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There were four different work vans parked in front of the house, along with a couple of pickup trucks. She pulled up as close as she could get and climbed out in total confusion. There were workmen everywhere, and several of them only spared her a token glance before going about their business. It looked like some major work was going on and if she could only find her mother…
“Lily!”
Turning her head, she spotted Laura Hamilton, their next-door neighbor, coming out of the house, waving and smiling. “Hey, Mrs. Hamilton,” she said. “What’s going on?”
After a friendly hug, Laura pulled back and motioned to the house. “Your parents left me in charge of overseeing the start of the renovations on the house, and…whew!It is messy and loud in there!” She paused for a moment. “What on earth are you doing here? Your mom didn’t mention you were coming home.”
Frowning, she glanced at the house. “I was going to surprise them. Um…where exactly are they that you’re overseeing the renovations?”
The cheery smile was replaced with a more sympathetic one. “Oh, sweetie…they just left this morning for a month-long trip. Emma’s been talking about it for weeks! They’re going on a cruise to the Mediterranean for twenty-one days and then doing a week in England and Scotland.” Her hand rested over her heart. “Honestly, it sounds absolutely fabulous, and I’m totally jealous!”
“Um…”
“And after a fantastic vacation, they get to come home to a renovated house!” Laura went on. “The crews have already gotten so much of the demolition done; it’s incredible.”
“What exactly is getting renovated?” This was all brand-new information to her and from the looks of things, she wasn’t going to be staying here.
“On the main floor, the kitchen, pantry, and dining room. Then upstairs, the entire master suite, including the bathroom, plus the laundry room and the other two bathrooms. It’s a mess right now, but it’s going to be gorgeous. I know your sisters were very excited about the whole thing too.”
“Are they on the cruise with my parents?”
Laughing softly, Laura shook her head. “Heavens no. It’s just your folks, Jason and Maggie, and Mac and Gina. The trip was a gift from your grandparents! I wish my parents were that generous!” Another laugh. “As for your sisters, I don’t think either of them is on break from school. It was one of the stipulations for the timing of the trip. Your mother wants to be home and have the house done before they come home for spring break.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders sagged as it hit her that she essentially had nowhere to stay. “So my grandparents didn’t go on this trip?”
Laura shook her head. “Not as far as I know.” She paused. “I’m sure this is all a bit of a shock to you, but as you can see, the house isn’t livable. All the water has been shut off and…”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Hamilton. Really.” Letting out a long breath, she looked toward her car and then back at her neighbor. “But I’ve obviously got to find a place to stay so I’m going to call my grandparents. I’m sure staying with them won’t be an issue.”
“We’ve got several guestrooms now that we’re empty nesters, so if you get into a pinch…”
“Thanks, but I’m sure it’s all going to be just fine.” She forced herself to smile. “Thanks again and thank you for helping my parents with the renovation. I know I’m excited to see it when it’s all done!”
And with a wave, she turned and walked back to her car. As soon as she was behind the wheel, she pulled out her phone and called her grandmother.
“Hi! You’ve reached Monica! Please leave a message after the beep and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Have a wonderful day. Bye!”
“Hey, Grandma! It’s Lily! Listen, I came to surprise my folks and they’re not here. I heard from Mrs. Hamilton that they just left for vacation. I’d like to come and stay with you and Grandpa if that’s okay, so…call me. I’m heading over to your house now. Love you! Bye!”
Tossing the phone down, she started the car and pulled out of the driveway. She’d barely turned out onto the street when her phone rang. Luckily it was paired to her car and she saw her grandmother’s name pop up on the screen.
“Hey, Grandma!”
“Lily!” Monica said happily. “I was so surprised to get your call! What on earth are you doing home? Why didn’t you tell anyone you were coming?”
She hesitated only a second before saying, “I wanted it to be a surprise.” Then she laughed. “But I guess I’m the one who’s surprised. I had no idea my parents were doing such extensive renovations on the house. It’s so torn up that I can’t even stay there!”
“I heard they were doing it that way so they wouldn’t have to deal with the mess,” her grandmother explained.
“Smart. So…can I come to the house and stay with you?”
“Staying with us won’t be a problem except…”
“Except?”
“I’m not home either! Your grandfather surprised me, Aunt Janice, and Aunt Eliza with a trip to Africa! We’re going to a luxury resort and going on a safari and…” Pausing, she sighed happily. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. We’re at the airport in New York right now, waiting for our next flight.”
“Oh, um…”
