Page 43 of The Summer We Started Over

“You think so?” Eddie lost her train of thought for a moment. “Anyway, let me show you around the house.”

As Eddie led Dinah into the living room, dining room, and kitchen, Dinah stopped to scan the shelves of books. Eddie tried to hurryDinah along because she wanted to go help Barrett. She was relieved when Dinah confessed that she was tired and wanted to take a little nap.

“I had to wake up so early today. I had a limo waiting to take me to the airport, but you know how congested the traffic is. I feel like I flew here on my own wings. Remind me to hire a helicopter if I ever want to come here again.”

Back in Dinah’s room, Eddie assured her boss that the sheets were clean, the bureau drawers empty, and the closet held plenty of hangers. Dinah sank onto the bed with a sigh. She eased off her shoes, pulled the mohair blanket up over her shoulders, and closed her eyes. “Thank you, Eddie. I haven’t felt so safe since you left.”

“I’ll be back this afternoon.”

“That’s fine. And I’ve got those big strong men working out there to make me feel secure.”

“Yes, you’re totally safe,” Eddie assured her.

She left the house, jumped into her Jeep, and drove quickly to Lower Main. Because it was late May, Eddie easily found a parking spot. She opened the door to the backseat and took out the gift she’d been hiding beneath an old sweater. The large package, beautifully wrapped, held a cappuccino machine and a box of pods and packets of sugar. She carried it with both hands and used her elbow to knock on the door of Nantucket Blues.

Barrett opened the door and screamed with delight when Eddie gave her the machine. They set it up on the counter in the back, near the sink. Barrett made a cup for each of them and they drank and chatted as they filled Nantucket Blues bags with white tissue paper and blue gifts: a tiny blue glass whale, a blue swirled bangle bracelet, a blue ballpoint pen with blue ink, and individually wrapped blueberry lollipops. Eddie shot lots of photos of the store, the shelves piled with shawls and sweaters, the gift bags, and posted them on social media.

As they worked, Barrett said, “I just had a thought. Do you think Dad will feel funny around Dinah?”

“No. She’s charming. Why would he?”

“Because she turns out three books a year and he’s been working for years and still hasn’t finished his. Plus, her books make money.”

“We’ll see. Let’s focus on your shop.”

It was almost three in the afternoon when Barrett decided everything was ready for the grand opening.

“Let’s go home and get beautiful!” Barrett said.

eight

They arrived back at the farm to find Dinah in her room, wearing full war paint and a sky blue skintight sexy-bodice dress.

Dinah swooped down to hug Barrett. “Look at you! Such a beauty! Thank you for allowing me to stay with you for a few days. I’msograteful.”

Barrett was dazzled by Dinah. “We’re glad you’re here.”

“If I may break into this lovefest,” Eddie said, “Barrett, we have to shower and change.”

“Just one question, Eddie. Will I be allowed to accompany you? Should I call a limo?” Dinah blinked her long eyelashes and made a dimple.

“You can ride in with me,” Eddie said. “Barrett will take her own car. She’ll probably stay longer than we will, or go out for drinks with friends.”

“Lovely. I’ll wait for you in my room. I found a book by Georgette Heyer and believe it or not, I’ve never read her. You don’t mind if I borrow the book to read, do you?”

“We don’t mind if you eat the book,” Eddie joked.

“Yes,” Barrett agreed. “Have them all.”

They took turns showering, then got together in Barrett’s room to dress. When they looked out the window, they noticed that Jeff and Paul had closed the barn doors and left for the day.

Barrett was giddy. “I’m shaking, Eddie! I can’t wait for Paul to bring my quarterboard.”

“He must have worked fast and late to get anything resembling a quarterboard done.” Eddie leaned close to the bedroom mirror to put on her eyeliner and mascara.

“I know. Isn’t he nice?” Barrett put on a pair of blue topaz earrings.

“He’s not just nice, Barrett. He likes you. And he seems like a really good guy.”

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