Page 68 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“What did you mean when you said you could relate to fighting with a sibling?”

She sighed. “Harlowe and I have never gotten along.”

“Never?”

She shook her head. “She’s always seen me as a pain or an inconvenience. I suppose it’s because when I was born, she suddenly had to share her bedroom while Landon had his own. She’d yell at me for getting into her things or interfering when she had friends over. Usual kid stuff. Sisters fighting sisters.”

She shrugged, but he could tell from the wrinkle in her forehead that the situation hurt her deeply. “When we got older, I thought maybe we’d work it out and become friends. I’ve known other women over the years who always called their sisters theirbestfriends. I always dreamed of reaching that level with her. Well, I’m twenty-seven now, and she’s thirty-one, and she still can’t stand me. She acts like I’m a nuisance.”

The sadness flickering over her expression touched him. “That’s gotta hurt,” he told her.

“It does, but... who knows? Maybe it will get better eventually,” she said, her hallmark sunniness taking over the moment. “Someday, she’ll change her mind about me. I won’t let her forget how much she means to me.”

“And what about your brother?”

“Landon’s great.” Her smile widened. “We check in with each other when I’m away working, and we like to share memes or updates. He’s always excited to see me when I come home. The two of us have always gotten along.”

“Well, you are pretty easy to get along with.” Then he held a hand up. “Most of the time, anyway.”

She laughed, and his pulse bumped. “That’s sweet. I’m hoping to get Harlowe to agree.” Her smile dimmed slightly. “We had an argument at Alana’s memorial, and she’s still upset with me from that, I think.”

He grimaced. “I hate to admit this, but I saw your heated discussion.”

She groaned and covered her face with her hands. “I was afraid of that. So embarrassing.”

“I bet it wasn’t your fault. What did you fight about?”

“Well, onthatoccasion, she was mad that I had missed our dad’s birthday party because of work. But I also think she’s upset about Alana’s will, and the fact that we’re selling the inn.” She sank back onto the sofa. “I’ve tried calling her and texting her, but she won’t respond. When I see her at my parents’ house, she barely says two words to me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks, but she’s my only sister. I’ll find a way to convince her I’m not her enemy.”

As their gazes held, Cade’s thoughts turned to Trevor and howcozy he and Everleigh had seemed last night. He had to know if she cared for him, and he prayed she didn’t.

“Why was Trevor here yesterday?” he asked, already dreading the answer.

“He said he was in the area and just came by to say hi.” She rested her hands in her lap. “He helped me paint the sunroom and then we ordered food.” She lifted her hands as if to stave off his anger. “I only let him help me paint the room because I knew you weren’t interested in doing it.”

Cade studied her as frustration built inside him. “You painted the sunroom?”

She nodded.

“What color?”

“Lemonade.”

He blew out a sigh.

“You told me to do it if I wanted to, and I wanted to.” A proud expression overtook her face. “And it does look nice, if I do say so myself. Even Trevor agreed.”

Cade pursed his lips. He didn’t trust that guy, and he didn’t like that she was spending time with him. Trevor seemed so comfortable with her last night, but Cade didn’t want him anywhere near herorthe inn.

“Did Trevor the handyman charge you for his time and labor?”

“No, but I paid for his dinner. And—”

“Everleigh! This guy, he’s—”

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