SECONDCHANCES

ASouthernComfortNovelBookOne

BriaMarche

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SecondChances:SouthernComfortSeries,Book1

Life sails along smoothly on beautiful St. Thomas for Abby MelroseBellavance, or so she thinks.That is, until her husbandRemy steals hertrust fund and disappears for parts unknown. Now, with five millionreasons towrite offmen for good, she returns toCharleston, broke andgrovelingathermother’sfeet.LivingagainintheopulentmansiononSouthBattery,Abbyisthrown

another curve ball. Her mother passes away, leaving Abby with anenormoushomebutnomoneytosupportit.Turning the mansion into a boardinghouse has its advantage—

immediatecash—anddisadvantage—twoofthehottestmeninCharlestonarenowAbby’stenants.Abbywantsloveagain,especiallywithhunkyErik,thehandyman,and

sexyBrandon,theprominentattorney,livinginthemansionwithher.Theyare sodifferent, yet they’re similar inoneway sheneeds toavoid—theyaremen,andsheshouldkeepherdistance.As the southern summer blazes on, Abby’s life becomes even more

complicated.Personal secrets are revealed, and fate deals her one finalblow.Shewondersifshewilleverbegivenasecondchanceatfallinginlove.

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TableofContents

ABOUTTHEAUTHORChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwentyChapterTwenty-OneChapterTwenty-TwoChapterTwenty-ThreeChapterTwenty-FourChapterTwenty-FiveChapterTwenty-SixACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ChapterOne

Sleepeludedheragainasithadeverynightforthepastweek.Abbylayinthe dark, her piercing blue eyes fixated on the shadowy image of thespinningceilingfan.Shehopedstaringateachrotatingbladewouldhelpher doze off as counting sheep did—but it didn’t. Remy was in herthoughts and in thepit ofher stomach.Evenafter all he’ddone,he stillhadafirmgriponherheart.

“Ihateyou…Ihateyou…Iloveyou.Whereareyou,andwhydidyoudothistome?”

Tears dampened the satin pillowcase under the unruly coils of blackhairshehadwornsinceshewasatoddler.Angerandheartachehadbeguntofeelthesametoher.Shetossedthelightweightblankettothesideofherbedandrose.Inthedarkenedroom,shefeltforherrobeatthefootofthebedandslippediton.Thebalcony’sslidingdoorswereonlystepsaway,where she’d find fresh air,where she could sit and think. The sound ofcrashingwaves in the distance used to soothe her but not anymore.Theonly calm she found came from a bottle of anti-anxiety pills in themedicinecabinet.

Chimes sounded from an antique grandfather clock in the foyer. Shecountedthestrikesinherhead—sixo’clock,andthesunwouldsoonrise.Theautomaticbrewsettingon thecoffeemakerwouldhave fourcupsofsteamingColombianroastwaitingforherwhenshewentdownstairs.

She opened the double doors to the walk-in closet, accustomed todressingnicelyforRemy—somethinginstilledinherbyhermother—thenremindedherself hewas gone.Apair of shorts, aT-shirt, and flip-flopswas all she needed anymore.With a cup of coffee in hand and twentyminutesbeforesunrise,shewalkedoutwithabeachtowelslungoverhershoulderandlockedthedoorbehindher.Apathcarvedthroughthedensecanopywouldendatthesugarsandbeach,whereshecouldsit,watchthesunrise,andcry.

The sky lightenedgradually until a burst of brilliance hit the horizon

and began its ascent. The glowing orange ball cast rays upward andoutward, illuminating the Caribbean, making the water dance andshimmer. Black-headed laughing gulls scurried about on the beach,lookingforanearlymorningdelectablemorsel.Shewassurebythesoundoftheircall,theywereindeedlaughingatherfoolishness,forputtinghertrustinsomeonelikeRemyBellavance.

Thereon thebeachatMagensBay, shespreadouther towelandsat.Otherthanthesoundofthegullsandthewavescrashingagainsttherockstoherleft, thebeachwassilent.Thetouristsnevershowedupbeforeteno’clock,andbythen,she’dbehomecontemplatingherfuture.

“Abby?”She spun around, startled by the sound of a voice so early in the

morning. He stood to her right with a beach rake in his hand. Abigailshieldedhereyeswithherhand,blockingthemorningsun.

“Hi,John.Whatbringsyououtthisearly?Thebarcouldn’tpossiblybeopenyet,couldit?”Shewipedhertear-stainedcheeks,hopinghewouldn’tnotice.

“Naw… it’sMonday.The cruise ships are coming in.Gotta rake thebeachandgetthekayaksandsailboardssetup.I’vegottostockthebar,too. The real question is, why are you out here? It’s barely daylight.Doesn’tRemy think it’sweird that you’dbehere alone this early?Whydidn’thecomewithyou?”

“Remyleft,almostaweekagotoday.I’vebeencomingouthereeverymorningbeforesunuptoclearmyhead.Thequiethelpsmostofthetime.I’musuallybackhomebyseventhirty.”

“Ididn’tmeantodisturbyou,butaslongasI’mhere…”Hegaveheraraised-eyebrowstare,concernetchedinhisforeheadashesatonthesandnexttoher.

Withasmallbranchfromaturpentinetreegrippedtightlyinherhand,Abigail drew an infinity circle in the sand as they talked. Drawing thatcirclewasahabit sheandRemyhadshared.The thoughtmadeherkickthecirclewithherfoot,lettingthetidereclaimtheimage.

“What do youmean, Remy left? Is he setting up gigs for the IslandGuys?Ihearthetouristsliketheirmusic.Didn’ttheyplayatBeachTime

onSt.Johnafewweeksago?”“Yeah,theydid.Ishouldgetgoing.I’vegotalotofplanningtodo.”“Planningforwhat?Comeonuptothebar.I’llmakeapotofcoffee.”“I thought you were busy. I can’t tie up your morning with my

problems.”“Whatarefriendsfor?Itseemslikeyouneedtogetsomethingoffyour

chest. I’ll give you thirtyminutes,” he joked. “After that, we’ll have tomeetatsomeclandestinelocationwhenIgetoffworktotalkfurther.”

Abby became acquainted with John after she moved to St. Thomaseighteen months ago and married Remy. A Nebraska transplant, JohnRichmondhadbeen livingon the island for fifteenyears andhad insideinformationabouteverythingthatwentonthroughouttheislands.Hegaveheraheads-upwhenheheardaboutabeautifultwo-bedroombungalowupforsaleandlocatedjustminutesfromMagensBaybeach.Abbycontactedtheownersbeforetheylistedthehouseandboughtitfromthemdirectly.

Shesatatthebaronawell-wornrattanstoolandcozieduptotherail.Johnpouredtwocupsofcoffeeandhandedherone.

“Okay,spill.What’sgoingonbetweenyouandRemy?”“Remyisyourfriend.Doyoureallywanttogetinvolved?”“Idon’thavetobeinvolvedtolisten.”Hesetoutthecreamandsugar

thencamearoundthebartositonthestooltoherright.“Okay,butdon’tsayIdidn’tgiveyoufairwarning.Youknowmeonly

asAbbyBellavance,Remy’swife. ImetRemyon a vacation twoyearsago inCharlotteAmalie.The IslandGuyswereplayingat theFatTurtlethat night.Of course,Remywasdoinghis thing, handingout free drinkvouchers toall the touristsgettingoff thecruiseships—mebeingoneofthem.Heprobablygotakickback from thebar tobring thecrowds in. Iwas drawn to him like a moth to light, with his enormous smile, darkgoldenskin,andthosecrazydreadlocks.”Shelaughedinhindsightastearspooled in her eyes. “I don’t want to drag this explanation out, but thebottom line is, Remy emptied out the bank account, liquidated all mystocks, and sold the house and furnishings. I didn’t know anythingwasgoingonuntilIgotaknockonmydoorlastweekfromacontractorsayingthe new owners wanted an estimate to enlarge the balcony. Can you

imagine my surprise when I heard that? My suspicions were right. Ichecked the bank account andmy stocks, and they were cleaned out…vanished,justlikeRemy.”

“He’sanative,Abby,andquitetheplayer.Womennevercouldresisthim, and he took advantage of that constantly. In the past,women havepaidforeverythingandanythinghewanted.Remyhasacertaincharisma,charmifyouwill, thatworkswellforhim.Goodlooksdon’thurteither.There’ve been plenty of ladies in his life that have come and gone,probably because he took them for everything they had. He wore thatabilitylikeabadgeofhonor.Ireallythoughthe’dchangedwhenheaskedyoutomarryhimthough.That’sabigstepforhim,toactuallycommittosomeone.”

“Maybetheotherwomenwerefilleruntilhisshipcamein…literally.TheshipthatwouldmakeRemyarichmanjusthappenedtobetheoneIwas on. I doubt it had anything to do with commitment, but it hadeverythingtodowithmylastname.”

“Whichwas?”“Melrose.Acommonnameunlessyoudotheresearch.I’msureRemy

did after meeting my mom and seeing our home in the nicest area ofCharleston.Mydadbuilthiscomputerprocessorbusinessfromthegroundup.Iknowitdoesn’tsoundsexy,buthegotinattherighttimeandmadeafortune.Itwasnewmoney,andheearneditallonhisown.Myfamilywasjustthethreeofus—mydad,mymom,andme—butmydadwaskilledinNewYorkafewyearsagoinarandommugging.”

“I’msosorry,Abby.Thatmusthavebeenheartbreaking.”She traced the outline of her coffee mug and gave a wistful shrug.

“Now it’s just my mom and me, unless she’s already disowned me. Inhindsight, I wouldn’t blame her if she did. She was very protective,especially aftermydaddied, andRemy sent up every red flag possible.MomthreatenedtocutmeoutofthewillifImarriedhim,whichofcourseIdidtospiteher.Iwasasmart-assthenandcalledherbluff,yetIhavenoideaifshewasactuallybluffingornot.AllIdoknowisthefivemilliondollars I received from my trust fund when I turned twenty-five iscompletely gone. Obviously, Mom read Remy and his intentions much

better thanIdid. I’mgoinghometosee if Icanfix thingswithher.Shehasn’tspokentomesinceIgotmarried.Ineedtofindajobandtrytogetonmy feet,unlessmymomreconsidersandwelcomesmeback into thefold.”Abbysmiledwearilyandsippedhertepidcoffee.

“Needawarm-up?”Johnaskedashereachedforthepot.“Sure,thanks,butIthinkmythirtyminutesisup.Anyway,Ihavetobe

out of the house in twoweeks. I have a private investigator looking forRemyandmymoney,butwhoknowsifanythingwilleverturnup.He’sprobablydrinkingapiñacoladaonsomeremoteislandthatdoesn’thaveextradition lawswith theUnitedStates.Whydidn’t I listen tomymomwhensheinsistedIgetaprenup?”

“Itsoundslikeyouwerebuttingheadswithherandtryingtoliveyourownlife,especiallywithfivemillionbucksinyourpocket.Haveyoueverworked? What will you do to support yourself if you two can’t makeamends?”

“Well, Ididworkbefore Igotmarried just so Iwouldn’t seemlikeadeadbeatdaughter.Actually, Ihadmymaster’sdegreeand internedasarelationshipcounselor.Whatajoke,right?Onlyreallifecanbethatironic.It’simpossibletomakeupstufflikethat.”

“Let’s talk somemorebeforeyougo. I’m really sorry thishappened,andI’msorryRemydidthistoyou.He’syourhusband,soIdon’tknowifheactuallycommittedacrimeornot,butIthinkhedid.Someday,karmawillcomebackandbitehiminthebutt.Theworldhasawayofrightingitself, and Ihopeeverythingeventually turnsout right foryou.You’reagreat person, and you didn’t deserve this. Stop by for coffee before thecrowdsshowupinthemornings.I’malwaysherebynineo’clock.”

“Thanks.IguessIneededtogetthatoffmychest.I’llstopbylaterthisweek.”

Abbyshookthesandoutofthetowelanddrapeditoverherforearm.She waved goodbye and followed the path through the mahogany andturpentinetreesthatledtoherhouseoverlookingthebay.

ChapterTwo

Thankful that she had a few thousand dollars stashed in the back of hercloset,Abbycheckedtheairlineschedulesandfaresandpreparedtoleavetheparadiseshehadknownfortwoyearsandreturntoherhomeandthefamiliarity of Charleston, SouthCarolina. The cheapest flight she foundleft on aThursday and had two connections. She tapped the “buy now”buttononthescreenandclosedherlaptop.Withafreshcupofcoffee,shesatonthebalconywithapadofpaperinhandandapenlodgedaboveherleftear.Remywasgoneforgood.Itwasn’tajoke,hewouldn’treturn,anditwastimetostartthatto-dolist.Intwoweeks,beautifulSt.ThomasandtheturquoiseCaribbeanwouldbehistory.

The ringing cell phone brought Abby out of her deep concentration.ThecallerwasMelanieDavis,Abby’sdearestfriendsincechildhood.DoIfeelliketalkingtoMelrightnowornot?Notwantingthedrama

butstillneedingherbest friend,Abbypickedup.“Hi,Mel.What’sup?”She stared out through the tree canopy to see the glorious, vibrant seabeforeher.TearssprungtohereyesassheheardMel’sfamiliarvoice.

“Hey,Abby.Howareyoudoing?”“Youknow.Samething,differentday.”“IthinkitwouldbeagoodideaifIflewdownandhelpedyoupackup

everythingyou’rebringinghome.Whatdoyousay?”“I don’t think that’s necessary. All I have aremy clothes and a few

personalbelongings.I’mgoingtoboxeverythingupthisweekandshipitbackhome.Haveyouseenmymomrecently?”

“IsawherlastFridaynightattheartwalkonBroadStreet.Shemadesmall talkwithme,probablybecausetherewasacrowd.Shedidn’t looktoohappy.Haveyouheardfromhersinceyoutoldherwhathappened?”

“No,notapeep.Afterthescoldingandthe‘Itoldyousos,’she’sbeenkeeping herself pretty scarce. I think she wants me to grovel.Unfortunately, that’s exactlywhat I’ll have todountil I get onmy feet.Thiswasreallyarudeawakening.Ijustwishitwasayearfromnowand

all of thiswas behindme. I guess I’ll find outwhere I stand after I gethome.”

The list of friends and acquaintances to say goodbye towas short. ItseemedasthoughAbbyhadspentthelastyearandahalfkeepingRemyhappyandbeinghiswife insteadofmakingfriendsofherown.Mostofthe people she knew were through Remy and the Island Guys. Johnseemedliketheonlypersonthatwasn’toneoftheirgroupies.

The news of Remy’s betrayal had spread through the island like themorning sun.Abbywanted to get away from thehumiliation as soon aspossible.Today,herintentionsweretotieuplooseends,saygoodbyetoanyoneshecaredabout,andreconnectwithhermombeforetheflightouttomorrow morning. With a short stop in Puerto Rico and a two-hourlayover inMiami, she’d have plenty of time to regroup and calm downbeforearrivinginCharleston.Melanieofferedtopickherupattheairportand takeherhome.Abbywouldenter through thewrought-irongatesofthe pink Italianate mansion on South Battery. Charlotte Melrose, andAbby’sfate,wouldbewaitingontheothersideofthedoor.

***

Herseatwasnearthetailoftheairplane,abumpy,noisyareanexttothelavatories,andsincetheseatdidn’trecline,shewouldbesittinginaveryuncomfortable,uprightpositionuntiltheyreachedPuertoRico.Lifemaybealotdifferentgoingforward.Nomorefirstclass,atleast

for now, she thought as the plane lifted skyward. She looked out thewindowandstareddownattheislandshewasleaving,theplaceshehadcalledhomefornearlytwoyears.Shewonderedifshewouldeverreturn.WouldthememoriesofRemyruinanyhappinessofafuturevisit,orcouldshe separate the two? Did she even dare to imagine being there again,sometimedown the road,with aman that really lovedher? I guess timewilltell.Fornow,goodbye,St.Thomas.I’llmissyou.

Abby took advantage of the two-and-a-half-hour flight between SanJuanandMiamitocatchanap.ShewouldbetooampeduptorestontheflighttoCharleston.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is the captain speaking.We’ll be landing inCharleston right at the noon hour. Theweather is abalmy eighty degreeswith lightwinds and good visibility. Please returnyour seats to the upright position and lock your tray tables. The flightattendantswillbebytocollectanylast-minuteitemsyouwanttodiscard.Thankyou,andhaveagreatafternoon.We’llbeonthegroundintwentyminutes.”I should have ordered a stiff drink, she thought. Her heart was

poundingatanalarmingrateattherealizationshewasabouttobebackinCharleston. I’ll ask Melanie to stop somewhere before we get home. Idefinitelyneedadrink…ortwo.

ThereMelaniestood,wearingthathugesmileshewasknownforandwavingasAbbywalkeduptheconcoursetowardher.Melaniewashappy,carefree,andvibrant—thewomanAbbyhadalwayswantedtobelike.Shelived life on her own terms and said to hell with anyone who tried tochange anything about her. A single woman not looking for anyone tocomplete her, Mel was the most upbeat, positive person Abby knew.Peoplegravitated towardher.AbbywascertainMelwasself-medicatingtoalwaysbeinthatgoodamood.

“There you are! I’m so happy you’re home, safe and sound. We’regoingtogetyoubackontrack,justlikethat.”MelaniesnappedherfingerstoemphasizehowquicklyAbby’slifewouldbebacktonormal.“Considerthe last two years as nothing more than a small speed bump in yourjourneythroughtime.It’sallgood.Let’sgetyourluggageandgohome.”MelaniegrabbedthebackpackoffAbby’sshoulderandslungitacrossherback.Sheair-kissedAbby’scheeks,Europeanstyle,and tookherby thehandbeforeleadingherdowntheescalatortowardbaggageclaim.

“I’mglad there’s oneperson that’s happy I’mback. I can’t say I amsinceI’mscaredtodeath,andmymomwon’tanswerthephone.IhavenoideawhatI’mgoingtowalkinto.You’recomingintohelpbreaktheice,right?” The conveyor belt started, and Abby watched each piece ofluggage drop onto the carousel. Her eyes scanned the multitude ofsuitcasesasshelookedforthemonogrammedleatherLouisVuittonduffelbagshewassofondof.

“Sure,ifyouthinkitwillhelp.Iwouldn’twanttobethatpoorsoulonthewrongsideofyourmom…she’skindofscary.”

“Ya think?Iknowone thingforsure,”Abbysaidwhilestruggling tograbtheleatherhandlesoftheheavyduffelbagandpullitoffthebelt.

“We’restoppingsomewhereforadrinkfirst?”“You’vegotthatright.HowaboutCrabby’sShackonKingStreet?”Melanie parked her 2011 Toyota Camry along the curb, and they

entered the darkened establishment that had been their go-to place sincetheyturnedtwenty-one.Thefoodwasgreat,andLouisDillardwasn’ttoobadeither.HewasgorgeouswithacapitalG,buthappilymarried.LouisdidmakethebestcocktailsinCharlestonthough.Strongyetsmooth,justlike him. He was co-owner of Crabby’s and a good friend to anyonepassingthroughthelouveredfrontdoors.Thegirlsgrabbedvinylbarstoolsandsat,waitingforhimtonoticeAbbyMelrosewasbackintown.

“Abby, I can’t believe you’re home! Are you staying for good thistime?”

“Itkindof looks thatway.Howhaveyoubeen,Louis?”She reachedforthedrinkmenu,knowingsheneededsomethingstrong.

“I’mgreat.We’reexpectingourfirstbabyinamonth.It’sgoingtobeagirl,andDianaismorethanstoked.Prettyexcitingstuff,right?”

The sincerity in his voice warmed Abby’s heart. She was happy forhim. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “That’s so cool.Congrats.I’llhaveaGypsyGirl,andmakeitstrong.”

“I’llhavethesamebutweak.I’mdriving.”“Mel,it’sthirteenblockstomyhousefromhere.That’slessthanseven

minutes by car,” Abby said, laughing atMelanie’s responsible yet fun-lovingnature.

“Well,whatever…thestreetsarealwaysfulloftouristsdartingaround.Iwouldn’twanttohitanyonebecauseIwaswasted.”

“Really,ononeweakdrink?You’renuts.Youknowthat,right?”She smiled at Abby with perfectly aligned sparkling-white teeth. “I

know,butyoulovemeanyway.”“Whodoesn’t?”After two drinks each, they settled the tab and promised to be back

soon.“Areyoureadyfor this?”Melaskedas theyclimbedinto thecarand

beltedthemselvesin.“No,butIdon’thaveachoice.It’stimetofacethemusic.Iwaswrong,

andmymomwasright.It’sreallyjustthatsimple.AllIneedtoknowrightnowisifshe’sgoingtowelcomemehomeornot.”

MeldrovethetwelveshortblocksdownKingStreetandturnedleftonSouthBattery.Shepulledintothesidedrivewayahalfblockupandkilledthe engine.Theornate irongates that led to the inner courtyardwith itsenormousfountainweretwentyfeettoherleft.Bothwomenstaredatthehouse, feelingas if theywerebeingwatched,andquicklydid theiryogabreathingexercises.

“Okay, there’s no sense in prolonging this anymore, butmy heart isgoingahundredmilesanhour.Let’sgo,”Abbysaid.

Mel popped the trunk then grabbed the backpack off the back seat.Abby pulled the duffel bag out of the trunk, closed it, and punched thecode into the keypad on the gate, allowing them to pass through. Thechandeliers in the parlor glowed as the women walked by the openwindow.Charlottewashome, and they sawherwatch their arrival fromhervantagepointon thewidow’swalk.Withasolemnlookonherface,Abbyopenedthefrontdoor.Mittens,theblackcatwithwhitefeet,greetedthe women as they entered. She meowed loudly, brushing against theirlegswithhertailheldhigh.Abbydroppedherbagonthewalnutfloorofthefoyerandknelttopetthecat.Thesoundofhighheelsclickingonthesecond-level hallway told Abby her mother was approaching. CharlotteMelrosedescended thecircular staircase,obviouslyexpectingall eyes tobeonher,andtheywere.SheworeahotpinkLillyPulitzerknitshiftwithpale gold trim. Charlotte was amember of upper-class society andwasperceivedbymanyasolder,butatonlyforty-nine,shewasfartooyoungtodresslikeastuffysocialite.Shehadn’tseenAbbyforeighteenmonths,yetsheofferednomotherlyembrace.

“Mom, you look good.How have you been?”Abby asked, trying tobreakthetensionhangingheavilyintheair.

“Hello, Mrs. Melrose. Nice to see you again,” Melanie said as she

followed Abby and her mother to the parlor, where tea and fingersandwicheswaitedontheQueenAnnetable.

CharlotteMelrosewasn’tsnootybynature.ShewasangryandhurtthatAbby had gone against her by marrying Remy. Her intention was toprotectheronlydaughter from thatpredator,yetAbbycouldn’t see it atthe time. The marriage forced a permanent wedge between mother anddaughter,ruiningthecloserelationshiptheyoncehad.Theybothknewitwouldtakealotofworktorepairthedamage.

“Melanie, thank you for picking up Abigail at the airport, I’ve beenbusy.Please,havesometeaandasandwich.”

Charlottewas accustomed towearing dresses every day. “Onemighthave unexpected guests,” she’d always say. Before the money, twentyyearsearlier,theywerejustanotherfamilylivingacommonmiddle-classlifestylefarfromthelikesoftheupper-crustfamiliesinCharleston,southofBroadStreet.Thatwaswherethesocietypeoplelived,aplacecommonpeople only dreamed about. Charlotte used to take the city bus withAbigailandastrollerintow.ShewouldwalkMeetingStreet,BayStreet,andEastandSouthBattery.She’ddaydreamaboutthepeoplelivingthereand what their important lives must be like.Do they host parties withservants catering to their every need? Do they attend galas and artexhibitsregularly?Backthen,thosequestionsconsumedherwhenevershestrolled past the gorgeous mansions, each more fabulous than the onebefore.

Buttodaylifewasdifferent.Charlottewaswealthy,andshewantedtoprotect that wealth, especially since Edward was gone. And because ofAbby’sbadjudgment,Charlottehadfivemillionreasonstobefuriouswithher.

Melaniesaidgoodbyeandgraciouslyleft.AbbyandCharlotteneededtime alone to sort out what the future would bring. Abby wasn’t dueanotherwithdrawal fromher trust funduntil shewas thirty, and she stillhadthreeyearstogo.

“Abigail, let’s sit in the drawing room, shallwe?We have plenty todiscuss.”

CharlotteinstructedBetsy,themaid,tobringatraywithcoffee,cream,

and sugar into the drawing room, along with pen and paper. Abbyfollowed hermother like a scolded adolescent,waiting for thewreckingballtodrop.

ThedrawingroomwasalwaysoneofAbby’sfavoriteplacestositandreflect. The walls wore a rich but subtle cream palette to ensure thepaintings had no competition. Antique Chippendale furniture filled theroom, and a vibrant Persian rugwith four-inch cream-colored fringe layover thewalnut floors.Thecrystal pendantshanging frombrass sconcescreatedbrilliantcolorsthatdancedagainstthewallseverytimethelightswereturnedon.Twomatchingbrocadewingbackchairsbeckonedthemtosit.

Betsyplacedthecoffeetrayona tablebetweenthechairs.“Welcomehome, Miss Abigail. May I get you anything else, Mrs. Melrose?” sheaskedasshesteppedbacktowardthepocketdoors.

“No, thankyou.I thinkwe’refinefornow.Pleaseclose thedoorsonyourwayout.”

“Yes,ma’am.”“Is there any new information on yourmissing husband andmoney,

Abigail?”“No,Mom, there isn’t. I’m pretty sure I’ll never see either of them

again.FromwhatI’vebeentold,itisn’tillegalforaspousetowithdrawasmuchmoneyfromabankorstockaccountastheywant.”

“Butitwasyourmoney,nothis.”“Afterwegotmarried,itbelongedtobothofus.Iputhisnameonall

the accounts to make life easier. I didn’t feel it was right to have myhusbandaskingmeformoneyeverytimeheneededsome.”

“Sotheconartisthadnomoneyofhisownuntilyoumadelifeeasierforhim?Iguesshe’s livingoneasystreetnow,andyou’re theonewithnothing. I was certain you were smarter than that, but obviously I waswrong.”

“Thanks,Mom.Don’tyouthinkIfeelbadenough?”“You do remember what I said when you threatened to marry that

vagrant, don’t you?” Charlotte stiffened and sat upright. She held theporcelain cup in theBlueMagnolia pattern in her right hand, her pinkie

fingerpointingupward.ShehandedAbbythepaperandpen.“Here,figureoutyourlife.Tomorrowatbreakfast,Iwanttoseewhatyouwrote.Ifit’sreasonable andmakes financial sense, I’ll speak to my attorney. If not,you’reonyourown.Breakfastisateighto’clocksharp.Isuggestyougettoit.”Charlottepattedhermouthwiththehemstitchedlinennapkin,stood,lefttheroom,andclosedthepocketdoorsbehindher.

Abbystaredattheblanksheetofpaper,holdingthefountainpeninherhand.“Ihatethesedamnthings.”Shefoundherbackpack,stilllyinginthefoyerwith her duffel bag, and brought it into the parlor.A dozen hotelpens were in the zipped side pocket. “Good enough.” After pouringanothercupof coffee, shecurledupon thechair andbegan tochartherfuture.Abbywonderedifshecouldeverbeinarelationshiportrustmenagain afterRemy.Did he ruin any chance shemight have had to fall inlove with somebody else? At the moment, she had to focus on herimmediate need. Men could wait. She’d check out job postings online,hopefully in the only field she knew—relationship counseling. If thereweren’tanyjobsavailableworkingforsomebodyelse,she’dstartherownpractice,somehow,somewhere.Thisoutlinehas to looksincere, like Iputa lotof thought into it. I’ll

needtotakesomerefreshercoursesandfindoutifmycertificationisstillgood.MaybeifItakethisseriously,I’llbeabletoreadpeoplebetter.

AftertwohoursofInternetsearchesandnotetaking,Abbyhadaviableplanofactiontopresenthermotheratbreakfast.Sherosefromthechair,stretched,androlledherneck.Poppingsoundsfromherknottedmusclestoldher justhowtenseshereallywas.Withadeepsigh,sheopened thepocketdoorsandwalkedoutofthedrawingroom.Herduffelbagstilllayuntouched in the quiet foyer. Seeing it lying theremade herwincewithanxiety and remorse.Hermotherwasn’twelcomingherhome, anddeepdown,Abbyknewreconnectingwithherwouldn’tbeeasy.Betsynormallywouldhavetakenherbagupstairs,butitwaslikelyCharlottehadtoldhernot to. Abbywould have to earn back her place in hermother’s home,evenifitwastemporary.

Shewonderediftheywouldeverbecloseagainorifallchancesofthatweregoneforgood.

ChapterThree

Shewoke to an entirely different feeling—life had changed again.Gonewere the tropical birdcalls and sounds of the surf crashing against theshoreline. She lay in the bed she had used while growing up, sleepingalone,justasshehadthen.Abbyrolledover,rubbedhereyes,andcheckedthetimeonhercellphone.Crap!Ihavetobedressedandatbreakfastinfortyminutes. Luckily, her closet still held the clothes she’d left behindalmosttwoyearsago,andhersuitehadaprivatebath.Shedoveoutofbedwithnotimetowakeupslowlyandlazily.Withtheshowerrunningandthewater heating, she rifled through the closet and picked out a simplepeach-colored sheath.Abbypinnedhermassofcurlsupwithahair clipandsteppedintotheblissfullyhotwater.Shedidn’thaveenoughtimetobotherwithherhair thatmorning.ShehadtoprovetoCharlotte thatshewas responsible by arriving in the breakfast roomat eight o’clock sharpwith dry hair and wearing a respectable dress in one of her mother’sfavoritecolors.

Abby grabbed the outline she had prepared the night before, inhaleddeeply, and descended the staircase. Her mother sat at the table in thebreakfast room, waiting. Charlotte glanced at the antique mantel clocksitting on the sideboard and gave an approving nodwhenAbbywalkedthroughtheFrenchdoors.

“Goodmorning,Abigail.Ihopeyousleptwell.”“Goodmorning,Mom.Isleptfine,andthecoffeesmellsgreat.”AbbysatacrossfromCharlotte,withWhitePointGardendirectlyout

the largewindow in front of her.Betsy poured coffee for both of them,placedabowloffruitandaplateofcroissantsonthetable,andexitedtheroom.Abbysetheroutlineonthetable,hopinghermotherwouldn’twanttoseeitquiteyet.Herstomachgrowled,indicatingfoodandcoffeewerenecessarybeforeanythingelse.

Once breakfast was over, Charlotte asked to see the outline. Abbynervously handed the paperwork to her mother, waiting to find out her

fate.After lifting the reading glasses that hung from the beaded lanyardandperchingthemonhernose,Charlottereadthefour-pageoutline.Abbyalready had hermaster’s degree, but shewould need to take continuingeducationcoursesandbecomealicensedcounselorifshewantedtostartherownpracticeinmarriage,family,andrelationshipcounseling.Shehadbeendisappointed that she couldn’t find any jobopenings in an existingpractice during her online search last night. She researched the cost andlengthof timeitwouldtakebeforeshecouldopenherpractice.Shewassurehermotherwouldfindthatarespectableoccupation.AllAbbyneededwasaloanfromhermothertomakeitareality.

“Itlookslikeyou’retakingthisseriouslywithalltheworkyou’veputintothisoutline,”Charlottesaid.“Theonlyproblemis,itwilltakeayeartoaccomplish,andyouwantatwenty-thousand-dollarloan.Whatwillyoudointhemeantime?”

“I’ll find something toprovemyself. I’llwork in adaycare centerornursinghomeduringthedayandtakemycoursesatnight.AllIneedisaroofovermyhead,andI’mhopingitwillbehere.I’mtrulysorryforallthegriefI’vecausedtheselastfewyears.I’llevenaccompanyyoutothegalasandartevents.Itcanbelikeoldtimesagain.”

“Wedidhavefun,didn’twe?Allright,I’llgiveyouanotherchancetodo the right thing. I’ll stop in atmy attorney’s office this afternoon andhave him change the will back as it was before the Remy fiasco. I’mhaving lunchwith theboardmembersofmy favoritecharityanyway, soI’ll be in the general neighborhood.” Charlotte poured each of themanothercupofcoffeeandbitintoachocolatecroissant.

“So you really did change the will?” Abby was shocked but notsurprisedthathermotherhadliveduptoherword.

“OfcourseIdid,dear.Youdefiedme.Ihadnochoice.Iwantanotheroutlinetonightatdinneroftheschoolyou’regoingtoenrollinandplacesyou’ve contacted today for employment. After you get a job and startschool,I’llloanyouthemoney.”

Abbyfelt theflushofangerprickle thebackofherneck.Hermotherwasacontrolfreak,buttherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutityet.Sure,shecouldwork formeagerwagessomewhere,but that incomewouldbe

eaten up by rent and living expenses. For the time being, she’d have toconformtohermother’sdemandseven though they infuriatedher.Abbyretreated toherbedroomtogetstartedonherassignment.Shefelt likeaschoolkidagain,havingtoobeyhermother.Thisissuchcrap.I’llcallMelandseewhatshe’supto.Hopefully,shehastimetodolunch.

Attwenty-seven,Abbyfeltlikeanirresponsiblechild,nothavingmuchmoneyorevenacartocallherown.

“Mel,whatareyoudoingtoday?Ireallyneedsomeonetotalkto,andafewbeers.I’llbuylunchifyou’refree,butyou’llhavetopickmeup.”

“Sure,noproblem,doyouwanttogotoCrabby’sagain?”“Yeah,Ilikethevibethere.Itisn’tatouristtrap.Dotheystillofferthe

bestCrabLouieSaladintown?”“Theysuredo,andthelargestchoiceofbeers.Okay,I’llpickyouupat

noon.”Abbycheckedthetime.Shestillhadtwohourstokill.She’dgettoher

mother’s demands later. Right then, she wanted to reconnect with thebeautifulcitysheusedtocallhome.Shefollowedthesoundofvoicessheheard fromdownstairsat thebackof thehouse.Hermothermightcomelookingforher,soitwasbesttobeupfrontandsayshewasgoingouttoclearhermind.AbbyfoundCharlotteandBetsyinthelushwalledgardenbehind thehouse.Charlottesatat thewrought-iron table,paging throughtheMeyer’sNursery catalog. Shewas choosing the annuals shewanteddeliveredandplanted.BetsywasinchargeofcontactingthelocalnurseryandmakingCharlotte’severywishareality.

“Hi, Mom. I’m going for a short walk around the neighborhood togathermythoughts.I’llbebackinahalfhour.”

“Allright.Justrememberwhatyouneedtodolater.Don’tdisappointme,dear.”

“Iwouldn’tthinkofit.I’llbebacksoon.”Abby left, feelingmore deflated than ever, wondering how long she

could tolerate Charlotte’s stranglehold on her every movement. ShewalkedupEastBatterytoRainbowRow,tryingtoenjoythemoment.Shehad always loved the colorful homes and the beautiful private gardensbehindeachgate.Sherememberedcomingtotheneighborhoodasachild

andbehavingthesamewaythetouristsdid,gaspingwithexcitementandclicking cameras at every lovely home and historical monument theypassed. That was long before her family moved there themselves. SheturnedwestonElliotStreetandfollowedit toMeetingStreet,whereshewent south. Abby stopped at Two Meeting Street and went inside thebeautiful bed-and-breakfast to say hello to the proprietors. The ownerswere close friends of Charlotte’s—awelcoming couplewho had been amainstayinCharlestonforyears.Onherwayhome,shestoppedatWhitePointGardenandfoundanemptybenchtositon.She’dgonethereoftenbeforeshemetRemyandmovedtoSt.Thomas.Sheinhaledtheoceanairdeeply,thankfulthatnothingabouttheareahadchanged.

BackinherroombeforemeetingMel,Abbysearchedthejobpostingsonline and jotteddownanything she thoughtmight be apossibility.Shecaughtsightoftheflashingredlightonherchargingcellphonelyingonthenighttablenexttoherbed.JohnatMagensBayhadleftamessagethatsaidhe’dheardthroughthegrapevinethatRemywasinEcuadorlivingitup.ThatwasallJohnknew,exceptthatEcuadordidn’thaveanextraditiontreatywiththeUnitedStates.HeapologizedagainforAbby’smisfortunewithRemyandassuredher that shewasmissedbyeveryone inMagensBay.

AbbywasthankfulCharlottehadleftthehousebeforeMelaniearrived.Thelastthingshewantedwastobeinterrogatedbyhermotherinfrontofher best friend. Abby pulled the sheers back and watched from herbedroomwindowasCharlottedroveawayinherblackMercedessedantomeetwithboardmembersfromoneofhermanycharities.Charlottewasinvolved with a dozen organizations throughout Charleston. Abbywonderedifhermotherwasreallythatphilanthropicorifshejustenjoyedthe attention, inflating her already oversized ego. With a sigh, Abbyplopped down on her antique mahogany bed, causing the springs tosqueak, and began searching the online job sites. She found fourpossibilitiesshewouldcheck intoafter lunch.Shebookmarkedeachsiteandpowereddownherlaptop.Melwouldbeoutfrontanyminute.Abbygrabbedherpurse,checkedherreflectioninthegildedmirrorhanginginthe foyer, thenwent outside to sit on the columned, covered veranda to

watchforMelanie.

***

“Seriously, are you really going to work at a fast-food joint for sevenbucksanhourjusttopleaseyourmom?”Melasked.Sheslurpedherclamchowderwithfishcrackersfloatingontop.

“No, I’m not going to those extremes, but I’ve saved four jobs I’mgoing to call about later this afternoon. Two of the jobs are in daycarecenters,one is ahostessposition inadowntown restaurant, andone isajobasahelper ina retirementcenter. Iknownoneof themaregoing topaywell,butIneedtoprovetomymomthatI’mmakinganeffort.Ihaveto do something while I’m going to school or she won’t loan me themoneytoopenmypractice.”

“Soyoureallywanttobearelationshipcounselor?That’syourdesirein life, something you’ve always wanted to do?”Melanie chuckled andshookherhead.Afterdowningherfirstbeer,shehelduphermugtogetthewaitress’sattention.“TwomoreBullsBayOysterStouts,please.”

“No Louis today?” Abby noticed behind the bar several people shedidn’trecognize.

“Naw…Iguesshe’sbeenremodelingoneoftheirbedroomsintoacutepinknursery.Businessisreallygoodhere,sohecantakeoffwheneverhewantsto.Hey,whydon’tyouaskLouisforajob?”

“I don’t know about that, especially since he knows my mom hasmoney.Don’tyouthinkitwouldseemweirdtohimthatI’mbeggingforajob?AtleastifIworkinaplacewherenobodyknowsme,Iwon’tcomeoffaspathetic.”

“Iguessyou’reright,butIcanaskaround,too.Iknowalotofmoversandshakersinthefashionindustry,plusmyjobisactuallyfun.”

“True.I’dmuchratherworkinsomehigh-endfashionhousethangiveoldpeoplespongebaths.”

ChapterFour

After she finished her Crab Louie and beer, Abby checked the time. “Ibettergethomebeforemymomdoes.Idon’treallywantherknowingI’vebeenout.I’llgetanotherlecture,andbelieveme,I’vehadenoughforthisweek.”Abbygottheattentionofthewaitressandaskedforthecheck.

“Abs, if it’s really that bad, just move in with me.We can make itwork.”

“Thanks,buttwopeoplelivinginaone-bedroomapartmentthesizeofmyroomathomeisnexttoimpossible.Youbarelyhaveenoughroomforyourownclothes, fashionista thatyouare. I’lldealwithmymomforaslongasIcan.”

The women left Crabby’s and headed south on King Street. Severalblocks down, a police officer stood in the street redirecting traffic. HemotionedforthemtoturnleftontoTraddStreetwiththeothercarsaheadof them. They could catch Meeting Street from Tradd and continue toSouthBattery.Theycranedtheirnecks,tryingtolookfartherdownKingStreet before they turned left. Sirens blared and lights flashed severalblocks ahead as they tried to see what the commotion was about. Anambulanceandtwosquadcarszoomedpastbeforetheymadetheturn.

“I remember hearing sirenswhilewewere eating, don’t you?”Abbysquinted,tryingtogetabetterlookbeforetheyturnedoffKingStreet.

“Nowthatyoumentionit,yeah,Ido.Iwonderwhattheheckisgoingon.”

They reached thehomeofCharlotteMelrose, andAbbygotout. “I’dinviteyouin,butuntilIfindemploymentforpay,Ibetterlaylow.Thanksfordoinglunchwithmeandlisteningtomywoes.I’llletyouknowhowmyjobsearchisgoing.”

“Don’t forget, I’mgoing toworkmymagiconyourbehalf.Maybe Icanfindyousomethingbetterthanchangingbedpans.”MelanielaughedatthescowlingexpressionAbbymade.

“Thanks for that visual. Now I’ll probably dream about it.” Abby

punchedthecodeintothekeypadandenteredthecourtyard.ShewavedtoMelandclosed theheavyouterdoorbehindher.Sittingon thebench inthefoyer,Abbykickedoffhershoes.Thehabitwaslongagoinstilledinherbecauseshewasneverallowedtowearoutdoorshoesinsidethehouse.Onlyhighheelswereallowedon the floors,and thatwaspermittedonlywhenexitingthehomeonthewaytoanelegantaffair.

Betsycalledout,“MissAbigail,wouldyoulikesomesweettea?”“Thatsoundsdelicious,butI’llcomeandgetit.Noneedtobringitup

tomyroom.”Abbyenteredthekitchenandsatatthesmalltablenestledinthe bay window alcove. Sitting there brought back fond childhoodmemories.TheyhadmovedtothemansiononSouthBatterywhenAbbywas ten years old. She rememberedmorningswith her dad at that verytable. They would have toaster waffles swimming in thick maple syrupseveral times aweekbeforehe left forwork.Thosewere the earlydaysbeforeBetsy,whenEdwardMelrosewasonthefast tracktobecomingamillionaire. They had just purchased the pink mansion, still pinchingthemselvesindisbeliefthattheycouldliveinsuchanopulenthomeinthebest neighborhood of Charleston. Back then, the thought of a maid orhousekeeperhadn’tenteredtheirminds.“Betsy,comeandsitwithme.”

“Oh,MissAbigail,Ishouldreallystartpreparingdinner.Yourmothersaidshewantedtoeatatsixo’clocksharp.Shehasafund-raisertogotoatseventhirtytonight.”Betsyfilledacut-glasstumblerandcarriedittothetable,settingitdowninfrontofAbby.Beadsofcondensationrolleddowntheglasstothelinennapkinbelow.

“Pleasesitwithmeforjustoneglassofsweettea.You’llhaveplentyoftimetomakedinner.Didmymomsaywhenshewouldbehome?”

“No,ma’am,butI’dexpectherbacksoon.”Betsyreachedforanotherglass from the white upper cabinet. “I’ll sit for ten minutes.” She gaveAbbyatoothygrinandpouredherselfaglassofsweettea.

“Would it bother you too much to just call me Abby? I’d rather beinformal,atleastwhenmymomisn’there.”

“Yes,MissAbigail,butI’llhavetopracticebeinginformal.Itdoesn’tcomenaturalforme,beingamaidmostofmylife.I’llcallyouMissAbbyifyoulike.Whenyourmotherisn’there,thatis.”

“Thanks,I’dreallylikethat.Letmepourusbothanotherglassoftea.”At three o’clock,Abby retreated to her room to beginmaking phone

calls. She hoped to schedule at least two interviews before theweekendandmorebeginningthenextweek.Shealsowantedtoresearchwhatwasrequired to changeher last name.Thatwouldmean involvingCharlotte,though, something Abby dreaded. She didn’t want to be called AbbyBellavanceanymore,yetshehadseriousreservationsaboutgoingbacktotheMelrosename.Therewere toomanypredatorsout there,people thathadoneandonlyoneintention—totakethemoneyandrun.Abbywouldbe far smarter than that next timearound, if there everwas anext time.She would consult with her mom, like it or not. Abby was seriouslyconsideringusinghermother’smaidenname.Hopefully,withhermom’sblessing,she’dchangehernametoAbigailMarieJohnstone.Iftherewasanothermarriageinherfuture,Abbywouldbeprepared—withadifferentlastnameandaprenup.

***

With one interview set up at Children’s Hour Daycare Center fortomorrow at ten a.m. and another interview for a server position at TheWickedHopBreweryatone thirty,Abbyhappily randownstairs tograbanother sweet tea.Surprised to findCharlottehadn’tyet returnedat fouro’clock, Abby sat in the backyard, feeling a little deflated. She wasanxious to tell her mother she had interviews scheduled. They weren’toverwhelmingopportunities,buttheywerejobsnonetheless.

ThesoundofthedoorbellandvoicesinthefoyerwereenoughtopiqueAbby’scuriosity.Sherosetogoinside,butmetBetsyandtwouniformedpoliceofficersinthedoorway.AquicklookatBetsytoldAbbysomethingwas terribly wrong. Tears streamed down Betsy’s caramel-colored face.Theofficersworesomberexpressions.

“Betsy,what’swrong?What’sgoingon?”“MissAbby, it’syourmother.”Betsy tooktwostepsandcollapsedat

thetableonthepatiowithherfaceinherhandsandsobbed.“Ma’am, I’m Officer Rhine, and this is Officer Bouton.” The older

policemanpointedtotheyoungermanbesidehim.“IsCharlotteMelroseyourmother?”

