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“But the wallpaper is part of the appeal of making the rooms look authentically vintage,” Cora reasoned.
“I understand your sentimental attachment, Cora, but if I were a guest, I wouldn’t be all that enthused about staying in a room with peeling wallpaper no matter how much I am a lover of the rustic lifestyle.”
Cora contemplated her sister’s words before shrugging in acceptance. “Okay. If you think it will boost the appeal to our guests, then let’s do it.”
Andrea smiled at her triumph.
“Maybe discuss it with Marg. She’s been here for a long time, so I think her input could be helpful.”
“Yes, sure thing,” Andrea agreed.
Cora gave her a curt nod. “Let me know what will be needed so that I can update our books.”
Andrea nodded in agreement as they resumed washing and drying the dishes. When they were finished, they made their way out of the kitchen to start on their individual tasks.
Cora paused on the stairs and turned to her sister, who was making her way toward the front door. “Oh, I forgot. I saw a car leaving our driveway last night. Do you have any clue who it was?”
“Yeah. That was Donny Hasgrove. He’s the lieutenant at the Oak Harbor Fire Station. I’ll be working closely with him to get their website up and running. He’s also the man that I had the accident with.”
“What?” Cora asked, stumped by her sister’s revelation. “That’s bizarre.”
“I know,” Andrea agreed with a chuckle. Taking out her phone and scrolling through her contacts, she beckoned for her sister to come closer. “He has a photo up at his contact. Take a look,” she invited, holding up the phone to her face.
Cora took the phone from her sister’s hand to stare at the photo. “That’s a handsome man,” she complimented. “I can see why you chose to do the project,” she continued, fixing Andrea with a knowing glance.
“What? No,” Andrea quickly refuted. “I’m not interested in Donny. I took the project because I have some time on my hands.”
The look on Cora’s face told Andrea that her sister was not convinced by her explanation.
“So, you’re telling me you didn’t notice how handsome he is?” Cora asked in disbelief.
Andrea released her breath slowly. “I’m not saying that, Cora… I’m just not interested in a relationship right now.”
Cora folded her arms over her chest as she stared pointedly at her sister. “When have you ever tried to make time for the possibility of a relationship, Drea?”
Andrea sighed again before pursing her lips.
“You can’t let what that man did to you rob you of finding someone who will treat you the way you truly deserve. I’m not just saying this because you’re my sister, but you have so much to offer, and any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Cora…” Andrea turned her back to her sister, annoyed at her for using the knowledge that she hadn’t been in a relationship in so long to deflate her reason.
“I remember when we were younger, you had so many dreams and aspirations. One of them was marrying your prince charming and having a family. It’s still possible, Drea. I know a lot has happened, an—”
“Life happened, Cora,” she interrupted her sister. “I can’t… I won’t…” Andrea blew the air out through her mouth. “I don’t want to talk about this now. I need to go see Marg. I’ll see you in a few.”
With that, Andrea turned toward the door once more. She didn’t see the pained expression that crossed her sister’s face as she exited the house.
“Hi, Andrea, you just missed your mom. She left through the back. She said she wanted to go visit her rose garden.”
“Oh no, I wasn’t looking for Mom. I’m actually here to speak with you,” Andrea informed the woman who still wore her uniform, which was a baby blue tunic top with the wordsWillberry Innstitched over the right pocket and black slacks.
Andrea made a note to speak with Cora to possibly have the staff working during the weekends wearing casual attire.
“Okay,” Marg responded, surprised. “Is it about going out later? I promise you I’m coming,” she continued to say.
Andrea couldn’t help the smile that came to her lips as she listened to Marg trying to guess why she was by the inn.
“I trust you, Marg. I don’t believe you would go back on your words intentionally,” she assured the woman. “I actually wanted to speak with you about repainting the inn,” she informed her.
