Page 69 of Paradise West
“Everything is progressing really well. There wasn’t nearly as much damage on the second floor. They’re up in the rooms on the third floor now and Jack has half his crew working on the other houses. Luckily, those were in better shape than this one. The plumbing is being replaced and next week they’ll have someone out to overhaul the electrical. Since this place will be operational, it still has to be up tocode,” Charli rambled. She closed her mouth and pressed her lips together, not sure why Miriam’s approval was so important.
Miriam grunted and gazed up the main staircase, pursing her lips in consideration. Her eyes dropped back to Charli and narrowed. “Can you show me the Widow’s Walk? I haven’t been up there in over a decade, and I’d like to take a look at that hidey hole you found.”
Charli blinked, and then glanced around the room. No one was around. “Well, Jack will throw a fit when he finds out and we have to sneak around Gus. He’s in one of the third floor bedrooms, so we’d have to be absolutely quiet.”
Miriam gave her an evil grin and leaned in. “You meanifJack finds out we went up there. And I’m the sneakiest person you’ll ever meet.”
Charli snorted. “I can believe that.” She glanced around again and then tiptoed her way up the stairs, waving her hand toward Miriam. “Come on. Let’s do this,” she whispered.
When they reached the second floor landing, Charli stretched her neck around as she searched for workmen. Everything was quiet, and no one seemed to be around. She motioned with her hand again. “All clear. Come on.”
Miriam followed silently behind her as they slowly worked their way up the third staircase. As they approached the top, Charli stopped and hushed Miriam with a single finger against her lips and pointed toward the right. “They’re only a few doors down,” she murmured, then pointed toward the spiral staircase that sat in the middle of the landing. “Follow me,” she breathed.
As they climbed, Charli sent up a prayer of thanks that Gus had already replaced the creaking boards on the staircase. They made their ascent quickly and emerged into the heart of the Widow’s Walk. The broken floorboard still sat off to the left next to the gaping hidey hole, where Charli had left it...apparently the staircase was as far as Gus was willing to go.
“We should be okay now,” she said softly. “Just keep your voice down.”
Miriam’s gaze was centered on the hidey hole. She walked over and crouched down next to it, craning her neck to see inside.
“Here, this will help.” Charli pulled out her phone and hit the flashlight app. “It’s empty now. Remind me when we’re done here to show you the diaries and the box.”
Miriam grunted as she inspected the yawning hole, running her hand on one of the inside boards. “Fascinating. I can’t believe this was here the whole time and Dottie never found it.” She looked up at Charli. “You know, I’ve always been curious...does Amelia name her lover in the books?”
Charli shook her head. “She hasn’t mentioned him yet, but Jack and I are only through the first three diaries which take her through 1869. I’d guess that if she revealed him, it’ll be in the next diary. So far, they’ve been a fascinating read.”
“It’s mostly about Amelia’s family life,” she continued. “Her father was very wealthy and expected his daughters to marry well. She talked quite a bit about Elizabeth’s marriage,” she added and then grinned. “She didn’t think much of Elizabeth’s husband.”
Miriam grunted. “Well, keep reading.” She sat down with her back to the wall, eyeing the structure. “This is in amazing shape considering how exposed it has been over the years.”
Charli grunted. “I thought the same thing.” She stood and pointed toward the opening. “Come outside.” Charli walked out and stopped at the railing, facing south, and took a deep breath. “The view is incredible out here.”
Miriam hummed. “It certainly is.” She ran her hand along the railing. “I can imagine Amelia standing right here, waiting for her sailor.”
Charli nodded, but remained silent, enjoying the peace and the light breeze.
“Have you made up your mind yet?”
Charli blinked and looked at Miriam askance. “What?”
Miriam stared at her, her gaze shrewd. “You know what I’m talking about. Have you made up your mind about staying?” she repeated. “I know you’re torn. But I’ve also seen how close you’ve grown to Jack and how attached he is to you. The boy is in love with you if you haven’t noticed.”
Charli’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. Had Jack told Miriam that?
Miriam’s lips twisted to the side. “No, Jack hasn’t said anything to me if that’s what you’re thinking. But I know him, and you two haven’t exactly hidden your little romance—everyone has noticed.”
She waved her hands. “But that’s not a bad thing. Being with Jack,” Miriam continued, “is a good thing. You won’t ever find a better man or a better partner.” She threw her arms wide. “Hell, I know you have an entire life in Boston, but this is where you need to be. This is your home now.” Her arms dropped and her expression turned serious. “I’m just wondering if you’ve figured that out yet.”
“Home...” Funny that Miriam would use that word when Charli had been wondering about that herselfjust minutes before. Charli turned her gaze back to the horizon. “Did Jack ask you to speak to me?”
“Nope.” Miriam’s answer was swift. “But I do know that boy is worried sick that you’ll hightail it out of here at some point.” She snorted. “He could have had the pick of anyone on this island, but he always held out. You know, for a while we all thought he might be batting for the other team.”
Charli threw her head back with a laugh. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.” She gave Miriam a side glance. “I thought that too—he was too pretty to not have women flocking all over him. He kissed me senseless when I asked him about it.”
Miriam chuckled and patted Charli’s hand. “I bet that threw him for a loop.”
Charli turned toward the side, facing Miriam. “What makes you say this is where I need to be? Because you’re right—I am torn. I don’t know where home is anymore.”
Miriam shrugged. “It’s not anything specific, just gut instinct. And I think you know where home is. Where does your heart want to be?” She smiled and reached over to tuck a piece of long blonde hair behind Charli’s ear. “You look so much like Dottie. The resemblance truly is incredible.”