“Yes.” The quivering lower lip was involuntary, but Abby couldn’thelpherself.Sheknewbadnewswascoming.Shesatnext toBetsyandgrabbedherhand.Tearssprangfromhereyesaswordsshedidn’twanttohearwerespoken.Sheknewtheycouldn’tbetakenbackoncetheyweresaid.

“Ma’am,we’resorrytoinformyouthatyourmotherpassedawayinacaraccidentafewhoursago.ThefiredepartmenthadtousetheJawsofLife to pry open the car. That’s why it took so long to identify her.Ma’am…MissMelrose?”

“What? Are you sure… are you certain it was her? Could you bemistaken?This can’tbehappening.NotMom, too.”Tears stungAbby’seyesastheyrolleddownherchinandfelltohershirt.“Whatkindofcarwasit?Areyousureitwashers?Wherewastheaccident?”Thequestionsseemedirrelevant,butshehadtobesure.

“Itwasablack2014MercedesE-Classsedan.TheaccidenthappenedonKingStreetandPrice’sAlley.Agarbagetruckbroadsidedhercarasitcame out of the alley.Apparently, the driver had amassive heart attackanddiedatthescene,too.”

“No,itcan’tbe.Iwasdetouredawayfromthataccidentearliertoday.Ican’tbelieveitwasmyownmother.”

“We’resorryforyourloss,ma’am.Yourmother’sremainsweretakento the Coroner’s Office on Bridge View Drive in North Charleston.”Officer Rhine handed Abby his card and told her to call the policedepartment toget thepolice report. “We’re right behindCityHall,MissMelrose.”TheofficersshookAbby’shandandleft.

Shock and disbelief hung in the air like a heavywool blanket.Abbystaredintoemptiness,herheartachingagainforsomeoneshehadlost.Shewasn’t particularly close to Charlotte, but she knew that in time,everythingwouldhavebeenokay.Suddenly,nothingwasokay.Shehadnobodytocallfamilyotherthandistantrelativesinotherstates.She’dlosttouch with them years ago, and she was sure she didn’t have anyone’scontact information anymore. Abby turned toward Betsy, who was still

cryingwithherheadslumpedtoherchest.“Betsy,whatarewegoing todo,andwhoarewegoing tocontact? I

don’thaveanyofmymom’slegalorfinancialinformation.I’veonlybeenhomeafewdays.Ihavenoideawhotocall.I’llhavetogetholdofherattorney.Doyouknowwhathisnameis?”PanicbegantocreepupAbby’sthroat, squeezing her airway until she felt light-headed. “I feel like I’mgoingtofaint.”

The backyard spun so fast Abby’s eyes couldn’t keep up. Darknessspreadacrosshervisual field.Withherears ringingand feelinga strongurgetovomit,shefelloffthechairfromdizzinessandlandedonthelawn.ShewokeupwithBetsykneelingoverher.BlueskyandBetsy’sflowingtearswereall shesaw. It tooka fewseconds forher to realizewhathadhappened.Abbysatupslowly,holdinghertemples.

“I don’t knowMom’s attorney’s name. I don’t even have a car, forPete’ssake.”Abbywipedhereyesandrubbedthesideofherhead.

“Miss Abby, I don’t have a car either. Your mother said it wasn’tconvenienttohavetwocarsinthedriveway.”BetsyheldoutherhandandhelpedAbbytoherfeet.

“We’llhavetogothroughmymom’sthingstofindoutwhatweneedtoknow.IhavetocallMelanieandtellherwhathappened.She’llgivemearidetothecoroner’soffice.Iwantyoutostartgoingthroughpaperworkinmymom’sroom.Setasideanythingthatlookslikealegaldocument.Ihavetoknowifshehasaplotnexttomydad’s…andtherearesomanyother things we need to take care of.Will you do that for me?” Abbysoundedexhausted.Shehadnocluehowtoproceed.Onethingatatime.Justgetthroughtoday.

“Ma’am, it feels wrong going through Miss Charlotte’s things. Shewouldbesoupsetwithme.”

“Please.Ineedyourhelp,andI’mgivingyoupermission.Ihavetogettothecoroner’sofficeandfigureoutwhattodonext.Setanypaperworkthat looks important on her bed. We’ll go through everything in moredetaillater.”

“Yes,MissAbby.”“Ihave tocallMelanie rightnow.”Abby’svoicecrackedassheheld

Betsy’shand.

***

Melanie’s car screeched to a halt in the driveway. Abby waited on theveranda, sitting on a floral-cushioned chair.Alerted by the sound of thecar,shegotupandwalkedtothegateinacloudedfog,lettingMelaniein.

“I’msosorry,honey.I justcan’tbelieve thishappened.”MelhuggedAbby tightly.Words didn’t seem adequate at the moment, but showingsupport did. “Anything you need, just let me know. I’m here for you,anytime,dayornight.”

“Right now,we need to go to the coroner’s office. That’swhere theambulance tookMom. I guess there wasn’t any reason to take her to ahospitalsinceshewasalready…”

“It’sokay.Iunderstand.I’llhelpyougetthroughthis.You’reastrongwoman,AbbyMelrose.Don’teverforgetthat.Justgetinthecarandtakeabreath.I’vegotthis.”

When they arrived, Abby andMelanie walked into the lobby of thecoroner’s office and approached the overly-permed red-headed clerkbehindthecounter.

“I don’t know if I can do this,”Abby said, her voicewavering. Shereached inherpurseandhandedMelanieherolddriver’s license.“Theywantedmetobringproofofmyidentity.ThisisallIhave.”

“Okay, sit down. I’ll take care of everything.”Mel took the driver’slicense, pattedAbby’s shoulder, andpointed to thewaiting area. “Hello,ma’am,I’mMelanieDavis,herewithAbigailMelrose.Weweretoldhermother,CharlotteMelrose,wastransportedhereafteracaraccidentearliertoday.Idon’thavetheslightestideawhattodo,orask,sopleaseexcuseourignorance.”Shehandedthelicensetothecoroner’sclerk.

“Ofcourse,dear, andyes,Mrs.Melrose ishere.Thenextofkinwillhavetoidentifyher.WillthatbeAbigail?”

“Unfortunately,yes,butshe’sprettyshakenrightnow.Canyoutellmewhattheprotocolis?”

“Certainly.First,thebodyneedstobeidentified.Afterthat,wecantell

thenextofkinwhat thecauseofdeathwas if theywant toknow.We’llalso arrange transportation to the funeral homeof choice and supply thenextofkinwiththenecessarycopiesofthedeathcertificate.”

“I see.”Melanie leaned over the counter andwhispered to the clerk,“Will you keep her here until we figure out what funeral home andcemetery to haveher transported to?Wedon’t have all that informationyet.”

“Yes,wecertainlywill.Whydon’tyoutakeaseatforamoment?I’llhavethecoronercomeoutandspeaktobothofyou.”

“Thankyou.”Melaniewalkedaway,filledtwoDixiecupswithwater,andsatdownnexttoAbby.“Here,drinkthis.Doyouneedanyantacidsoraspirin?Ihaveawholepharmacyinmypurse.”

“I’m okay, but thanks. You’ll stay with me today, won’t you? I’mreallygoingtoneedyourhelp.”

“Sure,Iwill.I’llcallinafewdaysofvacationatwork.Theyowemeplenty.”

Amiddle-agedgentlemanwearingawhitelabcoatcameoutfromthedoubledoorstotheirleft.Heworethickbifocalsandhadgrayingtemples.HeapproachedAbbyandMelanie,askingwhichofthemwasfamilyofthedeceased.Abbystood,hereyesswollenandbloodshot,andexplainedthatshewasCharlotteMelrose’sdaughter.Thecoronersatnext toAbbyandintroduced himself asDr.DavidHarmon.He asked ifAbbywanted hermothertohaveanautopsybutsaidthatinhisopinion,itwasn’tnecessary.Herbodyhadextensivetraumacausedbythecollision.Nothingelsewasnecessarytodeterminethecauseofdeath.

“Willyoubeabletoidentifyyourmother,MissMelrose?Youcanlookthroughthewindowifyoudon’tthinkyou’recapableofanythingelse.Wehave her personal effects in a locker to give you before you leave.Wheneveryou’reready,butplease,takeyourtime.”

“Okay,IguessI’mready.Mel,willyougowithme?I’monlygoingtolookthroughthewindow.Idon’tthinkIcandoanymorethanthat.”

“OfcourseIwill.”“All right, ladies, just follow me to the window. I’ll go inside and

prepareher.WhenIopenthecurtain,justnodyourhead,thenI’llcloseit

again.That’sallyouneedtodo.”AbbygaveMela frightened lookandheldherhandas they followed

Dr.Harmon.Abby’shandwasshakingthroughthetightgrip.Thecurtainopened, Abby gasped, nodded her head, and turned to face the wall.Withinfiveseconds,itwasover,andthecurtainwasclosedoncemore.

Dr.Harmoncameout andgaveAbbya comfortingembrace, thenheexplained the identificationprocess.“Allyouhave todonowissign theform acknowledging you identified the deceased as yourmother, tell ushowmanycopiesof thedeathcertificateyouneed, and sign theconsentformagreeing tokeepherhereuntilwe releaseher to the funeralhome.I’mverysorryforyourloss,MissMelrose.Pleasefollowme.”

ChapterFive

Abby signed all the papers, gathered her mother’s belongings, and leftwithMelanie.Backatthehouse,shesatatthekitchentablewithMelanieand Betsy, a stiff drink in front of each of them, and began scrollingthroughhermother’scellphone.

“I think this is the easiest and fastestway to findmost of thepeoplewe’llneedtocontact.Shetoldmeshewasgoingtoherattorney’sofficetoday.I’msurehisphonenumberwouldbeinhercalllist.”Abbycheckedthe callshermotherhadmade in the last twodays,but surprisingly, theonlycallsweretotheHistoricCharlestonFoundationandtheArtInstituteofCharleston.“Idon’tunderstandthis.Shesaidshewasgoingtoaboardmeetingluncheontoday,thentoherattorney’sofficeafterthat.Mel,whattimedidweleaveCrabby’s?”

“Ithinkitwasaroundtwoo’clock.Why?”MeltookasipofhersinglemaltscotchandwaitedforAbby’sreply.

“That’sright,andmymomalreadyhadtheaccidentbythen.Betsy,Iwashomebytwofifteen,wasn’tI?”

“Yes,youwere,MissAbby.”“Thatmeansmymomwent to the luncheonbutnever stoppedather

attorney’soffice.Eithershechangedhermind,orshewasstoppingatthehousefirstforsomereason.Eitherway,we’llneverknow.I’llhavetolookonlineforalltheattorneysinCharlestonandseeifanyofthemmatchupwiththenamesonhercontactlist.Atleastthat’sastart.I’msurehewouldhave copies of all my mom’s legal documents and everything elseimportant. Betsy,Mel and I are going to the police department to get acopyoftheaccidentreportandtothecemeterytoseeifthere’saplotnexttomydad’sformymom.Youcanstartbyprintingoutalltheattorneys’names in Charleston and the surrounding areas.We’ll be back in a fewhours.”

“MissAbby?”“Yes,Betsy?”

“Idon’tknowhowtouseacomputer.MissCharlotteneverletmenearhers.I’msorry.”

“That’s okay.Canyou just compare the attorneys listed in thephonebooktomymom’scontactlistonherphone?”

“Yes,ma’am,Icandothat.”

***

It tookonly tenminutesat thepolicedepartment topickup theaccidentreport.Abbywasn’tsurewhyshemightneedit,butsheassumeditwouldbe necessary for the car insurance claim. She and Melanie headed toMagnoliaCemeterynext.MostofherancestorsontheMelrosesidewereburiedinthebeautifuloldcemetery.Abbyhopedtherewasafamilyplot,butitwassomethingsheandCharlottehadneverdiscussedafterEdward’sdeath.

The girls entered the cemetery office and asked the exact location ofEdward’sgraveandiftherewasindeedaMelrosefamilyplot.Becausethecemetery covered ninety-two acres, Abby needed directions to find herfather’sgrave.TheyweretoldtherewasaMelrosefamilyplotwithfourgravesitesleftbutnonenexttoEdward.

“Idon’tunderstandthat,Mel.Wouldn’tmymombeburiednexttomydad?”

“Iftheplotswerepurchasedmanyyearsago,Iguessitwasfirstcome,firstserved.”

“That’sadisgustingthingtosaybutprobablytrue.Iguesswecanlookatwhat’sleftandpicktheoneclosesttomydad.Who’sgoingtocomplainanyway?”AbbygaveMelaquick smileas she searched forher father’sheadstone.

Edward Melrose was buried next to an enormous live oak. Spanishmosshungfromeverylimb,deeplyshadingtheareayetgivingitaneeriefeeling.

“Here’s my dad’s grave. I barely remember the day he died eventhough it was only five years ago. I thinkmymom and Iwere both inshock.”Abby brushed away the straymoss that clung to the headstone.

Shekneltnexttothegraveandsaidasilentprayer,tellingherfatherhowmuchshemissedhim.Sheplacedasmallroundstoneonthegraniteblock,symbolizing that someone had come to visit Edward. “Let’s find thenearestavailableplotandseewhatitlookslike.”

Melanie,whowasonerowtotherightandthreegravesitesawayfromEdward’s,said,“DoyouthinkthisspotispartoftheMelroseplot?”

“Idon’tknow,but I’ll sketchout the location. I’msure the cemeterysuperintendenthasamapofallthevacantgravesitesandknowsifthey’respokenfor.”

Back inside the building, Abby asked about the empty plot. Thesuperintendent,Mr. LaRue, a portlyman, showed her the four availablegravesitesonthemap.TheoneMelaniefoundwasintheMelroseplotandavailable.Allwerepaidformanyyearsearlier.

“Mymompassedawaythismorning,andI’dlikethatspotforher.It’sthenearest tomydad,andit looksnice.CanIsetupamemorialservicehereinthechapel?”

“Yes,indeed.Howsoonwouldyouliketheservice?IhavethiscomingSaturday and the following Friday available. Do you have someone inmind that will give the eulogy, or do you need to hire a professionalspeaker?”

“Oh my gosh, I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. Whowouldwritetheeulogy?”

“Normally, the family puts something together and gives it to thespeaker. Many times, family members are too distraught to speakthemselves. It’s just an idea. Let me give you a brochure showing theservicesweoffer.”

“Thankyou.IthinkI’llplanfortheFridayafternext.Pleasesetthatupforme,thenI’llgetbacktoyouontheàlacarteoptions.”

“Verywell, then.Mycondolences toyour family,MissMelrose, andI’llwaitforyourcall.”

***

ThedrivebacktoSouthBatterytookahalfhour.Abbystaredouttheside

window,stillindisbelief.Thatmorning,Charlottehadbeenalive,snipingatAbbythesamewayshehadsinceAbbyhadreturnedhomeafewdaysago.AbbyhadcomplainedabouthermothertoMelanieat lunch.Ifonlyshe could take everything back and rewind the day.Tears pooled in thecornersofhereyes.

MelreachedacrosstheconsoleandtookAbby’shand.“Ithinkweneedanotherdrink.MaybeBetsyhasgoodnews.Shemayhavefoundout theattorney’snamebynow.”

Theyenteredthroughthegateatthebackofthedriveway.Sincetherewasn’tacarathomeanylonger,MelaniecouldparkherToyotathere.Thewalledgardenbehindthehousewasaprivatesanctuary,beautifulandlushwithflowersandgreenery.Asmallpondheldkoiandwaterlilies,andthefountain in the center bubbled a soothing, peaceful sound. Beautifulsongbirdsdartedbackandforthtoallthefeeders,perhapshopingtograbthebestseedsforthemselves.Justastheladiessatdowninthegardentolookover theprogressBetsyhadmade, thehouse telephone rang.Betsyrose, smoothedhersimplebluedress,andwalked to the librarywithhersweetteatoanswerit.

“Melroseresidence,mayIhelpyou?”“Yes,thisisAttorneyWilliamBaronLewiscalling.I’mtheattorneyin

chargeofhandlingCharlotteMelrose’sestate.MayIaskwhothisis?”“This is Betsy Stowe, the maid, but I think you should speak with

Abigail, Charlotte’s daughter. I’ll get her. Please hold on.” Abby andMelanieweregoingthroughtheattorneynamesthathadbeenhighlightedinthephonebookwhenBetsyrushedtothegarden.“MissAbby,there’san attorney on the phone. He said he’s the attorney for your mother’sestate.”

“What’shisname?”Abbyaskedas shegotup to retrieveCharlotte’sphone.“Itsoundslikehisnameshouldbe‘ambulancechaser.’”

“Hesaidit’sWilliamBaronLewis,ma’am,andhe’swaitingforyoutocometothephone.”

“Well,hecanwait a little longer. Iwant to see ifhisname isonhercontact list.IfhereallyisMom’sestateattorney,hisnamewillbethere.Hmmm…thereheis.Okay,I’llbite.”Abbywalkedtothelibrarywithher

drinkandsatat thedesk.Apadofpaperanda smallvaseofpenswerealwaysattheready.Abbypulledthepadcloserandgrabbedapenasshemadeherselfcomfortable.“Hello.AbbyMelroseBellavancehere.WhomamIspeakingto?”

“MissMelrose, this isAttorneyWilliamBaronLewis, yourmother’spersonalattorney.Ihandleallofherlegalmattersaswellasherwill.I’msorryforyourloss,ma’am.”

“Howdidyouhearaboutmymother’spassingsoquickly?”Abbywassizingthemanupanddecidedshedidn’t likehisairofsuperiority.“Mr.Lewis?”She tooka sipofher scotch, swirled the icecubes in theglass,andwaited.

“It’sAttorneyWilliamBaronLewis,MissMelrose.”“Right…andyouheardofherpassing,how?”“Let’s just say I have close contact with the Charleston emergency

servicedepartment.”“So,you’reanambulancechaser…isthatwhatyou’resaying?”“Excuse me?” He sounded agitated. “Miss Melrose, I’ve been your

mother’s personal attorney for years. I’ve been instructed to execute herwillassoonaspossibleuponheruntimelyparting.I’llhavetomeetwithyouandanyoneelselistedinthewillinordertoproceed.”

“Mr. Lewis,mymother hasn’t even been buried yet. I’ll get back toyou in a fewweeks. Please respect our right tomourn.”Abbyhung up,grabbedthebottleofscotch,andreturnedtothegarden.

Mel andBetsy sipped their drinks, anxious to hearwhat the attorneysaidtoAbby.

“Ican’tbelievethatman.Allhe’slookingforishispieceofthepie.I’llworryaboutthewillafterMomhasbeenputtorest.NowIhavetofigureoutwho to call that’s related to us.Anyone in townwill read about herdeathinthenewspaper.Ohno,Ihavetocomeupwithanobituary.Betsy,you’vebeenbymymom’ssideforyears.Youknowalltheorganizationsshe was a member of, and I think you can give me some favorableadjectivestouseindescribingher.Youmusthaveseenthesweetsideofhernowandthen,didn’tyou?”

“Ofcourse,MissAbby,I’llgetstartedonthatrightaway.Wouldyou

likedinnerfirst,ma’am?”“No, thanks.This stuff ismore important to take care of thanmeals.

It’s time to let your hair down and stop worrying about serving us.Between you, Mel, and me, we’ll get everything done correctly andthoroughly.Tonight,we’reorderingpizza.”

AsmilecrossedBetsy’sfaceassheembracedAbby.Hergold-fleckedeyesglistenedwithtearsasAbbyexpressedhergratitudeforBetsy’syearsofserviceintheMelrosehousehold.

“Fromnowon,thishouseisgoingtobelessformal.Areyouokaywiththat?”

“Yes,ma’am.WhatwouldyouandMissMelanielikeonyourpizza?”“Youdecide.You’re eating it, too.Make sure toorder an extra-large

forallofus.Whodeliversthegroceries?”“It’s a private company called At Your Service. I give them the list

Mrs.Melrose drawsupweekly, then theydeliver the groceries from thenaturalfoodsstoreonSpringStreet.”

“Well, you can cancel their services. From now on, we’re buyinggroceriesatPublix,andwe’llgotogether.Ithinkit’stimetotrimthefataround here. I’m suremymom spent thousandsmore amonth than sheneededto.We’regoingtomakealotofchanges,beginningwithmyname.No more Miss Abby, it’s just Abby. Okay? As far as I’m concerned,Betsy,you’refamily.Youmaybethehousekeeperandcook,butstartingnow,inthishouse,we’regoingbyfirstnamesonly.”

“Yes,ma’am.”“And no more calling anyone ma’am either.” Abby laughed at the

shocked expression on Betsy’s face. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved mymom.Overthelastfewyears,wewereestranged,butI’msureyouwereawareofthat.Icertainlydidn’twishanyharmtoher,andnowherdeathisexcruciating.There’ssomuchIwishwecouldhavechangedorfixed,butit’stoolate.I’llhavetolivewiththatburdenforever.Butgoingforward,Iwantthishugeoldhousetofeel likeahome,awelcoming,happyhome,notaplacewhereyouhavetotiptoearoundforfearofbeingscolded.Sostartingtoday,Iwantyoutoletyourguarddownandfeeljustasmuchathome in thishouseas Ido.Theonlydifference is,you’re thepaidcook

andhousekeeper.Andnow,I’dreallyliketoseeyourroom.”“My room? Why would you want to see that? It’s not in the best

condition,Miss…Imean,Abby.”“Exactly,andthat’sabouttochange.”

***

Charlottealwayskeptmoneyinthehouseforincidentals.Abbyknewthatfor a fact since many times, she had seen her mother come out of thebedroomwith awad of cash in her hand.Abbywas sure itwas hiddensomewhereinthemastersuite.

“Okay,youguys,we’regoingona treasurehunt.Literally.Mymomkeptmoney in the house, probably in her bedroom.Weneed cash—andfast.Ibarelyhaveanyofmyown,andBetsy,Ibetyoudon’teither.”

Betsy stared at Abby with eyes the size of saucers. Mel rubbed herhandstogethersofast,theyalmostignitedinanticipationofthefun.

“On a serious note, I’ll have to come upwithmoney formymom’sfuneralandmemorialservice.Ihavetosupportthishousehold,payutilitybills,andbuygroceries.Wereallyneedacar,soI’msureyouunderstandwhere I’mcoming from.Ohmygosh, I justhadanepiphany.Mel,howmuchdoyoupayforrent,andhowbigisyourapartment?”

“Um…it’sprobablyeighthundredfiftysquarefeet,not thatbig,Abs.You’ve seen it. I pay one thousand fifty dollars a month plus utilities.Why?”

“Moveinwithus.It’stheperfectidea.Thishousehasninebedrooms,forcryingoutloud.Eachofthelargerbedroomshasitsownprivatebath,plus there are three other full baths and two powder rooms downstairs.Lookhowgiganticthishouseis,andit’sbeautiful.Allyou’dhavetodoispayyour rent here instead, andkick in for the food.Please sayyes. It’smeanttobe.”

“Areyouserious?”“Yes,I’mtotallyserious.Thisismyhousenow,andIcandowhatever

Iwantwithit.”“Whowants a drink?” Betsy asked with newfound joy in her voice.

“Wehave tomakea toast tonewbeginningsbecause IknowMelanie isgoingtosayyes.She’dbecrazynotto.”

“Okay,you’vegotadeal.Betsy,isthereanychampagneinthehouse?”“Theresureis.Pizzaandchampagnesoundswonderful,doesn’tit?”After dinner and once several flutes of champagne were toasted to

Charlotte,theladieswentupstairstobeginthesearch.Livinginamassivemansionwithnomoneywasn’tanoption.Itwouldtakemonths,Abbywassure,beforehermother’sestatewouldbesettled.Forthetimebeing,theyhad to find cash to live on.Abby’s stash of cash from St. Thomaswasalmostdepleted.Afterthepurchaseoftheairplaneticketbacktothestates,shewasleftwithtwothousandonehundreddollarstohername.

The three women searched the entire bedroom. By the time theyreached the closet, the suite looked as though the latest hurricane hadrippedthroughwithafury.

“Nothingyet,damnit.Themoneymustbeinthecloset.We’llhavetogothrougheverythingthathasapocket,andalltheshoeboxes,too.Betsy,bring a pitcher of sweet tea up here, please. This closet is going to getstuffy.”

“Okay, I’llbe rightback.”ThesoundofBetsy’s shoes runningdownthestaircasemadeAbbylaugh.WhenCharlottewasalive,heavenforbidifthewalnutfloorsgotscuffed.BetsywouldhavehadtopolishtheflooronherhandsandkneesifCharlottehadevergotwindofsomethinglikethat.Betsyreturnedquicklywiththreeglassesandapitcheroficysweetteaonatray.SheplacedthetraycarefullyonthenighttablenexttoCharlotte’sbedandletoutaninvoluntarysnifflemixedwithatinysob.

AbbyturnedtoseeBetsywipehernoseandcheekswithherforearm.“What’swrong?”

“Amemory,that’sall…I’msorry.”“Tellusaboutit,please.”AbbyandMelaniecameoutoftheclosetand

satontheedgeofthebed.“It’sjustgoingtobesodifferentgoingforward.EverythingI’vebeen

programmedtodoornotdooverthelastfifteenyearswillchange.IusedtobringMissCharlotteatraywithwarmmilkandcookieseveryevening,andI’dsetitrighthereonthistable.Itmakesmesad,that’sall.Iguessit’s

beenalongday.”“Mymomhadhersweetmoments,didn’tshe?”“Yes,shedid…butshecouldreallygetundermyskin,too,”Betsysaid

withalaugh.“Iwouldbehonoredtohelpwritetheeulogy.”“Thanks, I’mcountingon it. I reallybelieveyouknewherbest.Now

use that energy and think really hard. Where would my mom put thatmoney?”

“Well… she was very particular about her shoes and always storedthemintheshoeboxes.Shewasextremelyfondofanuglypairofknee-highboots.Inevercouldfigureoutwhy.Theboxisonthetopshelfoverhere.”Betsyledthewomenbackintotheclosetandpointedtoalargebootboxonthefarrighttopshelf.“Ineverunderstoodwhyshekeptthatboxupsohighifshelovedthosebootssomuch.Asshortasshewas,shehadtogetthestepstoolouteverytimeshepulleditdown.”

MelgaveAbbyanencouraginggrin.“Goforit,girl.You’rethetallestoneinthebunch.”

Abbyreachedashighasshecouldandcaughttheedgeoftheboxwithherfingertips.Shepulleditforwarduntilitdroppedintoherarms.“Shallwehavealook?”

Thethreesatonthebedandpausedforamoment.“Doit,Abby.Openthelid,”Melaniesaid.

Abbyapprehensivelyliftedthelid,afraidshe’dbedisappointed.Insidelay a pair of tan knee-high fashion bootswith suede fringe and bucklesalongtheside.

“Damnit,nomoney.”Thethreeexhaledthebreathstheywereholdingwithloudsighs.Abby

pulledthebootsoutoftheboxtohaveacloserlook.“Iseewhatyoumean.Thesearehideous.Whatthe…?”“What?”AnenormousgrinbrightenedAbby’sface.“Checkitout!”Sheturned

the boots upside down and hit the soles with her open hand. Stacks ofmoneyfelloutoftheshaftofeachboot.

“Oh,heaven’sto…”“Betsy?”Abbychuckled.

“Yes, that’s what I meant. I’ve never seen that much money in myentirelife.ShouldIgodownstairsandlockthedoors?”Betsyasked.

Abbyagreedand laughedwith relief.“Sure,goahead.We’llwait foryouanddrinkourtea.We’recountingthismoneytogether.”

ChapterSix

By eleven o’clock, all of the cashwas counted and rubber banded. Theladies lay back onCharlotte’s king-sized bed, relaxed and happy. In all,theycountedseventeenthousandsixty-eightdollars.

“Thiswillholdusoveruntilaftermymom’swillisreadandtheestateis settled.Thankyou,Mom, for setting thiscashaside, even though I’mpositive itwasn’tmeant forme. I appreciate it anyway. Tomorrow, I’mgoingtocallMr.LaRueandhavehimsetthetimefortheservice.IthinkI’ll have a luncheon served, too. Betsy, we need to go throughMom’sphone again and figure outwhich people on her contact listwe need tonotify,andtomorrow,yourbedroomisgettinganoverhaul.Mel,pickoutaroom.I’mexhausted,soI’mgoingtobed.Goodnight.”

Abby lay in bed with the pillows plumped behind her shoulders.Darkness filled the room, and the night was quiet. She could finallyunwind and hopefully sleep. The lowwhirring sound of the ceiling fanbroughtbackmemoriesofSt.ThomasandRemy.WouldhehaveconsoledAbby about hermother’s tragedy if hewere still in her life?Today hadbeen a blur, too unbelievable, too busy, and too heart wrenching. Shefocusedonthespinningblades.Theonlylightcamefromtheinchofspacebeneath the door. On the other side was the long hallway, the hallwayCharlotteMelroseusedtowalkwithherhigh-heeledshoes,alwaysgoingsomewhere special. For the first time that day, Abby felt absolutely,completelyalone.Silenttearsstreameddownherface,poolinginherearsuntiltheyslidfarthertohitthepillowbunchedupunderneathherhead.Intheshortspanofamonth,Remyhadgone,andnowhermotherwasgone,too. As much as Abby wanted to hate Remy, she found it difficult. Itwasn’t in her to hate anyone. She thought about his golden skin andstunning green eyes. Those dreadlocks and his sleek, muscular body—alongwithhischarismaticpersonality—wereenoughtohaveeverytouristandislandgirlpantingafterhim.Whydidn’tIseethesigns?Hewasbadnewsfromthestart.Ifeltitin

mygut.IalienatedMombecauseofhim,andnowshe’sdead.Ican’teverapologizetoher.It’stoolateforustobeafamily.IwastedtwoyearsofmylifethrowingmyselfandmymoneyatthismanwhotoldmehowmuchhelovedmewhenIcouldhavebeenspendingthattimewithMom.MaybeIdohateyouafterall,Remy…maybeIdo.

Aftercountingeachrotatingfanbladeforanhour,Abbyfinallydriftedofftosleep.

***

Saturdayarrivedwithdark,threateningskiesandthunderstorms.Lightningstrikes sounded in thedistancebutwereclosing inonCharleston.Everyrumblemade the windows shake and the women jump. They sat at thekitchen table together, eachholding amugof coffee andgoingover thefinalized eulogy for Charlotte Melrose, Charleston socialite andphilanthropist.Thenewspaperreleaseandobituarywentouttwodaysago,andthecallswerepouringin.BetsywasinchargeofhandlingtelephonecondolencesandlettingpeopleknowwhentoarriveatMagnoliaCemeteryfor theserviceandtheluncheonbeingheldafterwardin thediningroomnexttothechapel.Abbyhadalreadycontactedanyrelativethatmightcareenough to attend. Most of Charlotte’s family was envious of the goodfortune bestowedon her over the past twenty years.Abbydidn’t care ifthey showedupornot since shehadn’t seenanyof them foryears.SheassumedmostofthepeoplethatwouldattendtheserviceweretruefriendsofCharlotte’sand likelymembersof theorganizations shewas involvedin.

Thedoorbell rang,andBetsy ran toanswer it.Even the raincouldn’truin her excitement. The new furniture for her room had arrived. Sheinstructed the delivery driver to back up under the driveway portico sonothingwouldgetwet.Theycouldunloadthefurniturethereandbringituptohernewbedroom.Yesterday,AbbyhadinstructedBetsytotakethelast unused room on the third floor as her own. Theworn-out furnitureBetsy had lived with for the last fifteen years was given to a women’sshelter, and the furniture inBetsy’snew roomwasmoved to the second

floor,intoheroldroom.AbbyhopedthathavingalargebedroomwithaprivatebathinhernewaccommodationswouldmakeBetsyfeel likeoneof the family. Abby gave Melanie her old room, and she took overCharlotte’smastersuite.

The three women stood in the doorway and admired Betsy’s newbedroomsetafterthedeliverymenleft.

“Here’swhatIthink,”Abbysaid.“Ithinkthisroomlooksbeautiful,fitfor a beautiful woman such as yourself, Betsy. I also think it was wayoverdue, and I apologize for the conditionyour old roomwas in.Goingforward,we’remakinganewfamilyinthishouse.It’sgoingtobeafamilycreatednotbybloodbutbylove…sohere’stous.”Abbyliftedhercupofcoffeeandclinked itagainstBetsy’sandMelanie’scups.“ThisbeautifulmansiononSouthBattery isgoingtospringto life,arebirth ifyouwill,startingwithus,hernewresidents.Aslongasthere’snothingwecandooutside today, let’s box up everything in your apartment,Mel, and startbringingyourthingshere.Youhaveanewzipcode,girl.”

***

“Abby, there’s a phone call for you from Attorney Lewis. He says it’surgent.”

“Oh,forPete’ssake…Fine,IguessI’lltakeit.Hello,Mr.Lewis.WhatcanIhelpyouwithonthisrainySaturday?”Abbypacedbackandforthinthelibraryasshelistenedtothepushyattorney,aggravatedthathecalledonaweekend.

“Yes,MissMelrose,it’sAttorneyLewiscalling.I’mwonderingifyourmother’scarinsurancecompanyhascontactedyouyet.”

“Nobodyhascontactedmeotherthanyou,Mr.Lewis.”Abbyenjoyedirritatinghim since something abouthisdemeanor annoyedher. “I don’tevenknowwhatcarinsurancecompanysheused.”

“That’smypoint. I thinkyoushouldcomeinonMondaymorningsowe can have a sit-down. I have copies of your mother’s importantdocuments,andI’msureyou’llneedthemtowrapuplegalmattersforherestate. I’mquite certain there’s a lawsuit to be filed against the garbage

company. Of course, it is unfortunate Mr. Hanson passed away in theaccidentaswell,butIbelieveIcangetyouaverysizablesettlementfromCityWaste andRecycling.We can discuss those details and everythingelseonMondaymorning,let’ssayninea.m.?”

“I guess I can do that. Do you need a copy of my mother’s deathcertificate?Haveyousetupadatetoreadherwill?”

“No, I haven’t yet. I’ll arrange that after her funeral, as per yourrequest.Andyes,Ishouldhaveacopyofherdeathcertificate.ItappearsasthoughtherearefourotherpeopleI’llhavetocontactforthereadingofthewill.”

“Fourothers?Whoonearthcantheybe?”“I’msorry,MissMelrose. I can’tdiscuss thewill until all parties are

presentforthereading.Icanarrangeitfortheweekafternextifyoulike.”“Okay then. I’ll see you Monday morning.” Abby hung up, more

confusedthanever.WhatMr.Lewishadsaidaboutthewillwasbeginningtomakeher nervous. “So are you two ready to go?We’ll pack up yourstuff for a few hours,Mel, and then go out to lunch. Betsy, you aren’tgoingtowearyourhousedress,areyou?”

Betsyhungherhead.“Abby,Ihavebluehousedressesfordaytimeandblack,niceronesforwheneveryourmomentertained.Idon’townmuchelse.”

Abbyshookherheadindisbelief.“Thisisthetwenty-firstcentury,isn’tit?I’mjustshocked,Betsy.Itisn’tyourfault.Whatsizedoyouwear?”

“Sizeeight,Ithink.”“Good. Go in my closet and pick out something casual to wear,

something like we have on.We’re going shopping onKing Street afterlunch.Hopefully,thisweatherwillbreak.”

***

Bytwelvethirty,everysquareinchofMelanie’sToyotawaspackedfull,andtherewasn’troomleftforasingleknickknack.TheunanimouschoiceforlunchwasSouthwestGrill,thentheywereofftoNina’sonKingStreet.AbbywoulddoeverythinginherpowertohelpBetsyfeellikeoneofthe

girls. After all, the housekeeper was only thirty-five years old. Becauseshe’d been a maid for theMelrose family since she was twenty, Betsyseemedmucholder.

“Abby, Iwantyou toknowhowgrateful I am for theoutfits and thefurniture.You’retrulyawonderfulperson,”BetsysaidasshehelpedcarryboxesupstairstoMelanie’sthird-floorbedroom.

They were exhausted by the time they sat down for a break at fouro’clock.

“IjustwanttoletyoubothknowIhaveanappointmentwithAttorneyLewisonMondaymorning.HethinksIhaveagoodchanceofsuingthegarbage truck company forMom’s death. The idea of itmakesme feelkindofcreepy.”

“Isn’t that bad karma?This is the South,Abby.Voodoo, spirit stuff,bad juju. Call it what you like, but anything can happen if you suesomeoneduetoaccidentaldeaths,”Betsysaid.

“Doyouknowthatforafact?”Abbypouredthreeglassesofwineandhandedthemout.

“No,notreally,”Betsysaid.“Justspookystoriesourgreat-grandpappyusedtotellusofbadluckfolkshad.Hisstorieswentbackgenerationstothe slave days. It was all that dark spiritual stuff like poking dollswithneedlesandsuch.Heusedtoscareustodeath.”

“Luckily, we live inmoremodern times, and I don’t believe in thathocus-pocus stuff,” Abby said. “Anyway, I’d still be interested to hearwhatAttorneyKnow-It-Allhastosay.Ifthere’sachanceforasettlementof somekind,not layingblameonanyone, itwoulddefinitelyhelpwithexpensesaroundhereuntilIfinishschoolandopenmyownpractice.”

Mel asked, “Are you still planning to be a relationship counselor? Imean,whybother?You’lllikelygetmillionsfromyourmom’sestate.Youwon’thavetoworkadayinyourlifeifyouinvestrightandavoidpeoplelikeRemy.Sorry,girl.Icouldn’thelpmyself,Ijusthadtosaythat.”

“Gee,thanks,Mel.Anyway,I’llthinkoverallmyoptionsafterthewillisread.Apparently,therearefourotherpeopleinvolved.”

“Huh?Likewho?”Melasked.“Ihaveabsolutelynoidea,butI’llfindoutwhenIseewhoshowsup

forthereading.AttorneyLewisissettingitupfortheweekafterMom’sfuneral.”

“Speakingofthefuneral,Iappreciatethenicedressyouboughtformeto wear to her services. She’d be appalled if I wore anythinginappropriate,”Betsysaid.

Abby pattedBetsy’s hand. “You’remore thanwelcome.Maybe nowwouldbeagoodtimetofinishtheeulogysoIcangiveittoMr.LaRue.Itold him to go ahead and hire a non-denominational minister and aspeaker.”

ChapterSeven

The gloom lingering in the airwasn’t from theweather.As amatter offact, the skies were the bluest blue Abby had ever seen beyond theCaribbean. The Friday of the funeral had arrived, and the mood in thehousewasdreary.Abbyhadn’tseenhermothersincethosefewsecondsatthemorgue.Severaldaysago,shehadmetwithMr.LaRuetogivehimtheeulogysheandBetsyhadwritten,alongwithwhatBetsysaidwasoneofhermother’sfavoritedresses.Thedresswasasimplesheathinacolorfulfloralpattern,somethingCharlottewouldhavepickedoutherself.

Abbycheckedthetimeontheantiquemantelclockinthelibrary.Onlyaminuteortwoalonewasallsheneededbeforetheyleftforthecemetery.Abbyprayedforguidanceandcomposuretolastherthroughtheday.Shehadtoremaincalmandbepleasantandthankfultoanyonethatshowedup,whetherfriendorfoe,relativeorstranger.Sheheardfootstepsdescendingthe staircase and looked at the clock again. It was time to go.Mel andBetsyenteredthelibrary,dressedimpeccably,justasexpected.Abbyfeltblessedtohavethetwowomeninherlife.Theywerelikesistersandherdearestfriends.

Whentheyarrivedfortheservice,Mr.LaRueandhisassistantgreetedthewomenat the frontdoorof thechapel.“MissMelrose,please letmeshowyouaround.Wewouldlikeyourapprovalbeforetheguestsbegintoarrive. If something doesn’t suit your liking, there’s still time to changethings.” The assistant,MissGrimes, walked the visitation areas and thedining room with Abby, Mel, and Betsy. She showed them the floralarrangementsandtheguestbook,thendescribedthemealtobeservedandtherefreshments.InthefoyerwasamemoryboardofCharlotte’slife,andalargephotographofherwasinfrontofthecasket.Forthemoment,theclosedcasketwasbehindacurtain.

“MissMelrose,would you like to see yourmother before the guestsarrive?That’s thenormalprotocol, just tobesureshe looksexactlyhowyouwantherto.Viewingherinadvancewilltakeawaysomeoftheinitial

shockyoumighthaveifyouwaituntillater.Itwillalsoletyoudecideifyouwantanopenorclosedcasket.Iapologizeforbeingsodirect,ma’am.Iknowthisisadifficulttimeforyou.”

“Thankyou,butI’llwaitforafewminutes.Ineedalittlemorecouragefirst,thenI’dliketoseeheralone,ifthat’sokay.”

“Wheneveryou’re ready.Wehave a small family areawith coffee ifyouladieswanttositinthereforabit.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Let’s go take some deep breaths,”Melaniesaid.ShegaveBetsyalookofconcernbecausethetearswellingupinAbby’seyesindicatedshewasonthevergeofabreakdown.“Comeon,honey,let’ssit.”

Chimesrangoutonthequarterhour.Itwastenfifteen,andtheguestswouldarrivesoon.

“Iguess Ibetterdo thisbeforepeoplearrive.Betsy,willyougo findMissGrimes,please?”

“Ofcourse,I’llberightback.”MissGrimesreturnedwithBetsy,offeringherarmforAbbytoholdon

to.“Areyouready,MissMelrose?”“Yes,I’mready.”Abbysmoothedherdressasshestood,brushedaway

the tears rolling down her cheeks, and walked toward the front of thechapelwithherarmlinkedinMissGrimes’s.

MelanieandBetsystoodandwatchedAbbygobeyondthecurtainwithtearsoftheirown.

“I’llleaveyoualonewithher,MissMelrose.Takeyourtime.”Abbystoodatthefootofthecasket,staringatthefloor,afraidtolook

at hermother.Guilt tore at her heart for the years lost, the rift betweenthemthatshedidn’thavetimetorepair.

“Mom, I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’ll never forgive myself forwhat Iputyou through.Youwereonly lookingout formybest interest,especiallysinceDadwasgone.IwishIcouldrewindthelasttwoweeks.Iloveyou,Mom.”Abbyfinallylookedupandapproachedtheheadofthecasket.ShestaredatCharlotte, lying thereas if sheweresleeping.“Youlookbeautiful, and I knowyouwouldn’twant anyone to see you if youdidn’tlookperfect.”ShecarefullytouchedCharlotte’scheek.Sheslipped

a family photo fromyears gone by under hermother’s hand, and alone,behind the velvet curtain, she wept. The chimes rang out again at tenthirty.Abbykissedhermother’sforeheadthenleftfortheladiesroomtoregainhercomposure.

The chapel was standing room only. Every seat was taken byCharlotte’s acquaintances from the many clubs and committees shebelongedto.Fewerthantenchairsheldfamilyandlifelongfriends.Abbydidn’t rememberevermeeting thefourpeopleclaimingtobefamily,butCharlotte’scousin,asecondcousin,agreatuncle,andhermother’ssister-in-lawwereinattendance,sittinginthefamilychairs.Theywerestrangersacceptingcondolences,relativesAbbyhadnevermet,whojusthappenedto appear forCharlotte’s funeral. Forcing a smile,Abby asked each onewhentheylastsawCharlotte.NotonehadvisitedCharlotteintheeighteenyears she had lived on South Battery. “Too little, too late,” Abbywhisperedunderherbreath.

The eulogist and minister did a fine job talking about the generouspersonCharlottewastoallherfriendsandfamily.Shewasalovingwifeandawonderfulmother,too.AbbyglancedinBetsy’sdirectionandraisedher perfectly shaped eyebrows, knowing the eulogywas a little inflated,butshesmiledanyway.

During the luncheon,Abbymingledwith all thepeople in thedininghall.ShelearnedofthemanyboardsCharlottewasonandthecharitablecontributionsshe’dmade.Hermothertrulywasaphilanthropist.Abbyfeltbetterbytheendoftheday.Attwothirty,thecrowddispersed,andAbby,Mel,andBetsysatdownonthechairsnearestthecasket.

“She did look beautiful, Abby. I’m sure that was a relief for you.WoulditbeokayifIslipsomethinginthecasket?”Betsyasked.

“Ofcourse,butwhatisit?I’mcuriousnow.”“Iwant to return the first dollarMissCharlotte ever gaveme as her

employee. I saved itall theseyears. Ididn’thavea lotofmyown thesepast fifteenyears,Abby,but Ididhaveabeautifulhome to live in.Andeventhoughyourmomwasstrict,shestill treatedmefairly.IappreciatetheyearsIlivedonSouthBattery.”

“That’s really a nice gesture. Thank you. If you need some privacy,

MelandIcangointheotherroom.Whenwe’redoneinhere,thethreeofus—and thosemysterious familymembers—aregoing to escortMom tothegravesite.Therewillbeasmallprayerservice,andwe’lllayrosesonhercasket.Afterthat,we’lleachdropashovelfulofdirtonthecasketasthey’reloweringit.Areyouguysokaywithdoingthat?”

Theladiesagreedandhadamomenttoshareagrouphug.BetsyspentfiveminutesalonewithCharlotte,thentheyfollowedthehearsedownthegravelroadtothegravesite.

