“It’s not. I’m fine.”
“Tell your mother.”
Before Emma could answer, Rosie returned to the kitchen. She looked between the two of them. “What do you need to tell me?”
Emma aimed a glare at her grandmother, who needed to mind her own business.
“Nothing,” she improvised quickly. “Grandma was saying I need to tell you exactly where Olive and I are going, in case of an emergency or something.”
“I know right where you’re going. I’m the one who suggested it, remember? You’re heading to Hidden Beach.”
“That’s right. And while we’re there, we’ll probably make our way to Sea Glass Beach, since it’s not that far of a walk.”
“Olive will love that. Well, make sure you keep your phone with you. You should still have good reception.”
“I will. We’ll be fine, I’m sure. Come on, Olive, let’s go get our gear.”
Her daughter took care of her plate and silverware, setting them in the sink to be loaded into the dishwasher, then skipped down the hall with Emma.
Would Sylvia carry through on her threat to tell Rosie the truth about what had happened the day Emma’s father died? Emma didn’t think so. Sylvia could have told Rosie at any point over the years yet had chosen to honor Emma’s wishes.
She had to keep her fingers crossed her grandmother would continue to stay silent.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rosie
Her daughter was hiding something. It was not the first time she had received that impression. And whatever it was, Sylvia knew the details.
“What was that really about? What does Emma need to tell me? And don’t make up some BS story about giving me her itinerary for the day.”
Her mother gave her an innocent look that didn’t fool Rosie for an instant. Sylvia was a lousy liar.
“Just as we said. We were talking about Emma and Olive’s hike. They will have to enjoy the beach on my behalf, too. I’m afraid it’s going to be a long time before I’ll be able to do any hiking,” she said, her features suddenly morose.
Was her mother trying to distract her by reminding her about her injuries? She wouldn’t put anything past her.
Rosie frowned. “The doctor says you’re healing very well. You told me he thinks you’ll be able to start weight-bearing again in a few weeks.”
“Well, if you want me to, I can milk this injury longer, especially if it keeps our Emma and Olive here.”
Rosie sent a swift look to her mother. “Is that what you’ve been doing?”
Sylvia gave her a mischievous look. “The doctor said a week ago that I could start putting weight on my ankle again.”
No. She wanted more time to convince her daughter to stay!
Some of her distress must have been clear on her features.
Sylvia covered her fingers with her hand. “You know, we don’t need to use my ankle injury as an excuse to keep Olive and Emma here.”
“I’m not so sure of that.”
“When you first told me you wanted to ask Emma to stay while my ankle healed, I felt like you were putting me out to pasture. After she arrived, I realized what a brilliant idea it was. She and her daughter need to be here.”
“I agree.”
“She seems to be doing a great job. All my friends are buzzing about the changes she’s making at the bookstore. I need to get down there myself and see them.”