“Hello, Everett,” she said, feeling at once calm, safe, and not the slightest bit surprised to see him, even though this Everett looked nothing like her Everett. Despite that, she knew it was him.
“Hello, Nan,” he said, and he threw back the covers, inviting her to join him in the bunk, except it wasn’t lascivious, it wasn’t sexual, it was inviting her home, and she climbed in, surprised only that the sheets were not warm and dry, but grateful to have found Everett again. And then she woke up, in a cold sweat.
Now she finds she cannot go back to sleep. The dream has unsettled her and Jordana’s appearance has unsettled her, not because she knows anything about Jordana, but because she saw Michael out on the terrace, and senses that something big has happened, that changes are afoot and they are not necessarily good.
Isn’t it ironic, she thinks, just when you think your life is smooth and everything is exactly as you want it, a wrench is thrown in the works and everything changes again. Bee will be back with her father soon, those delicious little girls will be leaving, and in their place Daff’s daughter will be here.
And this Jordana, who is so clearly in love with Michael, is so clearly wrong for him. What is she doing here, and why is she here just as Daff and Michael seem to be getting so close?
It feels as if an ill wind has suddenly started to blow through the house. Try as she might, Nan can’t still herself enough to go back to sleep.
She lies in bed, thinking, until the sky starts to lighten outside her window, then she gets up, makes herself some tea, and walks down to the beach, breathing in the salty air and, finally, down there, starting to feel a sense of peace.
Chapter Twenty-three
Daniel checks his piece of paper to make sure he has the number right, then pulls up into the narrow driveway next to the house. There are people here already—his is the third car there, and as he approaches the front door he can see into the living room where people are congregating, glasses of champagne in hand.
“Daniel! You made it!” Matt opens the door and ushers him in. “I’m so pleased you’re here. Come and meet everyone.” Daniel walks awkwardly into the living room, suddenly feeling apprehensive for there are only men in here, and, unlike when he went to the Maple Bar, this is the first time Daniel has ever been in an environment where everyone, including himself, is openly gay.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make it to Jack’s party,” Daniel says. “I heard it was good.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t make it too. It was fine. For me it was more about chatting up clients and making sure I stayed sober and didn’t say anything to upset anyone,” Matt says. “Champagne?”
“I’d love some.”
“Daniel, this is Keith.” A small man with trendy glasses smiles warmly and shakes Daniel’s hand.
“You must be new to the island,” he says.
“Relatively. I’m just here for part of the summer. I’m renting a room out in Sconset.”
“He’s in Nan Powell’s place.” Matt places a hand on Daniel’s back as he talks, and Daniel is surprised at how natural it feels, how nice. “Remember?”
“Oh God!” Keith’s eyes light up. “You have to meet my partner, Stephen. He’s been in love with that house for years.”
“Which house?” A much older man, with twinkling eyes and almost laughably preppy in pink chinos, a green polo and a blue cashmere cable sweater over his shoulders, strolls over.
“Nan Powell’s,” Keith says. “Daniel’s renting there for a few weeks.” He turns back to Daniel. “Stephen’s an architect and every time he’s been interviewed he says that the Powell house is the one he’d most like to get his hands on.”
“It’s a wonderful house,” Daniel says. “Is all your architecture residential?”
“Stephen specializes in authentic historic renovations,” Keith says, his chest visibly puffing up with pride. “Although he’s done some commercial work in town.”
“And Keith, as you see, specializes in being Stephen’s partner, spokesman and chief PR,” Matt explains, and the others laugh.
“Sorry, sorry.” Keith and Stephen exchange a look filled with fondness as Keith laughingly apologizes. “I’m just so proud of him. I’m going off to get a refill. Anyone else?” They shake their heads.
“Have you been inside the house?” Daniel asks. “Do you know Nan?”
“No and no,” Stephen says. “I’ve heard she’s a character.”
Matt interjects. “She is, but in the best possible