***

Fivedayshadpassedsincethefuneral.Abbyfeltrelieveditwasover,andother than any settlements that might or might not be forthcoming, theonlythingleftwasthereadingofthewill.

ShehadalreadyfilledoutthepapersonMondaygivingAttorneyLewispermissiontogoforwardwithalawsuitagainstCityWasteandRecycling.The reading of the will would take place tomorrow. Abby felt odd,wonderingwhotheotherfourpeoplewerethatwouldbesittingnexttoherin the attorney’s office. She obviouslywasn’t close to the few relativesthat conveniently showed up at the funeral, yet she didn’t know ifCharlottehadkeptintouchwiththemoverthephone.

Thursday morning, after dropping Melanie off at work, Abby camehome and dressed in a simple eggplant-colored pantsuitwith a string ofpearls aroundherneck, andmatchingearrings.Theappointmentwas setfortena.m.,andshewasnervous.ThiscoulddeterminewhatIdowiththerestofmylife,shethoughtassheappliedhermakeupwithacupofcoffeesitting beside her on the bathroom countertop. Her hands shook as shethoughtabout thenextfewhours.She tried tofocusonher to-do list forthenextfewdays.Shecertainlyhadtobuyacar,needingherownsetofwheels.I’lllookonlinelaterforagoodusedcar.Atleastafterthereadingofthewill,I’llknowwhatIcanafford.

AttorneyLewis’sofficewasonCalhounStreet inastatelyGeorgian-style red brick building. The cornerstone dated the structure to 1790.Abby,wholovedoldarchitecture,noddedwithappreciationasshewalked

up the granite steps to the front doorwith aPalladianwindowabove it.She entered and took themarble staircase to the second floor. AttorneyLewis’slavishofficewasthefirstdoorontheleftatthetopofthestairs.Thereceptionist,Adrianne,acknowledgedAbby,askedhertotakeaseat,then disappeared through a door behind her desk. As Abby sat in theornatewaitingarea,shetooknoticeoftheotherpeoplesittingthere, too.Shedidn’trecognizeanyofthem.

The largemahoganydoubledoorsopened, andAttorneyLewis stoodthere,invitingeveryonethatsatinthewaitingroomintohisofficeatthesametime.Hernerveskickedinagain,makingAbby’sstomachfeellikearollercoasterdoingsteepclimbsandfreefallsatanamusementpark.Afterthe usual pleasantries, Attorney Lewis introduced everyone, beginningwith Abby. Following her were the presidents and CEOs of the ArtInstituteofCharleston,theHistoricCharlestonFoundation,andCharlestonAnimalSociety,andtheownerofAtYourServicenaturalfoodsstore.AlightheadednesscameoverAbbyasshetookasipofwaterwhiletheysatattheconferencetablewithAttorneyLewisacrossfromthefiveofthem.Whateverwascomingnextprobablywasn’tinAbby’sbestinterest.Sincehermothernevermadeittotheattorney’sofficetochangethewillbeforeshedied,Abbydidn’tknowifCharlottehadevencalledAttorneyLewistotellhimofherplan.Withfourotherpeoplesittingtherewithher,shewassureherfatewasdoomed.

“Okay,shallwebegin?”AttorneyLewisglancedateveryone,waitingfor an affirmative nod. He informed them that Charlotte had left tenmillion dollars each to the art institute and the historic foundation. Theanimal society would receive fivemillion dollars, and the owner of thenatural foods storewould receive twomillion dollars.Abby’s trust fundwas frozen until she turned forty, at which time she would inherit theremainderofhermother’sestate.For thetimebeing, thehouseonSouthBatterywashers, free and clear butwithone stipulation.Shewasneverallowed to sell the home. It could only be passed down to futuregenerations of the Melrose family. With the will read, the four otherscelebrated,andeachsignedthenecessarypaperworkandleft.SittingalonewithAttorneyLewis,Abbywasstunnedwithdisbelief.

“May I read the will myself?” she asked, tears streaming down hercheeks.

“Of course you may,” he said, sliding a copy across the conferencetable.

Abby read it twice, slowly and carefully. “Younevergot a call fromhertosayshewascomingintochangeherwill?”

“No,Abigail.I’msorry,butIneverreceivedthatcall.ThecurrentwillisthelastversionIhaveonrecord.Sheneveraskedmetoamendit.”

“Howcould she do this tome? I’mher only child.Do you have theslightest ideawhat the property taxes are on thatmansion, let alone thegeneralupkeepandfloodinsurancecosts?Ican’teversellit,andIhavetowait thirteenyearsbefore I can touchmy trust fund.Shenever earnedapennyofthatfortune.Itwasallmydad’sgeniusandhardworkthatmadeherrich.Thatbitch!Ican’tbelieveshewouldbethisvindictive,thiscruelto me. I made one lousy mistake with my own money, and this is mypayback,whilethreeorganizationsandaflippingfoodstoregetmillions!”

“Abigail,don’t forgetwe’re trying for awrongfuldeath lawsuit.Youcouldpossiblywalkawaywithmillionsrightthere.”

“Yeah, and a lot of bad karma and voodoo juju, damn it! Keep meposted.”Abbystormedoutthedoor,slammingitextrahard.ShedrovetoMelanie’sworkplace,callingheron theway.“Doyouhave time to takemehome?Iwon’tbeabletopickyouupafterwork.”

“Sure,Icandothat,butwhy?”“Because I’m going to be drunk by then and incapable of driving,”

Abbysaidasshepulledupalongthecurb.“Crap.Itdidn’tgowellattheattorney’soffice?”“Notevenclose.I’moutside,bytheway.”“Okay.I’llbedowninfiveminutes.”

ChapterEight

Thethreewomensatinthelibraryafterdinner,tryingtocomeupwithaplan to support the household. Abby nestled in, her feet scrunched upunderherbodyon theantiquewingbackchair,whileBetsyandMelaniegotcomfortableontheoverstuffedsofa.

“Istillcan’tbelievewhatmymomdidtome.I’meithergoingtobreakoutinacneorgetastomachulceranyminutenow.Iranthenumbersthisafternoon, and it almost made me throw up. Do you guys realize theproperty taxes here are more than twenty-five thousand dollars a year?That’s insane, and the flood insurance is ten thousand dollars annually.Householdbillslikeelectricity,naturalgas,water,Internet,andcableareeighthundredfiftyamonth.AttorneyLewisgavemethetaxandinsurancestatementsthismorning,thenImadephonecallsthisafternoontogetallthe bills transferred out ofmymom’s name and put intomine. I didn’tevenhave time togetdrunkbecause Iwas sobusy readingover all thispaperworkandgettingpissedoff.”

Abbypressedherpalmsagainsthertemplesandshookherhead.“Youguys,I’mseriouslygoingtofreakoutwiththeseexpensesright

now. I have to come up with something, and quick. Mom’s funeralexpensesweretenthousanddollars,sothereisn’tmuchleftofthecashwefound.AftertheregularbillsIhavetopayandthentackingonincidentals,itwillcometofiftythousanddollarsayearjusttosupportthishouse,andthekickerisI’mnotallowedtosellit.It’spaybackonMom’spart.Iknowit is.ShewantsmetoproveIcanberesponsibleandresourcefulwhenIhave absolutely nomoney. There’s noway I can afford to go to schoolnoworbuyacar.Damnit,Idoneedadrinkafterall.Anyonecaretojoinme?”

“I’llgetit.Juststayputandbreathe.”Betsypulledthreerocksglassesoutoftheliquorcabinetandpouredsinglemaltscotchintoeachone.“Idohaveanidea,”shesaidasshepassedouttheglasses.

“Throwitout there,sister. I’mgameforanything,”Abbysaidwitha

sipandasigh.“Howabouttakinginboarders?”“Huh?Youmean like transient,homelesspeople,ordrunksanddrug

addictsthatareonatwelve-stepprogram?Thatideawouldn’tgooververywell in this neighborhood, if you knowwhat I mean. I appreciate yoursuggestionthough.”

“No, Abby, that’s not what I’m talking about. I mean regular folks.Look what Mel was paying for an eight-hundred-fifty-square-footapartment,andthatdidn’tevenincludeutilities.Youdon’thavetopaymeawage anymore. I’m getting room and board in this beautifulmansion.TheleastIcandoiskeepitcleanandcookthefoodI’meating.”

“Yeah, that goes for me, too. I was paying a thousand fifty dollarswithout utilities. The least I can do is pay the same Iwas paying in anapartmentthatwasaneighththesizeofthishouse.Howmanypeoplecansay their address isonEastorSouthBattery?That in itself isworth thelookonpeople’sfaces.Thinkaboutit.Therearestillsixemptybedroomsin this house. Why waste them? Let’s turn this mansion into the placeeveryonewantstocallhome.Itcanbelikeapermanentbed-and-breakfast.Betsy can be in charge ofmeals,which of coursewould be included intheirrent.There’sthreemorebedroomsthesizeofoursthathaveprivatebathsandthreesmallerbedroomsthatdon’t.We’llchargerentaccordingto the size of the room and how many meals a day Betsy makes. It’sactually doable, Abs.” Melanie and Betsy were clearly excited by thepossibilities.

“Wouldn’t Ihave tohavesomekindofbusiness license todo that? Idoubt that thishouse,orstreet, iszoned tohaveanykindofcommercialenterpriseonit.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, dear Abigail. There’s three B-and-BsrightonEastBattery.”

“Okay, you’re right, but I can’t afford to go through the legalitiesneededtobringthishousetowhatevercodesarerequired,likeasecond-story fire escape, and just the cost of a B-and-B license is probablyastronomical. Anyway, we’d be trying to make this place an upscaleboardinghouse,notaB-and-B.Howarewegoingtoaccomplishthat?”

BetsygaveAbbyaslygrinandsaid,“Quietly.”“Okay,onaseriousnote,howcouldwereallypullitoff?”“Iknowa lot ofhigh rollers in the fashion industry, and Idohave a

degree in marketing. There wouldn’t be any lowlifes trying to move inhere.Theycouldn’tafford itanyway.We’dhave tocomeupwithacostperroom,bothwithandwithoutaprivatebath,andthenthecostpermeal.It has to be calculated logically, plus it has to be competitivewithwhatpeoplewouldspendanywayonmealsandlodging.Icanusemyselfasoneexample.Ipaidathousandfiftydollarsforeighthundredfiftysquarefeetof space. Thatwas for a cramped kitchen and living room combination,onebath,andatinybedroom.Myutilitiesweretwohundredfiftydollarsamonth for everything, and I had to pay for a parking spot, which wasanotherhundredbucks.Ispenttwohundredamonthongroceriesbutateoutalot,too,whichwasanaverageofanothertwohundred.Betsy,addallthosenumbersup,please.”

“That’s one thousand eight hundred dollars amonth,Mel.Youmustmakeagoodincome.”

“Ido,butlookatthebigpicturehere.Ididn’tliveinastatelymansionlike this. I couldn’twander around a six-thousand-eight-hundred-square-foothouse andbeautiful gardens like I canhere.Nobodywouldhave tocook theirownmeals, and lookat theview.Thepark is rightacross thestreet and the ocean beyond that. What’s not to like? People will bebangingthedoordowntryingtobeoneoftheluckyonestolivehere.”

“I’mnot toobadat readingpeople, for themostpartanyway,havingbeen a relationship counselor before. I’ll be in charge of interviewingpotential tenants.We need a way to do a background check and verifytheiremployment,too.Iknowthereareprogramsyoucansubscribetothatdothosetypesofthings.It’sthesamethingemployersandrentalagenciesuse.Right now,we have to figure out the room andmeal cost thatwillmakesensetoanyonethatrents.Theyhavetoseethebenefitoflivinghereoveranywhereelse.Afterthat,weneedtogetthesepotentialrentersherefor an interview without attracting attention from the neighbors.” Abbyfinally lookedhopefulas shespoke.“Nomatterwhat, itwill costnearlyfive thousand dollars amonth to support this place. Let’s figure out the

costperroomandmealsrightnowandseehowitshakesout.”

***

Betsy disappeared into the kitchen whileMel and Abby worked on theroom costs. Betsy would be the one to figure out food expenses for ahouseful of people, day in and day out. Tenminutes later, she returnedwithapitcherofsweetteaandanenormousturquoisemelaminebowlfullofpopcorn.“Ithoughtwemightneedalittlesnacktohelpusthink.I’veheardpopcornaidsbloodflowtothebrain.”

“Itdoes,”Abbysaid,“butnotthebuttery,saltedtype.Ithinkourbrainsareinhighgearalready,butIlovebutterypopcorn,sothanks.Beforewegotobedtonight,we’llhaveaviableplanofaction.”

With a half-hour break for popcorn and tea—and with a calculatorclickingawaybeneaththeirgreasyfingertips—thegirlsdevisedtheperfectcost-effectivescenario.

“This will make everyone feel like they’re getting more than theirmoney’sworthwhilelivinginthebestneighborhoodofCharleston,”Melsaid.“Abby,you’llhaveplentyofmoneyleftat theendof themonth tobuyacarandsaveupforanythingthatcangowrong.Withfourpeople,includingme, payingone thousand twohundreddollars amonth for thelarge bedrooms with the private bath, and three people paying eighthundred dollars for the small bedroomswith hallway baths, it comes toseventhousandtwohundreddollarsamonthinincome.Betsy,howmuchwoulditcosttofeedninepeopleforamonth?”

“IfImakealotofpastadishes,casseroles,andsaladsfordinners,andeggsandtoastforbreakfasts,everyonecouldbefedwellononethousandfivehundreddollarsamonth,”Betsysaid.

“Okay,soifweaddtwohundreddollarsamonthmoretoeveryone’srent, which would include breakfast and dinner, we can’t go wrong.They’llbejumpingat thechancetolivehere.Aslongaswecanrentalltherooms,thereshouldbeplentyofmoneycomingin.Everyonewillhavetosignaone-yearlease.Now,thequestionis,howdowestartabuzzinCharlestonwithouttheneighborsfindingout?”Melaniesaid.

“Let’s sleepon it and comeupwith something tomorrow. I’mbeat,”Abbysaid.“Thanks,guys, foreverything.This justmightworkoutafterall.”Lyinginbed,Abbyfeltexcitedaboutthepossibilities.LifemightturnoutokayaslongasI’mverycarefulwiththetenantsIchoose.RemyandMom,Iwon’tleteitherofyouruinmylife.Nopitypartiesformeanymore.I’m going to be in charge and live my life on my terms, bravely andpassionately,with thebest friends I’ve ever known.Thank you,Mel andBetsy,forbeinghereforme.Wecanmakethiswork.

***

“I’vegottochangemylastname,”Abbyannouncedasshewalkedintothebreakfastroomthenextmorning.Thelong,flowingrobelookedbeautifulonhertall,slenderbody.

Shebroughtthecarafeofcoffeetothemaplemorningtableandsetitonatrivet.Betsyscoopedthescrambledeggsintoabowlandservedthemfamilystyle.Withafour-slicetoaster,thetoastwasmadeandbutteredinno time.Betsy stacked eight pieceson aplate and carried it to the tablewithajarofpeachjam.Thegirlshelpedthemselvestobreakfast.

“So what does that actually mean, and why would you do it?” Melaskedwithamouthfulofperfectlypreparedeggs.

“I’vedone the research,and it’sassimpleasgoing to thecourthouseandstandingbefore the judge.As longasyouaren’tacriminal trying tohideoryouwanttochangeyournametosomethingreallystupid,itgoesthroughwithoutaproblem.Iwanttocomeacrossastheon-sitepropertymanager,soIdon’twantanyone toknowIactuallyownthehouse.Plusit’sagoodwaytoneverbeusedagainforfinancialgain.”

“That’sagreatidea.Haveyouthoughtofanewlastnameyet?”“Sortof,butIwanttorunitbyyouguysfirst.Originally,Iwantedto

usemymom’smaidenname,butnotanymoreafter thecrap sheputmethrough.HowaboutTaylor?It’sabasic,commonname.It’sperfect,isn’tit?”

“I like it.Abigail Taylor, orAbbyTaylor, has a nice ring to it.Youlook like you could be the granddaughter ofLizTaylorwith your black

hairandblueeyes,”Melaniesaid.“Thanks,Mel. So it’s settled? You guys agree, Abby Taylor sounds

okay?”“It’sokaybyme,”Betsysaidassheclearedthetable.“Me,too.Whenareyougoingtodoit?”“I’llhavetocallthecourthouseandseewhenIcangetin.Haveeither

ofyougiventheinterviewprocessanythought?”“IthinkweshouldpostanadineveryStarbuckssouthofSpringStreet,

plus I can spread the word at work. We have a bulletin board foremployeesinthecafeteria.Afriendofmineatworkcanhaveherhusbandpostanadinthecafeteriaatthehospital,too.Thereareyoungdoctorsandnurses working there that could easily afford to live here. We’re onlyinterested in top quality applicants that will get alongwith us and eachother.”

“Well, I knowwhat I have to do before anyonemoves in. I need toupgrade thewaterheater in thebasement so there’salwayshotwaterondemand, and I need to spruce up the hallway bathrooms a little.All thebedroomswe’regoingtorentoutneedafreshcoatofpaint,too.Afterthatis complete, we can start the interview process.With the few thousanddollars I have left, I’m pretty sure I can find somebody to take care ofthosehouseholdissuesprettyquickly.Today,Betsy,youandIaregoingtomovefurnitureandpickoutpaintcolors.”

Melaniehadalreadyleftforwork,andbecauseitwassuchabeautifuldaywithlowhumidity,AbbyandBetsyfoundashadedspotoutsidetouseastheirworkarea.Withthelaptopwedgedunderherarm,apencillodgedaboveher leftear,andapadofpaper inherhand,Abbysatdownat thewrought-ironbistrosetinthebackyard.Betsyjoinedherwithafreshpotofcoffee,twomugs,andtwocinnamonrolls.Browsingthroughawebsiteshowingpaintsamples,AbbyandBetsymadetheirselections.Theycouldbemoreimaginativewiththelargerrooms,butthesmallbedroomswouldneed lightercolors tomake them lookbigger.Between the twoof them,theychosealightblushforthesmallroomsandsagegreenforthelargerrooms.Keeping thewalls a gender-neutral colorwould helpmake themattractivetoanyone.Abbyfoundseveraladsonlinethatofferedhandyman

services.Shesetupappointmentswiththreeofthemtocompareratesandqualifications.By this time nextweek, theywould be ready to open forbusiness.

ChapterNine

TheflashinglightonAbby’sphonecaughtherattention.Damnit,Imissedacall.Shelistenedasthemessagefromthecountyclerktoldherwhatdayandtimetoappearinfrontofthejudgeforhernamechangerequest.Abbywasmore thanexcited. Itwould trulybeanewbeginning forher, ado-over,andinaway,asecondchancetogetthingsright.Goingforward,shewoulddetermineherownfate,goodorbad.Shewouldhavenobodyelsetofallbackonandnobodyelsetoblame.Herfuturerestedonher,andshelikeditthatway.

Today, three different handymen had appointments to give Abby aquote for the work she wanted. She said she would like to see theirqualifications and read a few reviewsof theirworkwhen they cameby.The appointments were scheduled two hours apart, beginning at elevena.m. The first man showed up fifteen minutes late. Not the best firstimpression,Abbythoughtwhenshewelcomedhimin.JohnBeckhandedherhisbusinesscard,mumbledsomethingabouthittingeveryredlightintown,andfollowedhertothebasement.Hecarriedaclipboardwithapen,andhelookedlikeamild-manneredmiddle-agedhandyman.Abbyshowedhimthewaterheaterthatneededreplacing.

“Thisdoesn’tlookthatold.Isn’tisworkingright?”“Well, yes, itworks fine, but right now there are only three of us. I

hope to fill this house up soon, and I don’t think a forty-gallon waterheaterwouldbeadequate.”

HegaveAbbya slow,deliberateonce-over, lingering far too longonheramplechest.“Sowhatmakesyousosmart?Aren’tyouthelittleladyofthehouse?I’dpegyoutodomoreshowingthanthinking.”

“What?Excuseme? I think I’ll showyou something,Mr.Beck.Thedoor.”Abbyheadedupthestairs,stompingalittleharderthannecessary.

“Ithoughtyouwantedmetoseethebedrooms,too,”hesmirked.“Notanymore.Ithinkwe’redone.”Sheslammedthedoorbehindhim,hopingthatwasn’tanindicationof

whatself-employedhandymenwerelike.WithJohnBeck’sbusinesscardshredded and in the garbage can, Abby and Betsy had lunch on theveranda, enjoying the view of the park and people walking their dogs.“Can you believe my mom gave five million dollars to the CharlestonAnimalSociety?”Abbystaredateverysizeandbreedofdogbeingwalkedup and down the neighboring sidewalks. “Don’t get me wrong, I loveanimals,butholycow,that’salotofmoney.Mymomneverownedadogin her life. That’s what blows my mind.Mittens is the only pet I everrememberhaving,andshe’sprettyself-sufficient.Didmymomeverfeedherorchangeherlitterboxthatyoucanrecall?”

“Nope,”Betsysaid,“notaslongasI’velivedhere.”“Well,whatever…Iknow themoney isgoing toagoodcause,but I

surecouldhaveusedsomeofit.”Abbylookedupasapanelvansloweddowninfrontofthehouse,with

amancraninghisneckoutthewindow,lookingataddresses.Hefoundaparking spot three houses down and slid his van in behind aVolvo.HecheckedhimselfinthesidemirrorwhenhegotoutandwalkedtowardtheItalianatemansion.

“Thatmustbehandymannumber two,”Abbysaid.Acrumbofbreadstucktoherlipasshespoke.

Betsyturnedtorespondandlaughed.“IfyouthinkthatguyisashotasIdo,thenyoubetterwipethecrumboffyourmouthbeforehegetsthroughthegate.”

“Crap.Helpme,hurry!Isitgone?”“Yes,it’sgone,andyoulookbeautiful.”Abbyadjustedher tank topandsmoothedher shortsas she stoodup.

Shemethandymannumbertwoatthegateandlethimin.“Hi, I’mAbby.YoumustbeErikChristiansen.Welcome toMelrose

Mansion.It’snicetomeetyou.”Hereachedoutandshookherhand.“Thanks.Nicetomeetyou,too.”Theyreachedtheveranda,andAbbyintroducedEriktoBetsy.Witha

firmgrip,heshookherhand.“If youdon’tmind, I’d like togiveyoua little personalbackground.

Woulditbeokayifwesatforafewminutes?”

“Ofcourse,please.”AbbypointedtoanemptychairwhileshetooktheseatnexttoBetsy.

“Idon’tfeelIshouldtakeupyour timeandenter theprivacyofyourhomeuntilIshowyoumycredentials.Hereareafewbusinesscards,justincaseyouknowofanyoneelsewhoneedsworkdone.”Hesetdowntheworn leathersatchel thatwasslungoverhisshoulderandreached in.Heglanced up at Abby as he handed her the cards and showed his deepdimpleswhenhesmiled.Hepulledoutasheetlistingjobshehadworkedinthepast,aswellassomeveryfavorablereviews.

“It looks like you’ve done restoration work on some very historicbuildingsaroundCharleston.That’sarelief.IwanttofeelconfidentaboutthepeopleIhire.So,Mr.Christiansen,howlonghaveyoubeeninthislineofwork?”

“My father owned a remodeling company for over forty years. Iworkedsidebysidewithhimuntilheretiredafewyearsback.Businesssloweddownabitduringtherecessionof2008,butthingsarepickingupagain.IguessI’dsayI’mcapableofdoingjustaboutanything.”Ibetyouare,shethoughtasshesatwithherchininherhands,smiling

attheblondgodthatremindedherofChrisHemsworth.Betsykickedherlegunderthetable.“Oh…okay,wouldyouliketoseewhatIneeddone?”

“Sure,soundsgreat.”ErikfollowedAbbytothebasement.She recited the same information she’d told boob-staring John Beck

andwaitedforErik’sresponse.“Makesperfectsensetome,”hesaid.“Nobodywantscoldwaterinthe

middleoftheirshower.I’llgetyouaquoteforaseventy-five-gallonwaterheater.Thatshouldworkfineforyourneeds.”Sofar,sogood.“Shallwegoupstairs?”Abbysaid.“Sure,leadtheway.”Shewondered if hewas staring at her butt as shewalked upstairs in

frontofhim.“Hereweare.I’vealreadypickedoutthecolorsIlikefortherooms.Iguessthebathroomsoughttomatch,too,don’tyouthink?”

“Doyouhavetheswatches?”“No, sorry, they’reonmycomputer. I pictured a lightblush tomake

thesmallroomslookbiggerandsagegreenforthelargerrooms.”

“Areyougoingtofurnishtheroomsyourself?”“Yes,there’sfurniturealready.Ijustmoveditoutofthewayfornow

tomakepaintingeasier.”“Wouldyoumindhearingmyopinion?”“Notatall.Please,let’ssit.”AbbyledEriktothesofaonthelanding.

Astainedglasswindowbehindthesofailluminatedtheparquetfloorwithradiantsliversofcolorfromthesunhittingthewindowjustright.

“That’spretty,”hecommented,pointingtotherainbowofcolorsonthefloor.“Sohere’smythought,ifyoudon’tmind.Everyoneknowswhiteiskindofboring,but ivory,on theotherhand, is a soft, subtle, rich color.Thesedays,thetrendistopaintmostofthewallsthesamecolorandthenaccentwitheye-popping rugs, curtains, artwork, and throwpillows.Youwouldn’t believe how much you can change a room’s appearance withaccentpieces.Andhere’sanotherthingthatmightinterestyou.”

“Yes,whatwouldthatbe?”“Well… if all thewallswere the samecolor, I couldget thepaint in

bulk.Thatwouldsaveyouafewhundreddollars.”“Itwould?Okay, I’d be interested in hearing your quote. I have one

morehandymancomingby,justtobehonestwithyou.Iwasshoppingforthebestworkandthebestquotes.Canyougetbacktometomorrowwiththe totalcost including laborandanestimateofhowlong the jobwouldtake?”

“Sure,that’snoproblem.”Erikpulleduphernumberonhiscellphonescreen.“Isthisthebestnumbertoreachyouat?”

“Yes, it is. So, I’ll wait for your call before I make any decisions.Thankyou,Mr.Christiansen.”

“Thankyou,Abby…?”“It’sTaylor,AbbyTaylor. I’m the propertymanager for theMelrose

house.”“Liar,” Betsy whispered as they watched Erik walk back toward his

van.“You’restillAbbyMelroseuntilwhen?”“Until next Tuesday. After that, I’ll legally be Abby Taylor, and

nobody will know this house belongs to me. The next time I talk toAttorney Lewis, I’m going to tell him I want the house put into the

MelroseTrustwiththerestofmyinheritance.”“SowhatdoyouthinkofErikChristiansen?”“Youmean,whatdoIthinkofhiscredentials?”“Yeah, that’s it.We’re talking abouthis credentials,which arepretty

amazinginmyopinion.”Betsysmirked.AbbyshookherheadatBetsy’saudacity.“You’reonafastelevatorto

hell,andI’mrighttherenexttoyou,butIagree.Hiscredentialsarefine,smokin’hotfine.”

The last handyman showed up at three p.m. He seemed honest andhardworking,but theirconversationdidn’t flowwell.HavingjustarrivedfromGuatemala,JoseGarciawasdifficult tounderstand.AsfarasAbbycouldmakeout fromtheirconversation,hehadrecentlymoved toSouthCarolina to help his brother, Manuel, work in the family remodelingbusiness.SinceManuelwasalreadybooked through thesummer,hehadgiventheappointmenttoJose.AbbyshowedJoseeverythingthatneededto be done, and she thought he said he’d call back tomorrow with thequote.Shesatinthebackyardwithaglassofsweettea.HermindwasonErik Christiansen, Remy, and Charlotte. Having been taken for a foolalready,Abbywasgun-shyand far from ready toget involvedwith anyman again.Shewas still reelingwith pain from the betrayal of her ownhusbandandmother.Next time, I’llbewiserandmuchmorecautious, ifthereeverisanexttime.

Startledby thebackdooropening,Abby jumped, returning to reality.Melaniecrackedopenabeerandsatdownnext toher.“Iheardyouhadsomemenfolkstopbytoday,”shejoked.“BetsysaidyouweresalivatingoveronenamedErik.Talktome,girl.”

“Oh, stop it, for Pete’s sake.Betsywas the one salivating.Yes, he’shot, and handsome, and nice, but he’s a guy, and guys aren’t to betrusted…yet.”

“Youknowyoudon’tmeanthat.”“I dountilmy legal namechange takes effect.Anyway, after dinner,

willyouhelpusmovemoreofthefurniture?Someofthoseantiquepiecesweighaton.”

“Surething.Doyouknowwhatwe’rehavingfordinner?I’mstarving.”

Betsycameoutsidewithherownglassoftea,adishtowelslungoverher shoulder, and satdown. “Here’s themenu for tonight.We’rehavinghot dogs sliced up in mac ’n cheese. Sorry, but that’s all I can whiptogetherwiththelackoffoodinthishouse.Weneedtogotothegrocerystoretonightafterdinner,ortherewon’tbeanyfoodfortomorrow.WithMelhaving theonlycar,andnodeliveryserviceanymore,we’llhave toshopatleastonceaweektokeepthisplacestockedwithgroceries.”

“Sorry,Betsy,Ihadnoideawewerethatlowonfood.HowmuchdidMomusedtospendongroceries?We’llhavetobudgetourfoodexpensesuntilwegetsomerentersinheretohelppayforthings.”

“Well,yourmomwasoverthetop.She’dspendfivehundreddollarsaweek on food, but she did entertain a lot, too. If Imake casseroles andpastadishes,wecangetbywithfiftybucksaweekfornow.”

“That shouldwork. Until I seewhere the quotes come in tomorrow,we’lljustgetthenecessitiestonight.”

***

“I see… uh-huh. Okay, I’ll have to give that some thought and let youknow,Mr.Christiansen.Thanksforgettingbacktomesoquickly,”Abbysaid.

“Have the other quotes come in? I could always match them if youthinkmypricesare toohigh.Weare talkingaboutsixbedroomsandsixbathrooms, plus the price of a seventy-five-gallon water heater andinstallation. I’ve discounted the paint since I can get it in bulk ifwe gowithivoryforalltherooms.Yousaidyou’rethepropertymanagerforthehome,right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”Nervousnesskicked insinceshewasn’tsurewhathe was going to say next. Abby wasn’t lying about being the propertymanager, but shewas spinning the truth a little.Walking from room toroom, she estimated thequantityofpaint needed to completelyoverhaulthe bedrooms and bathrooms. After all, every room had a twelve-footceiling.

“Sowhataretheintentions?Fortherooms,Imean?”

“Oh…well…theownerswantthemrentedout.IguesstheyenvisionaB-and-Bsortof,exceptwithlong-termleasesinstead.”

“So a more dignified version of a boardinghouse? That mansion isgoingtobeturnedintoaboardinghouse?”

“Yes…Iguessso,exceptwithqualitypeople.Ihavetointerviewtheapplicantsmyself,soI’mgoingtobeveryselective.Idon’twanttoalarmthe neighbors with sketchy-looking characters coming and going. I’vebeen given instructions to check everyone’s work history, income, andcriminalactivity.I’msureitwillbefine.It’sjustthequoteisalittlehigherthanIexpected.”

“Didn’ttheownersgiveyouaspendingallowanceforremodeling?”“Yes, but only a certain amount for the painting andwater heater. I

thinkthey’rebarteringforsomeoftheotherworktheywantdone.”WhytheheckdidIjustsaythat?WordsspewedoutofAbby’smouththatdidn’tevenmakesensetoher.Shehadnoideawhatshewassayingatthatpoint.Allshecaredaboutwasprotectingheridentityandgettingtheworkdoneascheaplyaspossible.

“That’s interesting…they’reopen tobartering. I’mdoingsomeworkrightnowinCharleston.WouldyoumindifIstoppedover?Ihaveanideayou might want to run by them. I could be there at lunchtime, say intwentyminutes?”

“IguessI’mfreethen.Seeyousoon.”Crap! “Betsy, I need your help. Hurry!” Abby’s screech echoed

throughtheupstairshallway.“Where’s the fire? What’s going on? I just started making lunch.

Today’smenuconsistsofpeanutbutterandpeachjellysandwiches,MissMelrose. Would you care to dine alfresco or indoors, ma’am?” Betsykidded.

“I don’t have time to eat.Wrap the sandwiches up for now so theydon’tdryout.ErikChristiansenisstoppingbyintwentyminutes.Ihavetogetready.Ineedtotakeashower.Goinmyroomandpickoutsomethingcuteformetowear.Idon’tgiveacrapwhatitis.Justmakesureitisn’tsexy.”

“Man,you’reboringashell.Fine.Hurryup.I’ll layshortsandacute

topoutonyourbed.DoIneedtohideorsomething?”“Yes,butfirst,putapitcheroficedteaandtwoglassesontheveranda.

Itwillmakemelookmoreprofessional.”“Whatever…I’llbewatchingTVinmyroom.Letmeknowwhenhe

leaves.”Abbymade it to theverandaandsatdownjustasshesawErik’svan

turn the corner off King Street. She took two deep cleansing breaths,exhaledonherhand,andtookawhiff.Good,mybreathdoesn’tstink.Shewipedher foreheadwith thebackofherhand,checkingforperspiration,and took a quick gulp of the tea.Here he comes. I thought Remy wasgorgeous,butdamn,ErikChristiansenmakesmyheartpoundtripletime.

“Hello,Mr.Christiansen,it’snicetoseeyouagain.Please,letmegetthegateforyou.”

Abby strolled down the brick sidewalk to the wrought-iron gate andreleasedthelatch.Hefollowedherupthefivestepstotheverandaandsatdownaftershedid.

“Therewassomethingyouwantedtodiscussotherthanthequote?”“Yes, but first, please call me Erik. I’m not used to being formal. I

realizethat’spartofthesoutherncharmandall,butitactuallymakesmeuncomfortable. I’m a laid-back kind of guy, other thanwork, Imean. Iworkhardandgetthejobdone.”

Shelaughednervously.“Ibetyoudo,Erik.”WhythehelldidIjustsaythat? “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right. Anyway, what’s on yourmind?”

Hisincrediblesmileformedslowlyanddeliciously.Shewasfixatedonhisface.Abbystaredathisgorgeousness.Hereyesnearlyrolledbackinherhead,andhermouthhungopenasifthehingeshadsnapped.

“MissTaylor?”“What?Oh…Erik,pleasecallmeAbby.I’msortofinformalmyself.

Soyouwantedtotellmesomething?”“Well,Idohaveasuggestionthatmightworkoutperfectlyforbothof

us.”You’re going to make mad, passionate love to me right here on the

veranda? “Really? Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Go ahead.” She

handedhimaglassofsweetteaashebegan.“Idon’tliveinCharleston,butmostofmyworkisdoneheresincethis

is the largestcity in thearea.Myhome is inOrangeburg,aboutanhourandahalfnorth,dependingontraffic.Myfolksownaduplexthere,andIliveonone sideof it.With thembeingona fixed incomesincemydadretired,I’vesuggestedmanytimesthatIshouldmoveoutsotheycanrenttheotherside.WhatifIbarteredmypaintingservicesforaplacetostayforafewmonths?Icanstay inoneof thesmallerbedroomsandget theworkdoneprettyquicklysinceI’dbehereanyway.Itwouldhelpmeout,too, savingme that long drive intoCharleston every day. I’ll do all thepaintingwe discussed and the water heater for threemonth’s room andboard.”

Abby’s brain was trying to calculate the numbers as quickly as shecould. That would come to only three thousand dollars in rent, but hisquote was for five thousand dollars, which Abby couldn’t afford. “Itsoundslikeyou’dbegettingtheshortendofthestick.Rentforoneofthesmallroomsisonethousanddollarsamonth,whichincludesbreakfastanddinner.”

“Okaythen,howaboutIstayforfivemonths?Therewouldn’tbeanyout-of-pocketexpensesfortheowners,andifanythingelsedidcomeup,well…I’monlyabedroomaway.”

“I’dhavetoconsultwiththemandletyouknow.Ihaveaconfessiontomakefirst.”

“What’sthat?”“Ilivehere,too.Wouldthatbeaproblemforyou?”Herfaceblushed

brightred.“Iassumedyoudid.Mostpropertymanagersliveon-site.Butthatisn’t

a problem inmy book.”He finished the glass of tea and glanced at thewatchonhistannedleftwrist.“Ithinkmylunchbreakisover.Soyou’lldiscussmypropositionwiththeownersandletmeknow?”

“OfcourseIwill.Howsooncouldyoumoveinandbeginthework?”“I wouldn’t have any furniture to move since the rooms here are

furnished. All I have to bring with me are my clothes and personalbelongings.Icouldstartbytheweekend.”

“Whatwillyoudoafterfivemonths?Won’tyourfolkshaveyoursideoftheduplexrentedout?”

“That’smy hope. They could use the extramoney, and I’d get a lotmorebusiness ifI livedinCharleston.It’sallgood.I’llcross thatbridgewhen Iget to it.So…I’ll talk toyousoon.”He jammedhishandsdeepinto the pockets of his already tight-fitting, worn-in-the-perfect-placesLevi’sand left.He lookedbackashecrossed through thegate.“Thanksforthetea.”

ChapterTen

“Betsy,whatthehelldoIdonow?”AbbysquealedasshelungedthroughthedoortoBetsy’sroomandjumpedonherbed.Thebedspringssangouttheir squeaky twang as she bounced a few times, trying tomake herselfcomfortable.

“Geez, take it down a notch. What’s wrong?” Betsy gathered theremainingCheetosthatflewoutofthebowlwhenAbbyleapedonthebed.

“Areyouholdingoutonme?WheredidthoseCheetoscomefrom?”“Iwasstarving.Remember,wehaven’thadlunchyet.Comeon.Let’s

godownstairs andeat.Youcan tellmewhat’sgoingonwhile I unwrapoursandwiches.”

Betsytrottedoff tothekitchen,Abbytakinguptherearandtalkingamileaminute.“Erikwantstomoveinhere.”

“You’reonafirst-namebasisalready?Damnit,girl.Youdon’twasteany time.” Betsy placed two plates on the kitchen table with chargersunderneatheachone.ShehandedAbbyalinennapkin.

“It’speanutbutterandjellyforPete’ssake.I’lleatitonapaperplate.”“Noyouwon’t.Theycostmoney.SowhydoesErikwanttomovein

here,besidestheobviousreasons?”“Hewantstobarterserviceswithme.”“I’llbethedoes.Didyoureallyjustsaythat?”Betsyburstoutlaughing

atAbby’saccidentalinnuendo.“Yes…Imean…no.Okay…breathe.Hisquote for thepaintingand

water heater was five thousand dollars, which I totally don’t have.Weneedtogettheseroomsrentedoutassoonaspossible,sohevolunteeredto livehererent-free inexchangefor thepaintingand thewaterheater. Iwon’tchargehimrent,andhewon’tchargefortheworkIwanthimtodo.It’sperfect.He saidhe’d takeoneof the smallbedrooms. I’d rent itoutanyway, but now I don’t have to come up with five thousand bucks inadvance toget theroomsready.He’llhave themdone inno time ifhe’sliving here. Plus, he’s only staying for fivemonths, unless he wants to

renew the lease terms as an actual tenant. I guess I’ll have to check hiscredit reportandmakesurehe isn’ta felon,but I think it’sagreat idea,don’tyou?”

“Um… yeah, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s single and hot. He isScandinavian, after all.Youdidnotice that curlyblondhair, greeneyes,andgorgeoussmile,didn’tyou?Whowouldn’twantsomeonelikethatinabedroomrightdownthehall?Wemightevenseehimcomingoutofthebathroomafterashower.Accidentsdohappen,youknow.”

“Right,butI’mstartingthingsoutwithalie.Thatdoesn’tfeelgoodtome.Hedoesn’tknowIactuallyownthehouse.”

“Yeah, that was your intention, remember? You want people to likeyouforyou,notyourmoney,which,bytheway,youdon’thaveany.”

“True,” Abby said as she was about to gobble down her sandwich.“Man,youmakegoodpeanutbutterandjellysandwiches.Anyway,Ihavetotellhimtheownersagreedtohisterms.Let’sseehowthingsplayout.”

“I wouldn’t actually call that a lie, Abby. You are the owner, andyou’reagreeingtohisterms.”

***

Notwantingtoseemoverlyanxious,AbbywaitedtwodaysbeforecallingErikback.ShehadtogetthequotefromJoseanywaybeforeshecouldtellhim she went with a different handyman. Finally mustering up hercourage, she pulled the business card out of her pocket and called ErikChristiansen.

“Hello,Abby.Iwaslookingforwardtoyourcall.Ihopethere’sgoodnews.”

Flustered that he had already programmed her cell number into hisphone,Abbywas taken aback that he addressedher personally. “Oh, hi,Erik.Iguessyourcallingmebynamesurprisedme.”

“Sorry,youareapotentialcustomer. Iprogrameveryone’snameintomyphonesoIdon’tmisplace theircontact info.Actually, Iasked if thiswasthebestnumbertoreachyouat.Ihopeyoudon’tmind.”

“Oh… no, of course not, I just forgot, that’s all.” Embarrassment

coveredherneckandcheekswithabrightredglow.Goodthinghecan’tseeme.“Ispokewiththeowners,andtheyagreedtoyourterms.Youcanmoveinwheneveryou’reready.”

“I’mgladtohearthat.Thisisgoingtoworkoutfineforeveryone.”Yeah,especiallyme.“Youcanpickoutanyofthethreesmallerrooms

for yourself since none of them are spoken for yet. If you painted yourownroomfirst,youcouldgetsettledinwhileyouworkontheothers.”

“That’sasmartidea.I’llorderthepaintandwaterheatertoday.Itwillonly takeme a day to gather everythingofmyown to bring over.HowaboutSaturday?Willthatworkforyou?”

“Saturday sounds fine. I’ll see you then.” Abby found Betsy in thebackyard, going through the colorful annuals Meyer’s Nursery had justdelivered.“Betsy,doyouhaveaminute?”

“Sure.Excuseme,Mr.Meyer.I’llberightback.”BetsyfollowedAbbyintothekitchen.“What’sup?”

“Wedon’thavemoneytospendonflowers.WhatisMr.Meyerdoinghere?”

“It’sokay.Thesearetheflowersyourmomorderedafewweeksago.They’realreadypaidfor. Iwasgoing to talk toyouabout themanyway.Eitherwecanplantthemourselvesorpayextratohavethenurserydoit.”

“Howmuchextrawoulditcost?”AbbychewedonhercuticlesasshewaitedforBetsytoaskMr.Meyerwhattheadditionalcostwouldbe.

“Hesaiditwouldbeanextrahundredbucks.Wecandoitourselves,right?Itisn’tlikewehaverenterstointerviewyet.”

“Yeah,wecanhavethemallplantedinafewdays.Wejustneedtobuysomegardeningglovesandafewspades.Tellhimthanks,butwe’vegotitcovered.Bytheway,ErikismovinginSaturday.”

“Nowonderyou’re so jackedup,”Betsy said, smiling as shewalkedaway.

Abby spent an hour after lunch going through the monthly bills.Everythingwasabouttocomedueagainsinceithadbeennearlyamonthsince Charlotte’s death. “This is ridiculous, Betsy. I’m sick of penny-pinching, and it’sonlybeena fewweeks. I have to callAttorneyLewisandseewhat’sgoingonwiththelawsuit.”

“Icouldlookforajob.Everylittlebithelps,doesn’tit?”“Yeah, it does, but I’m going to need you here once the rooms are

rented.We’llhave laundry,cleaning,andcookingto takecareof.That’sprobablytoomuchworkforoneperson,soIintendtohelpout.Ifwecangetthroughonemoremonth,Ithinkwe’llbeokay.Hopefully,we’llgetalltheroomsrentedoutrightaway.AssoonasErikhasonesmallroomandonelargeroompainted,I’mgoingtostartadvertising.Butrightnow,I’mmakingthatcall.”

Abbyretreated to the librarywhereshecouldsitat thedeskand takenotes.Shedialed thephonenumber,hopingAttorneyLewiswas in.Thereceptionist,Adrianne,answeredonthethirdring.

“Goodafternoon,LewisLawOffice.HowmayIdirectyourcall?”“Adrianne,AbbyMelrosecalling.IsAttorneyLewisavailable?”“Hello,Abby, I’m sorry, but he isn’t.He’s away for sixweeks on a

personalsabbatical.”“Whatintheworlddoesthatmean?”Abbyfeltlikecursing,butshebit

herknucklestohelpmaintaincontrolovertheescalatinganger.“He’s having liposuction, but you didn’t hear that fromme. Is there

anythingIcanhelpyouwith?”“Notunlessyou’retakingoverhisdutiesasanattorney.Ineedtoknow

what’s going on with the lawsuit he started against City Waste andRecycling.”

“What’sthebestnumberIcanreachyouat?I’lllookthroughyourfilesandseeifthere’sanythingIcanfind.”

“YoucanreachmeatthenumberonyourcallerID.I’llbeexpectingtohearbackfromyoubytomorrow.”Abbyslammeddownthehousephoneonthedesk.“Theonlygoodthingabouthomephonesisyoucanactuallyslamdownthereceiver.Damnit.”

