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  Clara removed her sweater, folding it neatly over the chair in front of her.

  “We need to talk… perhaps go over some ground rules… make sure we’re clear on a few things.” She continued.

  “I’m listening. Don’t mind my back, I need to keep my eye on this clam chowder I’m throwing together. It’s a little chilly out here by the water. I thought I’d search through your fridge to see if I could throw together something warm to stick to our bones.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “I know, but I figured I needed to start earning my keep around here. If not, I knew you’d come down on my case just like mom used to. You guys were always two peas in a pod in that respect. I blame it on the type-A personalities,” Agnes said.

  Oh no, she didn’t, Clara thought to herself.

  “That’s an interesting comment to make given all that mom did for us. Our parents worked their fingers to the bone trying to provide a nice life for us and all you can seem to come up with is some sarcastic remark about a personality type?” She continued.

  Agnes turned off the burner, placed the ladle down, and inspected the soup before turning around to address Clara.

  “Here we go. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

  “What moment?” Clara asked.

  “The moment of judgment coming from my older sister. The one who can do no wrong.”

  Clara carefully calculated her response, weighing her options, not ruling out the idea of putting a time limit on how long she could stay.

  “Let’s tread carefully here, remembering that you’re the one who came knocking on my door, and not the other way around. Starting today, you can move your things out of the guest room and down to the basement, in my old sleeping quarters. I’ll see to it you have sheets and whatever else you need before dinner. You’re welcome to anything to eat, but be mindful that I live here, too. Oh yeah, and my boyfriend comes around frequently, so there will be no walking around the house half dressed.”

  “You have a boyfriend?” Agnes interrupted, wearing a smirk on her face.

  Clara mentally counted to ten and exhaled.

  “And finally, I’ll give you about a week to get your thoughts together. Then, we need to sit down and lay out a plan to get you on your feet as soon as possible,” she said.

  “Why? Have I already overstayed my welcome? You have all this square footage. Is it really going to kill you to…”

  “Stop… right… there. You have yet to thoroughly explain yourself, and you definitely don’t seem remorseful for showing up unannounced. On top of that, I have to tell ya… this presumptuous attitude of yours better disappear immediately if you want any help from me. Are we clear?” Clara asked in a stern voice.

  “Yes.” Agnes looked up, trying to slow down the water forming in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, quickly wiping her face.

  “You’re right. I’ll do better. I didn’t mean to come off like a jerk. It’s just… I don’t know what to say or how to be around you, Clara. Call it a defense mechanism, I guess. It’s hard getting past my pride and coming here like this. Now that I’m standing in front of you, my heart says to do the right thing… cook… clean… do anything to carry my weight. But, I open my mouth and fall right back in line with where we left off from ten years ago. I swear I didn’t mean any harm. Please, give me another chance.”

  Clara pulled out a chair at her kitchen table and plopped down, letting out a sigh.

  “Okay, you want another chance. Why don’t you start by telling me why you thought dating Keith was a good idea? What did you really think would come of it, Agnes? Did your conscience ever get the best of you with that decision?” Clara asked, wearing her best poker face.

  “I was honest when I told you we were vulnerable… lonely… and even-”

  “Desperate?” Clara asked.

  Agnes waited a moment.

  “Yes, in hindsight… I guess that, too,” she said.

  “I remember the day we ran into each other clearly, like it was yesterday.

  “I was standing in line at the sandwich shop, the one off Adams Street near the town center. I remember hearing the voice of an elderly woman behind me asking someone to help her read the menu. She said something about forgetting her glasses at home. The male voice that responded to her sounded so familiar. I turned around, and there he was. He asked if he could join me for lunch, sat down, and we caught up for hours. Keith told me he hadn’t seen or heard from you in years, and call me crazy, but we were there for each other. I had just come out of a tough relationship, and…” She fell silent, trying to find a tactful way to explain things, not wanting to make Clara mad.

  “He needed someone to lie in bed with at night?” she responded.

  “Clara. Come on. It wasn’t like that. We took our time, talking and getting to know each other at first. We talked for a couple of months before anything developed. Even then, I was almost at the point of not being able to cover my next month’s rent, and he certainly wasn’t having an easy time at his job. I guess we just ended up leaning on each other, probably for the wrong reasons, but I swear… it’s not like there was some instant attraction with total disregard for you.”

  Clara rolled her eyes.

  “Funny how the tables have turned. Had you ever considered how you would explain this if you ever saw me again? Or maybe you just assumed that would never happen? I mean, what if you’d gotten married and had babies together? Ugh. The thought of it just makes me sick,” she said.

  Agnes joined Clara at the table, not quite able to look her sister in the eye but knowing how much a heartfelt response was needed.

  “I was wrong, Clara, and there’s absolutely nothing I can say to make things right. I know you’re probably thinking the only reason I’m apologizing is because I need a place to stay, but trust me, the feelings of guilt have been haunting me long before now. What I did was wrong, and I’m sorry. As for my attitude, my attire around the house, and anything else you request of me, I’m more than willing to comply,” Agnes said, cautiously slipping one hand over Clara’s to which she withdrew.

