Page 93 of Patio Lanterns

The shockwave from Dove’s proclamation shot above the party noise, echoed across the lake, and bounced off the surface of the water into the sky. Robin was sure it had been heard pretty much across Muskoka. Dove recalibrated herself with a deep breath. “Tell me everything, Rob. Ev-reee-thing.”

“W-what?” Robin gasped. “You mean you’re not pissed?”

“What right do I have to be pissed other than you didn’t tell me first?” Dove said, waving it off. “You and Rick Hunter? What? When? How?”

Robin shrugged. “I couldn’t help myself. There is just something so sexy about him,” she said. “We hooked up the first night I was here, the night before you and Lark arrived, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since.”

“Wait a minute. So, that means when he came over with Aidan for dinner, you’d already…?”

“Boarded the beef bus?” Robin grinned. “Oh yeah.”

Dove laughed. “You’ve really outdone yourself, little sister. You and Aidan’s dad?” She clicked her tongue. “How old is he?”

“Fifty-four. I mean, it’s not like he’s sixty.”

“Right, because sixty would definitely be crossing a line,” Dove teased. “Oh my God, I just realized that we were joking about you being a sugar baby, and now, here you are.”

“I’m not a sugar baby because he doesn’t give me an allowance. But he does give me the D, and girl, he gives it gooood.”

Dove squealed and clapped. “Honestly, Rob? I kinda love this for you. I mean, I’m not into men who are that much older than me, but I’m not about to yuck your yum. If you like him and he treats you well, that’s all I need to know.”

Robin smiled. “Thanks, sis.”

“But a word to the wise? Stay away from Lark for a while. At least until she’s done screaming into her pillow.”

“She’s just pissed because she knows she can’t control me. She can threaten to withhold my inheritance, kick me out, or cut me off completely, but it won’t keep me from seeing Rick. We’re consenting adults, and we’ll do as we please.”

Dove hugged her tightly. “I’ve never seen you like this. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner,” Robin said, squeezing back. “Believe me, I wanted to, but I didn’t think you could keep a secret like this inside your leaky little vault.”

"Haven't you heard? I've replaced my old vault with one that has reinforced doors and added extra security features.” Dove winked. “I'm the Fort Knox of secret-keeping now. Try me.”

Robin wrinkled her nose. “Try you?”

“Yeah, come on. Confide something in me highly confidential, and I swear, I will take it to my grave.”

Robin had her pick of secrets to choose from. “Okay, this one ought to put your vault to the test. I found out who the big star is that Aidan might be building a cottage for.”

Dove's eyes lit up. “Who is it? C’mon, Rob, you can’t leave me hanging. Tell me.”

“Barrett Kemp,” Robin said with a sly smile.

“The Barrett Kemp?” Dove gulped.

"There's more than one?” Robin questioned. “I also suggested that Aidan get some advice from you because he’s definitely way out of his depth.”

Dove pressed a hand over her heart. “So, you recommended me?”

“Who better to teach Aidan how to finesse the rich and famous than the best… er, remind me. What’s your job title again?”

Dove sighed. “I’m a luxury concierge.”

“Right. Who better than the best luxury concierge in the GTA?” Robin said. “And wouldn’t hearing that you’ve helped land one of the hottest celebrities in the world knock Shandy Mundy flat on her thieving ass?"

Dove plowed into her with another bear hug. "Oh my God, Rob, you are the best!"

Robin pressed a finger to her lips. "Shhh. It's a secret. Remember, you’ve got to keep it in your high-security vault.”

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