Abbyfumedwhilestaringatthedeskcalendar,wonderingwhattodonext. The bright red circle around tomorrow’s date caught her attention.“That’s right, tomorrow at ten a.m. is the appointment for my namechange. At least something will go right… I hope.” She replayed themessageshehadsavedfromtheclerkofcourtandwrotedowneverythingshe was instructed to bring to the courthouse. She gathered her birth

certificate, her expireddriver’s license, andherSocialSecurity card andput them inherpurse.Aftercourt, shewouldstopat theSocialSecurityofficeandthengototheDMVtorenewherlicense.

***

“Doesn’tpastamakeyoufat?”Melanieaskedassheshovedanotherforkfullofspaghettiintoherwide-openmouth.

“Youlooklikeababybirdwaitingforitsmothertojamwormsdownits throat,”Abby said, laughing at the look onMel’s face. “Worms andspaghetti,getit?They’rekindofthesamething.”

“Thanks,Abs.IthinkIjustlostmyappetitewiththatimage.”“Thenyoudon’thave toworryaboutgetting fat.Anyway,yes, carbs

willmakeyoufatifyoudon’tdoanytypeofexercise,butwe’llgetplentythisweekendplantingallthoseflowersoutside.”

“We’replantingallofthoseflowers?There’s,like,thousandsofthem.”“Actually, Ihave the invoicehere,and there’sprecisely twohundred,

butthat’sthesameasthousandsinmybook,”Betsysaid,correctingher.“I’llhavetotakeyoutoworkinthemorning,Mel.Tomorrowisthebig

day.Bydinnertime tomorrow,youcanbothaddressmeasMissAbigailTaylor.Cool, huh?NomoreMelrose, nomoreBellavance. I’ll havemyownnameandmyownidentity…finally.”

Betsyjumpedupfromthetableandrandownstairs.“Whatisshedoing?”Melasked.“Noclue.”Betsyreturned,huffingbutwearingagrinonherface.“We’llhaveto

celebrate.There’splentyofchampagneinthebasement.”

ChapterEleven

“Good luck,Abs. Ihope therearen’tanyglitcheswith thenamechange.I’llseeyouatfive.”

Abbywasinhighspirits.TodaywouldbeDayOneof therestofherlife. A new name and a new lifestyle made her nervous, but it wasexciting, too.“Bring iton,”shemumbledasshedrovebackhome.Withtwohourstokill,she’denjoyaleisurelybreakfastwithBetsy,thenshoweranddressnicelyfortheappearanceinfrontofthejudge.

Living on South Battery had its advantages. There wasn’t much indowntownCharleston thatwasmore thana ten-minutedriveaway.WiththecourthouselocatedonBroadStreet,Abbyhadafive-minutedrive,butparkingwasalwaysanissue.Leavingthehouseatninethirtywouldgiveherplentyoftime.

AbbyandBetsy sat in themorning roomhaving scrambled eggs andtoast,facingthebeautifulparkacrossthestreet.“Areyounervous,Abby?”

“Kindof,butit’sprobablybecauseIdon’tknowwhattoexpect.Youcantagalongifyouwantto.”

“Really?”“Sure,whynot?ThatwayIwon’thavetohangoutbymyselfallday.I

knowittakesforevertogetthroughtheDMV.”“Okay, cool. I’ll be ready in a half hour.” Betsy stacked the dishes,

wipedoffthetable,andloadedthebreakfastplatesintothedishwasher.“Betsy?”“Uh-huh?”“Doyoumissmymom?”Betsy turned around to face Abby, drying her hands in the process.

Tearsfilledhereyes.“Whatbroughtthaton?YourmomandIhadamuchdifferentrelationshipthanyouandIdo.”

“Iknowthat,butyoujusttearedupwhenIaskedyou.Youmusthavecaredaboutherafterfifteenyearsofservice.”

“Icaredforyourmomandwasasfaithfultoherasanyemployeecould

be.Shewaskind tome,butwedidn’t have apersonal relationship, likefriends. She was my employer, and I was her employee. You mustremembersomeofit,don’tyou?”

“Yeah… I do. I hope shenever treatedyoubadly.Please, don’t everfeel likeyou’reaservanthere.You’reoneofmydearest friends. I’msothankfulforyou.Iwasjustrememberingsomeof thefuntimeswithmymomyearsago.IguessIwashopingyouhadsomememorabletimeswithher,too.I’msorryI’mbeingnostalgic,probablybecauseI’mgivinguptheMelrosenamelikeitnevermeantanythingtome.”

“That isn’t true,Abby.You’re justprotectingyourself frompredatorslikeRemy.Youhaveevery right tobecautiouswithpeople.Yourmomwouldunderstandthat.Okay,I’mgoingupstairstogetready.Youhaveajudgeandanewnamewaitingforyou.”

***

Theyfoundstreetparkingonlyablockawayfromthecourthouse.Sofar,sogood,Abby thoughtassheparallelparkedMelanie’sCamry.SheandBetsy entered the red brick building with the massive columns. Thecourtroom they were supposed to be in was on the second floor. Theywalked up the staircase with the beautiful cherry wood handrail andenteredcourtroom2C.Theroomwassmall,withonlyfiverowsofseatsoneither sideof theaisle that led to the judge’sbench.AbbyandBetsytook a seat in thegallery andwaited forAbby’s name to be called.Theantiquependulumwallclockfacingthemshoweditwasnineforty-seven.

“Abby,Ihavetopee.I’llberightback,”Betsywhispered.“Okay,I’mnotgoinganywhere.”Abbywaited,nervouslywringingher

hands and hoping for a speedy session without any hiccups. She hadbroughtallthedocumentssheneededandcheckedinsideherpurseforthefifthtime.

“Abigail Melrose Bellavance,” Judge Ann Simons called out,“approachandstateyourintentions.”

Abby rose and walked to the plaintiff’s table. “My name is AbigailBellavance,andI’mheretochangemylastname,YourHonor.”

“Haveyoucommittedanycriminalactstohideyouridentity,ordoyouintendtoimpersonatesomebodyelse?”

“No,YourHonor.”Betsy slipped back into the gallerywhileAbby answered the judge’s

questions.“Whydoyouwanttochangeyourlastname,MissBellavance?”“YourHonor,Idon’twanttobeassociatedwithmyhusband,whohas

conveniently gonemissing after stealing allmymoney, and I no longerwanttobeassociatedwithmymaidennameeither.Iwouldliketohavealastnamethatisactuallyofmyownchoosing.”

“Andthatis?”“Taylor.Asimplename,notrelatedtoanyoneIknow,YourHonor.”“Granted.Godownstairsandfileyournewnamewiththecountyclerk.

Nextcase.”Thejudgehitthegavelagainsttheblock,anditwasover.Abbyturned

aroundwithasmiletoseeBetsygivingherthethumbs-up.“Thatwas it?Easypeasy, right? It’s over.Nowyou’reAbbyTaylor.

Doyoufeelanydifferent?”“It’sonlybeenthreeseconds.”Abbylaughedastheylinkedarmsand

walkeddownthestaircasetothecountyclerk’sofficetofilethepapers.“Howmanycopiesdoyouneed,ma’am?”theclerkasked.“Ihavenoidea.Isthereatypicalamountpeopleaskfor?”“Typically, I’d say ten copies, and we have to notarize them here.

Carboncopiesarenotconsideredlegaldocuments.”“Okaythen,I’lltaketencopies,too.”“Stepthisway,ma’am.Youhavepaperworktosign.”Afterlunch,theydrovetotheDMVtogetAbbyanewdriver’slicense.

Thatalonetooktwohours.GettinganewSocialSecuritycardwentmuchquicker.

Atfiveo’clock,AbbyandBetsywaitedatthecurbinfrontofColette’sClosetfashionhouse.Melaniewasstilllearningthetricksofthetrade,butafterworkingthereforseveralyears,shewasonthefasttracktobecomingone of their best designers. She glanced out the third-floorwindow andsaw her friendswaiting across the street. “I’m outta here,” she told her

colleagues.“ThegirlsandIhavesomecelebratingtodotonight.Seeyouguystomorrow.”

Melanierandownthreeflightsofstairsandoutthefrontdoor.Manyofthehistoricbuildingsdidn’thave theroomto installelevatorsorweren’tallowed to alter the buildings. Most people that worked downtownappreciated keeping the buildings as authentic-looking as possible andwereusedtotakingthestairs.

“Hi, guys. So it’s all done?You don’t look any different,” she said,teasingAbbywithherquickhumor.

***

Luckily, Saturdaywas a perfect day, at leastweather-wise.None of thegirlshadeverplantedflowersinsuchquantitiesbefore.Therewereafewbroken nails here and there, but at least they weren’t breaking a sweat.AbbyheardacardoorslamoutfrontandwalkedaroundthroughthesidegatetoseeifitwasErik.Itwas,andsheblushed.

“Hi,Erik.Lookslikemovingday.Yourvanisreallypacked.I’doffertohelp,butwe’reprettybusyinthegarden.Comeonaround.Idon’tthinkyou’vemetMelanieyet.She’sagoodfriendandourfirstpayingtenant.”

ErikfollowedAbbyaroundto thebackyardgarden.“Wow, it’s reallygorgeous back here. Private, lush, and completelywalled in. I likewhatyouladiesaredoing.Plantingthatmanyflowersisprettyambitious.”

“Mrs.Melroseorderedallofthemweeksago,but…”“Butweofferedtoplantthemforher,”Abbysaid,givingBetsya“zip

it”scowl.“That’sniceofyou. I’vealways loved flowergardens.Soas tenants,

areweexcludedfromcertainareas?”ErikhelpedhimselftoaseatintheshadenexttoMelanie.“I’mErikChristiansen,bytheway.”

“I’m sorry, Erik. This is Melanie Davis, my dearest friend fromchildhood.You’vemetBetsyalready.Betsyisthechiefcookhere,andmysecondincommand.Soifyoudon’t like thefood…”Abbylaughed,hereyestwinklingplayfully.“Justkidding.Actually,Betsy’safabulouscook.Back to your question, yes, all common areas are open for everyone to

enjoy.Givemeaminutetowashup,thenwe’llgoupstairs,andyoucanchooseyourroom.”

Erik waited in the garden with Mel and Betsy. He walked around,commenting on the hard work they’d put into the flower beds. “I canalwayslendahandifyougettired.Plantingflowersisathanklessjob,butthe end results are well worth it. Certain flowers attract butterflies andhummingbirds.Havingabackyard like this is something tobeproudof.It’samagicalplace.”

“Wow.Itsoundslikeyou’rereallyintonature,”Melsaid,admiringthenewcomeralready.

“Yeah, actually, my mom used to run a garden supply store inOrangeburg.Igrewuplearningtoworkwithmyhandsfrombothparents.My dad had the remodeling business, so I guess enjoying indoor andoutdoorthingscomesnaturallytome.”

AbbystoodbehindErik,hershoulderleaningagainstthedoorframeasshe smiled at Mel, who was facing her. She enjoyed listening to Erikengagewiththetwowomen.“Ready?”

HeturnedtoseeAbbybehindhim.“Okay,leadtheway.Nicetalkingtoyou,ladies.I’msurewe’llbeseeingalotofeachother.”

HefollowedAbbytotheupstairshallwaywheretheyturnedright.Sixbedrooms were on that floor, three large rooms with private baths andthreesmallerroomswithhallwaybaths.

“If it were up to me, I’d choose the smaller room down the lefthallway.”

“Why’sthat?”heasked,confusedbytheenormityofthesecondfloor.“Well…downthelefthallway,therearetwoofthethreelargerrooms

andonlyoneof thesmall roomswith thehallwaybath.The largeroomshavetheirownbaths,sothesmallroomwouldsortofhaveitsownprivatebath,too.Imean,whywouldanyoneelseuseitwhenit’sattheendofadifferenthallway?”

“Wow.Idon’tknowifIunderstoodonewordofwhatyoujustsaid.”Hechuckled.

“It’seasy.Comewithme,andI’llshowyouwhatImean.”Theyturnedback and retraced the steps they had just taken. “See, there’s only one

small room at the end of thiswing. The bath is directly across the hall.You’dhaveplentyofprivacyotherthanthetwolargeroomsinthiswing.The door at the very end leads to the third floor. There’s also a backstairway thatopensoneach floor.Thatwasusedback in thedayby theservants.”

“Sowhat’sonthethirdfloor?”Erikasked.“Thelast threelargebedroomswithprivatebathsareupthere.That’s

wheremy room,Betsy’s room, andMelanie’s roomare.There isn’t anyreasonforanybodyotherthanustogouptothethirdfloor.Allthepayingtenantswillbeonthesecondfloor.It’shandierforpeoplemovingin,too.It’salsomoreconvenientforuswhenwe’recleaningandwashinglinens,stufflikethat.”

“SoallthetenantswillbeonthesecondfloorexceptMelanie,right?”“Well…yeah,yougotmethere.She’sadearfriendandhasbeenhere

fromthebeginning.Shegottopickherownroom,Betsytoo…okay,andme too.” Abby laughed at the foolishness spewing from her mouth. Idefinitelymusthaveacrushonthisguy.I’mramblinglikeafifthgrader.

Erik laughed, too, but with apparent delight. “So, are you saying Ishouldtakethissmallroomsoyoucanpassbymydooreverynightwhenyou go upstairs to bed?Are you coming on tome,Miss Taylor?” Eriklaughedsoloudlyitechoedthroughoutthesecondfloor.

“Rightnow,Idon’thavetheslightestideawhatI’msayingexceptthatyou’reembarrassingthehelloutofme.”

“I’mjustgivingyouahardtime.Plusit’skindofcutetoseeyoublushthatmuch.”

She smacked him hard on the arm. “You deserve a lot more than asmack,mister.”

“Ilikethesoundofthat.”Helaughedagainandgaveherawink.Sheshookherheadandunlockedthedoor,allowingEriktocheckout

hisnewdigs.“Okay,smart-ass.Hereitis.Whatdoyouthink?”“IlikewhatIsee,Abby.”“You aren’t even looking at the room.” Abby was becoming

exasperatedbyhischarmandinnuendos.“Iknow…andIstilllikewhatIsee.”

“Idon’tknowwhattodowithyou.You’resmooth,I’llgiveyouthat.”“Wouldyoulikearesponse?”Hestoodcasuallyagainstthedoorwith

hisarmscrossed,fullyinchargeofthesituation.Abby noticed those bulging biceps and caught her breath before

speaking.“No…noresponsenecessary.Anyway,that’sit,whatyouseeiswhatyouget.Ugh…nevermind,I’vegottogetbacktoplantingflowers.Herearethekeystoyourroomandthefrontdoor.Thegatecodeis4-7-1-3.”

“Youaren’tgoingtohelpmecarryupboxesandunpack?You’rejustgoingtoleaveme?”

“Yep, you’ll be fine. See you at dinner. We sit down to eat at sixo’clock.”Holy crap, I’ve got to back away from him. I’m letting thisgorgeous guy suckme in just likeRemy did.Didn’t I learn anything bylosingfivemillionbuckstoasmoothtalker?Abbydisappeareddowntheservant’s stairway, through the kitchen, and ended up in the backyard,whereMelandBetsysatatthetablesippingsweettea.“Whattheheck?IwassurealltheflowerswouldbeplantedbythetimeIgotback.”

“Yeah,we’reon toyouandyour thoughts.That’swhywewaitedforyoutoreturn.What,noquickie?”

“You’regoing tohell,MelanieDavis…I’mjustsaying.Anyway, I’llhave some of that tea, too. Ifwe don’t finish the flowers today, there’salwaystomorrow.”

“YoumeanwhenthesexyScandinaviancanhelpus?”“Maybe.”

***

Sherolledoverfourtimesintwominutes,poundedherpillow,jammeditunderherneck, and rolledoveragain.Damn it,why can’t I fall asleep?Just the thought of Erik Christiansen below her, one floor down, sentshivers up and down her spine. I wonder what he wears to bed… ifanything.Oh.My.God.Doeshesleepnaked?IswearI’llneverdozeoffifIdon’tstoppicturinghiminmymind.Iwonderifhe’slookingupattheceiling,imaginingmerightabovehim.No…that’simpossible.Hehasno

ideawheretheroomsaresituatedorwhichoneismine.Iwonderwhathisbedtimeroutineis.Doesheshowerbeforebed?Ofcourse,hemustbrushhis teeth.They’rebeautifulandbrightwhite.Maybe they just looksuperwhitebecausehehasthatdamntan.Hmmm…doeshesnore,orisheasquietasababy?Man,wouldI like tobea flyonawall inhisroom,ormaybeaflyonhispilloworunderthecovers.“OhforPete’ssake,getagrip!”AbbyturnedonherTVandsetthevolumeonthelowestsetting.AnepisodeofMistresseswasplaying.“Oh,whatever!”WiththeTVplayinginthebackground,shewasfastasleepintenminutes.

AbbywoketoatypicallazySundayuntilsherememberedErikwasinthe house. “Crap! Now I have to look human before I can even godownstairs to grab a cup of coffee.” She scanned the bedroomuntil shefound theperfectspot.“Yep…I’mbuyingasmallcoffeepot toput rightthereonthedresser.AtleastIcanhavemyfirstcupofthemorningwhileI’mgettingdressed tofacemytenantsatbreakfast. Ihave tostartanewnormal…beginningtoday.”

Breakfastwas served at eight a.m. onweekends. If a tenant chose tosleepin,freshfruitandrollswerealwaysavailableonthekitchencounter.Betsy would make two hot meals a day, no exceptions. Abby wantedeveryonetoknowinadvancethatherswasahome,notarestaurant.

She checked the time on her cell phone as she walked down thestaircase, looking fresh and quite pretty at 7:52 a.m. Perfect timing. IwonderifErikwillbedownstairs.Stopthinkingabouthim,geez,he’sjustatenant.AbbyenteredthekitchentoseeBetsyatthestoveandMelanieatthetable.HerheartsankforaminuteasshelookedaroundforErik.

“Abby,you’reasobviousasabeaconintheharbor,”Betsysaid.Mel chuckled. “She looks like a forlorn little baby with puppy dog

eyes. Don’t worry, hon, Mr. Hot Stuff just went outside to get thenewspaper.Damn…yougotitbad,girl.”

“Idonot.”“Do,too.”“What do you have?” Erik rounded the corner and sat down next to

Abby.“ShesaidIhavetohelpfinishplantingtheflowerstoday,”Abbysaid,

comingupwithaquickresponse.Melgaveheranodofapproval.“I’llhelp.Idon’thaveanythingelsetodountilthepaintandnewwater

heaterarrivetomorrow.Bytheway,Abby,whichdoyouwantmetodofirst?”

“Let’sgowith thewaterheater.Thepaintingwill takemore time, solet’sjustgetthewaterheateroutoftheway.”

“Yougot it.Hey, thanks,Betsy, theeggsaregreat, andbacon?Man,it’slikeI’vediedandgonetoheavenjustfromthescentlingeringintheair.”

“You’rewelcome.Didyoueatbreakfastwithyourfolkseverymorningbeforemovinghere?”

“Naw… I usually ate on the go. But now, I’m going to enjoy this.Anyway,Abby,I’mthinkingitwilltaketwoweekstogetallthebedroomsandbathroomspainted.I’mholdingoffontakinganynewbusinessuntilI’mdonehere.Ifthere’sanythingelseafterthepaintingyou’dlikemetodo,justletmeknowbeforeIstartsettingupappointments.”

“Oh,thereisforsure,”MelsaidbeforeAbbyelbowedherintheside.“Ouch…I’mjustkidding,geez.”

ChapterTwelve

The house on South Battery was taking shape. With four of the sixbedrooms painted, Abby realized how much the entire house neededfreshening. In due time, she thought as she checked on Erik’s progress.“Sohowsoonwillthepaintsmelldisappear?”

“Well,I’mconstantlypainting,butI’msureafewoftheroomsarefinebynow.Howaboutpostingyourads,thenyoucanrentouttheroomsinorderoftheonesIpaintedfirst.”

“Yeah, that’s a smart way to go. You know, Erik, over time, theremightbea lotmorework foryou todohere.Either theownerscanpayyouoryoucangetfreerent.It’syourchoice.Thatis,ifyouintendtostayinthisarea.”

“Sure,I’mnotgoinganywhereintheimmediatefuture.Ivisitmyfolksoften enough, and they’re interviewing tenants themselves. Having apayingrenterwillreallyhelptheirincomeaswell.Everyoneneedsalittlecushionoranestegg,right?”

“Yes,anesteggisalwaysagoodthing.”Exceptforidiotslikemewholetotherpeopletakeitanddisappear.

“Abby?”“I’msorry.Didyousaysomething?”“Yeah,whoactuallyownsthisplace?Whyhaven’tIevermetthem?”“Oh,thehouseisinatrustthatcan’tbetouchedforyears.Theowners

aren’t around, so theyhaveanattorney that Igo through foreverything.It’s sort of complicated. I guess you could call me the steward of thehouse.”

“Well, you’re a damn good steward.You treat theMelroseMansionlikeit’syourown.Ibetthefamilyisproudofyourabilities.”

“Thanks.That’sanicecompliment.MaybeDadwasproudofme,butI’ve never lived up to Mom’s standards. Okay, I’m going to post adsaroundtheneighborhood.I’llbebacklater.”

Abby left quicklybeforehenoticedhervoicebegin to crack andher

eyeswellup.Shehatedlyingtohim,butthescrewed-uplifeshehadlivedand themistakes she hadmade were really none of Erik Christiansen’sbusiness.Theyhadadeal.Heworkedonthehouseforfreerent,nothingmore.Noexplanationswerenecessary.IneedtocallAttorneyLewisagainandseewhentheheckhe’sgoingto

be back at work. This house does need attention, and I need money.Hopefully,bythistimenextweek,I’llhaveinterestedpeopletointerview,shethought.

“Hello,LewisLawOffice,Adriannespeaking.HowmayIdirectyourcall?”

AbbylaughedatAdrianne’sphoneintroduction.“Really,Adrianne?Isthereanyoneyoucouldactuallydirectmycall to sinceMr.Lewis is theonlyoneworkingthere?Andisheback,bytheway?”

“Oh,hi,Abby.That’s pretty funny come to thinkof it. I don’t knowwhoIwoulddirectthecallto”—shegiggled—“butit’swhatIwasalwaystold tosay.Andno,AttorneyLewis isn’tbackyet.WhydoyousayMr.anyway?Isitjustwhenyou’repissedoff?”

“Yeah, prettymuch. He isn’t acting like an attorney these days, justleavingmehangingouttodrylikehedid.Doyouhaveanyideawhenhe’scomingback?”

“Actually,he’sbeendoingsomeworkfromhome.ShouldItellhimtocallyou?”

“Well… duh, of course have him call me. I need this lawsuit to gothroughlikeyesterday.”

“Okay, I’llgeton thehorn.Youshouldhear fromhim thisweek…Ihope.”

***

“Abby, I’ve got great news.My cousin Bobby said he met a guy on aflight into Charleston the other day. This guy said hewasmoving herefromChicagoandwas lookingforaplace to live.Bobbygavehimyourinfo.Ihopethatwasokay,”Melaniesaid.

“Of course it was okay, but what are the odds of someone actually

followingthroughwithitfromacasualconversationonanairplane?”“Whoknows,butit’sastart.Ipostedyouradonthebulletinboardat

work, and Joanie gave some of the ads to her husband to post in thehospitalcafeteria.”

“Okay,thosearegoodlocations.IputadsinalltheStarbuckssouthofSpringStreet, too. Iwishwecould justadvertise in thenewspaper,but Idon’t want all the neighbors knowing what I’m up to. I can’t afford tobring this place up to code right now. Hopefully, the ads will startdrummingupphonecalls.”

Bythefollowingweek,Abby’sphonewasringingconstantly.Shehadonly five rooms to rent, three large and two small. With any luck, theinterviewswould go quickly, and sowould filling up the empty spaces.Bringing in money was of the utmost importance. Abby compiledindividual packets with pictures showing each room, small and large,alongwiththehallwaybathrooms.Picturesalsoshowedthefrontandbackyards and the common areas, and a list detailed the benefits of rentingfromher. If thecandidatewas interested,Abbywouldhave themfilloutanapplication, and if allof their informationwas true, shewould setupanotherappointmentwiththemtoshowthehouse.TherewasnowayonGod’sgreen earth she intended tohave amultitudeofpeople coming inandoutof thehouseoutofmere curiosity.Thatwoulddefinitely attracttoomuch attention in theneighborhood.Somebodymight think shewasrunning a drug house for heaven’s sake. Meeting each applicant at theStarbucks on King Street just north of Market Street would be a goodcentral location,plusAbbycouldindulgeinonecupofwonderfulcoffeeandreadthepaperbetweenappointments.Itwouldbeafifteen-dollardaysinceshewoulddotheproperthingandbuyeachapplicantacupofplaincoffeetodrinkwhiletheytalked.Today,shehadthreepotentialrenterstointerview,anicewaytostarttheweek.

Abby called a cab to pick her up at eleven thirty for her firstappointment,whichwassetforelevenforty-five.TheStarbuckswasclose,only fiveminutes away by cab. The first person shewouldmeetwas asinglewoman on disability.That doesn’t sound very promising, but shedoeshaveasteadyincomeeverymonth,Abbythoughtasshewaitedinside

Starbucksforthewomantoarrive.Iwonderwhatherdisability isandifshe can walk up and down stairs. Abby had described herself to thewoman, who was named Sharon, over the phone, saying she had curlyblackhairandwouldbewearingayellowT-shirtandnavy-blueshorts.

An extremely largewomanwith a heavy limpwalked in the door at11:50a.m.Abbywatched tosee ifshewouldmakeeyecontact,andshedid. Sharon headed in Abby’s direction. Perspiration ran down herforehead, ending at the tip of her nose, and her cheekswere fire enginered.

“Hello.YoumustbeSharon,”Abbysaid,takenabackbythewoman’sappearance.ShereachedouttoshakeSharon’shand,whichwascoldandclammy.OhmyGod,whatdidIgetmyselfinto?HowamIgoingtowashmy hands now? “It’s nice to meet you. Here, have a seat. You lookexhausted.CanIgetyousomethingtodrink?”

“Yeah,water sounds good,” Sharon said as she plunked down in thechair,causingthebistrotabletowobble.

“Sure, I’ll be right back.” Abby ran to the ladies room to wash herhands.“Seriously,thisisridiculous,”shemumbledasshesquirteddoubleamounts of soap into her hands, scrubbing them thoroughly. “At least IstillhavethreebucksIdidn’thavetospendoncoffee.”

Shereturnedwithherowncoffeeandawaterinhandandplacedthemonthetable.SharongulpedtheplasticcupofwaterbeforeAbbywasevenseated.

“More,please,”SharonsaidasshehandedAbbytheemptycup.“Oh…okay,givemeasecond.”Abbyfinallysatdownwiththesecond

cupofwaterandbegantheconversation.Shedidn’tneedtoaskwhatthedisability was because it was apparent that something was up withSharon’sleg.“Youdidn’twalkhere,didyou?Whereareyoulivingnow?”

“IliveinaroominghouseonCalhoun.IgothereonmyRascalscooter.It’soutside,parkedonthesidewalk.”

“Ohmyword…areyouabletogoupanddownstairs?”“Ofcoursenot,don’tyouhaveastairlift?Whatkindofboardinghouse

doyourun?”“Apparently,I’mnotrunningtherightkind.I’msosorryfornotasking

theproperquestionsoverthephone.Ididn’tmeantowasteyourtime.Youcanstillfilloutanapplicationifyoulike.”

“What’s the point? Thanks for thewater, but I gotta get back home.JerrySpringerrerunsarestartingsoon.”Oh my God, I have no idea what I’m doing, Abby thought as she

watchedSharonstruggleout thedoorand leave.ThankGod Ihave fortyminutestoregroupbeforethenextappointment.Sheglancedathernotesto seewhoshewas interviewingnext.Okay, this one isLisaGannon, atwenty-year-oldmedicalstudent.Thatsoundsalittlebetter,butIwonderhowshe’llpaytherent.

A fresh-faced girl with short blond hair entered through the door attwelve thirty.Right on time, that’s a positive.Maybe she’ll be right ontimewiththerentcheck,too.LisascannedthecoffeeshopandwavedassoonasshesawAbby.Nice…she’sfriendlyandoutgoing,AbbythoughtasshestoodtoshakeLisa’shand.“It’sgreattomeetyou,Lisa.I’mAbby,ofcourse.Pleasesit.CanIgetyouanythingtodrink?”

“Acoffeesoundsgood.Blackworksforme.”Lisasat,lookingrelaxedandconfident.Yay,finally,apotentialrenter.Maybetodaywillturnoutokayafterall.

Abbywalkedback to the tablewithoneblackcoffeeandsatdown.“So,Lisa,tellmealittleaboutyourselfandwhyyouwereinterestedinrentingfromme.”

“Sure…I’mafull-timestudentatMUSCstudyingtobeapediatrician.I’minmysecondyear,andmystudiesandcoursesarereallykeepingmebusy.IlivewithmyfolksinMoncksCorner,butthedriveintoCharlestoneverydayisanightmare.Idon’thavethemostreliablecareither,butifIlivednear theuniversity, Icould ridemybike to school.Myparentsaregivingmeaone-thousand-five-hundred-dollar-a-monthallowancetofindaplacetolivewhileIfinishmyschooling.”

“That sounds really nice. Congratulations. You seem to be veryambitious.”

“Oh,Itotallyam.Youwon’tbesorrytohavemeasatenant.I’mquietbecauseI’malwaysstudying,andIdon’thavetimetopartylikemostkidsmyage.”

“Okay, letmeshowyouwhatweoffer,andifyoulikewhatyousee,youcantaketheapplicationhomewithyou.I’llneedyourparents’workhistory,sincethey’retheoneswhowillpayyourrent.Makesureyouletthemknowthattwohotmealsadayareincluded.Thatshouldgivethemasenseofreliefthatyou’reeatingproperly.”

Abby showed Lisa pictures of the rooms and the common areas andexplainedthebreakdownoftherentcharges.

“I’m sure a smaller roomwith thehallwaybathwouldbeperfect forme. This home is beautiful.May I take all of thiswithme to showmyfolks?”

“Of course, that’swhat it’s for.Goahead and fill out the applicationtogetherwithyourparentsandgetbacktome.Mycontactinformationisinthepacket.Ifyouwanttogoahead,haveyourparentscomealong,too.I’dbehappytoshowallofyouthehouse.”

“Thankyousomuch.I’mreallyexcitedaboutthis,andI’llgetbacktoyouinafewdays.Ibettergo.Idon’twanttomissmynextclass.”

Lisa left, andAbbyexhaledadeepsigh.“Okay…onedownandonemoretogofortoday.Lisaseemspromising.Ihopesheactuallymovesin.”

Thelast interviewforthedaywaswithCharles,acityemployeewhohadrecentlygottendivorced.Heneededaplace tocallhisownsincehehadbeenlivingwithhissisterforthelastthreemonths.

AmanenteredStarbucksaloneand lookeddirectlyatAbby.Asmilecrossed his face as he walked toward her, held out his hand and shookAbby’s.

Abby stoodand introducedherself. “Hello,youmustbeCharles. I’mAbby.MayIgetyouacoffee?”

“Sure,soundsgood.Itakecreamandsugar.”CharlesDuncanwasanaverage-lookingmaninhismidforties,asfaras

Abbycouldtell.Heseemedcleancutandpolite,almostmeek.Hefidgetedabitwhilesheaskedhimthetypicalquestions.

“So,Charles,you’relookingforaplaceofyourown.Isthatright?”“Yeah,suream.Ican’tlivewithmysisforever.Shehasahubbyand

fourkidsinathree-bedroomhouse.”“Isee.Thatmakesperfectsense.Soyouworkforthecity.Whatdoyou

do?”“I’m a garbage truck driver forCityWaste andRecycling. I just got

hiredthereamonthback,butIwasagarbagemaninAugustabeforethat.Mywifewantedtomovehere,butnowIknowitwasbecauseshehadaboyfriendinCharleston.Nowsheupanddivorcedme,andtheytookofffor parts unknown. I make good money, and I’m reliable. I can be inchargeoftakingoutthegarbage,too.”

“Oh…thankyou,butthatisn’tnecessary.SoyouworkforCityWasteandRecycling?”Abby’sface turnedpale,andperspirationpoppeduponher forehead upon hearing the company’s name. I’m sure he got hiredbecauseofpoorMr.Hanson’sfatalheartattack.Willhavinghimlivewithme screw up my chances for a settlement? Abby’s mind was going ahundred miles a minute. “Okay, let me show you the photos of thecommonareasinthehouse,andthebedrooms.Herearetheroomprices,whichincludetwohotmealseveryday.Ifyou’dliketogoahead,youcanfill out the application, and I’ll get back toyouonce I check everythingout.Ifatthattimeyouwanttogoforward,I’llgiveyouatouroftheplace.Howdoesthatsound?”

“Realgood,soIshouldfillthisoutnow?”“Yes, rightnowsoundswonderful.” Iseriouslyneed togethomeand

haveadrink.Charles left, andAbbydecided towalkhome.Withagoodhalf-hour

walkaheadofher,shecouldfillthattimewithdecisions.Shehadalotofthinkingtodo.

ChapterThirteen

Back homewith a glass of chardonnay on the library desk, Abbywentover the numbers. “Letme see…Charleswill likely take a small room,and Lisa will, too. Actually, two potential renters out of threeappointmentsaren’ttoobad.”

Betsywalkedin.“Doyoualwaystalkoutloudtoyourself?IthoughtIheard the front door open. How did it go?” She pulled up one of thewingback chairs and sat closer to the desk, resting her feet on the chairnexttoher.ShegrabbedAbby’sglassandtookasip.“Ooh,that’sgood.”Betsyjumpedoffthecozychairjustlongenoughtoopenthemini-fridgeat the wet bar and pour herself a glass of chardonnay. “Thank you,Charlotte,foralwayshavinganicewineselection.”

“Wherewereyoujustnow?”“Iwasupstairschangingthebedlinens.Sodidanyonebite?”“Wemightgettwooutofthree.That’sapositivestart,isn’tit?”“Heckyeah,sotellmeabouttheonethatwasanogo.”“Oh my gosh, she drove her Rascal to the interview,” Abby said,

almostchokingonherwine.“Imean,youcan’tmakethisstuffup.Ifeltbad,butIthinkshewouldhavebeenontousintwosecondsflat.Shewashandicapped, of course, but she asked why I was renting out roomsupstairs if I didn’t have a stair lift.Whowould have thunk?That neverevenoccurredtome.I’mgoingtohavetodomoreoftheinitialinterviewover the phone and make sure everyone is capable of walking up to asecond-floorroom.”

“Yeah,thatcouldhavegottenusintrouble.”“Oh, and get this… I swear truth is stranger than fiction.One of the

other twopotential tenantsworksatCityWasteandRecycling. It scaredthecrapoutofmewhenhesaidthat.Itlookslikehecouldbeapotentiallygoodtenant,butisthatjustsomemorebadkarma,voodoo,andjuju?”

“Whotheheckknows?Thatissoweird.Whataday…andthethird?”“She was perfect, a medical student whose parents will pay one

thousand fivehundreddollars amonth forher to live inCharleston. I’msurethatonewillbefine.”

“Okay, then there’s two people, and they want a small or a largebedroom?”

“Mostlikelysmall,butit’sastartintherightdirection.”

***

Allofthebedroomswereready.Theivorypaintlookedelegantandrich.Erikwasright,andhischoiceofcolorsfortheroomswasspot-on,andthepaintwasmuchcheaper inbulk.Abbyaddedcolorfulpillows she foundscatteredthroughoutthehouseandusedtheminthebedrooms.Shemovedartworkand rugs fromother rooms into the tenant rooms toaddpopsofcoloraswell.Shedidn’tmindgettingbywithlessinherownroom,andMelandBetsydidn’teither.

ThatSaturdaywastheperfectdaytoshowLisaandherparents,alongwith Charles, the house on South Battery. All the applications wereproperly filledout, and the credit checks andbackgroundhistories camebackingoodorder.WiththequantityoftouristswalkingEastandSouthBatteryandcheckingoutWhitePointGarden,nobodywouldnoticeafewpeoplegoinginandoutofMelroseMansion.Thevisitorswerescheduledto arrive at eleven a.m., the busiest time for tourists to stroll theneighborhood.Forthirtyminutes,Abbyactedasatourguide,showingthemain floor, second floor, the available rooms, and the gardens outside.Erikwasrightagain.Plantingthatgreatquantityofflowershadpaidoffinspades,andthebackyardwasbreathtakinglybeautiful.Butterfliesflitteredabout, and hummingbirds zoomed by like fairies on rocket launchers.AbbyinvitedthegroupouttothebacktositandenjoyaglassofteawithherandMelanie,Betsy,andErik.

“Everyone,I’dlikeyoutomeetLisa,herparents,andCharles.LisaandCharles are both potential tenants. For now, they’re enjoying everythingthis house and neighborhood have to offer. You can’t get any moreprestigiousorbeautifulthanahomeonSouthBattery.”

“I’llsecondthat,”Erikadded.I’velivedherealmostamonth,andit’s

beautifulandpeaceful,evenwiththetourists,andhavingtheparkacrossthestreetisreallynice.Betsyisthebestcookever,andAbbyandMelarelikehousemothers.Anyonewouldbeluckytolivehere.”

Abby shot a quick smile at Erik to show her appreciation for hiscomments.

“Mom,Dad,canI?Ireallylovethisplace.Wecangobackupstairsandpickoutasmallroom.There’sonlytwoleft,andifCharleswantsasmallroom,too,I’dhavetodecidenow.”

“Well,Don,whatdoyouthink?”Lisa’smotherasked.“Isaysure,let’sgobackupstairsandpickaroom.”“Well…IguessIwill,too,then.Lisa,choosewhicheveroneyouwant,

thenI’lltaketheother.”“Areyousure,Charles?”“Yep,forsure.Iwouldn’tmindeitherofthem.”Bytwelvethirty,pleasantrieshadbeenexchangedandhandsgratefully

shaken. The deals were done, and there would be an additional twothousanddollars amonthcoming in, alongwithMelanie’sone thousandfour hundred dollars to help with the household expenses. Abby wouldtakedowntheadstomorrowandrewritethem.Threelargebedroomswithprivatebathswereallthatremainedinneedoftenants.

***

“Abby,I’dbehappytodriveyoutotheplacesyou’vepostedyourads.IoverheardyoutellingMelyouneededtowritenewonesofferingjustthethreelargebedroomsnow.”

“Icouldn’timposeonyoulikethat,Erik,butIappreciatetheoffer.”“Itisn’tanimpositionorIwouldn’thaveoffered,buttobehonest,I’m

out of things to do around here, and I’m kind of going stir-crazy. Howaboutit?I’dlovetotakeyououtforlunchafterward.”

Abby’s innervoicewas tellingher tokeepherdistance, at leastuntilherlifewasbackontrackandherfinanceswereintheblack,butherhearttoldhersomethingentirelydifferent.Erikwasjustaboutthenicest,mostsincereandpolitemanAbbyhadevermet,andshewassecretlydyingto

gosomewherewithhimawayfromthehouse.Alittlefriendlyinteractionwouldn’thurt,wouldit?Itwouldjustbeafriendofferingtohelpanotherfriendandthenhavinglunchafterward.NodifferentthanwhatMelandIdotogether.

“Abby?Whatdoyousay?”“Um…sure,whynot?Givemeahalfhourtoputmyselftogether.”“Good, it will be fun. You can pick wherever you want to go for

lunch.”

***

TheinnercourtyardofEliza’sSecretGardenonMeetingStreetwasoneofAbby’sfavoriteplaces.Theintimateantiquebrickoutdoorcafeheldonlysixtablesandwasaplaceunknowntotourists.Ivyclimbedthewalls,andornatewrought-ironsconceslinedtheinnerwalkwayleadingtothegardenseatingarea.Shecouldn’twaittoshowthecitytreasuretoErik.

“Wow…”“Nokidding,right?”Abbysaid,turningbacktogivehimasmileashe

followedhercloselythroughthedarkenedwalkway.Thesconceswereallthatlightedthepath.

“Howdidyouknowaboutthisplace?Therearen’tanysignsalongthesidewalk.”

“Youknow,”shesaidwithalaugh,“youhavetobeaninsider.Igrewup in Charleston. I know all the quirky and cool secluded eatingestablishments.Ihaven’tbeenhereforafewyearsandalmostforgotaboutit,butit’sstillasbeautifulasIremembered.”

A hostess greeted them as they entered the inner courtyard. She ledthemtoacozycorner tablefor two.Aserverwaitedwith twoglassesoficewaterwhentheysatdown.

“Talk about service. This place is amazing, and gorgeous. The namesuitsitperfectly.Soifyoulovethisplacesomuch,whydidittakeafewyearsforyoutocomeback?”Eriktookasipofwaterandwaitedforherresponse.

Abby thought carefully abouthow to answer.Shedidn’twant to talk

aboutherprivatelife,butnotsayinganythingwouldmakeErikevenmorecurious.She fidgetedwith the tableclothasshe tried toquicklycomeupwithsomelogicalreason.

“Is something wrong? You’re a closed book for sure, but I wasn’ttryingtobenosy.Iwasjustmakingfriendlyconversation.”

“I’msorry…memoriespoppinginmyhead, that’sall. Imovedawayforalmosttwoyears.Actually,I’veonlybeenbackinCharlestonforafewmonths.”

“Really?Wheredidyougo?”Thewaitresscameby,welcomed them,andhanded themmenus.She

recitedthedailylunchspecial,tooktheirdrinkorder,andsaidshewouldberightback.

“I lived in the US Virgin Islands for close to two years. Somethingdifferentbutnotdifferentenoughtoneedapassport,foreigncurrency,oratranslator,”shesaidlightheartedly,hopinghewouldn’tdigdeeper.

“Thatsoundsawesome.Ibetyouhadagreattimelivingthere.I’dlovetotravelmoreextensivelythanIhave,butmyjobismyincome.Nowork,nopay,anddefinitelynoplay.”Hechuckled.

“Where would you like to go?” she asked, trying to redirect theconversationtohim.

The waitress returned with their drinks and took their food order.“Wouldyou like theumbrella raised? I see the sun ismaking itsway inthisdirection.”

“Sure.Thankyou,”Abbysaid.“ThelasttimeIleft theUnitedStateswasforspringbreakinCancun

duringcollege.I’dlovetogotoSpainorItaly.IshouldhavesaidSweden,right? That’s my native land anyway. Actually, the Caribbean soundswonderful,andIdon’tmeanCancun.”

“Yeah,it isprettywonderful.There’ssomethingtobesaidforalaid-backlifestyle,evenifitisn’tforever.”

ErikcouldtellbythesadnessinAbby’seyesthatherlastsentenceheldmoremeaningthanshewaslettingon.Hethoughtitbesttoletitgoforthemoment.“Sodoyouhaveanysiblings,andwheredoyourfolkslive?”

Abby took a bite of her grilled grouper. “Nope, it’s just me, no

siblings…orparents.”Erik’sbrowsfurrowedwithconcern.Thatnewsstartledhim.“Iguess

thatwasn’twhatIexpectedtohear.Doyouhaveanyfamilynearby?Areyouclosetoanycousins?”

“No… I’m not really close to anyone other thanMel andBetsy, buthowaboutyou? I knowyourparents are inOrangeburg, butwhat aboutbrothersorsisters?”

“Yeah,my family is prettybig, andwe’re allwithin anhourof eachother. I guess I’m fortunate, now that I think about it. We always gettogetherforholidays,birthdays,barbecues,youknow, that typeof thing.Yououghttocomemeetthemsometime.Myfamilyisn’trich,butwecanputfoodonthetable,andthere’salotofloveinourhearts.”

“Thatsoundsreallynice.Howmanysiblingsdoyouhave?”“Ihavetwobrothersandthreesisters.Itwasactuallyperfectgrowing

up.ThegirlshelpedoutMom,andweboyshelpedoutDad.Weallhadchores.Youknow,thetypicalthings,butwhenweplayedsports,wehadan entire team once the cousins showed up.” Erik laughed at the fondmemories.“I’lltellyousomegoodstoriessometime.”

Shelookedintohisgreeneyes,holdinghisgazeforafewextrasecondsbeforespeaking.“I’dreallylikethat,”shefinallysaid.

“Sohowaboutwalkingthroughtheparkforabit?Wehavetoburnoffthesecaloriesanyway.”Erikwinkedather,makingherheartthumpfaster.

“Okay,andthanksforlunch.”“Thanks for introducingme to this beautiful place. Let’s do it again

sometime.”Erikgotupandpulledoutherchair.He’sgorgeousandagentleman?HowdidIgetsolucky?“Erik,doyou

think it’s possible to turn the backyard into something this gorgeous? Imean,ifIgotpermission.”

He looked around before they headed back through the walkway,envisioning the backyard at themansion lookingmore like the beautifulsecret garden before them. “Yeah, I thinkwe can.All I’d have to do isbuildapergolaoffthekitchen,addmorewaterfeatures,largerplants,andsome garden art. Having outdoor lights strung through the pergola andglowingatnightwouldreallyaddamagicaltouch.Icouldstartonitright

away—ifyougotpermission, that is.Otherwise, I’ll start taking inotherjobsinthearea.”

