“This from a guy who was determinedly single until last year.”
“I was single for a reason. I hadn’t met the right person. Once I did, everything seemed different. I’m a convert.”
Seth strolled to the window. The setting sun sent shafts of light over the ocean. “Wa
nt to come over and share a beer?”
“That’s why I’m calling. I’m in Manhattan and I’m worried about Matilda.” Something in his tone made Seth pause.
“Is there a reason to worry?”
“I’m not sure. She’s not answering her phone. She’s probably left it somewhere, or dropped it in the bath, but I can’t stop worrying. I was meant to be home tonight. I don’t like leaving her alone this far into her pregnancy.”
“Do you want me to go check on her?”
“Would you? Thanks.” Chase sounded relieved. “I owe you.”
“You don’t owe me anything. I’ll call as soon as I get there.” He scooped up his keys, checked that the doors to the balcony were secure and whistled to Lulu.
* * *
FLISS SAT ON the beach, watching as the setting sun spilled golden light across the sand.
She’d left her grandmother engrossed in a TV show while she’d taken Charlie to the beach for his final walk of the day.
On impulse, she called Harriet. “Grams knows I’m me and not you.”
“Good. So it’s all fine? I knew it would be.”
Her sister was always so calm. Nothing seemed to ruffle her. She said it was working with animals that soothed her, but Fliss knew it was her nature to be calm. It was as if after living with their father, nothing could ever stress her again. Nothing could ever be that bad.
“I’m sorry I did that.”
“Don’t apologize.”
“Don’t be so understanding.”
“All right, I won’t.” Harriet was laughing, but Fliss felt a twinge. She thought about what Matilda had said about being an only child.
Harriet was her best friend.
How would she have gotten through life without her sister?
“I still have to unravel the whole Seth thing. Haven’t worked out how to do that yet, but I need to do it before I get roped into more cookie making for the sake of everyone’s digestive systems.”
Harriet was still laughing. “I’m glad Grams helped you with that.”
“Yeah, it was pretty cool. She’s a good cook.” Fliss rubbed her toes in the sand. “She’s been teaching me a few things.”
“And you hate every minute?”
“That’s the weird thing. No.”
“It’s not weird. I used to love cooking with her because she always listened to me. Didn’t matter how long it took me to get the words out, she was never impatient. After living with Dad it was heaven. Did you talk to her about Seth? Did you tell her how you feel?”
She didn’t know how she felt about Seth. And she certainly didn’t intend to talk about it. “No need. I’m fine.”
“You should talk to her. She’s very wise.”