Page 28 of The Secrets We Treasure

“It has been a while, Treasure.”

“Yes, it has.” Treasure was an emotional wreck the last time she saw Madeline. That fateful time was branded in her memory. She was young, idealistic, believing that love could conquer all. She’d been summoned to The Oliver Hotel for a meeting with Greer’s mom, Francie. While Treasure knew that Greer’s parents weren’t keen on the idea of him falling for the daughter of a working-class single mom, Treasure believed that they would eventually come around. She naively thought that Francie was extending an olive branch, never imagining all the turmoil that would follow. After Treasure’s rose-colored glasses were ripped off her face and broken to bits, she fled the scene, only to run smack dab into Madeline. Treasure hadn’t told Madeline all that transpired, only that she and Greer were breaking up and that she was leaving Honeysuckle Island. Madeline gave Treasure five thousand dollars to help her start a new life. Those five thousand dollars changed the course of Treasure’s life by helping her preserve what little dignity she had left. Madeline would never know how much of a Godsend she was.

When Treasure started making good money, she sent Madeline a check to repay the debt. However, Madeline returned the uncashed check with a handwritten note saying that no payment was necessary. Madeline admonished Treasure to pay the kindness forward.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” Madeline said somberly.

Her stomach lurched. “Is my mom okay?”

“She’s at the hospital in Summerhaven. The doctors are running tests. They think she had a mini stroke.”

Tears sprang to Treasure’s eyes. “I just spoke to her yesterday morning, and she was perfectly fine.”

“It happened a few hours ago.”

Fear crawled a cold path down Treasure’s throat. “Do you know what room my mom’s in?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t. The incident happened here at the hotel. I assured Barbara that I would call and let you know what was happening.”

“Thank you. I’ll look up the number of the hospital,” she said, thinking aloud.

Ethan pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine. Out of the corner of her eye, Treasure saw him shift to face her. His expression was concerned, solicitous. Treasure kept her gaze turned forward, not wanting to have to deal with Ethan right now.

“Barbara is fiercely independent,” Madeline said.

“She is.” Fear ate away at Treasure. Would her mom be partially paralyzed? Her mind caught hold of the word mini stroke. That sounded better than a full-fledged stroke.

“If you ask Barbara if she needs any help, she’ll tell you no.”

A dry laugh left Treasure’s throat. “You know her well.”

“Yes.” Madeline paused. “Well enough to know that regardless of whether Barbara will admit it, she needs you right now. If there’s any way that you could come and spend some time with her, it would help tremendously with her recovery.”

The words left Treasure’s mouth before her mind could fully process what she was saying. “Of course. I’ll come as soon as I can.” Any plans Treasure had could be changed. She had to get to her mother ASAP.

Ethan’s eyes popped with surprise.

“Be sure to stop by and say hello while you’re on the island.” The queenly Southern drawl of Madeline’s voice took Treasure right back to her childhood. To this day, Treasure still considered Madeline Chasing the classiest, most put-together woman she’d ever met. In fact, whenever Treasure needed to feel more in control of herself and her surroundings, she’d conjure up a picture in her mind asking, What would Madeline do in this situation?

“I will. Thanks so much for letting me know about Mom.”

“Of course. I think the world of Barbara.”

“She thinks the world of you too,” Treasure said sincerely. They said their goodbyes and ended the call.

Ethan touched her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Her voice broke. “It’s my mom. She’s had a mini stroke.” Her mind raced, trying to figure out how to clear her schedule as she threw open the car door. She was in such a state that she got a couple steps away before realizing that she’d left her makeup bag and hairstyling tools in the backseat.

Ethan got out of the car. “I can help you carry in your things.”

“I’ve got it.” She reached for the bag and slid the strap over her arm. He followed her to the front door.

“What can I do to help?”

“I’m not sure right now. Once I make a plan, I’ll let you know.”

He caught her gaze. “I’m so sorry about your mom.”

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