“That’sfair.I’llletyouknow.”TheyparkedablockoffSouthBattery.Inthatarea,itwasfirstcome,

firstservedforparking.Aslargeasthehomeswere,toevenhaveroomforadrivewaywasabonus.WalkingWhitePointGardenwasnothingnewforAbby.Shehaddoneiteverydayformorethanfifteenyearsgrowingup. She loved to watch the beautiful yellow-crowned night herons nesthigh in the trees. They stayed in the park all year long, caring for theiryoungastheygrew.AsAbbyandErikstrolledthepathways,shepointedoutthebirdstohim.Theliveoakswereasmagnificentasalways,justonemorereasonAbbylovedeverythingaboutCharleston.

ChapterFourteen

Thatnight,aloneinherroom,Abbywentoverthefinances.Withthetwonew tenantspaying the firstmonth’s rent inadvance,alongwitha smallsecurity deposit, Abby thought she could afford to have Erik startimproving the backyard. She didn’t want to admit it, but she enjoyedseeinghishappyfaceeverydayatbreakfast, lunch,anddinner.Sure,helivedthere,butifhehadanoutsidejob,shewouldseefarlessofhim.Shelay in bed and imagined him kissing her with his full lips. His mouthwouldsearchhers,lingeringonherlipsandtastingeverythingshehadtooffer.Hishandswould find theperfect spots tocaress.Hehad that sun-streakedwavyblondhair thatbarelybrushedhis shoulders,andamanlyscentthattookherbreathaway.Erikwaseverythingshewantedinaman,but he didn’t know her past or that she was still married and wouldsomedayinherit theMelrosefortune.Sheworriedaboutbeingvulnerableagain only to be blindsided and humiliated once more. She was tornbetween letting go of her insecurities and keeping up her invisiblewall.OnethingAbbyknewforsurewasthatshelikedErikChristiansenalot,andheseemedtolikeher,too.

***

Monday afternoon, she sat in Starbucks again to meet with three morepotential tenantsfor thelargebedrooms.Please,God, let themworkout.Havingalltheroomsfilledwouldsolvemyfinancialproblems.Hopefully,thelawsuitwillgoforward,butifitdoesn’t,I’dstillbeabletogetby.

The first appointment was with a professional womanwith beautifulebonyskinand largeeyes.Sheworeaglisteningwhite smile,andAbbylikedherinstantly.HernamewasLucilleMoore,agethirty-eight,andsheearnedagoodincome.ShewasrecentlytransferredfromNewYorkCityto Charleston for work, a promotion in a company that made computerprocessors. Itwas a job close toAbby’s heart and one shewas familiarwith because of her father’s success. Lucille filled out the application

immediately, telling Abby she had been renting a hotel room for twohundreddollarsanight.Itwasagodsend,shesaid,whenshereadtheadAbbyhadpostedinStarbucks.AsfarasAbbywasconcerned,itwasano-brainer,yetshetooktheapplicationandtoldLucilleshewouldcontactherin twodays if everything looked fine.At that time, theycould setupanappointmenttotourtheMelroseMansion.

Thesecondappointment,afterAbbyhadamuch-neededcupofcoffee,waswithayoungCharlestonartist,AdamJorgenson.Hispotterywasonconsignmentinthebestgalleriesintown,andAbbywasveryfamiliarwithhisnameandwork.Hehadrecentlymovedoutofahousehesharedwiththreeotherguysthatpartiedtoooftenandtoohardforhisliking.Hewasalso a great potential tenant. Adam was excited by the photos Abbyshowedhimandfilledouttheapplicationastheydrankcoffeeandsharedtheirloveofartwitheachother.

The final applicant strolled through the door of Starbucks at threeo’clock. Abby watched the man enter and scan the café. He wore darkjeansandaT-shirtfeaturingtheChicagoskyline.Shewassureitwastheman she was supposed to meet, but she waited for eye contact beforestandingup to offer a handshake.He looked an awful lot likeChanningTatum—hot,hot,andhotter.

“Hi,I’mAbbyTaylor.Youmustbe”—shequicklylookeddownathernotes—“BrandonLuck.”

“That’smeintheflesh,”hesaid,alittlecockybutfriendlynonetheless.Theyshookhands,andAbbyofferedtobuyhimacoffee.“Nothanks,butI’dbehappytobuyoneforeachofus.”“That’sveryniceofyou,”shesaid,surprisedbyhisgenerosity.“Okay,

I’llhavearegularcoffeewithcream.”“Noproblem.I’llberightback.”Abbytooktheopportunitytoquicklycheckhernotes.BrandonLuck,

attorney, soundedambitious,had justmoved to town fromChicago, andwassingle,thirty-oneyearsold.Crap!I’mgoingtobeinsomuchtroublewithtwogorgeousguysunderoneroof.

He returned to the table and sat across from Abby, handing her amedium-sized coffee with cream. “Here you go. It’s nice to meet you,

Abby.I’mgladItookthatguyuponhisrecommendation.”“Whatguywasthat?”“AguyImetontheflightfromChicago.BobbyDavis,Ithink.Hetold

metocontactyouforaplacetolive.”“Wow,I’msurprisedthatactuallypannedout.Hiscousin,Melanie,is

myclosest friendandoneof the tenantsat thehouse.You’llmeether ifyoudecidetomovein.”

“Okay, that’s cool. So is it true what they say about southernhospitality?”

“Inwhatway?”sheasked,engagingwithhisoff-the-cuffhumor.“Idon’tknow.Youlooklikeyou’dbealotoffun.Maybeyoucould

showmearoundtown.Thatis,unlessyou’respokenforanddon’twanttoruffleanyfeathers.”

“Well,forone,I’mnotspokenfor,andevenifIwere,Idomakemyowndecisions.”

“Goodforyou.Sohowabouthavingdinnerwithmethen?”Hegrinnedather,almostdaringhertosayyes.

She laughed. “You’re pretty bold, aren’t you? Why don’t we getthrough this application process while I give your invitation somethought?”

“Allright,you’rethebosslady.Whatwouldyouliketoknow?”“Anythingthatmightberelevanttohavingyourapplicationaccepted.

What kind of law do you practice, and how long have you beenemployed?”

“Sure, okay. I’m a defense attorney who works with insurancecompanies, usually in wrongful death claims. I’ve been gainfullyemployed for seven years, and I shower every day.” He chuckled,playfullyteasingherashespoke.“Anythingelseyouwanttoknow?”

“Yes,whydidyoumovetoCharlestonfromChicago?”“That’s easy, for theweather.Have you everwintered inChicago or

anywhereintheMidwestforthatmatter?”“IcantruthfullysayIhaven’t.”“Well, thereyougo. Iwasofferedapartnership inawell-established

lawfirmhereinthecity.Itwastootemptingtopassup.I’mjustalucky

guy.” He laughed at his own clever comeback. “Anyway, what’s yourfavoritedinnerrestaurantinCharleston?”

“I’mnot tellingyouuntilwe’refinished.Youstillhavetofillout theapplicationandletmegothroughmypresentation.”

“Really…you’regoingtodoapresentation?”“Well, of course,” she said, blushing. “This is serious tome. I don’t

want to rent to somebody irresponsible just because they can afford it.Thereareother tenants Ineed tobeconsiderateof.Anyway,pleasegivemeyourattention.”

Abbyopenedherbutter-softcalfskinbriefcaseandpulledoutthefoldershehadpreparedforBrandon.“Herearethephotosoftheavailableroomsand common areas, and this is the monthly room cost. Breakfast anddinnerareincludedintherent.”

“Okay,I’llbeseriousforafewminutes.”Hegrinnedasheopenedthefolderandpaged through thephotos. “I’ll admit, it’s abeautifulhome. Iloveantiquesandqualityarchitecture.Doyouknowwhatyearthishousewasbuiltandinwhatstyle?”

“Actually, Ido. It’san Italianatemansionandwasbuilt in1853.Theneighborhood is beautiful and safe, and there’s a park right across thestreet.”

“Itsoundsprettynice.Okay,I’llfillouttheapplication.I’msure,MissTaylor, you’ll find all my credentials are in order,” he joked again.“Anyway,whendoIgettocheckoutthenewdigsinperson?”

“When I review your application and determine you aren’t a flightrisk.”

“I like that. You’ve got a quickwit. Have you decidedwherewe’regoingtohavedinneryet?”

BrandonLuckwasa toughman to turndown.Abby likedeverythingabout him, from his good looks to his cocky sense of humor. He wasoutgoingandfunny,eventhoughhewassomewhatfullofhimself.

“Finethen,ifyouwanttohavedinnerwithme,meetmeatJosh’sGrillon King Street at seven sharp. Thanks for the coffee.” Abby stood andreachedouttoshakehishand.Hetookhersandgaveitasoftkissinstead.Sheblushed,thattimeafieryred,andshookherheadwithalaughasshe

walkedout.Holycrap,I’mgoingtogetmyselfinhotwaterwiththisguy.He’llbehittingonallofus,butifIdoaccepthimasatenant,thehousewillfinallybefull,andIcanstarttorelax.

***

“Where’sAbby?Whyisn’tsheeatingdinnerwithus?”Erikaskedanyonewhomightknowtheanswertohisquestion.

“I think she’s going out to eat tonight,” Melanie responded as shepassedtheplateoflasagnaaroundthetable.

“That’s unusual. Who is she going out with?” Erik’s expressionchangedfromhappy-go-luckytodisappointmentintwosecondsflat.

“She didn’t say, but she’s still upstairs getting ready. I think she’sleaving in about ahalf hour.Maybe she’ll comedownand saygoodbyebeforesheleaves.”

The fun-loving group at the table carried on their usual eveningconversation without missing a beat. Laughter echoed throughout thediningroomfromeveryoneexceptErik.Hesatsolemnlyeatinghisdinnerinsilence.Melanie inconspicuously looked inhisdirectionandsawhowletdownhewas.Man,hehasitbadforher.Ihavetofindouttomorrowwhatshe’suptoandwithwhom.

Thesoundofhard-soledshoes runningdown the staircasealerted thediners thatAbbywasdressedandready to leave.Shepeekedaround thecorner of the dining room door and said good night to everyone. “Thatlasagnasmellsgreat,Betsy.Seeyouguysinthemorning.”

Withthat,andnotimeforanyonetorespond,Abbywasout thedoorandclimbingintothebackofthewaitingtaxi.Shefeltbad,asifsheweredoing something wrong, after seeing the look in Erik’s eyes. She leftquickly,adeliberateact sonobodywouldaskquestions,especiallyErik.What the heck am I doing, and why do I feel guilty? I like Erik, butBrandon is nice, too. I don’t intend to get involvedwith either of them,especiallyiftheybothliveinthesamehousewithme.It’sonlydinnerwithanewguyintown.Southernhospitality,that’sall.

ChapterFifteen

BrandonwaitedoutsidetheentrancetoJosh’sGrill.Thecabpulleduptothecurb just fivefeet fromhim.Even through thecab’s tintedwindows,Abby could see how sexy he looked. Brandon knocked on the driver’swindowandhandedhima twenty, thenopened thebackdoor forAbby.Hereachedinand,withawarmsmile,helpedherout.

“You didn’t have to pay my cab fare. Thank you, but it wasn’tnecessary.”

“Well,sinceIcouldn’tpickyouuplikeaproperdate,theleastIcoulddowaspaythecabbie.”

“Is this what we’re doing, having a proper date? We just met thisafternoon.”Abbylaughedandrelaxedastheywalkedthroughthedoor.

“This isaprettyupscaleplace,verysimilar toGibson’s inChicago.Ilikeit,greatchoice.Ihopethefoodisgood.”

“Oh, the food is delicious, and I didwant you to feel at home. I’veheardChicagohasexceptionalrestaurants.”

The hostess greeted them at the podium, “Good evening, table fortwo?”

“Yes,wehavereservationsforLuck.”“Certainly.Followme,please.”BrandonletAbbyleadwhileherestedhishandatthebackofherwaist.

Hepulled thechairout forher tositandpushed it inwhenshedid.Thehostesshandedthemeachamenuandleft.

“You look gorgeous tonight. That turquoise dressmatches your eyesperfectly.”Heneatlyspreadtheclothnapkinacrosshislapandgaveheranapprovingsmile.Man,he’ssmooth.HowdidIgettwoseeminglydecentguystolikeme

withinonemonthwhenIcouldn’tevenhangon tomyhusband?“Thankyou.Youlookreallynice,too.”

Theserverannouncedtheeveningspecials,andtheyordered,includingabottleofwine.

“Sowhyareyouinterestedinrentingaroomratherthananapartmentorahouse?”

“Yourfriend’scousindidareallygoodjobpitchingtheplace.Hesaidthepricewas right, theneighborhoodwaswonderful, and thewoman inchargewasgorgeous.Iguessthat’salltheconvincingIneeded.”

“You’relying!”Abbygaspedwithadiscreetsmackonhishandfromacrossthetable.

“Iamnot,”hesaidwithalaugh.“Iswearthat’swhathesaid.Ihadtosee if he was telling the truth or not. You know, from a curiositystandpoint,ifnothingelse.”

Theirsteaksandbakedpotatoesarrived,eachwithasidesalad.“Everythinglooksgreat,andthesteakslookprettygood,too.”Abby shook her head and rolled her eyes. “You really know how to

schmoozetheladies,don’tyou?”

***

ThecabslowedtoastopinfrontofthehouseonSouthBatteryateleventhirty.Erikwasstillawake,lyinginbed,thinkingaboutAbby.Heheardacardoorcloseandlookedoutthewindowbehindhisbed.Abbywalkedtotheirongate,punchedinthecode,andenteredthehouse.Helistenedforherfootstepswalkingthehallway,buttheloudsoundofheelsnevercameupthestairs,pasthisdoor,anduptothethirdfloor.Shemusthave takenoffhershoes.Abbyisconsiderate,afterall.The

floorboardssqueakedasshepassedhisdoorandtookthestairsuptoherthird-floor bedroom.Erik listened closer and realized the squeaks endedabovehishead.Herbedroomisrightabovemine.Heheardthesoundofherclosetdooropenandclose,thenthetwangofherbedspringsasshelaydowntosleep.

Erik slept lightly, restless because of Abby. He wanted to becomecloser to her, not just casual friends. She was keeping something deepinsidealltoherself,somethingunspoken,andhecouldsenseit.HewantedAbbytotrustandconfideinhim,totellhimhersecretsandtofallinlovewithhim.Herabsencetonightweighedheavilyonhismind.Wassheona

dateorjustmeetingacasualfriendfordinner?Herolledoverandpunchedthepillow,finallydriftingofftosleep.

***

“Goodmorning,everyone,”Abbysaidasshesatdownforbreakfast.Shelookedaroundthetableandnoticedalleyeswereonher.“What?Whyiseverybodystaringatme?”

“Just curious,”Mel said quickly beforeErik did. Shewanted to saveErikfromthequestionhewasobviouslyabouttoask.Shedidn’twanthimtoappearjealousinAbby’seyes.

“You’recuriousaboutwhat?”Abbylaughed,knowingexactlywhatherfriendwas getting at. She grabbed a piece of toast from the plate in thecenter of the table and spread it with peach jam. “I was interviewing apotential tenant yesterday, and they asked if I wanted to join them fordinner,that’sall.”

“Funnyhowyousaid‘they’insteadof‘he’or‘she,’”Melsaid,pickinguponAbby’sinnocuousdescription.

“Whatever.Arethereanyscrambledeggsleft,Betsy?”“Sure.Handme your plate.”Betsywalked over to the stove top and

plopped a large spoonful of scrambled eggs onto Abby’s plate. “Wantsomecantaloupe,too,whileI’mnearthefridge?”

“Yes,please.”AbbyglancedtowardErikandsmiled.Hewasalreadystaringatherashefidgetedwiththefoodonhisplate,

pushingitfromonesidetotheother.“Sohaveyouapprovedthispotentialtenant’sapplicationyet?”heasked.

“No, but I should know enough today tomake a decision. Itwill bereallynicetofillalltherooms.Everyoneseemslikethey’reareallygoodfitforthishome,andeachother,asfarasfriendshipsgo.”

“I’ll second that. I likeeverybody,”Lisasaidenthusiastically.“AndIlovebeingthisclosetoschool.”

“I’m happy it’sworking out sowell for you, Lisa. I hope all of youenjoylivinghere.”

“Whenyou’redoneeating,Abby,I’dliketohaveawordwithyou.No

rush,”Eriksaidashegotupandclearedhisplatefromthetable.Withthewaterrunning,hescrapedtheleftoversintothesinkandhittheswitchforthe garbage disposal. He opened the dishwasher when Betsy came upbehindhim.

“Hey,doingdishesisn’tinyourjobdescription,mister.Comeonnow,beatit.I’minchargeofthekitchenduties.”Shegavehimaquickgrinandaswatwiththedishtowel.

Erik excused himself and walked out to the backyard. He sat on abenchintheshadeofapalmettotreeatthefarcorneroftheyard.WithintwentyminutesAbbycameoutcarryingtwocupsofcoffee.Shesatdownnexttohimonthebenchandhandedhimacup.

“Thanks.You’rethoughtful.”“Is something wrong? You seem on edge.” She took a sip of her

steamingdrinkandlookedaroundthebackyard.“Ireallylovethisplace.It’speacefulbackhere,youknow?”

“Itsureis.Iwascontemplatinghowthepergolashouldlookandhowtosituateitoffthekitchen.”

“Is that what you wanted to talk about? I thought something waswrong.”ReliefsweptacrossAbby’sfaceassherealizedErikwasn’tgoingto bombard herwith questions about last night.Hewould find out soonenoughwhensheapprovedBrandon’srentalapplication.Atthatpoint,hewouldclearlyrealizeshehadgonetodinnerwithamanshehadjustmet.Shelaughed,pointingtoaruby-throatedhummingbirddartingaroundtherhododendronbushjusttenfeetaway.“Aren’ttheyprecious?”sheasked,reachingoverandsqueezingErik’slefthand.Itfeltsonaturaltoherthatshehadn’tgivenitanythought.

Erikrespondedbykissinghertannedshoulder.“Ireallylikeyou.Canwejustseehowthisplaysout?”

“There’salotyoudon’tknowaboutme.Ihaveawalk-inclosetfullofskeletons.Wouldn’tthatscareyouaway?”sheasked.

“Notabit.Whenyou’rereadytotalk,I’llbeheretolisten.”Hekissedthebackofherhand.Herfingerswerestillintertwinedwithhis.“Okay,sohowaboutthatpergola…arewegoingaheadwithit?”

“Wecertainlyare.Howbeautiful thebackyard looks isentirelyup to

you. I trustyour judgmentcompletely,andyou’llhavea three-thousand-dollarbudgettoworkwith.Doitproud.”

“That sounds doable. I’ll start measuring and sketching things outtoday.Bythistimetomorrow,Ishouldhaveaprettygoodlandscapeandhardscapediagramtoshowyou.”

Shestoodtogoinside,herfingerswrappedaroundthecoffeecup.“Toanswer your question from before, I’d like that. Let’s just live in thiswonderfulhomeandtakethingsonedayatatime.Itwillworkoutifit’smeantto.Anyway,Ican’twaittoseewhatyoudowiththebackyard.Areyoucomingin?”

“Naw…notyet,I’vegotsomethinkingtodo.”“Okay,seeyoulater.”Abbyheadedtowardthehouse,butturnedback

just before opening the screen door. She playfully waved at him. Erikshookhisheadandlaughed.

***

Withaglassofwater,Abbyretreatedtothelibraryandopenedherlaptop.SheneededtodoabackgroundcheckandemploymenthistoryonBrandonLucksoshecouldcontacthimandsetupa timefora tourof thehouse.Shehadonly one large bedroom left, so hewouldn’t have a decision tomakeother than sayingyesorno to living there.Thebackgroundchecksoftware she had bought last month, while pricey, was a godsend, andeveryone had signed a yearlong lease. She justified the expense becauseshewould likely use the software again in the futurewhen the tenants’leases were up. I wonder what my life will be like in a year. Will myfinancesbeontracksoIcangobacktoschool?WillIbehappyandfindsomeonetofallinlovewith?DoIevenwantthat?

Forty-five minutes and two glasses of water later, Abby was on thephonewithBrandon.

“Hey, Abby, it’s good to hear your voice again. Did I pass yourstringentbackgroundcheck?”

“Did you have any doubt?” She chuckled and relaxed in the leatherchairwithherbarefeetrestingonthedesk.

“Notreally.Asanattorney,Ican’tbetooirresponsible,asyouputit.Idohaveanimagetouphold.”

“Thanks.IbetIwon’tlivethatcommentdown.Anyway,whendoyouwant to check out the digs? That is, if you want to go ahead with thelease.”

“Wouldthisafternoonwork?I’mjusthangingoutat thehotelpool…nothing too exciting going on here anyway. I start my new job nextMonday,sogettingmovedinwouldreallyhelp.Iwon’thavetoliveoutofa suitcase. I don’t have a ton of things tomove sincemy apartment inChicagowas a corporate-furnishedbachelor pad.”He laughed again andjokedaboutthepartiesthathadgoneoninthatapartment.

“Okay, let’splan for twoo’clock.Seeyou then.”Abbygavehim theaddressandhungup.Today,ErikisgoingtomeetBrandon.I’llhavetwocompletely different guys—both hotter than heck andwith far toomuchtestosterone—livinginthesamehouse.Thisisgoingtobeinteresting.

At one thirty, Erik headed out the front door. A small notepad wasjammed in thebackpocketofhisnicely fittingworn jeans, andapencilrestedabovehisleftear.

“Hey,whereareyougoing?”ErikturnedtoseeAbbysittingontheveranda,thelatestromancenovel

propped on her lap and a pair of aqua readers with rhinestone accentshangingfromthebridgeofhernose.Herflawlesstannedlegsrestedonthechairacrossfromher,andaglassofchilledwhitewinewasonthetable.

“Well,don’tyoulookcomfortable?Itappearsyouhaveeverythingyouneedwithinarm’sreach.Aglassofwineandasteamybook…whatmorecouldayoungladysuchasyourselfeverneed?”

“I’ll let you knowwhen the time is right.Would you like a glass ofwine?I’llevenreadtoyou.”Hereyestwinkledasshestaredathim.

“Yeah… I’ll pass. These days, I read more DIY magazines thananythingelse.”

“Whereareyouoffto?”“I’mheading to thenearest lumberyard tobuy thewood. I’mstarting

thepergolainthemorning.Doyouwanttotakealookatthedesign?”“Isuredo.”Abbyputthebookdown,placingabookmarkbetweenthe

pagesshehadjustfinishedreading.Shesatup,removedherglasses,andofferedErikthechairherfeetwereon.

He pulled the notepad from his pocket before sitting. “Here you go.Whatdoyouthink?”Heopenedtothepagethathadapencildrawinganda lotofmeasurementsnext toeachpostandplank.Thedrawingshowedthe pergola spanning the width of the current patio and several feetbeyond,going forward into theyard.“I’llput largepostsateachendontheyardsideandcover themin thesameItalianatestyleas thehousesonothing looks new and modern. I assume the owners would wanteverythingtomatchincolor,right?”

“Theydefinitelywould.Thislookswonderful.Youreallyhaveaneyeforthisstuff.”

“Well, I’m just a carpenter, ado-it-yourselfer andahandyman,but itpaysthebills.”

“Why are you cutting yourself down? You’re a skilled tradesman.There’s no shame in that. You have an artistic nature and an eye forbeautiful things.You andAdam should get together and create yard art.You know he’s Scandinavian, too, right? You guys already havesomethingincommon.”

AbbywastakenabackwhenErikleanedinandgaveherasoftkissonthe cheek. “You’re a wonderful woman. Now I better get going beforetheyrunoutoflumber.”

“You’reafunnyguy,ErikChristiansen.”Helookedbackwhenhelatchedthegateandcalledout,“Andyou’re

beautiful,AbbyTaylor.”She stared at him as he ran down the street toward his van.A quick

checkofthetimetoldheritwasalmosttwoo’clock.ShecranedhernecktolookdownSouthBatteryandnoticedacarwaitingfortheparkingspotErikwaspullingoutof.BrandonpulledinandparkedassoonasErikleft.Thatwasclose,shethought,asshesawhimgetoutandstartwalkingupthestreet.Ihopehedoesn’tstaylong.Erikisinsuchagoodmoodtoday,I’dhatetoruinthatforhim.

AbbyintroducedBrandontoeveryonethatwasinthehouse,whichwasalloftwopeople.BetsyandAdamweresittingatthekitchentableplaying

cribbage, and everyone else was either at work, buying lumber, or atsummerschool.

“Brandon, this is Betsy, our chef and my second in command, andAdam,averytalentedlocalartist.BetsyandAdam,thisisBrandonLuck,arecenttransplantfromChicagoandanattorney.Hewillbethelasttenantmoving into the Melrose Mansion. I believe he’s moving in over theweekend.Isn’tthatright,Brandon?”

“Yes, you’re absolutely correct. So how about that tour?” he askedcheerfully.

“Ofcourse.Let’sstartupstairsandworkourwaydown.”Atthetopofthestairsonthesecondfloor,theyturnedright.Thelast

availableroomwasatthefarendofthehallway.“Well,thisisit,”Abbysaid as she unlocked the door and allowed Brandon to pass through.“Actually,otherthanthelocationoftherooms,they’reallprettysimilarinsizeanddecor.Thebathroomisattachedandprettylarge.”

Hewalkedthroughtheroom,admiringtheantiquefurnishings.Hesatonthebedandbouncedupanddownafewtimes.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,surprisedbyhisactions.“Justcheckinghownoisythebedis,beinganantiqueandall.”“Andthatmatterswhy?”Withherhandsonherhips,Abbycockedher

headtotheright.“Idon’tknow.Iguessamanhastobeawareofthingslikethat.Ihave

tobeconsiderateoftheotherhousemates,right?”HegrinnedatAbbyashepattedthebedandindicatedforhertositdown.

“Notonyourlife,mister.”Shechuckled.“Comeon.Letmeshowyouthecommonareas.”

“Thatsoundsdull.Myideaisfarmoreinteresting.”“Well,itsucksforyourightnow.Let’sgo.”After spending a half hour downstairs and in the back garden with

Brandon,Abbywasbecomingfidgety.Shewasreadyforhimtoleave.“Ihaveatonofthingstodo,soI’llseeyouSaturday,okay?”

“Oh,sure,Iguess.Thanksforthetour.Theplaceisreallynice.SeeyouSaturday.”

ShewalkedtothegatewithBrandonandlatcheditbehindhim.Hewas

only thirty feet down the sidewalk when Abby saw Erik approachingslowlyinhisvan.HelookedlongandhardatBrandon,thenheappearedto notice Abby standing at the gate. He turned into the driveway andparked, exited the van, and began to unload the lumber he had justpurchased.“Hey,Abby,so that’s thenewest tenant,huh?”heasked.Hiseyes squinted toward the endof the street ashewatchedBrandonclimbintoalatemodelBMWsedananddriveaway.

“Yeah,nobiggie.Soyougotallthelumberbeforetheyranout,huh?”She tried tomake lightofanawkward situationbychanging the subjectaltogether.“CanIhelpyoucarrytheboardsaroundthehouse?”

“What?Oh, no thanks, I don’twant you to get any splinters in yourarms.”

“Nonsense,I’mnotawimp.I’mhelpinganyway.”“Okay,suityourself.”Theyunloadedthevanandstackedalltheboardsonthesidewalkinthe

backyard.AbbyhopedthesubjectofBrandonwasdeadforthetimebeing.“Sowhoishe,andwhenishemovingin?”Erikasked.“Seriously?He’sjustaguy,atenantlikeeveryoneelse.”“Ouch… I’ve been reduced to just a tenant.” He smiled, obviously

teasingher.“Youdidn’tgoouttodinnerwithmethefirstdaywemet.”“Imighthaveifyouwouldhaveasked,”sherespondedwithatinygrin

onherface.“Touché.IguessIdeservedthat.Okay,muscles,we’vegotmorestuff

tounload.”Eriktookherbythehandastheywalkedbacktothevan.

ChapterSixteen

Abbypickeduponthethirdring.AttorneyLewishadfinallytakenituponhimselftoreturnhercall.

“Hello,MelroseMansion,AbbyTaylorspeaking.”“Abigail? It’s Attorney Lewis. Why are you calling yourself Abby

Taylor,andwhyareyouansweringthephonethewayyoudid?”“Hello toyou, too,”sherespondedinasnarkyvoice.“Areyoureally

wonderingwhy I changedmy last name after the crapmy husband andmompulled? Idon’twant tobeassociatedwitheitherof themanymore.I’ve created my own identity, and to be honest, I like it a lot. And IansweredthephonethewayIdidbecauseI’vebeenreducedtorentingouthalfmyhome,youknow,forincome.Ithoughtyouweregoingtopursueawrongfuldeathlawsuitforme.”

“Iam,dear.That’swhyI’mcalling.I’vealreadysentthepaperworktoCityWasteandRecyclingsayingwe’refilingasuitagainstthem,ortheirinsurance company, for the untimely death of your dearly departedmother.”

“Cutthecrap,Mr.Lewis.Youweresupposedtohavethosepaperssentoutamonthago.Instead,youtookapersonalleaveofabsenceandleftmeto figure outwhat to do for income.And as far asmymother, shewasnothing more than a paycheck to you. Is there actually something youwant?”

“Well,yes,thereis.IneedadepositfromyouforthelawsuitIfiledonyourbehalf.Ialsoneedyoutosignthelegaldocumentsstatingthatyou’renow in charge of the ongoing account your mother started so manywonderfulyearsago.”

“Howmuchmoney do you need fromme right now?” Abby asked,becomingmoreirateastheminutestickedby.

“Twothousanddollarsshouldsufficefornow.”“Idon’thavetwothousanddollarstogiveyou.Sinceyoudisappeared

foramonthatmyexpensetohaveliposuction—yes,Adriannetoldme—

I’llgiveyouathousanddollars.You’llgetyourcutanywayifwewinthelawsuit.I’llbethereinanhourwiththemoney.Isthereanythingelseyouwant?”

“I believe that’s all for now, Abigail. I may have to amend the suitsinceyouchangedyourlegalname.”

“I don’t believe that’s necessary, and I don’t have time for yourshenanigans.ThereisplentyofdocumentationtoprovewhoIam.I’llbethereshortly.”

Abbyslammedthephonedownandstompedintothekitchen.Shesatatthetableandstewed.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Erik said as he leaned against thedoorframebetweenthepatioandthekitchen.

Abbyjumped,notrealizinghewasthere.“Youstartledme.Sorry,I’mjustinalousymood.Actually,it’smoreofanangrymood.”Shestaredathimstandinginthedoorwaywearingnothingbutapairofworkjeans.Hisrock-hardabsglistenedwithbeadsofsweatfromthehoursoflaborhehadalreadyperformed.

“Is there anything I cando toputyou in abetter stateofmind?”Hegaveherthatsexygrinthatmadeherheartpoundandherkneeswobble.

Abbylaughedandgotuptopourtwoicedteas.“Iguessyoujustdid.Thanks.Itworked.Sitdownandtakeabreakwithme.”Ineedaminutetogetmypulsebacktonormal.

“Ihaveabetteridea.Comeoutsideandtellmewhatyouthinkofthepergola so far.” Erik took both glasses of tea andwalked ahead of her.“Watchyourstep.It’samessouthere.”

She followedhimclosely, steppingoverboards,posts,nailguns,andsaws.Finally,oncetheywerebothstandinginthemiddleoftheyardandlookingbacktowardthehouse,AbbycouldseethevisionErikhaddrawnonpaperlastweek.ShegaspedwithexcitementbecausehergardenwouldsoonhavethevibeshelovedatEliza’sSecretGarden.

“It’sgorgeous.You’resotalented.”“Well,withsomemorebushesandgardenart,Ithinkwecanturnthis

backyardintoMelrose’sSecretGarden.Soyoulikeit?”“Iloveit,and…”Shecaughtherselfbeforeshesaidmore.Thewords

wereonthetipofhertongue.“Anyway,Ihavetorunoutforanhourorso.Thecabshouldbeheresoon.Ijusthavetocleanupabit.”

“Youshouldhavesaidsomething,Abby.Icouldhavegivenyoualift,unlessit’salunchdate.”Hegaveherawinkashewipedhisbrow.

“Itisn’talunchdate.Farfromit,actually.Seeyoulater.”She entered theGeorgian brick building on Calhoun Street, took the

stairstothesecondfloor,andopenedthedoublemahoganydoorsleadingtoLewisLawOffice.Adriannesatbehindthecounter,scowlingatAbbywhenshesawher.

“What?”Abbysaidwithoutremorse.“IjustgotchewedoutbyAttorneyLewis.Thanks,Abby,forshooting

yourmouthoff.”“Well…youknowwhattheysayaboutlooselips.”“Actually,Idon’t,”Adriannesaid,pouting.“That’sapparent.”“Abigail,comeinplease.Adrianne,holdmycallsforthirtyminutes,no

exceptions.”Abby followed Attorney Lewis into his office, quickly noticing his

weight loss.Shehad to bite her lip fromblurtingout somethinghurtful,butthatwasthekindofmoodshewasin.

“Sitdown.Thesedocumentshavetobesignedanddated.”Hehandedheradozensheetsofpapertosign.

“WhatnameshouldIusetosignthem?”“Unless youwantme to havenewdocuments drafted, you’ll have to

sign themasAbigailMelrose, theway they’redrawnup.Yoursignaturehastomatchthetypednamebelowit.”

“Fine.MayIreadthemfirst?”Heglanced at hiswatch and huffed, shuffling in his oversized office

chair.“Goahead,butIdohaveanotherappointmentinthirtyminutes.”“I’m a quick reader,” she huffed back. “What’s the protocol for the

lawsuitanyway?”Shescannedthedocumentsandsignedeachoneatthebottom.

“I’ve already informed City Waste and Recycling that there’s awrongfuldeathsuitbeingfiledagainstthem.Theyhandeverythingoffto

theirinsurancecompany,whicheitherhasitsownlawyersin-houseorhasa law firm on retainer. We’ll likely hear directly from the insurancecompanyaftertheygooverthesuitwiththeirattorneys.That’swhenyougetapayout,wefold,orwefightback.”

“Great. There’s more money going out and no guarantees of anycoming in.”She sighedandslid thedocumentsbackacross thedesk, allsignedanddated.

“Welcome to the world of legal haggling. Now all I need to do iscollectthethousanddollars,andyoucanbeonyourway.”

Abbyreachedinherpurseandpulledoutthecheck,slidingthatacrosshisdesk, too.“Right.Wedon’twant toforget themost importantreasonI’mhere,dowe?”

Hestoodandescortedhertothedoor.“I’llbeintouch.”“Youbetterbe,”sherepliedwithoutlookingback.

***

Saturdaymorning,Abbywokewithherstomachdoingflip-flops.Brandonwasmovingintoday.MaybeIcangethimtofocusonMelanie.Hehasn’tmetheryet,andsheisquitethebeauty.She’sfun,too,andwouldprobablylove to go outwith a hunk like him. That’s it. She can take one for theteam.Abbytookaquickshowerandrusheddownthethird-floorstaircase.Thesmellofbaconwaftinguptothesecondfloorwasheavenly,causingeveryone to make their way to the kitchen for breakfast. Abby lovedmealtime. Everyone shared stories, both good and bad, happy and sad.Laughterusuallyrangoutamongtheeightofthem,allfriendsalreadyandwithoutanyanimositybetweenthem.Thatmightchange.AbbyneededtopullMelasideafterbreakfastandhaveatalkwithher.

“Sowhatdoeseveryonethinkofthepergolagoingupoverthepatio?”Abbyasked,startingthemorningconversation.

“It’sgorgeous!”Lisasaid,thefirsttospeakup.“I’ll go alongwith that.Doyouneedanygardenart? I canprobably

findsomethinginmystudiotobringover.”“Icouldn’tpossiblyaskyou to set somethingup in theyard thatyou

couldbeselling,Adam,butthankyouforoffering,”Abbysaid.“You didn’t ask, and I have plenty of seconds that I can’t sell, but

they’dlookprettyradinthebackyard.”“Seriously,you’ddothat?”“Sure, no problem. I’ll bring something over this afternoon. I might

needyourhelp,Erik, ifyoudon’tmind.Someof thosecement statues Imakeareprettyheavy.You’dbedoingmea favor,Abby. I reallycouldusetheextraspaceinmystudio.”

“Thankyou.Iappreciateyourgenerosity.NowI’mexcitedtoseewhatyou’llbring.Willsomeonepassthebacon,please?”

AbbyaskedMelanie to joinheron theverandaafterbreakfast.Abbycarriedoutasmallcarafeofcoffeeandtwocups.

“What’sup,andwhyarewesneakingaway?”Melanieasked,waitingfor some juicygossip to crossAbby’s lips.Shegot comfyon the floral-cushioned chair, twisting her feet up under her body like a pretzel. Shepulledthecupofcoffeeclosetoheronthetablesoshewouldn’thavetorearrangeherpositiontoreachit.

“Brandon ismoving in today, and it’smakingmenervous.He’s hot,andImeanreallyhot.”

“Okay,IlikewhatI’mhearing.Sofar,sogood.What’stheproblem?”Melblewonhercoffeeandtookasip.

“Up to this point, the house has settled into a nice routine witheveryone getting along. Charles even takes out the garbage on Fridaymornings,forPete’ssake.Howsweetisthat?Theproblemishavingtwohotguysinonehouse.”

“Notinmybook.Idon’tgetit.Whatareyoureallysaying?”“I’msayingthere’sgoingtobetensioninthehouse,andthat’sthelast

thingIwant.Idon’tneedanothervacantroombecauseErikandBrandoncan’tgetalong.”

“Whosaystheywon’t?”“Me.”“Isn’t thatbeinga littleegotistical?Doyouhavesomeindicationthat

they’regoingtobeduelingoveryou?”“Okay,it’slikethis.IalreadyknowEriklikesme,andIthinkBrandon

does,too.Imean,whywouldheaskmeouttodinneronthefirstdayImethim?”

“Maybehewantedtomakeanewfriend.Yousaidhe’sfromChicago.Ihaven’tmettheguy,soIcan’tformanopinionyet.”

“Right,butthat’swhereyoucomein.Iwantyoutoflirtwithhimsohisfocuswillbeonyou.You’regorgeousandoutgoing,andyouwouldmakeaperfectcouple.”

“Cool… so now instead of arrangedmarriages, we’re starting a newtrend…arrangeddating?You’renuts,Abs.Ifhelikesme,helikesme,andvice-versa.MaybeI’llthinkhesucks.I’mnotdoingit.”

“Fine,butyou’llbesorryassoonasyouseehowgorgeousheis.”“Ihaveagreat idea.Howaboutnotworryingaboutit?He’satenant,

andsoisErik.Thisisn’ttwoguysfightingtothedeathoveradamselindistress.Geez,you’regoingoffthedeependoverthis.”

Abby’s forehead exposed furrows of anxiety as she pondered Mel’sstatement.“Maybeyou’reright.I’msorry.I’moverthinkingeverything.”

“That’s right, so let’s just sit here, enjoy themorning, and drink ourcoffee.”

***

Abby’scellphone,burieddeepinthepocketofhercargoshorts,rangoutjustafterlunchtime.Shehadbeenrelaxingonthelawnunderthepalmettotree,havingabeerwithErik,Adam,Mel,andBetsy.Lisa,whowasonlytwenty, was indulging in a root beer. Lucille had a lunch date with acoworker,andCharleshadgoneforawalktoexploretheneighborhood.

“Excuseme,”shesaidwhensherecognizedthenumberasBrandon’s.Shewalkedtothesideyardtospeak.“Hello,Brandon.”

“Hi,Abby.IjustwantedtoletyouknowI’monmyway.I’vealreadycheckedoutofthehotel,andI’llbethereintenminutes.Isthereroominthedrivewayforme topull in? Ihave fiveboxesanda lotofclothes tounload.”

“Um…hangon,I’ll look.”AbbywalkedtotheothersideoftheyardandpeeredoverthesidegatetoseeMelandAdam’scarssqueezedtightly

in the driveway. “I think you’ll be okay.Your carmight hang over thesidewalkrightnow,butaslongasyoumoveitlater,youshouldbefine.”

“Okay,seeyouinafew.”Withintenminutes,avoicecalledouttoAbbyoverthegate.“Lookslikeyournewtenanthasarrived,”Eriksaidinasombertone.AbbygotupandgaveErikapensive lookbefore trottingoff toopen

thesidegateforBrandon.TherestofthegroupremainedlounginginthebackyardandsawBrandongiveAbbyahugashepassedthroughthegate.

“That’s awesome,” Erik said. He took a large swig of his beer andlookedaway.

MelglancedatErikandwatchedasthemusclestensedinhisjaw.“I’ll grab a fewmorebeers.Everyone stayput.”Betsy ranoff to the

kitchen and returned a few minutes later as Abby was making theintroductions.

“Everybody,thisisBrandonLuck.”AbbyheardasmallsnickerfromErik’sdirection.“Brandon,youknowBetsyandAdamalready,andhereareafewmore

people from the house. This is Erik, Melanie, and Lisa. There are twomore tenants that I’ll introduce you to later when they get home. Howaboutabeer?Youcanunloadyourcarinalittlebit.”

“Yeah, a beer sounds great. So what do all of you people do for aliving?”

Melaniespokeup.“Iworkinafashiondesignhousedowntown,Adamis a very talented artist who’s well known in Charleston, Betsy is ourawesome chef, Erik is our highly skilled in-house tradesman, and sweetLisa is a college student studying to be a pediatrician. The twomissingpeople are Lucille, a professional who works in a computer processorcompany,andCharles,acitygarbagetruckdriver.”

“Wow… quite a diverse crowd you’ve got here, Abby. An in-househandymanandagarbageman,that’simpressive.”BrandonshotaglanceatErikashemadethestatementandchuckled.

“Yeah, do you have a problem with that?” Erik sat upright, stareddirectlyatBrandon,andtookanothergulpofhisbeer.“Youdon’tneedtobotherunloadingyourcarifyoudo.We’llallbefinejustthewaythings

are.”“Hey,down,boy.”Brandonsmirked.“JustcallingitasIseeit.”“Sowhatdoyoudo,hotshot?”The air was thick with tension. Abby offered Brandon a seat on the

bench,tryingtokeephimandErikfromhavingeyecontact.“Toansweryourquestion…what’syournameagain?”“It’sErik.”“Right…well,Erik, I’madefense attorney fromChicago. Iwas just

offered the position as a partner in a well-known law firm here inCharleston.OfcourseIcouldn’tpassupsuchagreat,high-payingpositionaspartneratmyage.I’lladmitChicagowintersarebrutal, too.Thiswillbeanexcitingchangeforme.I’mlookingforwardtolearningmoreaboutCharlestonandthebeautifulpeopleI’vemethere.”

Abbyquickly lookedawaybeforeBrandon lockedeyeswithher.Sheknewfullwellwhohewastalkingabout,andshealsoknewthathewastryingtopushErik’sbuttons.

“Ifyou’redonewithyourbeer,Brandon,wecangetyourstuffupstairssoyoucanmoveyourcar.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea. I think I’ve temporarily worn out mywelcome.”

“Whydoyouneedtohelphimmovein,Abby?”Erikasked.“Erik,please…I justneed tounlock thebedroomdoorandgivehim

hiskeys.I’llbebackoutinafewminutes.”“So what do you guys think of Mr. Hotshot?” Erik asked as they

watchedAbbyandBrandonwalkawaytogethertowardthesidegate.“Atfirstglance,Ithinkhe’skindofarrogant,”Melaniesaid.“Notthe

sortofguyI’dbeinterestedin,eventhoughhe’shot.”“Heishot,”Lisaagreed,“butyeah,Icantellhe’sfullofhimself.”“DidIgotoofar?”Erikasked,shakinghisheadandangrywithhimself

forputtingAbbyinthemiddleofthetestosteronetakedown.“Sortof,dude.Youneedtodialitbackalittle,”Adamsaid.“Sorry,guys,mybad.I’llbecordialtoMr.Luckfromnowon.Whata

stupidname,right?I’llgetsomemorebeverages.Betsy,doyoucareifIbringoutabagofchips,too?”

“Notatall,goahead.”

***

“GuessIdidn’tmakeaverygoodimpressionwiththestudoutside,didI?”Brandonsaid.“What’shisproblemanyway?”

“Erikdoesn’thaveaproblem.Youtellme.Is thissomekindofmaledominancething?”

“Gotme…anyway,howaboutdinnertonight?”“Sure, around the table with everyone else. That’s one of my house

ruleshere.Firstnightisalwaysathomewiththenewestpersonmeetingallthe other tenants. It’s a good way to introduce yourself in a more civilmannerandmeetthepeoplewhoaren’thomefromworkyet.”

“Thenhowaboutonenightnextweek?”Heshowedherhispleadingpuppydogeyes.

“Okay,I’llthinkaboutit…maybeWednesday.”

ChapterSeventeen

Erik promised to keep his distance fromBrandon forAbby’s sake. Thetwo men rarely crossed paths anyway except at dinner, and they sat atoppositeendsofthetable.Theworkinthebackyardwasnearlycomplete,andonlyafewplantsneededtobeadded.Thepergolawasfinished,andotherthanaddingmiscellaneousgardenart—courtesyofAdam’stalent—therewasn’tmuchlefttodo.

“Abby,doyouwanttotagalongtothegardencenter?Ithinkweneedtofillinafewspotswithlargeplantsand,ofcourse,somethingthatwillgrowfastandclimbthepergola.WhatdoyouthinkofAmericanwisteria?It’slessinvasivethanChinesewisteriaandgrowsquickly.Itcancoverthepergolawithinayear.Doyouwanttotakealook?”

