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“Well, first because I already have a job running the inn.”
“Of course. But what’s the other reason?”
“Other reason?”
Birdie nodded. “You said first because you have your day job, and that would lead to a second reason. What is it?”
Sara had been hoping to avoid this part. “You know that he used to date my sister?” When Birdie nodded, she said, “Well, I feel like I’m betraying my sister by partnering up with him.”
“But that was so long ago. I’m sure Cari has forgotten all about it. And it’s not like you’re going out on a date with him. This would be strictly work.”
When Birdie said it, she made it sound so simple and straightforward. But when Sara was around Kent, nothing felt simple. He made her heart race, and she struggled to maintain her line of thought. No one ever rattled her the way he did, and she didn’t like feeling off kilter around him.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“But you do want the lobby finished in time for the wedding, don’t you?”
Sara glanced at the time on her fitness watch. “I’ll give it some thought on my way to the inn.” She got to her feet and pet Peaches. “You are so sweet.”
“You should consider getting a pet. I just love having Peaches. I’d be lost without her.”
“I don’t know. I work a lot. I don’t know if it would be fair to a dog to be closed in much of the day.”
“Just a thought.”
Sara bent over to give Peaches one last pet before straightening. “I have to get to the inn. I hope you have a nice day.”
“You’ve already made it a lovely day. There’s nothing better than spending a little porch time with a dear friend.”
Birdie’s words touched Sara’s heart. As she walked away, she waved at some other Bluestar residents who were out for a morning walk. This island was filled with some of the nicest people. She couldn’t imagine ever moving away.
Her phone vibrated. She lifted it up to find a message from the night manager, letting her know about a problem with one of the guest rooms. She’d asked him to keep her updated on any problems at the inn. She texted back, thanking him for the update and let him know that she’d be there shortly.
And then she noticed there was a voicemail. She listened to it and found it was a message from her sister. Sara was disappointed that she’d missed Cari’s call. The message was short and ended with her sister asking if she had found her an available apartment on the island.
Sara had spoken with Madison, the island’s real estate agent, over the weekend. Madison told her she didn’t know of any available units. She also mentioned a rumor about an apartment becoming available at the end of the month, but she wouldn’t divulge any of the details.
Sara knew Madison was referring to the apartment above the furniture store. It appeared there would be great demand for it. If she didn’t do something soon, it would be gone.
Sara’s thoughts turned to Kent and his refusal to rent her the apartment. She wondered if he’d found someone to help him with the lobby. If not, perhaps he would be in the mood to negotiate. She hoped so. Her footsteps picked up as she headed to the inn.
Chapter Six
“Comeon.Surelyyouhave some time to help me.”
Kent stood outside of the inn, holding his phone to his ear. He continued to pace back and forth on the wide, sweeping porch. He’d already called his younger brother Jack, whom he woke up. Jack hadn’t been happy about the earliness of the hour. Wasn’t everyone awake by seven thirty? Apparently not in his younger brother’s case.
Then he’d called Owen, who was thankfully awake. But trying to persuade him to help with the flooring at the inn wasn’t going well.
“I can’t help you out,” Owen said. “I’ve got my own problems.”
“What problems could you have? You play video games all day?”
There was a distinct silence. “I write programs for video games. There’s a difference.”
Kent stopped pacing and raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I know there is, and I know you’re really good at what you do, but I’ve really messed up. I just need some help with getting the flooring in as soon as possible or Josie is going to flip out.”
“I wish I could help you, but I have my own deadline at the end of the week. Why don’t you call Jack?”