  “I don’t know that I’ll ever fully understand it, but I appreciate you taking the time to explain. I’ve got an awful headache. I’m going to grab your linens from upstairs and then lie down for a while.”

  Within the hour, Clara was lying on her pillow, stained with tears, feeling the burden of having her sister back in her life. She committed to napping for a short while with plans to wake up refreshed and ready to call Mike.

  “Clara,” a voice whispered.

  “Clara, over here.”

  In her dreams Clara saw Mike walking toward her on the beach slowly, then picking up the pace in anticipation of embracing. He was close enough to touch her but stopped, distracted by Agnes, standing in her bathing suit, showing off her hourglass figure.

  “Clara, it’s me, Mike,” he said

  She jolted out of her sleep, realizing it hadn’t been a dream. Mike was standing over her in his business attire, gently brushing her hair out of the way.

  “It’s me. I didn’t mean to frighten you. It’s okay,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.

  She looked around, checking to see that she was still in her bedroom, where she last fell asleep.

  “You’re in the right place.” He chuckled.

  “Your sister let me in. I feel terrible for waking you up, but after twelve missed phone calls, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to come see for myself that you were okay,” he said.

  She checked to make sure she wasn’t drooling.

  “No, don’t apologize. I had every intention of calling you back before now. I must’ve overslept,” she responded.

  There was a light tap on the door, which was already slightly ajar.

  “I don’t want to interrupt. Just making sure everything is okay up here,” Agnes said, while remaining in the hall.

  “We’re fine, I just overslept, that’s all.”

/>   “Okay, I’ll be downstairs if you need me.” She closed the door, allowing them a little privacy.

  “So, that’s the sister you’ve been telling me about all this time, huh?” Mike said.

  “Yep, that’s her. In the flesh.”

  “Man, from what I can tell, you must’ve had some kind of night. It’s not like you to not call me back. I started to worry about you, Clara,” Mike said.

  “Aww, everything is fine.”

  “Really?”

  “Maybe not everything, but I’m safe, and there’s nothing for you to worry about. I owe you an apology for not being more responsible to reach out sooner.”

  Mike removed his shoes and crawled into bed with her. Once adjusted in an upright position against the pillows, he opened his arms, inviting her to lie beside him.

  “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” he asked.

  “I know…”

  Minutes passed as Clara continued to lie on his chest, resting peacefully like a baby.

  “Clara, it’s not like you to keep to yourself and bottle everything inside. Whatever is going on with the two of you. She seemed nice enough when she greeted me at the door, and even a few minutes ago when she came to check on you. Things can’t be that terrible, can they?” he asked.

  “Don’t be fooled by a few acts of kindness here and there. Her core is still just as rotten as ever,” she said.

  “Whoa. Okay, then. Didn’t see that coming, but it’s a start. Should I be concerned about her being here in the house with you? I can stay if you want me to.”

  “That’s not a good idea,” she snapped, then reconsidered her actions.

  “Sorry, I was just trying to look out for you, that’s all.”

  He pulled her in closer, combing his fingers through her hair.

  “We can talk about this when you’re ready,” he whispered.

  Clara glanced up at Mike, wearing the look of hurt and despair in her eyes.

  “Thank you for understanding.”

  “I’d do anything for you. Hopefully, you know that by now.”

  He kissed her, graduating from a soft peck to a more passionate kiss, hoping to help her forget everything. She clung to him momentarily, but thoughts of her sister still continued to linger in the back of her mind.

  Chapter 4

  Mackenzie strolled beside Bill along the campgrounds at the local fair. She was sorry she wore her new jeans with the warmer than usual September weather, but they were fitted, showing off her figure, something that might look appealing to Bill. Her daughter, Stephanie, was invited to a sleepover, making it the perfect afternoon for a date, and hopefully a chance for them to reconnect.

  “If Stephanie were here, she’d lose her mind over the cotton candy.” She laughed, trying to strike up conversation with Bill.

  “You should bring her back here before the fair is over… that way you can enjoy a little mother-daughter time. I’m sure she’d like that,” he said.

  “I plan on it. Some activities never get old to her, and this is one of them.”

  They continued strolling, occasionally stopping by a vendor to check out the goods for sale.

  “I was kind of hoping you’d want to tag along with us sometime so you could actually meet Steph. She’s a sweet girl. I think the two of you would get along very well,” she said.

  “Yeah, my only issue is I barely get time off these days. The mere fact that I got off today was a miracle. I almost called to reschedule with you so I could get some shut-eye, but I didn’t want to disappoint.”

  Mackenzie’s eyes shifted to the ground, feeling uncertain of how to take his comment.

  “I understand. If the boss is giving out opportunities to work overtime hours, that’s not something you want to miss. After all, you have a girl in college. That’s a hefty bill, I’m sure.”

  “Tell me about it,” he replied.

  They continued walking for a while. Mackenzie realized they really weren’t engaging in the festivities or even grabbing a bite to eat, which made her even more curious about what was running through his mind.

  “I’ll bet you miss your daughter after having her here during the summer. Have you guys talked much since she’s been back?” she asked.