“Ilovewisteria.Youmeanthelavenderkind,right?”“Yeah,it’sreallyprettyandhasasweetfragrance.I’llgetthevan.It’s

ablockdownthestreet.MaybeI’llevengetluckyenoughtohaveyoujoinmeforlunch.”

“Itdepends.”“Really,onwhat?”Hegrinnedatherwithhisarms foldedacrosshis

muscularchest.“Onhowgoodyouareatfindingsomegorgeouswisteria.I’llbeready

inasecond.Justhonkwhenyou’reoutfront.”Abby oohed and aahed at the colorful flowers and shrubs once they

arrivedatthegardencenter.Shefoundseveralsetsofwindchimeswhosemelodiessoundedbeautifulinthebreeze.Shepicturedthechimeshangingfromthenewpergola.

“Erik,ifIboughtafewofthese,wouldyouhangthemonthepergolaforme?”

Helightlybrushedthehairfromhereyes.Thewindwasstrongtoday.“OfcourseIwould,buthandthemover,they’remytreat.”

“Noway,you’vedoneenough.”“Withyou,it’sneverenough.Comeon.Putthoseinabasket,andlet’s

findthewisteria.”Helaughedwhenshepunchedhisarm.Theytalkedtoagardenspecialistwhodirectedthemtotheshrubsand

climbingplants.“Heretheyare.Whatdoyouthink?”ErikledAbbytoanarborloaded

withwisteriahangingdownlikeclustersofgrapes.“Ohmygosh,they’rebeautiful.Howmanycanweplant?”“Let’sgetthreeforeachsideofthepergola.I’mprettysurethey’llfill

inquickly.”Erikpaidfortheplantsandloadedeverythingintothevan.Theyleftto

findsomeplacetoeat.“The garden centerwas fun,”Abby said asErik drove through town

looking for a place to have lunch. “Itmademe feel likewe’re a coupleshoppingtogether.”Shelookedathimwithanenormoussmilebeforesherealizedwhatshe’djustsaid.

“Wecouldbe.Allyouhavetodoissaytheword.”Erik’sserioustonetoldherhefeltalotmorethanjustfriendshiptowardher.

“Oh… sorry, I wasn’t trying to imply anything. I guess it was theexcitementoverthewisteria.Let’seathere.Thisplacelooksinteresting.”

Erikpulled into theparking lotofasmalldiner.“Areyousure?Thisplacelookslikeadive.”

“Exactly.Whatfun,right?”Theysatinaboothandaskedforicedteaastheybrowsedthemenus.

Eachorderedaturkeyclubwithasideoffries.ErikreachedacrossthetableandtookAbby’shand.“Youaren’tgoing

tomakelifeeasyforme,areyou?”“Whatdoesthatmean?”sheasked,beginningtosquirmonthecracked

vinylseat.“Wecouldhavesomethingspecial together. Ican feel it inmyheart.

You’reholdingoutonme,andbelievemewhenIsayBrandonisgoingtokeep pushing.He can afford to live anywhere, sowhywould he put upwithahousefulofpeoplewhenhedoesn’tneedto?It’sallaboutwinningyouover,andwebothknowit.Idon’thaveagoodfeelingabouthim.AreyouactuallyinterestedinBrandon?”

“Goingouttodinnerwithhimnowandthendoesn’thurt.”Shepaused

whilethehostesssettheirfooddownandtoppedofftheirglasseswithicedtea.

“Whatdoyou see inhim?Youknowhe isn’t genuine. It’s thegamehe’sinterestedin.Soyouaregoingoutwithhimagain?”

“Whatever…soyou’resayingIdon’thaveenoughgoodqualitiesofmyowntohavesomebodywant togooutwithmewithoutanagenda?Gee,thanks.Whatisitwithmen?Whydoeseverythingrevolvearoundthem?Anyway,it’scomplicated.Idon’tknowifI’mreadytobeinarelationshipwithanyonerightnow.”

“I’m sorry, and I should shut up, but you sound like someonewho’shadabadexperience.Isthatwhat’swrong?”

“Let’sjustsayIhavetrustissues.I’mlivinginthemoment.That’sthebestIcando.Maybesomeday,I’lltellyoualittlemoreaboutmyself,buttodayisn’tthatday.”

“Idon’tmeantobeadowner.Ijustwantyoutoknowonething.”“What’sthat?”“I’llneverlietoyou,andyoucantrustmewithyourlife.That,Abby,

youcantaketothebank.”Whatirony,shethoughtasshebitintohersandwich.“Thankyou,Erik.

That’sanicethingtosay.Ireallyappreciateyou,butIneedtimetothink.”

***

Abby set the five-gallon pots in place along the pergola while Erik cutthrough the soil with a posthole digger, dumping the dirt into awheelbarrow.

“What’sgoingonouthere?”Thefamiliarvoicewasjustfivefeetaway.Brandon stood outside in his thousand-dollar suit, guzzling a beer as hewatched,clearlyamused.“Abby,don’tyouthinkmanuallaborshouldbelefttothehelp?Imean,he’sgettingroomandboardtodothework,isn’the?”

“Hi,Brandon.Actually, I’mhavingfun. I likegardening.Youshouldtryitsometime.”

“Yeah,Idon’tthinkso.Whatwouldclientsthinkiftheysawmewith

dirtundermynails?”“Theymight think you’re a realman instead of a coddled city boy,”

EriksnarledinBrandon’sdirection.“Right…that’sagoodcommentcomingfromthehandymanwhohas

tobarterservicesforhisroombecausehecan’taffordtopayrent.”BeforeAbbyevenrealizedwhathappened,ablurwhizzedbyher,and

ErikwasontopofBrandon,punchinghimintheface.“Erik, stop! What are you doing? Somebody help me, please!” she

yelledtowardthehouse.ErikandBrandon,equallymatched,rolledthroughtheyard, throwing

wildpunches thatoccasionallyconnected.CharlesandAdamranoutsideto seewhat the commotionwas.Betsy took up the rearwith the gardenhoseinhand.Shetwistedthebrassnozzletothestrongeststreamandletbothmenhaveitwithice-coldwater.“Youwanttofightlikedogs,you’regoingtogethoseddownlikedogs,”sheyelled.

They sputtered and swore at each other as Abby squeezed her bodybetween them, trying to separate the two.“Knock itoff, forPete’s sake.Whatintheworldiswrongwithyou,Erik?”

“NowI’mtoblame?Thatjerkhasbeentauntingmeforthelastweek,andIhaven’tsaidaword.Doyouhaveanyideahowharditisnottokickhisteethin,Abby?”

“Yeah, come on, Neanderthal. Showme what you’ve got.” Brandonbrushedthebackofhishandacrosshisbloodynose.

“Stopit,bothofyou!”“You’re paying for this suit, asshole, and I’m filing battery charges

againstyou.DidyouforgetI’manattorney?”“That’sprettyhardtoforgetsinceyouremindusofitdaily,youjerk.

You knowwhat itmeanswhen people have to constantly build up theirownego,don’tyou?”

BetsywhisperedintoAdam’sear,“Whatdoesitmean?”“It’s a sign of insecurity. He probably has a small package.” Adam

grinnedatBetsy’swide-eyedexpression.“Both of you go your separate ways, please. I don’t want to talk to

eitherofyourightnow.”Abbysatonthebenchwithherfaceinherhands

andcried.BetsyscootedinnexttoherafterBrandonmarchedintothehouse,and

Erikgrabbedthepostholedigger,pounding it into thedirt.BetsyputherarmaroundAbby’sshoulderandheldherclose.

“Betsy, thismeansoneof them isgoing tohave tomoveout. I can’tafford to have trouble between them. The neighbors probably heard thecommotion.Idon’tevenhavepermitstorunaboardinghouse.SomebodyhastogobeforeIenduppayingfines.”

***

Silencefilledtheairatdinnertime.Abbyspokeupsincenobodyelsewastalking. She had already toldMelanie, Lisa, and Lucillewhat happenedbetweenBrandon andErik so thewomenwouldn’t be surprised to hearwhat shewas going to say. “One of you has to go. I’m trying to run apeacefulhouseholdandgivetheimageofserenityandfriendshipbetweenall my tenants, and for some reason, you two can’t seem to get overyourselves.Ithoughteveryonelivingherewouldbehavelikeadults,butIwaswrong.It’sbetweenthetwoofyoutodecide,andI’llbeexpectinganansweratbreakfast.”

“You don’t have to wait that long. I’m leaving tonight,” Erik said,stormingoutofthediningroom.

“Cool… that takes care of our problems.Melanie,would you pleasepasstheporkchops?”Brandonsaid.

Abbygot up andprepared twoplates of food. “Betsy, please bring abottleofwine tomy roomand twoglasses.Myhands arekindof full.”Abbywalkedoutofthediningroom,carryingaplateineachhand.

“Humph…thatdidn’tgothewayIthoughtitwould.”Brandonsmirkedashesawedthroughhisporkchop.

“Yeah, if you didn’t act like such an ass, none of this would behappeningrightnow,”Melaniesaid,scowlingathim.

“Whatdoyouknow?Youweren’tevenhere.”“Bestfriendsconfideineachother,Brandon.Doyouknowwhatabest

friendis?”

***

Erikheard footstepspassbyhis room.He listened toeach stepasAbbytook the stairs to her room above him.Great.Now Imade her lose herappetite.Heheardanothersetoffootstepspassby,goingtothethirdfloor,andthentwosetscomingbackdown.Aknocksoundedonhisdoor.Theotherfootstepsgotfainterasthesoundfadeddownthehallway.

“Erik,mayIcomein?”“I’mnotinthemoodforcompany,Abby,andIhavetopack.”“I’mcominginanywaysopleasedon’tbenaked.”Sheopenedthedoor

andpeekedherheadin.“Damnit,Icouldonlyhope.”Helaughed.“Comein,”hesaidwithasighasheploppeddownonthe

edgeofhisbed.“Ihaveabetteridea.Comewithme.”Shetookhishandandledhimto

thethirdfloor.“Wherearewegoing?”“We’re going to enjoy dinner privately, without any drama or

Brandon’ssmartmouth. Iknowhedoeseverythinghecan to insultyou,and frankly, I’m tired of listening to him. You and I are going to havesomealonetimewhereit’squietandpeaceful.”

“I’veneverbeeninyourroom.Areyousure?”“OfcourseIam.Youaren’ttheboogeyman.”Sheopenedthedoorto

herenormousbedroom,theroomthatusedtobeCharlotte’smastersuite.Two plates and a bottle of red wine were sitting on the large tableoverlookingWhitePointGardenandtheAshleyRiver.

Erik lookedfromsidetoside,appearingtobeinaweof the immenseroom.Aredbrickfireplacestoodmajesticallyinthecenterofthefarwestwall. The marble mantel above it held treasured family photos andmementos. To his leftwas a door leading to a bathroom the size of hisentire room downstairs. To his right was a walk-in closet just as big.Straightahead,centeredintheroomwasaking-sizedbed.

Shelaughedathisexpression.“Doyouwanttoeatbeforeourfoodgetscold?Youcanbrowselater.”

“Oh…okay.Thisroomisjustreallyintense.Iguessthisispartofthe

perksofbeingthehousesteward,right?”“Comeoverhereandsit.Theviewisbeautiful.”HepulledachairoutforAbby,andshesat.Hefacedherfromacross

the table and pouredwine for both of them. “I feel like I’m in a fancyrestaurant.”

She smiled at him. “Erik, please don’t go, Iwant you to stay. Iwasupsetearlier,butIdon’twantdramain thehouseeither.Thelast thingIneedistheneighborscomplainingtotheownersaboutfightingandyellinggoingonhere.It’ssooutofthenormforthisstreet.Peopleareprivateandgenteelhere.Ican’taffordthebacklash.”

“I understand, and I’m really not going out ofmyway to get underBrandon’sskin.He’sjustsodamnarrogant,it’shardnottobeatthecrapoutofhim.”

Abbylaughed.“Iknowwhatyoumean,butifyourecall,youdidbeatthecrapoutofhim.Youknow,hemightpresschargesagainstyou.”

“Whatever…it’sworthittotakehisegodownafewnotches.”Theyatedinnerandlaughed,justtwopeopleenjoyingeachother.The

restoftheworldwasdownstairs,twostoriesbelow,andrightthen,neitherofthemcared.

Abbyreachedfor thebottleandfilledeachwineglass.“Followme.Iwanttoshowyousomething.”ShehandedtheglassestoErikandopeneda door that led to another staircase. “You’ll like this,” she said, turningbacktoseehisexpression.

At the top of the stairs, she opened the final door.Theywere on therooftopofthemansion,thewidow’swalk,outdoorsandunderthestars.

“Holycow…thisisamazing.”“Isn’t it? I come up here sometimes when I just want to reflect. It

showsme how insignificant we really are compared to the expanse outthere.ThestarsaboveusandtheoceanstraightaheadputmeinmyplaceeverytimeIsituphere.Comeoverhere.”

Abby ledErik to the loungechairs.She sat ononeandmotioned forErik to sit on the other. A small glass topped wrought-iron table wasnestledbetweenthem.Heplacedthewineglassesonthetableandlookedattheocean.

“YoucanseethelightsatFortSumterfromhere.”“Yousurecan.Isn’titbeautifulandpeaceful?Itrytoconvincemyself

thatifIlookjustalittlebitharder,I’llseeSt.Thomas.”“Well,you’dhavetohaveprettygoodvisionforthat.Hasanyoneelse

everbeenupherewithyou?”“Only Mel and Betsy. This place is too special to share with just

anybody.”“Ifeelprivileged.Thankyouforbringingmeuphere.Itreallymeansa

lot.”Erikgotup fromthe loungechairandreachedforherhand. It feltas

softassilk.Shestoodface-to-facewithhim,justinchesapart.Heleanedinandkissed her.At first itwas a gentle brush across her lips, thenmore,withapassionthathadbeenbuildingforamonth.Hersurpriseturnedintoeagerness.Erikheldherfaceinhishands,kissinghereyes,hercheeks,herneck,andher lipsoncemore.He inhaled thescentofherhair. Itwasassweetassouthernjasmine.Abbymoanedwithadeeplongingtobeloved,butnotbyanyone,onlyErikChristiansen, themanwho tookherbreathaway.

Backinherroom,onthatking-sizedbed,withsoftmusicplayingandcandles creating a warm ambience, they made love with a passion thatcouldn’tbedenied.Abbywasinadifferentworld.Thepeopledownstairsandtheproblemsstirredupthatafternoonnolongermattered.Shewasinthe moment, and the moment was too important to take lightly. Eventhoughsheknewbetter,eventhoughshewaslegallymarriedtoRemy,andeventhoughherlifewasmorethancomplicated,shewasfallinghard,andfallinginlovewithherwonderfulScandinavianhandyman.

“You’llstay,right?”sheasked,snugglingclosetohiswarmbody.“I’llstay,butwhataboutBrandon?It’shardtodealwithhim.Ifhe’d

just mind his own business instead of throwing out the constant jabs, Icouldignorehimandkeepmydistance.”

“I’lltalktohimandaskhimtolayofftheinsults.AllIwantispeaceinthishouse.”

“Really,that’sallyouwant?”heaskedashekissedherforehead.“Notexactly,”shesaid.“Comecloser,andI’llgiveyouahint.”

ChapterEighteen

Abby woke up at seven o’clock. The open window allowed a freshsummerbreezetowaftthroughtheroom.Distantgullscriedforlornlyoverthe open water beyond the park. Erik lay next to her in bed with theblanketspulleduptohischin,soundasleep.Shesmiledathimandstudiedhisperfectlysymmetricalface.Iwonderifthiscouldbetherealthing,realtrustinglovethatcouldlastforever.Sherosequietlyandputonthelongsatinrobewhosehemlineskimmedtheglossywoodenfloor.Shepreparedtwocupsofcoffeeinthesmallcoffeemakeronthedresser.SheheardErikstirandturnedaroundtoseethegorgeousmansmilingather.

“Goodmorning,beautiful.”She carried the two cups of coffee to bed and climbed in. “Good

morning.Ihopeyousleptwell.”“Nottomakeyoufeelbad,MissTaylor,butIdobelieveyourmattress

isoffarhigherqualitythanmyown.”Hegrinnedandgaveheralingeringkiss.

“Sorry…maybeyoushouldspendalittlemoretimeinmine,foryourback’ssake,youknow?”

“You mean to avoid a visit to the doctor and filing a worker’scompensationclaim?”

“Yeah…that’swhatImeant,”shesaid,winkingathim.“So, we’re going to have to face some bulging eyes when we go

downstairs.AreyoupreparedforasnarkycommentfromBrandon?”“Heisn’trunningthishouse,Iam,andIcandowhateverIwant.The

onlythinganyoneknowsforsureisthatwehaddinnerupstairstogether,nothingmore.”

“Okay,babe,I’mleavingituptoyou.I’mgoingtomyroomtoshower,butI’llseeyouatbreakfast.”Hegaveherasoftkiss,moaned,anddressed,takingthebackstairstohisownroom.

Abby showered and dressed for the day. She clasped her watch andcheckedthetime:7:55a.m.Okay,herewego.Shecarriedtheplatesfrom

last night into the kitchen. Luckily, everyone was already in the diningroom,includingErik.

AsubtlekickunderthetablefromMelanietoldAbbyinnouncertainterms that she wanted to hear everything later when there was anopportunity.Abbysmileddiscreetlyandfilledherplatewithascoopofthesteaming egg-and-potato breakfast casserole. “Where’s Brandon?” sheaskedafternoticinghischairwasempty.

Betsyspokeup.“HegrabbedacupofcoffeefortheroadwhenIwasmakingbreakfast.Hesaidhehadanewcasewithaninsurancecompanyahalfhourawayandhadtogetanearlystart.”Thank God. No drama this morning. We can all enjoy breakfast in

peace.“Oh,okay.Greatbreakfastcasserole,Betsy.It’sdelicious.”

***

Abbycouldhavesetherwatchaccordingtothetimethemailmanarrivedeveryday.At12:05p.m.,hedroppedthelettersintotheslotofthebuilt-inmailbox on the pillar attached to the front gate.With her keys in hand,Abby walked down the sidewalk, twisted the key in the keyhole, andopened the box from the back side of the pillar. She carried the fourenvelopesintothehouse,glancingateachoneasshewalked.TheonethatcaughtherattentionhadareturnaddressfromtheStateofSouthCarolina.What the heck is this? She headed directly into the library, closed thepocketdoorsbehindher,andsatdownatthemahoganydesk.Todaywasthedayshepaidthemonthlybillsanyway,butsheneededtoseewhatwasinthatenvelopefirst.Sheopeneditapprehensively,knowingthatonceshesawthecontents,she’dhavetoaddresstheissue.

“Ohno…howcan the property tax be due in July?”She rubbedherforehead,feelingaheadachecomingonasshereadthroughthedocument.Theletteracknowledgedthatshe,AbbyMelroseBellavance,wasthelegalownerof theMelrosehouseonSouthBattery.Since thehomehadbeendeeded to her, she was currently the party responsible for paying thepropertytax.Inthepast,thetaxhadbeenpaidinJanuaryandJuly,sothestate took it upon themselves to continue with the same process. The

payment address was provided, along with a phone number for anyquestions shehad.She lookedat the secondpage, afraid to see the totaldue.“OhmyGod,howintheworldamIgoingtopaythis?”Thenumbersshockedher,makingherheadspinwithworry.Forhalftheyear,abillfortwelvethousandsevenhundredforty-sixdollarswasenclosed,dueinthreeweeks. She took a deep breath and tried to think of a way to pay theenormousbill.Okay,Idon’thavemuchcashleft,andnowIcertainlycan’tafford tohaveBrandonmoveout.Everyonewillhave togetalongoratleastfightquietly.

Abby took the stairs to the third floor, two by two, and closed thebedroomdoorbehindher.Sheopenedashoeboxin thecloset, followinghermother’s example, andcounted themoney thatwaspaper clipped inthousand-dollarstacks.Therewerethreestacksandfourhundredfifty-onedollars in an envelope.Her checking account balancewas one thousandtwo hundred seventy-two dollars, but thatwas earmarked for householdbills. If I start sellingoffantiques from thehouse, itwill raise toomuchattention. I’m only themanager as far as everyone other thanMel andBetsy knows. Abby stared at her mother’s jewelry box on the dresser,feelingthatshewouldsurelydieapainfuldeathinhellifshesoldanyofCharlotteMelrose’sprizedjewels.Toobad,Mom,itwasyouwhoputmeinthisdamnpositionanyway.ThejewelryisgettinglistedoneBaytoday.AbbyyelleddownstairsforBetsytojoinherwithabottleofwineandtwoglasses.Shepeekedout thebackwindowofher third-floorbedroomandsaw Erik puttering around in the backyard. Good. He’ll be busy untildinnertimeforsure.Withtheoversizedboxofjewelryandtwoglassesofwine, Abby and Betsy sat on the bed and began sorting Charlotte’streasures.

“Somethingdoesn’tseemright,”Abbysaid.“NoneofthesepieceslookfamiliarnowthatI’mactuallystudyingthem.Wheretheheckisthegoodstuff?”

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”“I swear this isn’tmymom’s fine jewelry. Don’t you remembermy

parents’twentiethweddinganniversaryandthatdiamondnecklacemydadsurprised Mom with? That puppy cost him over seventy-five thousand

dollars.Everythingisthrowninherelikeitmeansnothing.Momtookcareoftheexpensivepieces,andeverythinghaditsplace.Iknowexactlywhatthisis.”

“Whatisit?”“Bait. Haven’t you ever seen that on TV? The homeowner puts

insignificantjewelryoutintheopenincasethehouseiseverburglarized.Damn it.Wherewould she have put the real pieces? She had over twohundredthousanddollars’worthofjewelry.”

“Howthoroughlyhaveyougonethroughthisroom?”“Notverywell,butIhaven’tfoundanythinginwhatIwouldconsider

theobviousplaces.I’msurethere’ssomethinginhereIcansell, though.Let’sseparatethegoldfromthecostumejewelryandseewhatwecomeupwith. Anything that might have value, I’ll list on eBay. We’ll divideeverything into two piles, one for costume jewelry and one for gold orsilver.”

Betsystaredatherasifshewerespeakingaforeignlanguage.“Nowwhat’swrong?”“Areyouactuallysayingyourmomhadcostumejewelry?”Abbyponderedthatquestionforasecond.“Crazy,huh?”Shesmirked.

“Sheprobablykept thefakebaublesshehadbeforemydadgotrich,butsome of them might have value since they’re considered vintage now.Don’tworry.As the CharlotteMelrose, she neverwore any of it, I canguarantee you. I’ll get started if youdon’tmind runningdownstairs andoffering Erik a beer or something. Make small talk with him for fiveminutes.Thatshouldholdhimoverforatleastanotherhour.”

“Gotit,I’llberightback.”An hour later, all of Charlotte’s junk jewelry and semi-precious

gemstonejewelrywasdividedintotwopiles.“Whatdoyouthinkthisisworth?”“First, I’m not going to feel guilty, because selling these pieceswill

tidemeoverforafewweekswhileItrytofindtherealstuff.It’sgoingtotake a full day to take pictures, check out eBay’s completed listings toknowthevalue,andlistthisjunk,butevenafterallthefees,there’satleasta thousanddollars’worthof jewelrysittinghere.MaybeIcanfindsome

other things in the room to sell.Nobodywill know the difference sincetheyaren’talloweduphereanyway.”

“ExceptErik.”Betsygrinned.Abby stammeredwith a bright red blush, “Itwas that obvious, huh?

Okay,yourjobistokeephimbusysohedoesn’twonderwhatI’mupto,atleastforadayortwo.It’sokayifMelknows,butnobodyelse.I’llbringmylaptopuphereandgetbusystartingfirstthinginthemorning.

***

After breakfast the nextmorning, Abby locked herself in her room andbegan the tedious process of listing items on eBay. She typed thedescriptions with a fury and found a sunny area near the street-sidewindowtotakegoodpictures.Shewantedeventhesemi-preciousstonestodazzleinthesunlight,andwiththeprofessionalqualitycamerashehadbroughtbackwithherfromSt.Thomas,shewassuccessful.Atnoon,shetookamuch-neededbreakandwentdownstairsforlunch.

Erik slowly walked around the patio, inspecting the pergola he hadrecentlycompleted.Thewindchimeshunginfrontofhim,swirlinginthebreeze and singing out a beautiful melody while glimpses of sunlightdancedoffeachindividualcrystal.

Abby joined himwith a glass of tea. “We’re going to have lunch inabout twenty minutes. Betsy is making grilled cheese sandwiches andpastasalad.Doesthatsoundokaytoyou?”Sheglancedaroundforpeeringeyesbeforegivinghimaquickkiss.

“I haven’t seenmuch of you since yesterday. Is everything all right?Youdon’thaveregretsaboutus,doyou?”

“Oh,Lordno.I’vebeenswampedwithaprojectforthefamily,that’sall. I should be done in a day or two. I’m really happy about us. Noworries.”

“I am, too, and I’m sorry about the other day. I’m not going to letBrandongetundermyskinanymore.He’sjustahighlypaidmorononanegotrip.I’lldealwithhimbyavoidance.Thatshoulddrivehimcrazy.”

“Thankyou.Iappreciateit.”

Erikscannedthebackyard.“IthinkIranoutofprojectshereunlessyoucan come up with something else. Do you mind if I start working onpayingprojects?AndIdon’tmeanthatinabadway.Roomandboardisnodifferentthanpayinmyopinion.”

“Ofcoursenot.Youneedtodowhatyouneedtodo.I’llmissseeingyourfacearoundthehousethough.It’sjustgoingtobeBetsyandmefromnowonduring theday,unlessAdamandLisaarehome.”Shegavehimonemorelingeringkissandtookhishand.“Comeon,lunchisready.”

Erik followedAbby into the kitchen and sat down to eat. Betsy hadalreadyplacedaplatterofgrilledcheesesandwichesandabowlofpastasaladonthetable.

Aftereating,Abbywipedhermouthwiththeclothnapkinandexcusedherself.Shehadaboutanhourofworklefttocompletebeforethejewelrylistingswouldbelive.SheplannedtogothroughCharlotte’soldbedroomsuitemethodicallyinhopesoffindingtheexpensivejewelry.Meanwhile,any artwork or antiques in the roomwere fair game.During the day, ifErikwas actually out on a paying job,Abbywould glean smaller itemsfromdownstairsthatnobodywouldmissandpostthemoneBay,too.Thisdesperationisgoingtogetthebestofme.Ihavetofindsomething

tosellthathasrealvalue.ThenAbbyhadanepiphany.Damnit,Inevereven followeduponMom’s car insurance claim. I didn’t knowwhoheragencywasand forgot to askAttorney StupidLewis that first day Imethim.WithLewisLawOfficealreadyonhercontactlist,Abbyhitthegreencallbuttonnexttohisname.

“LewisLawOffice,Adriannespeaking.HowmayIdirectyourcall?”“Hey,Adrianne,it’sAbby.IsAttorneyLewisin?”“Yes,pleasehold.”Abbysnickered.Obviously,she’sstillpissedatme.“Hello,Abigail.Iwasjustgoingtocallyou.”“Right…anyway,whathaveyouheardfrommymom’scarinsurance

company?Thereoughttobeacheckformesincehercarwasatotalloss,right?”

“Ofcourse,butit’sbeenheldupbecauseofherdeath.Theyobviouslycouldn’tmakethecheckouttoyourdearlydepartedmother,youknow.”

“Cutthecrap.AmIgettingthecheckornot?”“Yes,dear,becauseyou’retheonlynextofkinstatedinherwill.The

monetary gifts have all been paid, leaving the home and assets to you.Since thecarwasanasset,yourightfullyownit.Keepinmind,Abigail,everythingelseisbeingheldintrustuntilyou’reforty.”

“Yeah,yeah,I’mwellawareofthat.SowhenwillIgetthecheck,andhowmuchisitfor?”

“Justonemoment,Ihavetoseeifthey’vecontactedmeaboutityet.”Abbywasputonholdandlistenedtoelevatormusicforwhatseemed

likeaneternitybeforeAttorneyLewispickedupagain.“Abigail?”“Yes,I’mstillwaiting.”Sheimpatientlytappedherfingersonthetable

inherbedroomoverlookingthepark.“Allright,dear,Ihaveeverythinginfrontofme,andyes,thecheckis

in the mail. Since your mother’s car was a V-8 Twin-turbo E-ClassMercedessedanwithlowmilesand—”

“AttorneyLewis,Idon’tcareaboutthedescription.Thecarisawrecknowanyway.Howmuchisthecheck?”

“Of course. The check was cut in the amount of fifty-nine thousandseven hundred eighty-nine dollars and forty-one cents. So there you go,almost sixty thousand dollars. That seems like a low number in myopinion.Wouldyoulikemetodisputetheclaim?”

“Oh, thank you, sweet baby Jesus. What? No, I don’t want you todisputeit.”Abbyexhaledadeepsighofrelief.“Okay,originallyyousaidyouweregoingtocallme.Whatabout?”

“That’s right. Iwanted to let youknow I received notification of thewrongfuldeathclaim.Apparently,CityWasteandRecyclingplanstofightus.Theclaimisinthehandsoftheirinsurancecompany,andthey’vehiredalawfirmalready.Weshouldbehearingmoreverysoon.I’mquitesurethey’lldenytheclaim.”

“Thenwhathappens?”Abby lookedout thewindow, thankful for thebeauty just beyond the glass.The third-floor bedroomgave her quite anadvantagewithgorgeousviewseverytimeshepeeredout.Atearofreliefsliddownher cheekas she staredout at thebluest skies that sideof theCaribbean.

“Then we fight it. That’s what you hired me to do, didn’t you,Abigail?”

“Yes, I did.Pleasekeepmeposted.Thankyou, andgoodbye.”Abbyhungup and lay across thebed.The stress shehad felt for thepast twodays temporarily subsided.She staredat theceiling fanandwatched theblades turn as she had in St. Thomas. Toomanymemories flooded hermindatthatmoment.Ifonlyshecouldgobackintimebeforethatcruise,before she ever laid eyes on Remy Bellavance, maybe then everythingcould have turned out differently. She lay alone in her mother’s oldbedroom with her regrets, memories, and temporary relief as she criedherselftosleep.

ChapterNineteen

Nine people sat at the dining room table for dinner. Tonight’s menuconsistedofblackbeansoup,cornbread,afreshgardensalad,stillwater,andicedtea.Conversationflowedeffortlesslyamongthegroupoffriends.Brandon usually directed his comments towardAbby, dismissing—or atleast trying to dismiss—everyone else in the room, especially Erik. Hisboastful self-praise was evident when he announced he was the leaddefense attorney on a new insurance case. He didn’t have all theinformation yet, but he was certain it would be a slam dunk in theinsurancecompany’sfavor.

“Evidently, somebody is trying to soak money out of the insurancecompany I represent, stating it’s awrongful death claim. I can probablyhavethiscasewrappedupinnotime,”hejoked.“Iswear,peoplesalivateatthethoughtofaninsurancepayout.Theywaitonthesidelineswiththeirgreedylittlepawsoutforaninsurancecompanytodropwadsofcashintotheirhands.Obviously,there’sanewlawyerintownthat’sgoingtoshutthemdowninnotime,andthatlawyerwouldbeme.”

Abby’s heart seized in her chest as she choked on her iced tea. Sheexcused herself from the table and ran down the hallway to the nearestbathroomonthefirstfloor.

“Whatwasthatabout?”Brandonasked,smirking.Hebutteredapieceofcornbreadandlookedaroundthetable.

“Maybeshe’s just tiredofyourself-praise,Brandon.Itdoesgetold,”Melanie said. She got up, tossed her napkin on the chair, and followedAbby down the hall. “Abby,”Melanie called out as she knocked on thebathroomdoor,“canIcomein?”Melheardthesoundofsnifflesthroughthedoorasshewaitedontheotherside.

“Areyoualone?”Abbysaidbehindthedoor.“I’malone.Letmein,Abs.”Thedoorcreakedopen,andAbbypeeredoutbeforeallowingMelanie

in.“Mel,whatifBrandonhasmycase?HowamIgoingtofindout?This

isn’t something I want to discuss around the dinner table. Poor CharlesworksforCityWasteandRecycling,I’msuingthecompany,andBrandonmightbetheonecontestingmycase.Everythingisgoingtohell.Ithoughtnow that the car insurance company is sending a check, I’d be able tobreatheagainforafewmonths.Brandonmakesitsoundlikeanyonewhofilesaninsuranceclaimisapariah.Plusifheactuallyhasmycase,he’lllearneverythingaboutme,startingwiththefactthatI’mmarriedandownthishouse.Myprivatelifeisnoneofhisbusiness,andhehasthebiggestmouthinCharleston.Iknowhe’llcontestmyclaimjusttoproveapoint.”

“That’s his job as a defense attorney, to contest claims. It doesn’tnecessarilymean it’s personal. I just wonder how good he is at his jobsince you can’t believe everything he says. He’s over-the-top full ofhimself.”

“You’reright,butdoyouthinkAttorneyLewiswouldknowwhoCityWasteandRecycling’sinsurancecompanyhiredtorepresentthem?”

“Probably.Callhiminthemorning.Thesoonerthebetter,soyoudon’tgooffthedeependoverthis.”

***

“LewisLawOffice,Adriannespeaking.Howmay—”Abbyinterrupted.“It’sAbby.IsAttorneyLewisin?”“Onemoment,please.”“Whatever.”Abbylistenedto thatgod-awfulelevatormusicagainfor

whatfeltlikeforeveruntilhepickedup.“Abigail,whatcanIdoforyou?”“Hello,AttorneyLewis.Ineedsomeinformation.”“Yes,dear?”“Do you knowwhat law firmCityWaste andRecycling’s insurance

companyretained?”“Whywouldthatmatteronewayoranother?”“I’mcurious,that’sall.Doyouhavethatinformation?”“Holdon,please,whileIcheckthroughyourfile.”Abby walked to the kitchen with the phone jammed between her

shoulderand thecrookofherneck,apadofpaperandpen inherhand.Betsywasjuststartinglunchpreparations.AkettleofwaterboiledonthestoveasBetsydumpedinabagofbowtiepasta.Shestoodbythesinkandchoppedtomatoesandcilantro.AbbysatdownatthetableandwhisperedtoBetsy, asking for a glass of iced tea. “Yes,Attorney Lewis, I’m stillwaiting.”AbbyrolledhereyesatBetsyasshedoodledonthepaper.“Yes,okay…yousaidit’stheofficeofAndrews,Moore,andLuck?Yep,that’sallIneeded.Thankyou.I’llbewaitingtohearfromyousoon.”

“What’swrong?”BetsyaskedasshesatatthetablenexttoAbby.Abbyheldherheadinherhands,pressingonhertemplesasshestared

down at the patterned tablecloth. “I think everything is going to comeunraveled.Damnit,whydidIrentoutroomstoguyswithanagenda?Erikwantsme as a girlfriend, and Brandon just wants to win. I don’t knowwhatthehecktodo.BrandonwillbeupsetifIdon’tgooutwithhim,Erikwill be upset if I do, and now I find outBrandon is the attorneywho’sgoing tocontestmywrongfuldeathsuit.He’salsogoing tofindout I’mAbigailMelrose,asinMelroseMansion,thedamnhousehe’slivingin.Icanseeitalready.Nowrongfuldeathclaim,pluseveryonewillthinkI’mnothingbutagreedyliar.”

“Okay,whatyou’rereallyworriedaboutisErik,right?Imean,MelandIknowthetruth,andnobodyelsematters,dothey?”

“No, but somehow I have to stay on Brandon’s good side withoutalienatingErik.Even if I don’twin the lawsuit, I don’twanthim to telleveryoneatdinnerwhatalyingweirdoIam.”

“Yeah,goodluckwiththat.OnethingIknowforsureisthatBrandonlovestotalk.”

“Ineedsomefreshair.I’mgoingovertotheparkforawhiletothink.”“Abby?” Betsy reached in the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of

water.“Here.It’shotoutside.Sitintheshade.”Abby took thebottleandembracedBetsy.“YouandMelare like the

sistersIneverhad.Ireallyloveyouboth.”“Backatya.Lookbothwaysbeforeyoucross thestreet,”Betsysaid,

givingAbbyawide,glowingsmile.TheyearsshespentgrowinguponSouthBatteryhadmadeAbbyvery

fond of White Point Garden. She enjoyed the convenience of a small,beautiful park right across the street and thewater beyond that was theperfectplace tocry, reflect,be joyful,or justponder.Growingup,Abbyhaddoneall thosethings.Shetookthepathtothegazeboandsatonthecement step. That shaded spotwas far cooler than the benches near thecannons overlooking the water. Too many tourists flooded that areaanyway.ShouldIjustcomecleanwithErikandgetallofthisshameanddeceitoffmychest?AmIthatinvestedinhimtothinkwehaveafuture?Maybe I shouldwait it outand seewhathappenswithBrandonand thelawsuit. Abby sat in the park for at least an hour,watching the yellow-crownednightheronssittinginthetreetops.Theyalwaysmadehersmile,especiallyasayoungster.Abbychecked the time. Itwashalfpastnoon.Lunchisprobablyready.Nowondermystomachisgrowling.Shebeganthetrekbackhome,waitingfortraffictopassbeforesteppingoffthecurbwhen she sawBrandon’s car.He found a spot, parking only fifteen feetawayfromher.

Hewavedashegotoutof thecarandhit the lockbuttononhiskeyfob.Thehornon thesilverBMWsedanbeepedtwice.“Hi,Abby,funnymeetingyouhere.”Helaughedatwhathethoughtwasaclevercomment.

“Hi,Brandon.Whyareyouhomeatlunchtime?”“IleftsomenotesinmyroomthatIneedlater.Ihaveanappointment

thisafternoonwiththatinsurancecompanyaboutthenewwrongfuldeathclaim. How about joining me for dinner tonight, just you and mesomewhereintimate?”

“Um…okay,sure.Whattimewillyoubedonewithwork?Icanjustmeetyousomewhere.”

“That’scrazy.Didyouforgetwelive in thesamehouse?We’lldrivetogetherlikearealdate.Bereadyatsixo’clockandwearsomethingnice.”

JustthethoughtofBrandontellinghertowearsomethingniceirritatedAbby.Shefeltlikeachildbeingtoldwhattodo.Brandonwasincharge,and Abby had to let it go. Getting information from him was moreimportant. “Yeah, no problem,” she said as they crossed the street andwalkedthroughthegatetogether.“Okay,seeyoulater.I’mgoingtohavelunchwithBetsyonthepatio.”

***

Atfiveo’clock,afterconfidinginMelanieandBetsy,Abbywentupstairstoshoweranddressnicely,asBrandonhadsaid,fortheirdinnerdate.Shestaredintotheovalantiquefloormirror.Ilooknice.Pretty,butnotoverlysexy. I don’t want to give Brandon thewrong idea that there’s actuallysomethingbetweenusorthatIhaveanyinterestinhim.Yeah,right.Likethat’sgoingtoenterhismind.Hehasenoughinterestinhimselfforbothofus,andIamgoingoutwithhim…damnit.ShehopedErikwasn’tbackyetfromhisseconddayofworkingjustafewblocksaway.HehadafullmonthofinteriorrepairstomakeforahomerestorationonAtlanticStreet.Asshecamedownthestaircaseandopenedthedoortothesecondfloor,she literally ran intoErik.Heworeabluebandannaacrosshis forehead,tiedat thenapeofhisneck.Sproutsofblondhairpokedout around thebandannaand framedhis face.Fadedblue jeansanda sleevelessmuscleshirtwerehisworkattire.Coveredinsawdustandsweat,heseemedtobesneakingofftohisroomtoshowerandchangebeforedinner.

“Abby, sorry, I didn’t…. are you going somewhere? You lookamazing.” Embarrassed, he tried to brush away the sawdust from hisclothes.

“You’re theone that looksamazing,”sheresponded, longingforEriknomatterwhatconditionhewasin.

Helaughedandwaitedforheranswer.“Erik,ifyoudon’task,Iwon’thavetoanswer.”Sadnessfilledhereyes

as she softly kissed his cheek and continued down the hallway to thestaircaseleadingtothefirstfloor.

Hestaredather,waitingforhertolookback,butshedidn’t.Thehairon thebackofhisneckprickledsinceheknewtoowellwhatwasgoingon.

Atdinner,twoemptychairswerepushedin,andsevenpeoplesatatthetable. Lisa spoke up, unaware of the tension in the air. “That’s weird.AbbyandBrandonarebothgone tonight.”Sheglancedaround the tableexpectingsomeonetoaddtheirtwocentstohercomment,butnobodydid.

“Sorry…meandmybigmouth.”ShestoleaquickglanceatErik,feelingthetensionintheroomdoublebecauseofwhatshe’djustsaid.“Um…thechickenMarsalaisreallygood,Betsy.”

“Thanks, Lisa. I’m glad you like it. There’s plenty more, everyone.Helpyourself.Erik?”

“Naw…I’vehadenough,andI’mkindofbeat.IthinkI’lljustcallitanight.Seeyou in themorning.”Erikwipedhishandson thenapkinandstood to leave the dining room. “Dinnerwas great, Betsy.Good night.”Withdefeatwrittenacrosshisface,heturnedandwalkedupstairs.

“That sucks,”Adamsaid.“I thinkErik reallyhasa thing forAbby. IwasundertheimpressionshethoughtBrandonwaskindofajerk.”

“Well, it’s their business. Abby is an adult. She’ll figure it out,”Melaniesaidassheclearedthetableandscrapedtheplates.

***

“This is a beautiful restaurant, Brandon. I’ve never been here.” Abbyscannedtheinteriorastheywalkedthroughthedoor.

“Yeah, I was impressed by the star rating and reviews online. Thisrestaurant is fairly new, but it seems to be the happening place to golately.”Brandoncheckedinwiththehostess,andsheledthemtoaquietalcovewithintimateseating.

“Great choice, I like it.”Abby lookedaround the room, admiring theantique red brick walls and ironwork accents. A brief history of therestaurantwaswrittenon themenu insert.Thebuildingwasoriginally acarriagehouseforaprominentCharlestonfamilyin1861.Overtime,thehome was sold separately, and the carriage house had been used asdifferentestablishments.AbbymadeamentalnotetokeeptherestaurantinmindforafuturedatewithErik.Thequaintfurnishingsandambiencemadeitseemwarmandwelcoming.

“Sohowdidyourmeetinggo today?”Abbyaskedafter theyordereddinnerandabottleofBaroloBrunate.ShewantedtokeeponestepaheadofBrandon and find out exactly howmuch he knew.The onlyway shecoulddothat,eventhoughshecringedatthethought,wastoask.

“It’snicetoknowyouhaveaninterestinmywork.”I don’t give a crap about your work, Brandon. It’s all about self-

preservation. “Well, of course I do. Being an attorney seems veryinterestingtome.”Shetookahugegulpofwineandestimatedthecostofthebottle.Asecondonemightbeneeded.Hmmm…eachgulpItakecostshimsixbucks.

“Ihadalotonmyplatetodayanddidn’thavetimetoreviewtheentirecase. The only thing I know so far is the insurance company we’reworkingwithisrepresentingCityWasteandRecycling.Iguessthey’rethemaingarbagecompanyinCharleston.Anyway,somepoorschmuckhadaheartattackrightinthetruckwhilehewasonthejobandranintothesideof somehotshot lady’s car.Theybothdiedon the scene.Evidently, thiswoman’sfamilyispushingforawrongfuldeathclaimagainstthegarbagecompany. They must have some idiot for an attorney, otherwise they’dknow they can sue the dead guy’s personal automobile insurancecompany, too. I’msure Ican findsome flaw in this suit to shut itdownrightaway.”

Abby took two more gulps of wine. “How would somebody sue anautomobileinsurancecompanyiftheirclientdied,too?”

“As longas the insurancepolicy ispaidandup todate, thepolicy isstill inforceandliableforpayingthelawsuitevenif theirclient isdead,too.”

“Isn’tthatinteresting?Howlongdoyouthinkthiscasewilldragout?”“I don’t know. It depends on if the family suing fights back after I

contest the claim. Itwill cost themmoney, but it sounds like they haveplentyanyway.”

The wine almost shot out of Abby’s nose at that comment. “Oh…excuseme.”Shecoughedseveral times toclearher throat. “Imusthaveswallowedwrong.”

“Anyway,I’llknowmorethisweek.How’syoursalmon?”“It’sreallydeliciousandmoist.I’mhavingagreattimetonight.Thank

you,Brandon.”Abbycouldn’twait toget home.All shewanted todowas lie in the

comfortofherbedandplanfortheworst-casescenario.Whatistheworst

thing that cangowrong? Iwon’twin the lawsuit, I’ll loseErik forever,andI’llbebrokeuntilI’mforty.IsthatsomethingIcanlivewith?IfIhaveto,I’llselleverythinginthehouseandsleeponacot,butIdon’twanttoloseErik’sfriendship.

ChapterTwenty

AbbyandBetsyenteredthroughthesidegateaftergettinggroceries.ThesightofBrandonandCharlessittingonthepatioandenjoyingabeermadeAbbymorethannervous.Astheypassed,sheoverheardBrandontalkingaboutthecasehewasworkingon.Aslongashe’sonlybraggingabouthimself,Idon’tcarewhathesays,

she thought as she and Betsy excused themselves and walked into thekitchen.

