by Judith Keim
“As long as we can all sleep in the next morning, I’m fine with it. I want to be well-rested for our trip to Boston. As soon as we find out what’s going to happen with us and the hotel, I’m coming back to Florida and moving in with Austin. I’m tired of staying here all the time.”
“Me too. I’m meeting with Mo and Kenton to see about renting the cottage on Kenton’s estate.”
“Really? How cool,” said Darcy. “Does Sheena know?”
“No,” said Regan. “And don’t tell her. She’s feeling a little out of sorts about the future and what it holds for her.”
“Now that the kids don’t need her as much, she’s still trying to figure out her role. Lord help her if we don’t win the challenge. She’ll be an emotional mess.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
SHEENA
Sheena adjusted the flowy top she’d selected for the evening’s event, pleased it was long enough over her black slacks to cover up her typical holiday weight gain. She reminded herself a New Year’s resolution was in order but quickly decided tonight she wasn’t going to worry about her looks. She was feeling a little better, and that was important to her. She’d soon be in Boston for both her doctor’s appointment and the meeting with Archibald Wilson, and then the worries that had dogged her for weeks would be resolved.
“Ready to celebrate?” Tony said to her.
At her nod, he approached her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and planted a kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful, Sheena. Like my bride. No one would ever believe you’re thirty-seven.”
Pleased, she kissed him back. “Thanks, hon. I’m feeling every one of my years, what with the hotel challenge and the scare we had with Michael.”
“Where is Mike? I thought he wasn’t going out tonight.”
“He isn’t. He’s just dropping off Meaghan and a couple of her girlfriends at the movies, and then they’re coming here to the hotel for a sleepover. Last minute plans. Hope you don’t mind.”
He shook his head. “I don’t mind at all, as long as we know what they’re up to. As for you, my darling, let’s celebrate. It’s been one hell of a year.”
Sheena laughed. “I have a feeling this next one is going to be a doozy too.”
They left the Sandpiper Suites Building and walked over to Gavin’s. The restaurant glowed from each window, where white, battery-lit candles flickered. Outside, the small white lights woven through the hibiscus bushes that lined the foundation of the building glittered like stars. To Sheena, they signified a bright beginning to another year at the Salty Key Inn.
Casey and Nicole greeted them at the door.
“Thanks for coming and helping us out,” said Casey. “The second seating at the restaurant is underway. It should be a nice evening. By the way, people love the live piano music. Great idea.”
“What do you want us to do?” Tony asked, adjusting the collar of his shirt. It was rare these days for him to wear a dress shirt, tie, and blazer.
“Earlier, at the first seating, Darcy and Regan greeted people individually, making sure guests had everything they needed and were aware of our upcoming Sunday brunch specials,” said Nicole.
Casey smiled at them. “Tom and Cyndi Jansen and their party just left. Arthur and Margretta Weatherman and party have arrived and are seated in the private dining room upstairs. But there are a lot of new faces, and that is good.”
Tony turned to her. “Guess we have our work cut out for us. I promised Brian I’d do my share in chatting up the business.”
“You look very nice,” said Nicole, giving them an encouraging smile. “Have fun! See you later!” She hurried away to greet the guests who were just arriving.
“Okay, let’s go,” said Sheena, looping her arm through Tony’s.
They started upstairs to make sure the large group in the main room were well tended to with drinks, plenty of appetizers, and good service. A small band was playing music in a corner of the room, where a temporary dance floor had been set up. The group, mostly older couples, was fairly quiet, but Sheena was delighted to see so many people dancing.
After speaking to the two organizers of the group, Sheena and Tony entered the smaller dining room where Arthur and Margretta were entertaining.
When he noticed them, Arthur stood and came over to them. “Thank you so much for taking care of all the details for us. Margretta is very pleased with what you’ve done, and she likes things to be perfect.”
“If either of you needs anything else, just let Casey know. We’re here to make sure you have a lovely evening.”
