Page 11 of Sing with Me

“What?” Brinley’s voice sounded concerned. “Please don’t push my dear friend around.”

“Skye or Marlo?” Diehl asked.

“You know it’s Skye. She tried to contact you for days. You never replied.”

“That’s what she said too.”

“You really didn’t get back to her, so you made her work more difficult.”

“I didn’t have time.”

“Now you have time. Please apologize to Skye and work out your meal plan ASAP.”

Diehl chuckled. “For a middle child, you sure are pushy.”

“Just trying to keep food on your table for three months. Skye has a very kind heart, but I don’t want to see her taken advantage of. She works hard and I don’t want you to drive her to the ground like you drive yourself.”

“I don’t. What does she know about Isobel?” Diehl asked.

“Our entire church knows about the tragic accident in Italy, although it’s been a year.” Brinley’s voice was quiet. “Why do you ask about Skye?”

“I just want to know. She dropped everything and cooked me breakfast. I felt like a spoiled child.”

“You can be, Diehl.”

“But I’m still your brother.”

“Right. And I’m praying for you that you’ll come back to the Lord.”

That was her way of saying that Diehl had strayed and probably needed a divine spanking. “God still loves me no matter what.”

“Yes, but does He want you to stay stuck that way? He wants the best for you, not the worst in life.”

“All I’m getting is the worst right now.” Diehl laughed. “Is God punishing me?”

“I don’t know.”

“Anyway, where are your birdseeds?” Diehl stepped onto the grass barefoot. The noonday sun shone on him, making him sweat a little.

“None left. I have a fifty-pound bag here at my house you can get tomorrow night when you come over for dinner.”

“That’s too far way. The birds are hungry now.”

“Are they?” Brinley chuckled. “Then it’s your job to feed them.”

“I will. But I’m only here for three months. You need to send someone over to do it the rest of the time.”

“Maybe the new owner will.”

“You’re thinking of selling this beach house?” Diehl looked around the yard and small garden and the live oak trees. “How big is this property?”

“One acre. Very rare on this small island, but we razed the house next door to extend the yard.”

“Good move. How much do you think a house like this will go for?”

Brinley named the price.

Chump change for him. “Don’t sell it yet. Let me stay here for three months. I might want it.”

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