  “It was definitely an enjoyable time. She’s your typical college student. Sleeps in a lot and is a live wire at night. She definitely reminds me of how I used to be when I was that age. We talk, maybe once or twice a month, now that we’re back to our regular routine.”

  “I see.”

  He finally stopped by a food stand, glancing over the menu.

  “Would you like to grab a couple of hot dogs?” he asked.

  “Sure, who comes to the fair without indulging in a hot dog or two?” She smiled.

  When they were done eating, they remained in their seat, people watching, not saying much other than an occasional reaction whenever someone landed in a dunking tank.

  “Bill, what’s going on here?” she asked in a solemn voice.

  “A bunch of idiots are getting soaking wet in a dunking booth. Of all the things to do here, that wouldn’t be at the top of my list,” he said.

  “No… that’s not what I’m referring to, although I can’t say I disagree. I’m talking about with us. This doesn’t quite feel like a date.”

  “What does it feel like?” he asked.

  She secretly wished he didn’t make her spell everything out.

  “Like something is wrong, but neither of us wants to say what it is.”

  He let out a sigh.

  “It’s probably the exhaustion kicking in.”

  “Bill… it’s okay. You don’t have to do this. Feelings change. You can come out and tell me the truth. I can handle it,” she said.

  He continued looking straight ahead, avoiding eye contact at all costs.

  “I met someone on the job. It’s nothing serious or anything, so please don’t assume the worst. We’re just friends.” He confessed.

  “But, you like her… and you desire to be more than just friends?”

  He nodded his head in agreement.

  “Well, okay. I’m glad that’s behind us. I suspected something was up. It’s kind of sad you didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell me on your own,” she said.

  “What could I say, Mackenzie? Heck, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to discuss it at all. I kept saying to myself, what if this is nothing? Do you know how terrible I would feel about hurting you?” he asked.

  She cocked her head back and let out laughter with an air of sarcasm.

  “A woman knows how to read between the lines, Bill. Whether or not you brought it up, all the signs were there. We’ve been seeing each other long enough to know the difference. If you were really that into me, you’d want to meet my girl and you’d want me to meet your daughter. Or at least you’d talk about it in terms of the near future. Then there’s all the withdrawn behavior and the overtime hours… at least now it all makes sense,” she said.

  He shifted from his position to address her.

  “Mack, I’m sorry. You know me. I’m a decent guy. I never intended to hurt you.”

  She held her finger up.

  “You didn’t hurt me, Bill. You tried to insult my intelligence while you were figuring things out, but you didn’t hurt me. It’s all good. I want you to be happy, and I deserve to be happy, too.”

  “Do you mean that?” he asked.

  She sat back, crossing her legs.

  “I do. Life’s too short. If you like the girl, pursue it… see where it leads,” she said.

  “You mean, you’re not the least bit angry at me right now?” he asked.

  “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’ve already considered smacking you at least once, but my mother raised a lady. So, lucky for you we’re going to part ways peacefully this afternoon.”

  “Dear Lord, thank you,” he said, letting out a sigh of relief.

  They both chuckled before settling down.

  “Just do me a favor
, will you?” she asked.

  “What’s that?”

  “Be straightforward with the woman should you have a change of heart. You 're old enough to know better.” She scolded.

  “Lesson learned, I promise.”

  The conversation on the way home was minimal at best, both treading carefully given they’d just broken up. Mackenzie rode home in the passenger seat, realizing it would probably be the last time they’d be together. Maybe even the last time they’d see each other, if Bill avoided coming to the café.

  Early the next morning, Jonathan hosed his boat down, whistling to the music playing by the dock. He toweled down parts of the interior, recalling how his father used to do the same after every family boat ride when he was young.

  Mae appeared from behind, overhearing him, reminiscing out loud.

  “Talking to yourself, dear?” she asked.

  “Not quite. I was recalling how dad used to take the family on boat rides during the summer. It was our version of a staycation. Somehow, he turned our little tours around the bay into a great big adventure.”

  “I’ll bet he’s the reason you love boating so much,” she said.

  “He sure is. He taught me everything I know about navigating the sea and about fishing, of course.”

  “Jonathan,” she said, looking deep in thought.

  “Yes, Mae?”

  “If it weren’t for Mike giving us this opportunity with Lighthouse Tours, do you think you’d still be planted solely in Maryland?”

  “Without a doubt. Don’t tell me you’re thinking about wanting to live elsewhere, Mae,” he said.

  “Not at all. I was just wondering if you could ever see yourself sailing and visiting other places, especially since you love nautical life so much. Who knows, maybe you’d even consider purchasing a boathouse?”

  Jonathan put his broom down, facing her to ensure he was hearing right. She’d always been known for her routines and having a particular way she lived her life. He found it to be odd that she would even entertain the idea of living on a boat.

  “I may have dreamt of it a time or two, but now that we’re married, I laid all those dreams aside, putting your wants and needs first, Mae. Residing on a boat doesn’t seem like something you’d ever want to do. I always thought you were more of a small cottage kind of woman, enjoying your rocking chair on the front porch and gardening, of course,” he responded.