Arthur smiled at her. “Well done. I’m so impressed by all of you Sullivan sisters. Good luck in the year ahead.”
Sheena smiled even as a wave of nausea swept through her. She’d know in a matter of days what that year would hold.
Downstairs once more, Sheena and Tony stopped at tables to greet guests and to extend wishes for a Happy New Year. Doing so gave Sheena an opportunity to observe service and to hear comments on everything from the food to the décor. All were positive.
Glowing with success, Sheena and Tony sat at the bar. “What’ll you have?” said the bartender, an older man whom Casey had brought into the operation.
“Champagne?” Tony asked her.
Sheena shook her head. “How about a ginger ale and lime?”
Tony grinned. “Okay, guess we’ve had enough fancy food and drinks. You have the ginger ale, and I’ll have a draft beer.”
Sheena chuckled. That was more like Tony.
###
Two days later, Sheena sat on a plane with her sisters, facing her future in not one way, but two. The hotel challenge was something that concerned both her sisters and her. The worry about her health was hers alone.
Memories of her mother’s final days fighting breast cancer flooded Sheena’s mind. She hadn’t been able to feel any specific lumps in her breasts, but that wasn’t unusual. Dense breast tissue made it difficult. She continued staring out the window, lost in dread.
Sitting next to her, Darcy bumped her elbow. “You okay? You’ve been so quiet recently.”
Sheena forced a smile. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“We all do. As soon as we find out the results of our year in Florida, I’m heading back there to move in with Austin. What are you going to do to celebrate?”
“I hope to be able to continue working at the hotel, making it bigger, better.” Sheena shifted in her seat. “I’ve changed my flight plans. I’m staying an extra couple of days in Boston. I thought I’d check on Dad and maybe see a friend or two.”
“Oh? But I thought you’d handle the registration desk for me while I make the move,” said Darcy.
Sheena felt her cheeks grow warm. A snappish retort formed in her mind, but she silenced it.
Sensing her anger, Darcy placed a hand on her arm. “Sorry. Instead, I’ll ask Sally to cover for me.”
“That might be best.”
Darcy regarded her with a steady look. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
Sheena wanted to say no, tell her sisters all her worries, but she didn’t want to spoil their excitement.
Darcy shrugged. “All right, then. I know how worried you are about the meeting with Archibald.”
As Darcy picked up her book, Sheena let out a soft sigh. She’d just have to wait out the verdicts.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
DARCY
Darcy leaned over Sheena’s shoulder to look out the window at Massachusetts Bay below and downtown Boston in the distance as they approached Logan Airport. In the past, seeing the familiar landscape, she’d always felt she was coming home. Now, she was very certain where her home lay—with Austin in Florida. Still, the skyline was appealing, showcasing the city that drew everyone in with its history and charm.
After a smooth landing and taxi to the gate, Darcy stood in the aisle of the airplane with Sheena and Regan, waiting to disembark.
“I’m going to drop my suitcase off at Archibald’s office be
fore I try to meet up with an old friend,” said Darcy. “I’ll see you back there at 4:30 PM for our meeting.”
“Okay,” said Sheena. “I’m dropping my luggage off at Dad’s house. I’ll meet you later at the law office.”
Out in the waiting area, Regan said, “You both off to do your thing until our meeting with Archibald?”
“Yes, said Darcy. “What about you?”
Regan shrugged. “I’m not sure what I’ll do, but don’t worry about me. I’ll find something to keep me busy. Are you sure you don’t mind taking my backpack for me?”
“Not at all,” said Darcy. “Give it to me, and I’ll be on my way.” Darcy slung Regan’s backpack over her shoulder, grabbed the handle of her small, rolling suitcase, and hurried on her way. She hadn’t told her sisters, but she’d made an appointment to see a special friend of hers, and she didn’t want to be late.