Abbykept her distance from themenof thehouse andopted tohelpBetsywithdinner.Itseemedlikeasaferplacetobe.Erikhadbeensnarkythelastfewdays,andBrandonwasjustbeingBrandon,self-absorbed,asthoughhewastheonlypersoninthehousewhohadanythinginterestingtosay.Melanie,Lucille,andLisajoinedin,helpingthempeelpotatoesandshuck corn. Tonight’s menu consisted of fried chicken, potato wedges,cornonthecob,andagreensalad.

Atdinner,withBrandonononeendofthetableandErikattheother,Abbyfeltdoomedsittingbetweenthem.Whydidn’tImakethisawomen-onlyboardinghouse?Therewouldbemuchlessdrama.Erikwon’tlookatme,andBrandonisplayingthatforallit’sworth.

BrandonstartedtheconversationandaimedhiscommentsatAbby.“Ijust learned today that Charlesworks at CityWaste and Recycling. It’sodd how you never mentioned that at dinner the other night when Ibroughtupthename.”

“Oh… well… you knew Charles was a garbage collector, I justassumed…”

“Assumedwhat?ThatIknewwhereheworked?”“Yes,Isuppose.WhydoesitmatterwhereCharlesworks?”“Because, Abigail, I live in the same house as somebody whose

companyI’mrepresentinginalawsuit.Itcouldbeawkwardforme.”“Sorry. You knewwhat everyone here does for a living. It isn’t my

placetodisclosewheretheywork,andit’snoneofyourbusinessanyway.”

Brandon raised his voice and leaned in closer to Abby to make hispoint,“Itismybusinessifitaffectsmybusiness.”

“Hey,backoff,”Erikshoutedacrossthetable.Hewasalreadyonedge,hisjawsclenched,andtheslightestprovocationcouldsethimoff.

“Orwhat,toughguy?”Brandonlaughedinresponse.“You’reoverdueforsomeetiquetteclasses,Neanderthal.”

“Stopit,bothofyou.Firstoff,Brandon,Idon’treporttoyou,andErik,thanks,butIcantakecareofmyself.I thinkI’velostmyappetite.Goodnight.”

Abby grabbed a bottle of wine and a glass from the wet bar in thelibrary and took the stairs to the widow’s walk. With the lower doorbetweenthesecondandthirdfloorlocked,Abbywasalone,exactlyasshewanted. Dusk was setting in, and the sun dipping beneath the horizoncausedthewatertoglowareddishpurple.Theskyheldapaletteofcolorsfrom brilliant orange at thewater’s edge to a deep indigo blue near thestars.Shesankthecorkscrewintothecorkand,withatwistofthehandle,pulled itoutwithapop.Ahalfglasswasenoughwhileshewatched thesunfallintotheoceanandthedarknessofnightblanketthesky.Shewasoverit,overthesecrecyandlies.Fulldisclosurewasthewaytogo.Atthatpoint,shedidn’tcareanymore.Iscrewedup,I’mashamedandhumiliated,and I started this stupid boardinghouse idea with a lie. It wasn’tintentional.IjustwantedpeopletoknowmeassomeoneotherthanAbbyMelroseorAbbyBellavance.Tomorrownightatdinner,I’llcomecleantoeveryone.

***

Brandon sat in a private office of the insurance company, reviewing thepaperworkforthewrongfuldeathclaim.Hewasthenewguyintownandwanted toprovehisworthat theprestigious lawfirmhehad joinedasapartner. As far as he was concerned, CityWaste and Recycling wasn’tresponsible topayanyone.Theclaimcouldn’tbeblamedonnegligence,faultybrakes,oranythingspecificallyrelatedtothegarbagecompany.Mr.Hanson’sdeathwasunavoidablenomatterwhathehadbeendrivingatthe

time. His personal insurance policy should pay, if anyone’s, but notBrandon’sclient.Hestudiedthepaperworkagain,stillirritatedbythefactthatheandCharleslivedinthesamehouse.ThesuitwasfiledbyAttorneyWilliamBaronLewisfortheMelroseEstate.

“That’s interesting,” Brandon said, his eyes darting across thedocumentsforthetenthtime.“HowdidImissthisbefore?IknowAbbycalled the house the Melrose Mansion when she welcomed me as atenant.”He flipped through the pages, trying to find an address, but thepaperworkkept referringback to the attorneywho filed it. “Thewomanthat died in the accident must be listed by name somewhere in thesedocuments.” Brandon was becoming frantic, scattering pages and pagesacross the conference table. He finally found what he was looking for.Most of the documents stated the claim was on behalf of the MelroseEstateandTrust,butheneededaname,andfinallyfoundit.Acopyofthedeathcertificate forCharlotteMelrosewasburiedamong thepaperwork.Brandondidanonlinesearchforherandfoundmoreinformationthanheeverexpected.Shewasawell-knownphilanthropistinCharleston,alwaysinvolved in fund-raisers, foundations, and the like. She donated tocharities,belongedtocommittees,andsatontheboardsoftheartinstituteandthehistoricalsociety.

“Wow, this ladywas impressive.Toobad shehad todie.”Beforeheforgotwhyhewasevendoingasearchonher,helookedupheraddress.Hissuspicionswerecorrect,andtheaddresswasexactly thesameas thehouse he lived in on South Battery. Okay… so Abby is the propertymanagerfortheestate.Nosurprisethere.NowtherearetwopeopleIlivewithonacaseI’mfighting,damnit.Withevenmorecuriosity,Brandoncontinued to read. There were numerous pages from his Internet searchabouttheMelrosefamily.“What’sthisone?”Hefoundanintriguingposttitled“MelroseFamilyTragedy”andclickedonit.Theposttoldthestoryof theMelrose familybeginningwithEdward andhis road to fortune in1995inthecomputerprocessorindustry.ThebeautifulItalianatemansionon South Battery was purchased in 1997. The post went on to say thatEdwardhadbeenkilled in2010inarandommugging,and just recently,Charlottehadlostherlifeinacollisionwithagarbagetruck,leavingthe

Melroseestatetotheironlychild,Abigail.Whatthehell?Brandonleanedin,hiselbowsplantedonthedeskand

eyebrows furrowed as he read the post again from the beginning. Hiswheelsturned,grindinginhishead,asheputtwoandtwotogether.Abbyistheownerofthehouse.TheMelroseestatebelongstoher,theonlyheir,andshe’stheonewhofiledthislawsuit.Sonofabitch!I’mgoingtohaveto pullmyself off this case as a conflict of interest.Myaddress is listedwith the firm. They’ll see the connection immediately and investigate it.Abby’sattorneywillhavemethrownoffthecaseassoonasitcomesoutthat I live there. It will look like I’m hiding information if I press on.There’snoway I’llbehumiliated like that. Ihave todiscloseeverythingand give this case to someone else. Brandon was more than angry. Hepounded his fist on the desk, realizing that Abby had been fishing forinformationtheothernightatdinnerwhensheaskedquestionsabout thecase.Shedoesn’tcareonewayoranotheraboutmeormyjob.Sheonlywanted to see how much I knew, the bitch. She’s been playing me allalong,andshehasmoremoneythanI’lleverearninmylifetime.

Furious,BrandonheadedbacktoCharlestontohaveadiscussionwiththe other partners at Andrews,Moore, and Luck. Right then, he wasn’tfeelingall that lucky.Hewasembarrassed topresent the situation tohispartners, making himself look incompetent by working on the case foroveraweekwithoutrealizingitwasaconflictofinterest.

Hesatattheconferencetable,apitcherofwaterinthecenterandbothpartners facinghim.Hepouredaglassofwater forhimself,knowinghewouldneedit.Hismouthalreadyfeltparched,andhisstomachwasdoingsomersaults.Hehad to admit tohis partners that he’dmessedupon theveryfirstcasehe’dbeengiven.Brandonopenedhisbriefcaseandpulledout the folder containingall of thedocumentsup to thatpoint about theMelrosewrongfuldeathlawsuit.HehandedittoBobAndrews,whowasofficially taking over the case. The expressions of regret on the men’sfaces were evident as Brandon backpedaled, explaining to his doubtful-lookingpartnersthatanerrorlikethatwouldneverhappenagain.

***

Brandon drove home with an agenda. He wasn’t about to let Abby getaway with her deception, acting as if she were nothing more than apropertymanager at theMelroseMansion.He laughed at the thought ofher saying everyproject around thehouseneeded tobe clearedwith theownersbeforeshecouldhaveErikdothework.She’smakingafooloutofhim, too. I bet he won’t be too happy when he hears that. The poorhandymanthinkinghehasachancewiththisrichbitch?That’shysterical,andI’mgoingtolethimknowitatdinnertonight.Blindsidingherisgoingtobearealtreat.

***

Abbysatinherroom,staringattheclock.Inanhour,atdinner,shewouldcome clean with everyone about who she really was. Her life andpredicamentweren’tanyoneelse’sbusiness,butgettingthatsecretoutintotheopenwouldbelikeremovingaheavyweightfromherchest.Nobodyhadarighttojudgeher.Sheownedthehouse,andtheyweretenants.Noharm, no foul. Erik’s opinion was the only one that mattered to heranyway, and with the explanation she had prepared in her head, sheassumedtheendresultwouldbeokay.Still,shefeltagitatedandnervousaboutgoingdownstairs,sittingatthetable,andtellingherstory.

Ahotshowerwouldhelpcalmheranxieties,butfirst,sheneededtotellBetsy what to expect at dinner. Betsy could pass the information on toMelanieassoonasshegothomefromwork.Abbycalledthehousephonefromhercell.

“Hello.”“Betsy,it’sme.Isanyonehomeyet?”“JustLisa.Hersummerclassesareoverwith.Why?”“Okay,canyoucometomyroomforafewminutes?”“Sure,I’llberightup.Ijusthavetoturnoffthestove.Givemeafew

minutes.”Betsyturnedtheburneroffandcoveredthekettlewithalid.Thespaghettisaucewouldbefine.Shewashedherhands,thenshedriedthemwiththetowelhangingovertheovendoor.

Abby heard footsteps from the second-floor hallway. The door latch

turned, then footsteps sounded again, coming up the last flight of stairs.Therewasaknockonherdoor,thenBetsycalledout,“Abby,canIcomein?”

AbbyopenedthedoorandallowedBetsyin.“What’s up?” Betsy asked. A concerned look crossed her face,

accentuatingthesmallcrow’sfeetatthecornersofhereyes.“Sitdownwithmeforafewminutes.Ihavesomethingtotellyou.”Abby led theway to the table by thewindow. They both sat as she

explainedtoBetsywhattoexpectduringthedinnerconversation.“Areyousureyouwanttospillyourgutstoeveryone?Imean,whyis

yourlifeanybody’sbusiness?”“I don’t trustBrandon.He’s the attorney handling the lawsuit I filed

againstCityWasteandRecycling.”Abbytappedherfingersnervouslyonthetabletop.

“Right…sowhat?”“I’drathersaysomethingbeforehedoes.EventhoughIhaven’treally

doneanythingwrongexceptlietoeveryone,Icanatleastsoftentheblowbyadmittingmymistakes.IthinkIknowmylifeandmyreasonsfarbetterthanhedoes.”

“That’s true.So in forty-fiveminutes,you’regoing toexplainall thisoverdinner?”

“That’stheplan.I’mgoingtoshower,takeafewcleansingbreaths,andcomedownfordinner.IfyoucatchMelbeforeIcomedownstairs,letherinonit.”

“Gotit.Everythingisgoingtobefine.MelandIwillalwayshaveyourback.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Onebyone,theninehousematescongregatedinthediningroom,eachattheirusualspotaround thedinner table.Betsywasalways the last tosit,andontheclosestchairtothekitchen.Sheplacedsometongsandapotofspaghettinoodles in thecenterof the table,aheapingbowlofsauceandmeatballsnexttoit,andasaladandaloafofwarmFrenchbreadofftotheside.Thedinnerware andcrystalwaterglassesglistened likenew.Betsyhad been taught years ago to take pride in her work, and she kepteverything in pristine condition. After plates were filled and bread waspassedaround,Abbytookagulpofwater,readytobegin.

With his eyes on her,Brandon studiedAbby’s gestures, noticing sheseemed a little tense.Here’s my chance to expose her for the liar shereallyis.“So,Ihadaninterestingday,”hesaidbeforeshehadachancetospeakup.

Lucille,alwaysengaging,welcomeddinnerconversationand loved tojoinin.“Oh,please,Brandon,tellusallaboutit.”

“Thanks, that’s just what I intend to do. I’m sure everyone is wellawareof thewrongfuldeath lawsuit I’ve takenon.Provingmyworth inthisnewlawfirmis important tome,andwinning thiscasewouldshowmypartnerstheycouldtrustinmyabilities.Don’tyouagree,Abby?”

“Oh… of course, that makes sense.” Abby glanced at each personsittingacrossthetable,thenatErik.Everyonewasstaringather.Shefelttheheatclimbupthebackofherneck.Shetookanothergulpofwaterandfilledherglassonemoretime.

“Anyway, I’ve encountered a few speed bumps these last few days.First, it turns out thatCharlesworks atCityWaste andRecycling. Thatisn’tgoodformesinceitcreatesaconflictofinterest.Charles,wereyouawarethatthepositionyoufilledwasoriginallyMr.Hanson’sjob?”

“Sorry, Brandon, but I don’t know whoMr. Hanson is,” he replied,apparentlyasconfusedaseveryoneelseatthetableexceptAbby,Melanie,andBetsy.

AbbywasbeginningtofeellightheadedasBrandoncontinued.“Oh…letmeexplainittoallofyouthen.Mr.Hansonisthepoorsoulwhodiedofaheartattackwhilehewasonhisgarbageroute.BecauseMr.Hansondiedinstantly,histruckcrashedintoanotherpoorsoul’scarandkilledher,too.”

“Ohno,that’sterrible,”Lisasaid.Abby’s back stiffened in her chair. She feltwaves of nausea coming

whilebeadsofsweatpoppeduponherforehead.“Right…it turnsout that thepoor ladywhopassedawaywasnamed

CharlotteMelrose,as inMelroseMansion, theveryhomeweall live in.What a horrible day that was for her only child, the sole heir to theMelrosefortune.Isn’tthatright,Abby?”

“Huh…what?”Abbywipedherforeheadwiththebackofherhand.“AbigailMelrose,Iaskedyouaquestion.”“Brandon,leaveheralone,”Melaniehissed.Thechatterbegan,andeveryonewas talkingat thesametime,asking

questionsandmakingcomments.TheystaredatAbby.“Notonyourlife,Mel.See,thiswoman,thisimposterthatcallsherself

AbbyTaylor,isactuallyAbigailMelrose,averywell-offyoungladyandowner,notmanager,ofthisenormousmansion.Thefunnythingis,IhadtoexcusemyselffromthiscasesinceIliveintheverysamehomeasthepersonwho’ssuingthecompanyIrepresent.Whatagreatwaytoimpressmypartners,especiallyonmyveryfirstcase.Thatlittletidbitofmissinginformationjustmademelooklikeahorse’sassintheireyes.Thisbitchsittingamongushasliedsincedayone,pretendingtobeacommonpersonjust likeus, laughingbehindourbacks,evenactinglikeshehastopinchpenniesandexchangeroomandboardfor thehandyman’swork.Whatajoke,right,Erik?TheMelrosefortuneisworthmultimillions,yetshefileda wrongful death lawsuit that could very well go after Mr. Hanson’sfamily.I’ll tellyouonething,AbigailMelrose,youaren’tgoingtoseeacentfromCityWasteandRecycling’sinsurancecompany.I’llmakesureofit.”

“Abby,isallofthistrue?”Erikasked,anguishonhisface.Shecouldn’tfaceErikoranyoneelse.Abbypushedherchairbackand

ranoutofthediningroom.“There’s your answer, Mr. Handyman. She played all of us but

especiallyyouandme.Myjobmightbeintheshitter,andI’llhavetopullmyselfbackout,butIknowonethingforsure.I’mleavingMs.CrazyandMelroseMansionfirstthinginthemorning.”

“Gotohell,Brandon,anddon’tletthedoorhityouintheass,”Betsysaid as she pulled his plate away from him, took it to the kitchen, andscrapedthespaghettiintothegarbagedisposal.

***

Thedoortotheroofwaslockedfromherside.Shecouldn’tfaceanybodyanyway. She had deliberately left her cell phone in her bedroom. Onlysilenceandtheviewwouldgiveherpeacerightthen.ShethoughtbacktothenightshehadbroughtEriktothewidow’swalk,showinghimwhatshetreasuredmostasachild.Drinkingwineunderthestarswithhim,makinglove inherbed, sleepingwithhimall night—it allmightneverbemorethan a memory. The evening sky faded into darkness, the touristsdispersed,andshefellasleeponthewidow’swalkaftertearsrolleddownhercheeksthroughmostofthenight.

Afamiliarsoundstartledherawake.Thesunlingeredonherleftcheekas it warmed her face. She squinted, knowing it was morning, but sheneededtoseethelightforherself.Sherecognizedthesoundthatwokeher.It belonged to thewrought-iron entrygate below.Her eyeswereon firefrom lack of sleep and toomany tears.With her curled fists, she gentlyrubbedher eyes andgot up from the chaise.Standing at the edgeof thedecorativegrillwork,shelookeddown,hopingtoseeBrandonleavingforthelasttime.Craninghernecktotheleftandright,shefinallysawErik,ablockdownthestreetwithasuitcase ineachhand.Hethrewthebags inthebackofhisvan,madeaU-turn,andspedaway.Ohno…howamIevergoingtofixthis?Ihaven’tbeenabletoexplain

anything to anyone.All they know is the garbageBrandonwas spewinglast night. Now I have to face everybody downstairs. Abby checked thetimeonherwatch.Breakfastwasn’tforanotherhour.IguessErikdidn’t

wanttorunintomethismorning.Ihopehejustneedstimetocooloff.I’vegottotakeahotshowertoclearmyhead.

Abby quietly walked barefoot down the stairs to her third-floorbedroom.Theflashinglightonherphoneindicatedthereweremessages.ShereachedoutandgrabbeditofftheQueenAnnedressertoseewhohadcalled.Shehadmissedfourtextmessages,allfromMelandBetsylatelastnight.Her feet felt like leadasshewalked into thebathroomand turnedtheshowerhandletothehottestsetting.Inthatoldhouse,ittookawhileforhotwatertomakeitswayfromthebasementthroughallthepipeworkandgiveherasteamy,relaxingsprayofwaterintheshowerstall.Withinahalfhour,shewasdressedandreadytopresentherselftoanybodythathadquestions.

Betsy sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffeewithMelanie.Nobodyelse had come downstairs yet. Abby entered, looking drained and withbloodshoteyes.Sheworenomakeuptoday,andshedidn’tcare.Whateverenergy she had that morning wouldn’t be wasted on something asinsignificantasmakeup.Erikwasn’tthereanyway,andhewasthepersonsheusuallytriedtolookgoodfor.Betsypulledoutachairforher,pouredanoversizedmugofcoffee,andplaceditonthetablebeforeher.

“Howareyouthismorning,Abs?”Melasked.“Wewereworriedaboutyou.”

“I’m fine. I saw Erik leave earlier. Did he say anything to either ofyou?”

“Yeah…he gaveme a hug and said goodbye. It sounded like a realgoodbye,”Betsysaidsadly.

“He didn’t saywhere hewas going or if hewas coming back?”Sheblewonhercoffeeandtookamuch-neededsip.

“Sorryno,buthehadsuitcaseswithhim.”“I know, I saw that, too. I slept on thewidow’swalk last night and

heardhimleave.Ilookedovertherailingandsawhimwalkingdownthestreet.HemustthinkI’msomekindofanutcaseandaliar.Hehastobehumiliated,thinkingIwasplayinghim,butIwasn’t.”

Betsy got up and started to make breakfast. She opened the lowercabinet next to the stove and pulled out a large cast-iron skillet. The

morning’smealconsistedofanegg-and-cheesebakedcasserole,sausage,andfreshfruit.“Ibethewentbacktohisfolks’houseinOrangeburg.”

“Just lethimcooloff forawhile,Abs. Icanseeyourwheels turningalready.I’msureheleftstuffinhisroom.He’llbebackforit,”Melsaid.

Footsteps sounded coming down the staircase, and then several setsmore.Thebreakfastclanusuallycamedownahalfhourearly forcoffeeandconversation.

“Iguessthefiringsquadisapproaching,”Abbysaidreluctantly.“Goodmorning,ladies.”Lucillesmiledasshewalkedthroughthedoor

andbentdowntogiveAbbyahug.“Sweetheart,wedon’t liveyour life,and thegoodLordknows it isn’tourplace to judge.You’vegivenmeabeautifulhometolivein,foodinmystomach,andfriendship.That’sallIneed.”

Aseachpersonentered thekitchen,where thegrouphadcongregatedfor coffee, Abby realized that not one person standing there held anyanimosity toward her or thought she owed them an explanation. TheobvioustwopeoplemissingwereErikandBrandon.

“HasanybodyseenBrandonthismorning?Hasheleftalready?”Abbycouldonlyhopeshewouldn’thavetoendurehiswrathagain.

“He’sinhisroomslammingthingsaround.Itsoundslikehe’spacking.Drawersareopeningandclosing,andso is thecloset,”Adamsaidashesqueezed into themixof friends standing in thekitchen.Betsypassed acupofcoffeedowntohim.

“Thank you all for being here. I know you don’t understand what’sgoingon,andmaybenoneofyoucare.IthinkI’mgivingeveryoneaniceroomtocalltheirown,andBetsyhasprovidedwonderfulmeals.Therentisveryreasonable.WhatI’msayingis,I’dlikeallofyoutostay,butyoudodeserveanexplanation.”

“Thatisn’tnecessary,Abby,”Charlessaid,speakingupforthegroup.“Ithinkitis,andI’llgiveyouthecondensedversion.Yes,myparents

werewealthy.MydadwaskilledfiveyearsagoinahorriblemugginginNewYork,soitwasjustmymomandme.I’lladmit,Ihadatrustfund.Iguessmanykidscomingfromwealthyfamiliesdo.Iwasnaivetwoyearsago andmarried aman fromSt.Thomas thatmymomdidn’t trust. She

threatenedtocutmeoutofthewillifImarriedhim,butIthoughtshewasbluffing.Herinstinctstoldherhewasaftermymoney,andshewasright.Justafewmonthsback,hetookeverythingIhadanddisappeared.”

Betsy filled all the coffee cups and started a fresh pot as Abbycontinuedspeaking.

“Anyway,IcamebacktoCharlestonjustrecentlybecauseIwasbroke.MymomandIweremakingamendswhenshewaskilled. Ihadno ideashe changed herwill until the attorney in charge of the estate read it infrontofmeandfourotherpeople.Apparently,shelefteverythingtotheseother fourorganizations.Whatshe leftmewas thisbeautiful,expensive-to-maintain house but not a dime to pay the monthly bills. In thirteenyears,when I turn forty, I canhave the restofmy inheritance,whateverthatis.Becausethisplacecostafortuneinpropertytax,insurance,andthelike,Ihadtodosomething.That’swhereallofyoucamein.WithBetsy’sinsightandMel’shelp,weputtheroomsupforrent.Therewerenootheroptions sincemymomalso stated in thewill that I could never sell thehouse.”Abby held her cup out for a refill. “The only reason I filed thewrongfuldeathlawsuitwastohavesomemoneyinreserves.Idon’tevenownacar,andI’dliketogobacktoschool.Sothat’sit.NowyouknowtherealtruthinsteadofBrandon’sversion.Thanksforlistening.”

Theyheardthefrontdoorslam.Adamwalkeddownthehallandpeeredouttheparlorwindow.Brandonwasloadingthetrunkofhiscar.

“Yep, looks like he’s leaving,” Adam said when he returned to thekitchen. “That will be a nice change.Maybe someone else will have achancetotalkatdinnertime.”

Theremainingresidentssatdowntobreakfast,laughedatlightheartedconversation,andappearedtoacceptAbby’sstorywithoutquestion.Theyweretheretostay.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Twodayshadpassed,andtherewasnowordfromeitherErikorBrandon.Abby tried the doorknobs on both of their rooms, but theywere locked.Shehadnoideahowmuchoftheirbelongingsremained,butshedidknowthatifBrandondidn’tsendthekeybackwithinaweek,shewouldhavealocksmithopenthedoorsoshecouldemptytheroom.Whateverwasleftwould be shipped toAndrews,Moore, and Luck. Abbywould keep hissecurity deposit for breaking the lease and prepare the room for a newtenant.AsfarasErikwasconcerned,shejustwantedhimback.Withoutaphysical job location, he would be more difficult to track down. Hisbusiness card with the Orangeburg address written across it sat on herdresser.She’dlethimmakethefirstmove.He’dcomebackforoneoftworeasons,either topack the restofhisbelongingsor to talk.Shehoped itwouldbethelatter.

ShewassittingontheverandawithBetsywhenthemailmancalledout.Acertifiedletterhadarrived,andAbbyneededtosignforit.Themailmanexpressedhisusualcourtesiesandhandedherthedigitalsignaturedevicethroughthegate.Abbysignedhernameandacceptedthemail.

“Whatdoyouthinkthatis?”Betsyasked.“Ihopeit’stheinsurancecheckformymom’scar.Idon’tknowwhat

elseitcouldbe.”Abbytoreopentheenvelopeandexhaledasighofrelief.“ThankGod.Ineededthischecksobadly.AtleastIhavesomebreathingspaceforawhile.Icanpaythepropertytaxnow,andtherestcangointhebank.”

“Youshouldbuyacarforyourself.Itdoesn’thavetobebrandnew.Ibetyoucanfindsomethingreliablefortenthousandbucks.”

“That’s a lot of cab rides, Betsy. There’s hardly anywhere to parkanothercaronthisstreet.”

“ThenhowareyougoingtogettoOrangeburgtocheckonErik?”Shesmiled,knowingthatwouldmakeAbbylaugh.

“Realfunny,dork…I’mnotgoingtochasehim.Ifhewantsthetruth,

heknowswhereIlive.Iswear,menarewaytoomuchtroubleanyway.ImightneedafewyearsofonlygirlfriendtimebeforeIgetseriousagain.”

“Right…andwhoareyougoingtogawkat,nowthatthehotmenaregone?”

“Adam?”Abbysaidwithalaugh.“Okay,crazygirl,areyoureadyforlunch?”“Sure.”TheringingphoneinherhandmadeAbbypause.“I’llbethere

in aminute. I’ve got to take this call.” The screen showed it was JohnRichmondcallingfromMagensBay.“Hi,John.Howhaveyoubeen?”

“Hey,Abs,I’vebeenwell.HowareyouholdingupinCharleston?Areyouabletogetbynowthatyou’vesettledinwithtenants?”

“It’s going okay. The insurance check for my mom’s car actuallyshoweduptoday.Thatwillhelpforthetimebeing.”

“Glad to hear it. I just wanted to update you with the island chattergoingaround.”

“Really? What’s happening?” Abby sat back down on the veranda,crossingherlegsonthechairnexttoher.

“Well, it sounds like Remy has reappeared. People have seen andtalked to him in St. Croix. Didn’t you hire a private investigator a fewmonthsback?”

“Yeah,butoncethewillwasreadandIrealizedIwasmorethanbroke,Ihadtolethimgo.”

“Yeah, I understand that. Anyway, people say they’ve seen himbuzzing around in quite the expensive-looking speedboat. I guess he’sbeen showing it off and throwingwildboozeparties.Sorry. It has tobehardtohear,butIthoughtyououghttoknow.”

“Thanks,John.I’lltalktomyattorneyandfindoutifIhaveanylegalgrounds against him, especially if he actually is in a US territory. Iappreciatethecall.Takecare.”

AbbyhelpedBetsypreparegrilled cheese sandwiches, chips, anddillpicklesforlunch.AdamandLisawerehometoday,sothefourofthemateinthebackyardunderthepergola.

“Thewisteria isgrowing fast. Isn’t itbeautiful?”Lisa lookedup,andeveryone’s eyes followedhers.Thevineswere spreadingacross the top,

creating a nice, shady canopy. Small clusters of lavender flowers werebeginningtoshowup.“Nextyear,they’llreallylookbeautiful.”

Abby thoughtaboutnextyearandwonderedwhat lifewouldbe like.Withnoideaofwhatherfutureheld,sheatehersandwichinsilence.

***

By the weekend, Abby still hadn’t received the key from Brandon.Saturdaymorning at nine o’clock, a locksmithwas upstairs popping thedoor lock forAbby.Shehadhim install anew lockwhilehewas there.She entered the room and was surprised to find it relatively empty.Brandonmusthavestartedpackingthatfatefulnightafterdinner.Onlyafew odds and ends remained, nothing that looked important, but Abbydidn’twanthimtohaveanyreasontoaccuseherofkeepinghisproperty.Sheboxedupeverythingthatwasleftintheroomandsetitasidetogivetothemailmantomorrow.Shewouldsendittothelawfirmwithsignatureconfirmationforherownprotection.

Betsy joinedher in the roomandbeganstripping thebed.“HaveyouheardanythingfromErik?”

“Nope,butIguesshisroomwillbenext.I’llgivehimafewextradays.I’mreallysurprisedhehasn’tcomearound.I’msureplentyofhistoolsarestillsittinginthebasement.Don’tyouthinkheneedsthem?”

“Iwouldthinkso.”Betsyshookthecleantopsheet,andwithasnapofherwrists,itdrapedperfectlyacrossthebed.Sheremovedthedirtytowelsandbeddingandsaidshewouldberightbackwiththevacuumcleaner.

Abbywentbacktoherownroomtostripthebed.Shewantedtostaybusy to keep from thinking of Erik every few minutes. She remindedherselftochargeherphonewhileshecleanedtheroom.Asshepluggedinherphone,shediscoveredatextmessageErikhadsentanhourago.Herheart pounded triple time as she sat on the edge of the bed to read hismessage.Heaskedifhecouldstopbytomorrowtopickuptherestofhisbelongings.Hewould return his roomkey then.Abby read themessagefourtimes.Shehadtothinkbeforeresponding.Tomorrow,everybodywillbehome,andheknowsthat.Hewantstoavoidhavingaserioustalkwith

meinfrontofeveryone.Shetypedoutaresponse.“MeetmetomorrowatEliza’sSecretGarden

atnoon.Let’stalk.”Abbyhadnoideaifhewouldrespondornot,butshefeltitwasworthatry.

Within seconds, a text came in. Erik wrote, “Fine, but only for onebeer,thenI’mpickingupmythings.”

Shesmiledathiswrittenwordsandresponded,“Okay.”I’mnotlettingyouoffthateasy,mister.You’regoingtohearmeoutfirst,shethoughtasshecontinuedtocleanherroom.

Her mood improved throughout the day. She was certain theexplanation she’d give Erik tomorrow would smooth things over.Everyoneelseinthehouseseemedtounderstand.He’llmovebackinafterhehearsthetruth.Maybethereishopeforusafterall.

***

Shesat in thecourtyardofEliza’sSecretGarden,gazingat thebeautifullush greenery in every direction.Man, this little cafe is just the mostgorgeous place in Charleston. Smiling at every exotic flower and vine,Abbyfoundherselfsnappingpictureafterpicturewithhercellphone.Sheremembered Erik’s expression when she introduced him to the secrettreasurerightintown.Inafewyears,thebackyardathomemightbethisbeautiful,too.

Ataponhershoulderbroughtherbacktoreality.Erikstoodnexttoherchairandsaidhello.

“Erik, I’m glad you agreed to come. I was just remembering whenwe…”

“Can we skip the stroll down memory lane for now and get to thepoint?”

Shewasn’t used to that attitude coming from someone as sweet andkindasErik.Itwasasideofhimshe’dneverseenbefore.

“Sorry. Would you mind sitting down? You make me nervous juststandinglikethat.”

Erikglancedaroundand,withawaveofhishand,caughttheattention

ofthebartender.HesatacrossfromAbbyandwaitedforthebartendertotakehisorder.Abbyalreadyhadatallglassofsweetteainfrontofher.

“I’lltakeaBlackIPA,”Eriksaidashemadehimselfcomfortable.“Erik,canIexplainthismix-uptoyou?Youdon’tunderstandwhat’s

goingon.”“That’sright,Idon’tunderstand.”The bartender delivered Erik’s beer and two glasses of water to the

table.“IsthereanythingelseIcangetforyou?”“No,thanks,thisshoulddoit,”Eriksaid.“Here’swhatIwanttoknow,

Abby.Whywouldyoucareaboutagruntlikemewhenyoucouldbewithsomeone closer to your own social status and income? You know,somebody likeBrandon.Youenjoyedgoingoutwithhim,didn’t you? Imean,what’snottolike?He’sadecent-lookingguy,hasanicecar,loadsofmoney,and tookyou toupscale restaurants. Ibet itkilledyou to turnhimdownasoftenasyoudidjusttokeepmehangingon.Whatthehellisyourgameanyway?Tellmesomething.Wasour romanticnight inyourbedroomnothingmorethanpitysex?Youknow,thiswasamistake.I’mgoing togetmy thingsand leave thekeyon thedresser.Pleasehave thecourtesytogivemeahalfhour.Idon’twanttohavethisconversationwithyouagain.”

“But,Erik…Inevergotachancetosayanything.Iwanttoexplainmylifetoyou.”

“Save it for some rich guy.” Erik threw a twenty on the table andstormedaway.

She heard the squeal of tires heading down Meeting Street. In fiveminutes, he would be at Melrose Mansion, removing everything in thehouse thatbelonged tohim.Hewouldvanish into thinair, justasRemyBellavancedidmonthsago.

Shesatbyherselfat the tablemeant for two,watchingcouplesenjoyeach other, holding hands and sneaking quick kisses, oblivious to herstares. It didn’t matter. Young or old, they were together, but she wasalone. Her loneliness felt the same as when Remy deserted her. Then,when she’d sit on the beach atMagensBay alone, itwas only the gullsmockingherandhavingthelastlaugh.

Walkinghomewoulddohergood.ItwouldalsoallowErikplentyoftimetogatherhisthingsandbegonebythetimeshegotthere.Normally,she enjoyed the distractions when she strolled the historic district.Beautiful homes in every style and color always gave her a reason tosmile,buttodayshefeltsad.Still,thecourtyardsandhiddengardens,theironworkandhistoryofCharlestonwereamongthereasonsshelovedthecity. South Carolina was home, always was and always would be.Charlestonwasherheartbeat,andSt.Thomaswasthevitalairsheneededtobreathe.

She arrived at the intersection of Meeting Street and South Battery.AbbymadeaquickstopatTwoMeetingStreet, thebeautiful innon thecorner,tosayhi,thencontinuedon.AlookstraightdownSouthBatteryonbothsideswouldtellherifErikwasstillloadinghisvan.Ifhehadn’tleftyet,shewouldwaitintheparkuntilhedid.Shecouldeasilyblendinwiththe tourists, andhe’dhaveno idea shewas there.Buthewasgone.Shepunched in thecodeandopened thecreakygate.Asshepassed through,shemade amental note to squirtWD-40 on the hinges. The housewasquiet.Abbypeeked around the cornerof thekitchen, through the screendoor,andsaweveryonesittingonthepatio.Shesmiledandwentupstairs,andshehadtopassErik’sroomtogotoherown.Hisdoorwasajar,andshe stopped to look in. The key lay on the dresser justwhere he said itwould be. And the room stood empty. No clothes in the dresser or thecloset,noindicationthataman,awonderfulScandinavianhandyman,hadslept there.Abby sat on the bed, her handonhis pillow.She lay down,squeezingthepillowinherarms,inhalingitandhopingtocatchhisscent.Noneremained.Hehadn’tsleptthereforaweek.

***

The clock in the library chimed on the half hour that Wednesdayafternoon. Abby glanced up as she was signing checks for themonthlybills.It’sfourthirtyalready?Geez,wheredidthedaygo?Hercellphonerangout.AttorneyLewiswascalling.

“Hello,AttorneyLewis.”

“Abigail.Ijustreceivedaletterinthemailstatingtheinsuranceclaimwefiledhasbeendenied.”

“I’mnotsurprised,”shesaidassherubbedhertemples.“Dowehaveanyotheroptions,andisthisacontingencyfeecase,ordoIhavetopayyouanhourlyfee?”

“Well, that’s the other reason I called. Since they denied the suitinsteadofsettling it, I’llhave tobeginchargingyou ifwegoforward tofight it. There’s a lot of work I’ll have to put in with no guarantees ofsuccess.”

“What is your hourly rate?” she asked as she inserted the check andstatement in the envelope for the electric bill. She attached a stamp thatreadCelebrateacrossit.Humph.WhatdoIhavetocelebrate?

“Well,mydear,it’sthreehundredfiftydollarsanhour.”“What about suing Mr. Hanson’s personal auto insurance company

instead?Wouldwehaveabetterchanceatwinningaclaim?”“Weprobablywould,Abigail.Ofcourse,youaren’tlookingatmillions

ofdollarslikeyouwouldbewithawrongfuldeathsuit.”“Right, but you don’t sound very encouraging about the outcome on

that.WhatcouldIpossiblyexpectwithanautomobileinsuranceclaim?”“It depends onMr. Hanson’s policy, but the average death claim is

normally settled for around three hundred thousand dollars. If Irepresentedyouoncontingency,I’dgetathirdofthesettlement.”

“Seriously,howdoattorneyssleepatnight?Whatever…let’sgointhatdirection instead. Ican’tafford topayyou threehundred fiftydollarsanhourwithnoguaranteesofsuccess.”

“Verywell,I’llgettheballrollingimmediately.I’llbeintouch.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

Dinnerwasintheslowcooker.AbbyhadconvincedMelanieandBetsytogoouttonight,justthethreeofthemtoBeaufortfordinner.Everyoneelsecouldhelp themselves topork roast,potatoes,andcarrotswhenever theywerehungry.Abbymade reservationsatPetrie’soverlooking theHarborRiverforseveno’clock.Iftheyfeltlikeit,theymightevenstayovernight.Melanieleftworkearlyanddidn’thavetoworktomorrowanywaysinceitwasSaturday.BeaufortwasoneofAbby’s favorite small townswith itsgenteel residents and beautiful river walk. She could dial life back to aslowerpacethereandrelax.Theurgetogetawayandspendalittlemoneyjustthatoncegnawedather.Shehadbeenpinchingpenniesformonths.

SheandBetsywaitedoutside,theirovernightbagspacked,justincase,watchingforMelanietopullup.Theplanwastoleaverightawaysinceitwasanhour-and-a-halfdrive.Threebottlesof iced teaandabagof trailmixsatonthetablebetweenthewomenastheywaited.

AfterMelaniegothomeandtheyheadedoff,theyarrivedinBeaufortat five thirty.Theypulled intoadowntownparking lot so theywouldn’thavetofeedthemetereveryhour.TheystrolledBayStreet,checkingoutalltheshopsandgalleries.AbbyboughtaBeaufortrefrigeratormagnettoadd to thecollection shehadstartedasachildwhenher family traveledextensively.

At Petrie’s, they chose to dine on the outdoor deck facing the river.They were given the last available table since four couples and twofamilieswereseatedoutside,fillingtheclose,intimatespace.Eachgroupstruck up conversations with the other, another aspect Abby foundcharmingabouttheSouth.Peoplewerefriendlyandengaging.Thecurrentconversation revolved around an older couple who were spending theweekend in Beaufort for their fortieth wedding anniversary. They wereclearly in love and enjoying the limelight. Thewaitress brought a smallchocolate cake litwith two candles, a bottle ofCabernet, and twowineglasses after their dinner. The cluster of diners around them clapped as

theyblewoutthecandlesandembraced.Wow,youcan’tgetmuchsweeterthanthat,Abbythoughtasshejoined

everyone else in congratulating the happy couple. “I loveBeaufort. Areyoulocals?”Abbyaskedafterthethreewomensettledinandorderedtheirdinneranddrinks.

“Weloveit,too,andcomehereeveryyearforouranniversary,butno,weliveinOrangeburg,aboutanhourandahalfaway.Haveyouheardofit?”

Abby choked on her wine, wiping the tears that had formed in thecornersofhereyeswithherlinennapkin.“Sorry,Iswallowedwrong.”

“Areyouallright,dear?Maybeyouneedadrinkofwater.”Abbycoughedafewtimesbeforeshecouldspeakclearly.Melanieand

Betsyshotconcernedglancesherway.“No,I’mfine,really.Actually,wetraveled about the same distance, but from Charleston, and yes, I amfamiliarwithOrangeburg,eventhoughI’veneverbeenthere.AfriendofminecomesfromOrangeburg.That’swherehisfamilylives.”

“Really?It’sasmalltown,aboutthesamesizeasBeaufort.Weknoweveryonesincewe’velivedthereforever.What’syourfriend’sname?”

Abbyfeltshe’dsaidtoomuch,andaredblushcoatedherface,butshehadtoanswertheirquestion.“Oh…hisnameisErikChristiansen.”

The couple laughed, then thewife responded, “I’m sorry,we’reBobandLynnMadison.Anyway, it’snice tomeetyou,and it’s justsocrazywhatasmallworlditreallyis.”

“Whyisthat?”“RoseandTomChristiansenlivejustablockdownthestreetfromus.

RoseandIplaybridgeeveryweek.Theguysgettogetherforhorseshoesnowandthen.Theyarethenicestfamilyintown,andalargeone,too.Justthisspring,ErikandhisbrotherDanrebuiltthewoodenstepscominguptoourfrontporch.”

“Isn’tthatnice?”Betsychimedinasshetookasipofherwine.“What’syourname,dear?WehavetotellTomandRoseweraninto

someonethatknowsErik.Whatacoincidence,right?”“Itsure is.MynameisAbby,AbbyTaylor,buthis folksdon’tknow

me.”

“That’sokay.Theywon’tcare.Anyfriendof theirkids isafriendoftheirs. You should have Erik introduce you to his family. They’re sohospitable,they’dmakeyoufeellikeoneoftheirown.Theyhavealotofbarbecues,andtheentirefamilyshowsup.They’dwelcomeyouwithopenarms.”

“Theysoundlikegreatpeople.I’llkeepthatinmind.”“Well,Bob,let’sburnthesecaloriesoff.Ithinkit’stimeforastroll,”

Lynnsaidasshewinkedat thegirls.“Itwassonice tomeetyou ladies.Haveagreatevening.”

“Thankyou.”AbbystoodandgaveLynnandBobanembrace.BetsyandMelaniefollowedsuit.“Happyanniversary!”

Theywatched thehappycouplewalkaway,hand inhand, toward theriverfront.

“Well?”“Wellwhat?”Abbyasked, staringatMelanieas shechompedonher

salad.“Isn’tthatwhatyouwantforyourlifesomeday?Youneedtofixthis

thingwithErik.Thinkaboutit.Youhavenofamilyofyourownexceptus.ItsoundslikeErik’sfamilyislargeandwelcoming.You’vegotathingforhim,andhe’sgorgeous.What’swrongwiththatpicture?”

“Nothing, other thanhehates the sight ofme. Imetupwithhim theotherdaytotellhimthetruth,butIdidn’tgetawordinedgewise.Hewastoobusyyellingatme.It’shopeless.”

“Youcan’tsaysomethingishopelesswithonewimpytry.Youhavetogoafterhim,Abs,ifhe’swhatyoureallywant.Ishe?”

“Ithinkso,”Abbyreplied,staringoffatthemarina,“butI’mafraid.”“That’salameanswer.Eitheryouwanthim,oryoudon’t.Youknow

hisaddressinOrangeburg,don’tyou?”“Hedoesn’tlivethereanymore.It’saduplexhisfolksown.Theylive

ononeside,andhelivedontheother.”“Andhisfolksmoved,too?”“No.”Abbylookeddownatherplateandpouted.“Exactly…nowgrowapairanddosomethingaboutit.”“Won’tIseempatheticifIchasehim?”

“No… you’ll seem like someone who’s in love. There has to be areason,biggerthanallofus,thatwecameheretonightandmetLynnandBob.It’sfate,Abby.Acceptitandrunwithit.

***

Saturdaynightinthecomfortofherbed,AbbythoughtaboutthebestwaytoapproachErikagain.Facetofacedidn’twork,buthishurtwasstillrawthen. Twoweeks had passed, and she hadn’t heard a word from him. IneverwillifIdon’tmakethefirstmove.AmIwillingtoletthiswonderfulman,whohadnoideaIwasaMelrose,slipthroughmyfingers?Hedidn’thaveanagendaasRemydid.Erik is honest andpure.Hewanted to bewithmeeven thoughhe thought Iwas just therentalmanager.Maybealettertobreaktheiceisthewaytogo.Icanfollowupwithaphonecallortext after that. Abby checked the hallways before running down to thelibraryinherpajamas.Shepulledapadofpaper,apen,andthebookofstamps out of the top desk drawer, grabbed a glass and the corked halfbottleofCabernetfromthewetbar,thenheadedbacktoherroom.Erik’sbusinesscardsatonherdresserwhereithadbeenforthelastmonth.Shepickeditupasshepassedby.Withcautiousoptimism,shepouredaglassofwine,gotcomfortableonthebed,andbeganwritingtheletter.Sendingittohisparents’house,butaddressedtoErik,shouldgetitintohishandssomehow.

