalizing the bicentennial plans. She’d had a really off-the-wall idea for the celebration. And while Sandra had been a hard sell on the idea, Josie had finally swayed her friend to go with the plan.
As part of the bicentennial celebration, there was going to be a contest. Entries had been accepted from both past guests.
The selected entrants were to decorate the dozen guest rooms that had been restored after the hurricane damage. And then the rooms would be judged by the island residents. It was going to be exciting. She couldn’t wait to see the designs people came up with.
The selected individuals had been previously contacted, giving them plenty of time to make travel arrangements. And Josie had spoken to local merchants to provide things such as paint and decorations. There were a lot of details to see to for a contest of this size, but as her gaze moved down over the list, she realized she still had much to do, including notifying Lane of the celebration.
But then she recalled that she was half owner. She was still adjusting to this most unexpected news. Anyway it put her in the position of being able to proceed with the bicentennial celebration. After all, it wasn’t like she was trying to sell the place out from under Lane. Instead, this event would benefit the inn With the attention it was drawing from near and far.
CHAPTER FIVE
Heneededair.
Lane exited the bungalow at lunchtime with no particular destination in mind. He just needed to get out of his aunt’s home. He found himself heading toward the beach.
Even though he’d grown up and lived in California all his life, he hadn’t spent much time at the beach. When he was younger, he’d been busy caring for his mother, who he later learned had mental health issues. When he got older, he’d been awarded a college scholarship and made the most of the opportunity. He swore to himself that he would do whatever it took so he and his mother were never homeless again—and he’d succeeded.
When he graduated at the top of his class with a business degree, he’d gone on to get his real estate license. After being the top seller in his office followed by being one of the nation’s biggest sellers, he’d opened his own real estate office.
He continued walking along the beach. It wasn’t crowded. He supposed that was because it was early in the season. He imagined by Memorial Day weekend the sand would be crowded with colorful umbrellas and eager sun-seekers.
Once he reached what appeared to be the main beach with steps leading up to the parking lot, he left the beach behind. He decided to explore the town. He had much to learn if he was going to properly present the inn and all its attributes to prospective buyers.
He was used to being the man with the answers—the one to get things done. But being there on Bluestar Island had him off his game. There was still this little kid part of him that wanted to know all the answers to the questions about his extended family—questions his mother had left unanswered.
And then there was his grown-up self that knew having answers wouldn’t change anything. In this case, it was best that he not dig up the past. He needed to stay focused on the present and wrap up his business on the island as quickly as possible.
Beachcomber Park was busier with families having picnics, children playing and other walking their dogs. Lane found an empty bench and sat down.
For the first time since he’d stepped onto the island, he knew the challenge he was in for—it was staggering with the house crammed full of stuff. It was going to take him longer than the few days he’d been planning to be on the island.
And he still didn’t know the identity of the other owner. He hoped the manager—Joe somebody—would have some insight to the identity of the other owner.
“Do you mind if I sit here?” The voice interrupted Lane’s thoughts.
He glanced up to find a man in his sixties standing in front of him. He wore a tan cap and a red short-sleeved shirt. His hair, mustache, and short beard were snow-white. For a second, the man reminded Lane of Santa, which he realized was utterly ridiculous.
The man’s expectant gaze reminded him that he owed him an answer. “Go ahead.”
Instead of the man sitting at the other end, he sat in the middle. “It’s a beautiful day.”
Lane wasn’t in the mood for idle conversation, so he remained quiet.
“My name’s Harvey. I’ve lived on this island my whole life. You won’t find a more beautiful spot anywhere.”
Again Lane refrained from being drawn into a pointless conversation.