###
After dropping her suitcase and Regan’s backpack off at Archibald’s office in International Place, Darcy pulled her coat closer and hurried down High Street to the Boston Harbor Hotel. She was meeting Allison Berkhardt, a friend from college who was now a literary agent, at the Rowe’s Wharf Bar for a quick lunch and, she hoped, a deal. The disappointment of having her query letter to a publisher sent back unopened still ate at her insides.
Darcy entered the bar and gazed around the room, looking for Allison. A young woman Darcy barely recognized lifted a hand and waved to her. Darcy smiled and went to join Allison, surprised to see the shy, quiet, dark-haired woman she knew had become a brassy blonde whose dark-framed eyeglasses sparkled with fake diamonds.
“Sorry, I’m a few minutes late,” said Darcy sliding into a chair opposite Allison at one of the small, square tables lining the wall.
“No, problem. You look terrific! I’ve been sipping my wine, wondering about you. I was surprised to hear you’re living in Florida. How do you like it?”
Darcy smiled. “It’s become home for me. My family is there, and my fiancé.”
“Fiancé? How nice for you, Darcy.” Allison gave her a warm smile. “I’m curious, though, as to why you wanted to meet with me. Don’t tell me you’ve written a book.”
Darcy felt heat rush to her cheeks. “It’s not a novel, but a book of short stories about angels I’ve met.”
Allison’s brow furrowed. “Angels you met? Are you talking about science fiction?”
Darcy shook her head and quieted as a waiter approached. He handed her a menu and asked what he could get for her.
Without looking at the menu, Darcy said, “I’ll have a glass of the house sauvignon blanc and the oyster stew with cornbread.”
He chuckled. “You’ve obviously been here before.”
“Not for a while, but it’s a perfect, blustery day for it.”
“Guess you’re not used to the cold anymore.” Allison smiled up at the waiter. “I’ll have a bowl of the oyster stew too. Thanks.”
After the waiter left, Allison gave Darcy a steady look. “You’re not the crazy type, Darcy, so tell me more about this book of yours.”
“First of all, let me tell you about the hotel, our challenge, and the people living there.” Her lips curved happily. “Do you have plenty of time?”
Allison chuckled. “For you, yes. You were one of the few people who went out of their way to be kind to me.”
By the time Darcy was through with her discourse, their meal had come and gone, and they were each sipping a cup of coffee.
“So, you started at the newspaper. That’s good. It gives you some credentials. But stories about other people can be pretty boring. Tell me about a couple of them.”
Darcy searched her mind for one that stood out for her, and without further ado, launched into Bebe’s story. Using just the name Bertha, she told of Bebe’s pain of her abuse, her search for meaning in her life, and finally, how she’d found a family with others, baking special items with love.
When she finished, Darcy dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, struggling to hold back the deeper emotions she felt all over again. She looked over at Allison and saw her struggling with tears too.
“Are all the stories this emotional, this brutally honest?” Allison asked.
“Yes. And they cover a whole range of topics—from sexual abuse to dealing with PTSD. But at the heart of each story is a person who does her or his best to cope.”
Allison’s brown eyes captured Darcy’s blue ones and held on. “If you don’t mind my being totally honest with you, I didn’t know you had this depth of sensitivity to others. Yes, you’ve always been nice to me, but you hung out with Alex Townsend, and the only sensitivity she has is to herself. But what you’re telling me about here, Darcy, is worthy of seeking publication.”
Darcy grinned and clapped her hands together with a little cry of joy.
Allison held up her hand. “Don’t get carried away by my words. It’s a tough business, and because I liked your one story, it doesn’t mean I’ll like the whole book. But I’m willing to look at it. I know of a small press that might be interested. No promises, you understand.”
“Oh, but ...”
Allison stopped her. “Before we do anything else, send me the entire manuscript. I’ll take a look at it and get back to you. If I still feel strongly about it, I’ll send you a contract. If not, we’ll part as friends. Yes?”
Darcy nodded, though her mind rebelled at the thought of rejection.
“Pretend I’m your newspaper editor and send me the cleanest, best version of what you’ve written. We’ll go from there.”
