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Aster nodded in understanding. “I heard about you entering the contest.”
“That was a totally unexpected development.”
Aster eyed her up. “But I think you have something else on your mind. Or should I say someone on your mind?”
“What?” Were her thoughts that transparent on her face? She hoped not.
Aster smiled. “I’ve seen Lane. He’s tall, dark, and very dreamy. If I was you, I’d be daydreaming about him too.”
Josie shook her head, warding off his sexy image. “We’re not even friends.”
“Are you sure about that? Whenever I’ve seen you two together. You seem quite comfortable with each other.”
“We do?” To her it felt as though they were always at odds with each other.
Aster smiled and nodded. “I know he’s new on the island and probably anxious to get back to California, but after he’s here for a while, he might change his mind. I know I did. Maybe if you gave him a reason to stay, he would.”
“I don’t think so. We have a business arrangement. That’s all.” And then she thought of the discussion they’d shared the day before—how he’d opened up to her about his past. Maybe it was more than business. But she wasn’t ready to put a label on their relationship.
“If you say so.”
Needing to change the subject, Josie said, “You’re looking better. I take it the bug you had the other day has passed.”
“Not exactly.” When Josie sent her a confused look, Aster said, “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” A big smile pulled at Josie’s lips. “That’s awesome news.” She hugged her. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. Sam is over the moon, and Nikki is anxious to be a big sister.”
“When are you due?”
“My due date is Christmas Eve.”
“Wow! A Christmas baby. This is going to be a very special Christmas.”
“Definitely.” Aster was glowing. “Well, I don’t want to keep you. I just wanted to tell you the big news.”
“I’m so happy for you, and if there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
“I will. And if you need any help with the contest, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks. But I have to do this on my own.”
“I understand.”
They said their goodbyes before they set off in opposite directions. Josie was really happy for her friend. She knew Aster hadn’t had an easy time when she’d first arrived on the island. It was great to see her living the good life now.
Josie didn’t think she was ever going to find that kind of happiness. It was part of the reason the inn was so important to her. And now she’d risked it all on a contest.
But what choice did she have? She’d already done some research on the internet and she read that if Lane took her to court, it wouldn’t go well for her. Now she had to either win the contest or convince Lane to keep the inn.
The first day was over.
Lane already had the primer on his walls. He had an idea of what he wanted to do with the room. He’d let the hardware store know what paint colors he wanted. He would pick them up later that evening. He’d have to borrow one of the inn’s carts to haul his initial supplies. His vision for the room was quickly coming together. And he’d put in an order for dark blue carpeting. It would complement his décor perfectly.
But when he was asked to leave the room at four o’clock, he was surprised to find Jo wasn’t working on her room. He wondered if she’d been called away on inn business. Winning because of default wasn’t really winning in his book. Needing to know if they should call off the contest, he went in search of Jo.
He found her in her office. Standing in the open doorway, he rapped his knuckles on the door. “Mind if I come in?”
