Both suggestions hang in the air between us, reasonable and practical. Yet something prevents me from committing to either. Returning to the mainland means giving up the quiet of the island. But staying at the Homestead is a different kind of intrusion on someone else’s space.
“I’ll figure it out,” I assure her, echoing my earlier response with less conviction than I’d hoped. “The timing’s not ideal with the start of school driving up prices, but I’ll find something.”
Chloe’s eyebrows lift. “How’s the article you’re writing for the Homestead?”
“Almost done.” My cheeks warm. “Just need to interview a few people and take some pics after the equipment is all moved.”
The path widens as we approach Cabin One, allowing us to walk side by side without my cane bumping her legs. Morning light streaks across the cabin’s wooden exterior, turning the weathered planks to gold. Through the window, movement flashes as a small figure darts past, followed by the larger shadow of an adult.
“If you don’t like the idea of the Homestead, which would besuperconvenient for me, your bestie…” Chloe peeks at me from the corner of her eye and huffs when I don’t take the bait. “Nat pointed out that Cabin One will be empty soon. You could have the whole place to yourself.”
I consider the small building. “How much would the monthly rent be?”
Her cheeks puff up with indignation. “We’d never charge yo?—”
“Chloe,” I cut in with a warning.
“Fine. Figure out the market value and subtract thirty percent for a friend’s discount.”
“Chloe…”
“Why won’t you let me be your sugar mama, Grady Garfield Finch?” She waves her hands in the air, almost flinging the keys she still holds. “You’ve done so much for me over the years. Just let me do this!”
“Fine, I’ll think about it,” I say noncommittally.
Chloe flashes a knowing smirk as we reach the cabin steps. “You do that. Take all the time you need.” She bounds up the stairs, her earlier anxiety transformed to excited energy. “But not too long. Change is coming whether we’re ready or not.”
My cane finds the first step as I follow her up, the wood creaking beneath my weight. She’s right, of course. Change arrives uninvited, unwanted, and unplanned, much like the accident that shattered my leg and rearranged my life.
The trick isn’t avoiding it, but finding steady ground when it comes.
Chloe pushes the cabin door open without knocking, her pink hair swishing across her shoulders as she steps inside. I follow behind, the warmth of the interior washing over my cold-stiffened joints.
The scene inside greets us with controlled chaos. Cardboard boxes sit in neat stacks, shelves half-emptied, and the unmistakable energy of a home in transition.
Leif stands in the kitchenette, his broad frame bent over the low counter, while Quinn darts between boxes like a hummingbird.
“Good morning,” Chloe sings out as she scans the room.
“Almost afternoon. You have perfect timing.” Leif turns toward us, and he brightens. “Quinn and I were just talking about what to have for lunch.”
Chloe rubs her stomach. “Yes, please. I don’t even care what you have planned. Just feed me.”
“You’re like a garbage disposal,” I tease before turning to Leif. “Nothing for me. I have other plans for lunch today.”
He turns to me. “Don’t tell me they recruited you for packing duty, too.”
“Not on your life.” I tap my cane against my shoe. “Permanent get out of jail free card.”
The joke earns me a small chuff of amusement.
Quinn barrels across the room, colliding with Chloe’s legs in an enthusiastic hug before twirling toward me. “Mr. Grady! Did you bring any new books?”
I spread my empty arms. “Not today, princess. But I have something better.” I reach into my jacket pocket and withdraw a small stone, the surface embossed with the shape of some crustacean. “Found this on the beach yesterday. It made me think of you.”
Quinn cradles the stone in her palms as if I’ve handed her a live creature. “It’s beautiful,” she whispers, turning it to catch the light. “Thank you.”
“Quinn, let Mr. Grady come inside,” Leif interjects, his tone gentle but firm. “And remember to finish packing your craft supplies before lunch is ready.”