Darcy couldn’t help herself. She stood, went over to Allison, and wrapped her arms around her. “Thank you! Thank you!”
Allison laughed. “We’ll see how it goes. By the way, how is Alex?”
Darcy’s mouth spread into a grin so wide it hurt. “I have absolutely no idea. But Nicole Coleman is working for us at Gavin’s, our new upscale restaurant. Away from Alex, she’s doing very well.”
Allison bobbed her head. “Glad to hear it.”
As they left the hotel bar together, snowflakes began to drift lazily from the gray sky above them. Darcy threw her arm around Allison. “If my sisters and I win the challenge and are still at the hotel, do you want to take a warm break from this, no strings attached?”
Allison laughed. “I just might.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
SHEENA
“Hi, Dad! I’m here!” Sheena called as she entered her old family home in Dorchester. She set down her suitcase in the front hall and waited for an answer. When none came, she sighed with relief. She had just a few minutes to grab something to eat before heading out to her doctor’s appointment. She swallowed nervously. The appointment was for an initial exam. Her doctor had said if any tests were needed, she’d schedule appointments for Sheena for tomorrow.
Sheena stood a moment gazing at the surroundings that had lost their familiarity with time and with Patrick’s girlfriend, Regina’s, touches. Guess you can never really go home again, she thought sadly, missing her mother. She walked into the kitchen and found a note on the table beside a plate of cookies. “Your father and I are shopping. Be back around four.”
Picking up a cookie, Sheena smiled. Her mother had never had cookies in the house. No wonder her father liked Regina O’Brien. He loved sweets.
Sheena opened the refrigerator, got out a container of milk, and poured herself a glass of it feeling like a kid coming home from school. At the kitchen table, she sat thinking of the appointments that lay ahead of her. She tried to tell herself not to worry, life had a crazy way of turning out all right, but she’d worked too hard at the hotel to be told she’d failed. And cancer? No one deserved it. She hoped, by some miracle, she’d escaped it. She’d always tried to eat well, stay healthy.
Sheena checked her watch and rose. She wanted extra time to catch the T to the Longwood Medical Area, knowing she’d have to change from the Red Line to the Green Line at Park Street.
###
&n
bsp; Sheena stepped off the streetcar and walked along Longwood Avenue toward the medical building where her doctor practiced. With the bustle of traffic and people around her, she was reminded how small the town and how simple her life appeared to be in Florida. She wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck and braved the cold, onshore breeze that forewarned of even colder times ahead. Florida never seemed better.
She checked into the office, glad to have the first appointment following lunch. Hopefully, it would mean the doctor would be on time. Soon, an assistant came to the rapidly filling waiting room and called her name.
Sheena eagerly jumped to her feet and followed the assistant into a corridor leading to the exam rooms. A nurse greeted her and weighed her, then directed her to an exam room, and offered her a cloth gown.
“Doctor Romano will be with you shortly,” the nurse said crisply, after taking her blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate, and making notes for the doctor to review.
Sheena’s fingers turned cold with dread. As she waited for the doctor, she studied the charts on the wall showing the various organs of the body. A horrible thought filled her mind. If it wasn’t breast cancer, was it another kind? Before that thought could go any farther, the door opened, and Dr. Romano entered the room.
Of average height, stocky, and with short gray hair that surrounded a pleasant face with bright, inquisitive eyes, Elizabeth Romano walked with sure, quick steps that indicated her self-confidence.
“Good to see you again, Sheena. You look fabulous—tanned and rested.” She studied her closer. “Maybe not so rested. Want to tell me what’s going on?”
At the calm voice speaking with such concern, Sheena burst into tears. “I haven’t been feeling great, I’ve gained weight, and my breasts are sore. My mother died of breast cancer, and I think I might have that too. But I’m way too young to die, you know?”
Dr. Romano placed a steadying hand on Sheena’s shoulder. “How long has this been going on? And have you located any lumps?”
