Page 111 of Surfside Sisters

Sally was all about not wasting a minute of time.

“Isabelle has written a dynamite young adult novel. She’s sending it around to YA agents. I’d love it if you could recommend it to a few good agents.”

“Oh, good grief, Keely, I don’t have time for this.”

“Sally, this book is extremely good. Amazing. I could hardly put it down.”

“Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But I’m not promising anything.”

“Thank you, Sally. Really. This means the world to me.”

“Then hurry up and finishyourbook.”

“I’m on it.” They disconnected. Keely took a moment to think how far she’d come, how much her life had changed, that she had an agent and was working on her third book. A kind of courage swept through her. She picked up her phone and called Gray.

“Hi, Keely.” His voice was deep and calm.

“Hi, Gray. I’m calling to tell you that—” She took a moment, not wanting to blurt it out. “I’m going to marry Sebastian. It’s official. I have his ring. My mother knows and his family knows. So I thought, well, that I should tell you, too.”

“I see. Well, Keely, I appreciate your calling. I wish you well.”

Keely almost laughed. He was always so formal. Yet she was grateful for his kind response and she guessed his formality acted as a shield for his emotions.

“Thank you, Gray. I wish you well, too.”

She clicked off, slipped her phone into her pocket, and realized suddenly that she was very hungry. She’d read Isabelle’s book all day without stopping. And her brief conversation with Gray had somehow lifted a burden from her. She felt light. She felt like her true self. She went into the kitchen and opened a can of pickled beets—one of her favorite foods—and stood eating them over the sink, so she wouldn’t stain anything. Now and then, she burst out laughing.

—

In June, the days flipped past like a flock of butterflies—vibrant with color but too fast. Families with children returned for the summer. College kids worked as waiters alongside year-round employees. The super wealthy attended galas but otherwise stayed secluded in their compounds with their many staff venturing out on errands. Ferries brought over countless vacationers while private jets streaked to the airport.

The summer days were hot and fine for swimming, and the sky blazed with stars at night. The Maxwells and Eloise bustled around taking care of Al. Keely got to hide away with her computer and write. If she kept up this pace, and she knew she could, she would finish the new novel before Thanksgiving. Keely and Sebastian were waiting until spring to be married. They wanted a proper ceremony, but most of all, they wanted Mr. Maxwell to be in better health.

Keely was so happy she was terrified. Writing during the day, being with Sebastian at night—could this happiness last?

One afternoon she finished early. She showered, dressed, jumped in her car, and drove to Fast Forward to pick up two iced lattes. She’d surprise Sebastian at his shop with coffee and a kiss. The day was cloudy, almost cool, and brisk. Families in bike lanes struggled to pedal against the wind.

She turned into the parking lot and squeezed her car between two pick-up trucks. Keely thought she saw Isabelle’s red Jeep parked at the far end, so she wasn’t surprised when she entered the print shop and found Isabelle sitting near one of the desks with Sebastian.

Donna sat across from them.

The three glanced up when the silver bell over the door tinkled.

Keely paused. “It looks like I’m interrupting something serious. I’ll go.”

Sebastian stood up. “No, Keely, stay. This concerns you.”

“Oh, dear,” Keely said under her breath.

He crossed the room, kissed Keely on the cheek, and ushered her to the desk. He pulled a chair over for Keely.

Keely set the coffees on the desk and sat down.

“We’re talking about the house,” Donna announced, looking Keely square in the eye.

Isabelle continued. “And the future. Mom and Dad need to move into a smaller house. Everything on one floor. No stairs. Mom wants to simplify their lives.”

“Okay…” Keely nodded.

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