Fourdayswentby,andAbbywasreadytogiveup.Shewasedgyandwithdrawn, convinced shewasmeant to be alone forever. Sitting on thepatio with Lisa, Abby bit her fingernails and spit the remnants into theflowerbed.Alotwasonhermind,mainlyErikChristiansen.AdamcameboundingthroughthekitchendoorandploppeddownontheclosestemptychairnexttoAbby.“Hey,guesswhat?”

“What?”Lisaasked,excitedtohaveathirdpartyinattendance.Shesatupright,hopingsomebodywouldbreathelifeintothebackyardboredom.

“Guesswhocameintomystudiotoday?”“Idon’tknow…thepresident?”shesaid,hopingtomakeAbbylaugh.“Evenbetterthanthat.”HestaredatAbby,waitingforhertolookup

andjoininwiththeguessinggame.“Fine,I’llbite.Whowasit?”“You have tomake a guess, too, then I’ll tell both of you,” he said,

tauntinghertotrytohavefun.“Okay…um…ReeseWitherspoon.”“Whythehellwouldyousaythat?”heasked.“Ireadshehasahomehere.Justtellusalready.”Abbyrearrangedher

legs,which had fallen asleep after she’d been sitting on them for a halfhour.Theyfeltlikelifelesstreelimbs.

“Erikstoppedby.Cool,huh?”“What?Erik…asinourErik?Whydidhestopatyourstudio?”“Iguesshe’sremodelingahomeonAtlanticStreet.He’sbeenworking

thereforalmostamonth,Abs.Ithoughtyouknewthat.It’sonlyablockfrommystudio.Hejustwantedtosayhi.”

“Ididknowthat,butIforgot.I’mhavingabraindeadweek.Ithappenstothebestofus.Anyway,thanksforthe4-1-1.I’mgoinginside.”

Abby took thestairs, twoata time,anddove into thebathroomonceshe got past the threshold of her room. With the shower running, sheflippedthroughtheclothesinherclosetlookingforsomethingappropriatebutsexytowear.Shedidn’twant to thinktoohard,orshe’dtalkherselfoutofwhatshewasabout todo.Don’toverthink this.Justgowithyourgut,chickenshit.LikeMelsaid,it’sfate.

Within fifteen minutes, she looked good enough to venture out inpublic.HerhairwoulddryinthesunonherspeedwalktoAtlanticStreet.Abby was sure she’d know which house Erik was working on by thelikelihood of a dumpster sitting along the curb. If the home was a fullremodel, therewoulddefinitelybeadumpster in frontof it.Shewalkeddown the block and was five houses along when she saw an enormousgreensteelcontainer.Nervousnesskickedin.Shedidn’twantEriktothinkofherasastalker,buthehadtohaveknownAdamwouldmentionseeinghim.Abbycreptforward,staringatthefrontdoorandeachwindowassheapproached thehouse.Thesoundof thedooropeningunnervedher.Shecroucheddownonthestreetsideofthedumpster.Sheneededtomusterupthenerve tobangon the frontdoorandfacehimeyeball toeyeball.She

neededtoeaseintoit.Theloudwhackoftwopaintcanshittingthesideofthedumpsterjustafewinchesawaymadehershriek.Shedidn’tknowthatwascoming.

“Whatthe…?”Eriksteppeddownfromtheporchaftertossingthecansintothecontainerandwalkedaroundthedumpster.“Excuseme?”hesaidinalmostalaugh.“Abby…whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”Hecouldonlyseeherfrombehindasshecrouchedlow,herheadnearlytuckedtoherknees.

Sheturnedslowlyandstoodup,slappingthestreetdustoffthepalmsofherhands.“Busted,right?”

“Sortof looks thatway.”Hesmiledwithhisarmscrossed in frontofhim.Thosedamnbiceps.Thatgorgeousface.Hissexysmile.I’mtoast.“Ithinkyouhavesomeexplainingtodo,Ms.Taylor.Isthisarandom

stalkingoraplannedone?”“Planned?” She looked at him pleadingly, hoping hewould find that

amusing.“That’swhatIthought.Areyouhereforanothertonguelashing?”“Dependsonhowitfeels.”Theybothlaughed.“You’reafastthinker,Abby,I’llgiveyouthat.Comeon.I’mreadyfor

abreakanyway.Let’ssitontheporchandtalk.”Hereachedforherhand,andsheeagerlygaveit.Hiswasthehandshe

wantedtoholdfortherestofherlife.Shewascertainofit,andtherewasnogoingback.AbbywasinlovewithErikChristiansen.

“Ireadyourletter,andtobehonest,Iwasgoingtocomebythisweekandapologizeformybehavior.IhadnorighttosaythethingsIdid.I’msorry,andIfeelbadforthewayyourlifehasturnedout.Youdidn’taskfor ahusband that connedyouand stole all yourmoney, andyoudidn’taskforamotherthattookyououtofherwill.Youwerejusttryingtogetby andmake endsmeet having tenants in the house. Actually, it was ageniusidea.”

“IcanthankBetsyforcomingupwiththatone.”“Well, Iunderstandeverythingnow,evenwhyyouchangedyour last

name.I’dhavetrustissueswithpeople,too,afterwhatyouwentthrough.I’m sure I’d do exactlywhat you did.How about dinner tonight?We’lltalksomemoreandfigurethisthingoutbetweenus.I’vebeenstayingattheOvernight Inn. I’llcleanupandswingby togetyou.Howabout sixo’clock?”

“Sixo’clocksoundswonderful.I’mlookingforwardtoit.”Shestoodtowalk away.He held her hand a few seconds longer, then he stood, too.Erik leaned in and kissed her lips. His kisses told her how much he’dmissedher.Shewashungryforhiskisses,histouch,andhisbodymakinglovewithhers.Sheshudderedwithlustandloveforhim.

“Okay,Ibettergetthelivingroompainted.I’llseeyouinafewhours.Abby?”

“Yes?”“Ireallymissedyou.”Shesmiledthensaid,“Imissedyou,too.”

ChapterTwenty-Four

Abbycasuallywalkedto theendofAtlanticStreetandturnedthecornerontoMeetingStreetbeforesheranfullout,justincaseErikwaswatching.Thedistancehomewasonlysixblocks,andshewasafastrunner.Okay,soI’llneedanothershower,butI’mtooexcitedtocare.Shechargedintothefrontdoorandranthroughthehouse,endingatthebackdooroffthekitchen.Adam, Lisa, andBetsy sat on the patio playingGo Fish.Abbyplowedthroughthescreendoor,leanedover,kissedeachone,tookagulpofBetsy’sicedtea,andranbackinside.

“Wouldanyonecaretotellmewhatthatwasabout?”Betsyasked.“Whoknows,butwhateveritwas,itlookedgoodonher,”Adamsaid.

“Nowgofish.”Oncemore,Abbydoveintotheshowerandscrubbedeveryinchofher

body. She shaved her legs and smoothed vitamin-rich creamy lotion alloverthemafterdryingoff.Whatthehell?Shecoatedherentirebodywiththe vanilla-scented cream. She dabbed Chanel on every erogenous zoneshe could think of. Thanks, Mom, for leaving a full bottle of Chanelbehind.Lord knows I can’t afford tobuy itmyself. Tonightwas special.She would wear something seductively sexy—but nothing over-the-topslutty.As a proper southern girl, she didn’t own the latter anyway. Shebrowsed through her closet, looking for the above-the-knee summersundresswith spaghetti straps, a dress thatwould show barely a hint ofcleavage.ShehadwornsuchdressesofteninSt.Thomas,andshehadtheperfectdressinmind.Ithadacutebohovibeinagypsy-likepatternwiththreeshadesofblue.Thisdressisperfect.Itwillaccentuatemybabyblueeyes.

Abby sat on the veranda, waiting for the white work van to appeararoundthecorner.Eventhoughshewouldappearlessanxiousbywaitingindoors,shewaskindenoughnottoexpectEriktolookforaparkingspotjusttocomeinsideandpickherup.ShecranedherneckinbothdirectionssinceSouthBatterywasatwo-waystreet.Shewasn’tquitesurewherethe

Overnight Innwas, sohecouldbecomingdowneitherMeetingorKingStreet.

Shehadalreadypassedinspectionbyeveryoneinthehouse,sotheonlypersonlefttoimpresswouldbeErik,andshehadallintentionsofdoingagreatjob.Abbyfeltagiddinessshehadneverexperiencedbefore,notevenwhenshemetRemyorbroughthimtoCharlestontomeethermother.Erikdidn’t have that well-honed charisma Remy had, but Abby also knewwhere that had gotten her. Erikwas truthful, honest, and sincere, not tomentionwhite-hotsexy.Abbysatonherhandswhileshewaited,anefforttokeepfromchewingherfingernailsofffrompureexcitement.

ThewhitevanroundedthecorneroffKingStreetandheadedinAbby’sdirection.Yay! Here he comes! Abby jumped off the chair and headeddown the sidewalk, through the gate, and out to the street. She walkedtoward the van.Erik got out, gave her a kiss, and opened the passengerdoor,helpingherin.

Sixsetsofeyespeeredouttheparlorwindowasthevanpulledaway.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout,”Betsysaidaseveryonedispersedbacktothekitchen.“It’sabouttimethatgirlgotherhappilyeverafter.”

***

“So are you going to keep me in suspense forever?” she asked, stillwonderingwheretheyweregoingtodine.

“Nope, and it isn’t very far. We’re going to The Fig Tree. Is thatokay?”

“Howintheworlddidyougetareservation?They’reusuallybookedweeksinadvance.”

“IthelpswhenthehouseI’mremodelingbelongstotheownersoftherestaurant,”hesaid,chuckling.

“Ialwaysknewyouwereacraftyguy.”Hereachedacrosstheseatandtookherlefthand.Hebroughtittohis

faceandkissedeachfinger.“Iloveyou,Abby.Everythingisgoingtobeokay.”

They laughed when they learned the valet would be parking Erik’s

workvan,but tonight, theonlythingthatmatteredwasreconnectingandgoingforward.DininginoneofthefinestrestaurantsinCharlestonwasn’tErik’snorm,buthewantedAbbytoknowhewascapableofbeingmuchmorethanacommonhandyman.Hehadclassandstyle,too.

The restaurantwas small, intimate, and beautiful.Candlelit tables satalongside tan brick walls covered in historic black-and-white photos ofCharleston.Softmusicplayed in thebackground, and thewait staffwascourteousandprompt.Erikstartedbyorderingabottleoftheirfinestwhitewine.Crustywarmbreadanddippingoilwasplacedonthetableforthemtoenjoybeforedinner.

Bynight’s end, theairwascleared, andallquestionswereanswered.Eriksaidhetrulydidn’tcarethatAbbywasbroke,andhehadnoagendaexcepttoloveher.“Whateverhappensgoingforward,wewillfigureitouttogether.”

“Thankyou.Thatmeans somuch tome.As longaswe’rebeingup-frontandhonest,IdohavesomethingIneedtosay.”Abbyleanedforwardacrossthewhitelinentableclothandtookhishandsinhers.

“Goahead.Saywhat’sonyourmind.”“Well,Iamhonestlyrunningaboardinghouse,youknow.IguessI’m

nothonestly running it, sincenobodyexcept the tenantsknowswhat I’mdoing.Butthepointis,youandIhadanagreement.Youweresupposedtohavefivemonthsoffreerentfortheworkyoudidforme.Youstillhaveseveralmonthsdueyou.I’mnotonetogobackonmyword.Theleastyoucoulddoismakemefeelgoodandhonorourcontract.”Shegavehimaninnocentsmile.

“Isee.Sowhatyou’resaying is, I shouldcheckoutof theOvernightInnandmovebackintomyoldbedroom?”

“Ormine.”“Uh-huh…sotohonorourcontract,Ishouldmoveintoyourroom?”“That sounds reasonable to me. Looking at it from a business

perspective,IcouldofferyouroldroomforrentalongwithBrandon’s.”Helaughedandgaveherawidesmile.Hiseyes twinkled.“Whatever

happenedtothatjerk,anyway?”“Ihavenoidea.Thewrongfuldeathlawsuitwasdeniedanyway,butit

was filed by a different partner. He obviously got pulled off that case.MaybehetuckedhistailandwentbacktoChicago.”

“I couldonlyhope.Anyway,what if I gatheredmy things tonight? IsortoflikedlivingonSouthBattery.”

“Ithinkthat’sawonderfulidea.Let’sgo.”

***

ThefacadewasdarkwhentheyfinallyreturnedtoMelroseMansion.Onlythestreetlampsalongthesidewalknexttotheparkilluminatedtheopulenthome.

“Either everyone is tucked away for the night, or they’re out back,”Abbysaidastheycrossedthroughthegate.

They entered the darkened house. Erik dropped his necessities in thefoyer, at the foot of the staircase. He said he would get the rest of histhings out of the van tomorrow. They turned toward the voices echoingdownthehallway,comingfrombeyondthekitchen.Abbysmiledandledtheway,holdingErik’shand.Thekitchenlightwason,butthegroupsatoutsideonthepatio,underthetwinklinglightsstrungthroughthepergola.

“Hey,guys,you’restillup?It’saftereleveno’clock.LookwhoIfoundatTheFigTree.”

Everyonearoundthetablelaughed,andCharlesmotionedforAbbyandEriktojointhem.

“Prettyswankyplace,TheFigTree.Nicejob,dude,”Adamsaid.“Sowhat’sthedeal?”Melasked.Hereyessparkled.“Thedeal is Ihave to liveup tomybarteringagreementwithErik. I

stillowehimtwomonths’ roomandboard,except I’mgoing to rentouthisroomandBrandon’s.”

“That,mydeargirl,isasmartbusinessmove.Speakingofmoving,I’moff to bed. Good night everyone, and welcome back, Erik,” Betsy saidbeforegivinghimakissonthecheek.

Everyoneelsefollowedsuitincallingitanight,leavingErikandAbbysittingoutsidealone.

“Youdidawonderfuljobouthere.Lookhowbeautifulthisyardisat

night.”“Itisnice,isn’tit?Areyoureadyforbed,Abby?”“I’vebeenreadyfortwoweeks.”Theylaughedtogetherathercomment,turnedoffthepatiolights,and

went to Abby’s third-floor bedroom to get reacquainted. Together, inAbby’sking-sizedbed,theymadeloveforthesecondtimewithevenmorepassion than the first.Thatnightwasanewbeginning forbothof them.Abbyhadasecondchanceatlove.

ChapterTwenty-Five

Erik had already left for work, and Abby was on cloud nine. Life wasgood.She felt it and trusted in it.Afterher shower, she joinedeveryonedownstairs for breakfast. Questions shot at her from both ends of thekitchentable.

“Geez,guys,slowdown.IneedmycoffeebeforeIgetinterrogated.”“Comingrightup.”Betsy jumpedoffherchairand filledamugwith

therichbrewforAbby.“Thanks,Betsy,”Abbysaidaftertakingasipofcoffee.“Okay,we’re

officiallyacouple.Wouldthatbeagainorthefirsttime?”“I think it’s the first time. Before, you were just practicing.” Mel

smirked.“Well, in my opinion, there’s nobody that deserves happiness more

thanyouandErik.I’mreallyexcitedforyou,sweetheart.”“Thanks,Lucille.I’mprettyexcited,too.”AphonecallcamewhileAbbywashelpingBetsycleanupthekitchen.

Everyoneelseleftfortheday.“Weird. It’s only eight o’clock. I wonder who’s calling this early.”

Abby dried her hands and looked at the ringing phone. “It’s AttorneyLewis,”shetoldBetsy,andthensheanswered,“Hello,Abbyspeaking.”

“Hello,Abigail.I’msorrytobecallingthisearly,butI’msureyou’llbedelightedwiththenewsIhave.TheclaimwefiledagainstMr.Hanson’spersonalcarinsurancewasacceptedforthefullamount.Acheckforthreehundredthousanddollarsisbeingprocessedaswespeak.”

“Oh my God, I can’t believe it. And it’s only against the insurancecompany,right?There’snothingthat’sbeentakenfromhisfamily?”

“That is correct, dear. The check should arrive by courier tomorrow.I’llhaveoneofmycompanycheckscutforyoufortwothirdsofthetotal.YoucanpickituponThursday.”

“Thank you somuch,Attorney Lewis.Wow… things are starting toturnaroundforme.I’llseeyouonThursday.”

Abby turned to her friend to share the good news. “Betsy, thesettlementwent through! I’mgoing to get twohundred thousanddollarsfromMr.Hanson’scar insurancecompany.With thatand themoneyformymom’scar,I’llhaveclosetotwohundredfiftythousanddollarsinthebankinafewdays.Thatmakesmefeelawholelotbetter.Youknow,afriendofminetoldmesomethingaftertheRemyfiascothathasstuckwithmeduringthesehardmonths.”

“What’s that?”Betsy carried two fresh cups of coffee to the kitchentable,pulledoutachair,andsat.

“Hesaid,‘Theworldhasawayofrightingitself,andIhopeeverythingeventuallyturnsoutrightforyou.’Ireallybelievethatisgoingtohappen.Idon’tknowwhenexactly,butit’sofftoanicestart.”

“Hesoundslikeasmartmanandagoodfriend.”

***

FivedaysofsearchingthewatersaroundSt.Croixproducednothing.TheCoastGuard,catamarancrewstakingtouristsoutfortheday,andeventheferry captains kept a closewatch on the ocean andbeaches, but nobodyfoundatraceofRemyBellavance.Hisspeedboat,Abby’sFolly,hadbeensighted,floatingoutinopenwaterafewdaysback.Nobodywasonboard,butplentyofboozebottleslayscatteredabout.Nodistresscallshadbeendocumented coming in to the Coast Guard or the St. Croix policedepartment from that boat. Remywas gone, disappeared again into thinair.TheboatwastakentoGreenCayMarinawhereitstillsatwithnobodytoclaimit.

JohncalledAbbytotellherthebadnews,sincetherewerenosightingsofRemyanywhereonanyof the islands.Remywasconsideredmissingandlostatsea.

“Hi,Abs,It’sJohn.”HetoldherhewasatthebaratMagensBay,andshepicturedhimlookingoutover the turquoisewaterwhiledrinkinghiscupofcoffee.

“Hey,dude.Where’sthelatestRemyBellavancesighting?Didhebuyahelicopternow?”sheaskedjokingly.

“Abby,Ihavesomethingserioustotellyou.Areyousittingdown?”“Well,no…shouldIbe?What’swrong?”“It isn’tmyplace to call you, but you’remy friend, and Iwanted to

giveyouaheads-up.YoumightbegettingaphonecallfromthepoliceinSt.Croix.”

“What for?” Abby sat on the veranda, her hands already trembling.Whateverhappenedwasbad.ShecouldtellbythetoneofJohn’svoice.

“Remywentmissing. It’s been five days of searching the water andbeachesaroundalltheislands.Hisspeedboatwasfoundabandonedoutinopenwater.A lot of empty booze bottleswere lyingon the floor of theboat,butnoRemy.Everybodyknowshim,sowordwouldhavecomeinifhe was sighted anywhere. The Coast Guard is considering him dead.They’ve given up the search. Nobody knows how long his boat wasfloatingout there,butafter fivedaysof looking, the searchwent fromarescue to a recoverymission, then it was canceled altogether. The boatwasn’t disabled, so the Coast Guard took it to Green Cay Marina. It’ssittinginasliptherenow,waitingforsomeonetoclaimit.Abby,it’syourboat.It’syourmoney.Youneedtocomedownhereandtakebackwhatisrightfullyyours.Fly intoSt.Croix. I’llmeetyou thereandhelpyououtwiththeboatandthelegalities.”

Silencefilledtheotherendofthephoneline.Abbyneededaminutetoprocesstheinformationbeforeshewasabletospeak.Hervoicecrackedassheresponded,“YouknowIneverwantedharmtocometohim.Ithoughthewasahorriblepersonwhodidmewrong,butthis?”

“Abby,it’stheworld’swayofbalancinggoodandbad.Youknowit’strue.DoyouwanttoknowwhatRemynamedhisboat?”

“Doesitmatter?”“Itdoesifitwillhelpeaseyourpain.HenameditAbby’sFolly.That’s

downrightmean,Abs.Don’tfeeltoobadaboutanything.Karmacomesingoodandbadforms.Remy’stimewasup.Hewaswayoverdueforsomebadluck.Letmeknowwhentoexpectyou.I’llhelpyouwitheverythingIcan.”

Abbywentupstairstothewidow’swalkforsomesolitude.Shefelttheneed tobeclose to theocean, tosee thebiggerpicture,something larger

than everyday life. She had to be alone to think. After an hour of soulsearching and insight, shewent downstairs to the library and bought anairlinetickettoSt.Croix.

***

Over dinner, Abby explained to everyone the news she had receivedearlier.Condolencesweregiven,eventhoughAbbydidn’tfeeltheyshouldbedirected towardher. Iguess legally Iamstillhiswife,and theydon’tknowwhatelsetosay.Sheexplainedherplansforthenextweekorsoandsaidshewasleavingfirstthinginthemorningtotieuplooseends,findoutif Remy’s family had been notified, and talk to the local police. Johnwould help her with everything, especially trying to track her money.Whenallwassaidanddone,after thehouseonMagensBaywassold—andRemytookthatmoney,too—hestillhadnearlyfivemilliondollarsinassetsandcashleft.

Fivea.m.cameearly.Abby’sflighttoSt.Croixwasscheduledtoleaveatseveno’clockwithashortconnectioninMiami.Johnpromisedtomeetherat themarinaatnoon.They’dhave lunch,checkout theboatand itscontents, thenfindouthowAbbycould legallyclaimit.Johntoldher tobring all the documentation she had from the day she and Remy gotmarried.Shewouldprobablyneedallofit.

Erik said goodbye as he dropped her off at the departures terminal.“Takecare,honey,andbesafe.TrustinJohnandhishelp.Hesoundslikeoneofthegoodguys.I’llbewaitingforyournighttimecalls,andI’llkeepthebedwarmforyou.Iloveyou,Abby.”

“I loveyou, too.IhopeIcanhaveeverythingwrappedupinaweek,but they are on island time down there. I’ll let you know as soon as Iknow, and I’ll call you tonight.”AbbykissedErik andgavehima longembrace.“Lifewillbenormalsoon,”shesaid.“Ipromise.”

***

Theflightswereuneventfulandontime.Abbywasthankfulforthat.She

landedatHenryE.RohlsenairportandtookacabtoGreenCayMarinaonthenorthsideoftheisland.ShesawJohnwaitingatthebarandrusheduptogivehimahug.“John,it’ssogoodtoseeyou.Iappreciateeverythingyou’vedoneonmybehalf.Haveyouseentheboatyet?”

“Yeah,it’sonehellofacruiser.It’ssittinginthelastslipontheright.Let’shaveabeer,thenI’lltakeyouovertoit.I’llhavetogetthesecurityguardtoletusthroughthegatesowecanboard.I’vealreadytalkedtothepolice,andtheyknowyou’rehere.Theygaveuspermissiontoboardoncethe security guard checks your ID. They want to talk to you sometimetomorrow.”

“ButIdon’tknowanything.”“Yeah, I know. It’s probably just a formality, but you may have to

declareRemydeadandsignpapers. I reallydon’tknowhowanyof thisworks,Abs.”

Theyeachhadabeerthenwalkeddownthesunbakedwoodenpier.Aguardshacksatnexttothelockedgate.JohnexplainedthatAbbywasthelegalownerofthespeedboatinthelastslip.SheshowedtheguardherIDandwaited.Hemadethemandatorycallthenclearedherentrythroughthegate.AbbyandJohnwalkedpasteightcatamaransandfishingboatsbeforetheycameuponAbby’sFollyattheendofthepier.

“Holyshit,John,thisboatisenormous,andithastwoengines.”“Yeah, I don’t know a lot about racing boats, but I’ve been told it’s

forty feet long and has 520 HP twin Mercury racing engines. Roughestimate,I’vebeentold,isalmostthreehundredthousanddollars.”

“That’sinsane!Ihavenoideawhattodowithaboatlikethis.”“Don’tworry about that. You’re in theCaribbean. It will be easy to

sell. The problem is, there’s still a lot of your money unaccounted for.WhatweneedtodoisfindoutwhereRemylived.Theremightbesomecluesathishouse.

John joined Abby the following day at the police department inChristiansted. They sat in a private office with Captain Jeremy Parrish.AbbyopenedamanilafolderandspreadeverydocumentshehadrelatingtoRemy across the largemahogany desk. The evidencewas undeniablethatAbbyandRemywerehusbandandwife.Sheshowedthecaptaintheir

marriage license, all of her bank statements, and the stock portfolio shehad.SheevenshowedhimcopiesofhermortgageanddeedtothehouseonMagensBay.

“Sir,doyouhaveanaddressforRemy?LastIheard,hewaslivinghereonSt.Croix.”ShecrackedopenbothplasticbottlesofwatershehadbeengivenwhentheysatdownandhandedonetoJohn.

“Justonemoment,Mrs.Bellavance.”ThattitlemadeAbbycringe.SheglancedtowardJohnandfrowned.He

squeezedhershoulder.Thecaptainpaged through thedocuments theyhadcollectedover the

lastweek. “Yes, here it is. It appears thatMr.Bellavancewas leasing acondooverlookingCaneBay.Here’stheaddress.Feelfreetocheckitout,ma’am,butyoumayhavetogetpermissionfromthepropertymanagertoenterthehome.Hereisthetelephonenumberfortheleasingagency.”

Abby and John left the police department and headed back to themarina.“Theseguyswillknowhowtosellaboatfast.Youmightaswellgetaheadstartonthingswhileyou’rehere.”

“Goodplan.Doweneedtohaveitappraisedfirst?”sheaskedastheyclimbedintotherentalcaranddrovetothemarina.Thedrivewasashortfiveminutes.

“Yeah,weshould.We’llcleanitoutandspiffitupabit,thenitcangoonthemarket.Areyouwillingtonegotiatetogetridofitfaster?”

“Yeah,thesoonerthatbeastisgone,thebetter.Ihopethenewownerschangethename,too.”

They entered the marina’s main office and spoke to the man at thecounter.Heknewseveralpeople thatmightbe interested in theboat.Healsodidappraisalshimself. “So,you’re talkingabout that speedboat thatwasjustbroughtinafewdaysago,Abby’sFolly?”

“That’s theone,” Johnanswered.Abbywashappy to let Johndo thetalkingsinceshedidn’tknowanythingaboutboats.

“Okay,let’stakealook.Iwasabouttotakeahalf-hourbreakanyway.”After the appraisal, they were told the boat could fetch a quick two

hundred fifty thousand dollars if they were willing to price it that low.“Thisboat justneedsaquickcleaning,andshe’llbegoodtogo.It’s last

year’smodelandingreatcondition,”themansaid,lookingaround,“otherthanthemess.”

“Okay,that’seasyenoughtotakecareof.Canyoulistherrightaway?We’llgetstartedonthecleanup.”

“Sure,Mr.Richmond. I’ll get theword out and let you knowwhat Icomeupwith.AllIneedisaphonenumber.”

AbbyandJohnspentthedaywithbuckets,scrubbrushes,andgarbagecans, courtesy of the marina cleaning crew. By late afternoon, Abby’sFolly looked like a brand-newboat. She glistened in the sunlight as shewaitedforanewownertosnatchherupatadeeplydiscountedprice.

***

JohnfollowedthedirectionstoRemy’scondousingthenavigationsystemonhisphone.Heturnedintoalonggraveldrivewayandtookitalmosttothewater’sedge.Fourcondosandasharedboatdockwereinthebay.HeparkedthecarandnoticedsomeoneexitingablackFordFocus.

“Thatmustbetheleasingagentwiththekey,”hesaidtoAbby.The woman introduced herself as Marie Jamison, leasing agent for

CaneBaycondos.“Howlongdoyou thinkyou’llbe?”sheaskedasshelookedatthegoldwatchonherwrist.

“Idon’tknow,maybeallday,”Abbyresponded.“That’sfine.Justgivemeacallwhenyou’refinished.I’llcomeback

andlockuplater.”“Whathappenstoallofthefurnitureinhere?”“Oh, no worries, dear, the condo came furnished. The only things

insidebelongingtoMr.Bellavancewerehispersonalitems.”“ThankGodforthat,”Abbysaidwithasighofrelief.TheywaiteduntilMrs.Jamisondroveawaybeforetalkingopenly.“Well,Abs,Iguessthemostimportantthingtodoislookforcashand

anytypeofbankstatementorinvestmentdocument,”Johnsaid.“DoyouthinkRemywassavvyenoughtoinvestthemoney?”“Idon’tknow,Abs,buthesurewassavvyenoughtostealit.”Theywentthroughthecondomethodically,puttingeverythingtheyhad

alreadylookedatofftotheside.Luckily,itwasonlyaone-bedroomunit.Ifanythingwasthere,theywouldeventuallyfindit.

“Chancesare,ifRemyinvestedmoney,hewouldhavedocumentationinhisemails.Therehastobesomeoneontheislandthatcanaccessemailaccounts. I mean, detectives do it on TV all the time when they’recheckingintocriminals’Internetactivity.”

“Waitaminute.Ijustthoughtofsomething.Iwonderifitcanreallybethissimple.”

“What’sthat?”JohnsatdownnexttoAbbyatthedeskassheopenedthelaptop.

“Webothusedtousethewordinfinityforourpasswordandthenaddafewnumbers after it forourownpersonalpasswords.Minewas the lastfourdigitsofmySocialSecuritynumber.I’mgoingtomessaroundwiththisforabitandseeifIcancomeupwiththerightpassword.Itcouldbehis birthdate, ormiddle name. I’ll give it an hour, and if nothing pops,we’lltakeitwithustothepolicestation.”

“Okay,I’llkeepsearching,”Johnsaidasheheadedoffandstartedonthemasterbedroom.

Abbysatatthecomputerandrubbedhertemplesindeepconcentration.Each password she typed in that didn’t work gave her even more of aheadache.

“Abby,comehere.LookwhatIfound!”TheexcitementinJohn’svoicetoldAbbyitwassomethinggood.

SheroundedthecornerintothebedroomandfoundJohnsittingonthebed.Inhishandswasawoodenshoeshinebox.Ratherthantinsofshoepolishinside,therewerestacksofcashinstead.TherewasalsoanotefromCaribeBankandTrustshowingthePINforhischeckingaccount.

“Ohmygosh,thisreallyisimportant.Nowweknowwherehebanks.Let’scountthiscashandseewhatwehave.”

Johnlockedthedoorsjusttofeelmoresecureastheycountedthecashthey’dfound.Inall,therewasseventy-twothousandfourhundreddollarsinone-hundred-dollarbills.Abbywentbacktothecomputertotrytologon.FiguringoutthepasswordwouldtellthemhowmuchmoneyhehadinCaribeBankandTrust—andanywhereelse.Almostatthepointoffinally

givingup,Abbytriedonelastcombination.Shetypedinfinity82413.Thescreencamealive,andshewasin.

“John,Ididit!”sheyelled.“Thatbastardhadourweddingdateasthenumbersafterinfinity.Iguesshefiguredonceweweremarried,he’dhaveitmade for life.Ourwedding datewas likely themost important set ofnumberstohim.”

Johntookalookatthescreen.“Yep,you’reright.Irememberthatdaywell,August24.Youguysgotmarriedrightonthebeach.Iguessit’stimetoseewhatRemyhasbeenupto.”

Abby scrolled through Remy’s emails and found a treasure trove ofinformation.HisbankaccountsattheIslandNationalBankandtheCaribeBank andTrust cameup.Betweenboth banks, his accounts totaled fourmillion six hundred thirty thousand two hundred twenty-five dollars incheckingandsavingsaccounts.

“Oh, thank God, he didn’t put anything into the stock market. Thisshould be a piece of cake moving the money back to me, the rightfulowner.Whatdowedonow?”Abbyaskedwithagrinshecouldn’thaveerasedevenifshe’dwantedto.

“Normally,ittakessevenyearsintheUnitedStatestodeclaresomeonedead,butwithallthedocumentationyouhave,Ithinkyoucanatleastgetyourmoneyback.Iguesstheonlyreasonyouwouldcareifhewasdeadoralivewasifyouwantedtoremarry.Let’sgotothebanksandseewhatwecando.Ithinkweshouldtakeapoliceofficerwithus,justtoexpeditetheprocess.”

After fivemore days of efforts and explanations, aswell as showingeverypieceoflegaldocumentationshehad,Abbyfinallyrecoveredallofthemoney thatwas remainingand rightfullyhers,andshesold theboat,too. She opened her own bank account at Caribe Bank and Trust andIslandNationalBank,justtokeepthemhappy.ShetookaseaplanebacktoSt.ThomaswithJohn,relievedandfinallyabletorelax.

ThatnightattheInnontheBay,AbbycalledErikatseveno’clockasshe had all the nights before. Tonight, she had good news to share.Everythingwasbackon track,and lifewasonlygoing togetbetter.Shedeclaredherloveforhimandhowmuchshemissedhim.“Ihaveareally

great idea,andIhopeyou’llgoalongwith it.”Shelayacross thebedinthebeachfronthotel,listeningtothewavesslapagainsttheshoreline.Anicy Red Stripe beer sat on the night table next to her. A ring ofcondensationlayatthebottle’sbase.

“Yeah,what’syouridea?”heaskedwithacuriouslaugh.“ComeandmeetmeinSt.Thomas.You’refinishedwiththehouseon

AtlanticStreet,aren’tyou?Andyoudon’thaveanythingelselinedupyet,right?”

Hechuckledintothephone,notsureifshewasseriousornot.“You’recrazy,Abs.”

“Isuream,crazyinlove.Idareyoutocome.”“You’rereallydaringmetotakeavacation?”Nowhelaughed,afull,

out-loudbellylaugh.“Okay,Ms.Taylor,I’mcallingyourdare.”“Awesome…behereintwodays.I’llpickyouupat theairport.Tell

MelandBetsytoholddownthefortuntilwegetback.”“This is for real?You’llpickmeupat theairport inSt.Thomasday

aftertomorrow?”“Yep…bethereorbesquare.Iloveyou,Mr.Christiansen.Ican’twait

toseeyouintwodays.”Abbyhungup,elatedwithlifeandwiththemanshehopedtomarrysomeday.Shehadabusydayplannedtomorrow,andfallingasleeptonightwouldbedifficult.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Abby’seyesopened,andasmilespreadacrossherface.Shewasbackathersecondfavoriteplaceonearth,MagensBay.Shestartedthecoffeeandslippedonapairofcutoffsanda tank top.Herunithadasmallbalconyoverlooking the bay. She sat with her coffee and looked out across thewater.Memories floodedhermind, and a tear slid downher cheek.Shebrusheditawaywiththebackofherhand.Nomoresorrowandsadness.ThisisanewdayandanewbeginningwiththemanIloveandthebayIcall my second home. With the cup of coffee in her hand, she strolleddownthebeach,herfeetsplashingintheseafoam.HabittookhertothebaronthebeachandJohn’sfriendlyfacelookingoutoverthewaterwithhisowncupofcoffee.

“Morning,neighbor,”shecalledouthappily.“Morning, Abs. How do you like the Inn on the Bay? It’s a decent

place,don’tyouthink?”“Oh yeah, it’s great. Just listening to the waves break again is like

heavenonearth.”“Iheardsomeveryinterestingnewsthismorningfromthelocals.”AbbygotcomfortableononeoftherattanbarstoolswhileJohntopped

off her coffee from the carafe he had just filled. “Yeah, what did youhear?”

“Justthatthepeoplewhoboughtyouroldhousegotdivorced,andit’sonthemarketagain.Apparently,it’svacant,andbothofthemmovedbacktoSanFrancisco. Ihaven’twalkedby,but Iguess the sign justwentupyesterday.”

“OhmyGod,ohmyGod,I’llberightback.”JohnlaughedashewatchedAbbyrunthroughthedenseturpentineand

mahogany trees, up the sandy path to the propertywhere her old housestood.Shestopped inher tracksandstared.Thebalconywas larger,andthe house had been spruced up a bit. It’s even more beautiful than Iremember. Abby ran to the front entrance where the sign was planted

firmlyinthesandysoil.Shecalledthenumberandaskedforashowing,andithadtobetoday.Therealtoragreedtomeetheratthehouseatoneo’clock. Peering through thewindows, she laughed at everything inside.All of her furniturewas there, exactly as she’d left it, evendown to theknickknacks. She ran back down the path, through the tree canopy, andjumpedonthebarstool.

“I’mbuyingmyhouseback,andI’mdoingittoday,”shesaid,hereyesbulgingoutofherhead.

“Ithinkyouneedadrink,”Johnsaid,chucklingashepouredashotofwhiskeyinhercoffee.“Areyoureallyserious?”

“Damnstraight.It’sfate.Whatelsecoulditbe?Itwouldbewrongnottoacceptfateandgowithit.I’mnotgoingtoturnmybackonsomethingthat’smeant tobe,everagain.”ThehappinessonAbby’s faceoutshinedthesuninthatmoment.

“You go, girl. I’m really happy to have you as a neighbor again.MagensBaymissedyouwhileyouweregone.”

***

AfterlunchwithJohnatthebar,Abbyranthroughthetreestomeetwiththe realtor.Shepacedupanddown theporch,watchingforacar topullintothedriveway.Abluesedanfinallyarrived,fiveminuteslatebuttherenonetheless. A pleasant-looking middle-aged woman approached Abbywithherhandextended.

“Hello, Ms. Taylor. I’m Linda Finley, the realtor. So it sounds likeyou’reveryinterestedinthishome.Icantellyoualittleaboutitaswedoourwalk-through.”

“Noneed.”AssoonasLindapunchedthecodeintothelockandswungthedooropen,Abbybargedinside.

“Excuseme?”“Thiswasmyhousepriortothelastowners.Iknoweverythingabout

it.”“Andyouwanttobuyitback?That’sunusual.”“Iknow,butit’salongstory.What’stheprice?”

“Oh… well… because it’s a divorce, the owners are willing tonegotiate to make a quick sale. They’re both in San Francisco, so it’scomplicated.”

“Theymusthave toldyou theirbargainbasementprice,didn’t they?”Abby stood and stared eye to eyewith the realtor, suddenlymaking thewomannervous.

“Um…actually,yes,theydid.”“And?”“They’llletthehousegoforsevenhundredfiftythousanddollarsasis,

withallthewonderfulfurnitureincluded.”“Actually, thatwasmy furniture anyway.”Abby thought back to the

price she had paid for the home almost two years earlier. The currentasking price was fifty thousand dollarsmore, but the balcony had beenenlarged, the house was fully furnished, and she had to considerappreciation.

“Okay,you’vegotadeal.Thisisgoingtobeacashtransactiontoday,noloanneeded.Canyougettheprocessstarted,andmayIhavethekeys?”

“Areyouserious?”“I’m dead serious. The money can be wired from my bank today.

Please, just start theprocess. Iwant to freshenupeverythingandairoutthehouse.”

“Ofcourse.I’llcallyouinanhourtosetupthewiretransfer,”Lindasaid,stillperplexed.

“Issomethingwrong?”Abbyasked.“No…notatall.I’vejustneverinmyentirecareerhadsomebodybuy

ahousecashonthesamedayIshowedit.”“Well, luckyyou…right?”Abbysaidwithagrinwideenough tohit

herearsandherhandoutstretchedforthekeys.“Youcantakethecombolockoffthedoor.Wearen’tgoingtoneedthatanymore.”

Lindadroveaway, andAbbyopenedall thedoorsandwindows.Shestrippedthebedsandputcleansheetsonthemattresseswhiletheoldoneswentthroughthehotcycleonthewashingmachine.Thevacuumcleanerwasintheclosetoffthekitchen,andplentyofcleaningproductswereontheshelf.Bylateafternoon,thehousewasinpristinecondition,andAbby

metwith the realtorat theSt.ThomasbranchofCaribeBankandTrust.Within thirtyminutes andafter thewire transfer confirmation, thehouseagainbelongedtoAbby.

Shelayinbedthatnightaloneandhappyasshestaredatthespinningblades of the ceiling fan. The old memories were gone, and new oneswouldbegintomorrowwhenErikgotofftheairplaneinSt.Thomas.ShefellasleeptothesoundofthewavesbreakingonthewhitebeachsandofMagensBay.

***

“We’llbebacksoon,John.Thanksforloaningmeyourcar.Ican’twaittointroduceyoutoErik.Hereallyistheoneforme.Ifinallygotthisright.I’mgettingmysecondchance.”

“Okay,drivecarefully.Youknowthesecrazyroads.”CyrilE.KingAirportatthewestendofCharlotteAmalie,themaincity

inSt.Thomas,wasathirty-minutedrivefromMagensBay.Abbycouldn’twaittoseeErikagain.TendayshadpassedsincesheleftCharleston,andshemissedhimmorethanshe’deverthoughtpossible.Afterparkingandwalking through thedoors at the airport, she checked the arrivals board.Erik’s flighthad just landed.Abbywaitedat thearrivalsarea,hoping toseehissmilingfaceanysecond.Vacationers,families,andlocalscameuptheconcourse,backpacksslungovertheirshoulders,lookingeverywhichway for a familiar face. She watched as each person passed, and thenfinally,shesawhim.Asmilespreadacrossboththeirfacesastheywavedfrom a distance. He reached Abby and dropped his carry-on while heembracedher.Theykissed,hugged,andlaughed.Theykissedsomemoreas they told eachother howmuch theyweremissed.Withhands tightlyheld, they walked together to the baggage claim area, gathered Erik’sluggage,andleftCharlotteAmalieforMagensBay.Switchbackroadsledthewayoverthemountaintothenorthsideoftheisland.Abbyparkedthecarnearthebaronthebeach.

“It’s time youmet John. I know you guys will become fast friends.He’s lived on the island for fifteen years, but he’s originally from

Nebraska.”“Hey, Abs, you’re back. I guess this guy would be Erik. How’s it

going,man? It’s nice to finallymeetyou.Abbycan’t stop talking aboutyou,butit’sallgood,Ipromise.Howaboutabeer?”

“A beer sounds perfect right now. So this isMagens Bay, huh? I’lladmit,itlooksprettysweet.”

“Yeah,thisplacecangrowonyou.Watchout,man,youmightendupstaying.”JohnsmiledatAbbyandgaveherawink.

“Wanttowalk?”“Sure,thatsoundsgreat.”They walked the length of the sugar sand beach, then came back

throughankle-deepwater.“Let’ssitforawhile,”Abbysaid.Theysnuggledcloselyonthebeach,lookingoutovertheturquoisesea.

ThebreezeswirledthroughAbby’shair.Black-headedlaughinggullsranalong the edge of thewater, hoping for a treat and laughingwhen theyfoundone.

“Man, it sure is gorgeous here, and this iswhere you used to live? Idon’tknowhowyoueverleft.”

“Yeah…it isbeautiful.I’llshowyoumyoldhouselater ifyouwant.It’sjustupthepaththroughthetrees.”

“WhySt.Thomas?WhyMagensBay?”“IknowwhyIcame,andIknowwhyIleft,butduringthetimeIlived

here,Ifellinlove.MagensBaycalledouttomeandpulledmein.ItfeelsasmuchlikehometomeasCharlestondoes.Ibelonghere.”Shedrewaninfinitycircle in thesandwitha turpentine tree limb.“Iguess I love theSouth.I’mdrawntoit.”

“Thisisn’ttypicallywhatpeoplecalltheSouth,Abby.”“I know, but it’s just about the farthest south you can get in the

northernhemisphere.”Shelookedtoherrightandsmiledathim.“I can’t arguewith that.”He reached for the stickAbbywasholding

anddrewasecondinfinitycirclewithinhers.SilenttearsstreameddownAbby’scheeksandrolleddownherneckto

minglewiththeclothofherT-shirt.“Doyoubelieveinkarma,Erik?”

“Sort of… yeah, actually, I do. Is this karma, honey? Is this the lifeyou’remeanttohave?DoyouwanttolivehereagainatMagensBay?”

“Tobehonest, I think I had togo through thebadkarma to find thegood. But eventually, good karma found me, found us, and brought ustogether. Life has a way of righting itself, bringing things back intobalance.With SouthBattery as ourmain home and doing reallywell, Ithinkwecanaffordasecondhomehere.”

“Areyouserious?”She smiled at the double infinity circle in the sand. That time, she

didn’twantthetidetoreclaimit,towashitaway.Shewantedtheirlovetolastforever.

“Erik,Ihavesomeplacetoshowyou,andyes,Iamcompletelyserious.Ithinktogether,ourlivesaregoingtoturnoutjustfine.”

THEEND

Thankyou!

Thanks for reading Second Chances, Book 1 in The Southern ComfortSeries.Ihopeyouenjoyedit!

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Mylove, thanks,anddeepappreciationgoesout toallof thepeople thathavesupportedmefrommyinitialdreamofbecomingawritertoreadingthewords“THEEND”whenIfinishedmyveryfirstnovel.Therewerenoscoffs, laughs, or negativity. Family and friends continue to help methrough constructive criticism, high fives, cheers, and words ofencouragement.Frommyeditorandcoverdesigner tomyformatter inafaraway country, you have made my journey so much easier. Erik, Iappreciateyoumorethanyoucouldimagine.YouhavebeenthereformesincebeforeIwrotetheveryfirstword.Rochelle,you’rethebestpromoterIcouldaskfor.PhotographerKarenNelsonmadethe“AbouttheAuthor”photoofme lookgreat.Plusshe isanavidsupporterandmyfun-lovingsister.