Forever Summer - Melody Grace Page 0,83

have afternoon tea served on the terrace, and I’ll go see about a salve for that rash.” Evie backed out of the room and hurried downstairs, her heart pounding with nerves—or maybe it was the exertion from lugging that trunk up the stairs. Either way, she was crossing all her fingers and toes Bunny wouldn’t find fault with the room and crush her B&B dreams before they’d even begun.

The front door swung open as she reached the ground floor. “Evie, sweetheart?” Aunt June called out as she arrived with a cluster of her book club friends.

“Welcome!” Evie exclaimed, ushering them inside. She’d sent out an invitation to afternoon tea in an effort to make the place seem like it was bustling and full. “Come on through, please relax. I have scones and cake—and don’t worry,” she added. “Summer baked everything.”

“Well, isn’t this lovely?” June looked around approvingly. “I don’t suppose you have any champagne? You know, to toast the occasion?”

Evie had to laugh. “I think I have a bottle somewhere,” she said, and went to go rummage in the kitchen. By the time she found a bottle of prosecco, June and her friends were lounging out on the back porch with loaded plates, enjoying the afternoon breeze. “How about mimosas?” Evie asked, and was met with a chorus of approval.

Someone cleared their throat behind her. It was Bunny.

“Did you want one too?” June asked, beaming. “The more the merrier. I just love your jacket,” she added. “So chic. Vintage Chanel, there’s nothing like it.”

“Why, yes,” Bunny said, her frown softening.

Evie bit back a cheer. If anyone could melt Bunny’s stony exterior it was June. The woman could charm the pants off anyone—and probably had.

“I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt,” Bunny said. “While we do the interview.”

“The interview?” Evie gulped.

“Yes, I always like to tell my readers a little about the proprietor,” Bunny explained.

“The face behind the glowing review,” June piped up.

“Well, we’ll have to see about that,” Bunny said, but she was almost smiling.

Evie would take it.

“Sure, I’d love to chat,” she said, pouring a mimosa for Bunny. She steered her to a comfy couch in the shade and sat down across from her trying not to seem too nervous. “What would you like to know?”

“Why don’t you tell me a little about what inspired you to open this place?” Bunny asked, pulling out a small voice recorder. “You don’t have any background in the hospitality industry, do you?”

“No, I’m a beginner,” Evie said. “But when I saw the ad, I was ready for a change. Who could pass up the chance to own a slice of Cape Cod for just a dollar?”

Bunny frowned. “A dollar?”

“You don’t know the story?” June broke in from her table nearby. “My word, it was the talk of the town!” She launched into an explanation of Debra’s ad—and how everyone thought she’d been making a huge mistake. “But look, it brought Evie to us,” June said, smiling. “She’s fit right in.”

“My, that is quite a story,” Bunny said, scribbling something in a notebook.

“A cover story, perhaps?” June asked, sending Evie a wink.

“Perhaps,” Bunny said, and Evie almost cheered.

Maybe Bunny had a soft side, after all.

“I couldn’t have done it without all the help from everyone here in Sweetbriar Cove,” Evie said, not wanting to take all the credit. “People have been so generous with their time and expertise.”

Bunny was just asking about Evie’s goals for the inn when one of June’s friends came bustling in.

“Sorry I’m late!” she exclaimed loudly. “I got stuck behind the fire trucks. They were racing through town and caused quite the hold up.”

“Probably another kitten stuck up a tree,” June laughed, but the woman shook her head.

“No, it’s a real callout this time. Hank said it’s a big one, out at the Hastings vineyard.”

“Your goals?” Bunny prompted—but Evie couldn’t focus on the conversation. She turned. “There’s a fire?” she asked, her heart lurching in her chest.

The woman nodded. “It’s really blazing. You can see it all the way from the highway. Apparently, the first truck couldn’t get it under control, so it’s all hands on deck.”

“They’re sending an ambulance too, now, at least, that’s what Franny says,” June added, looking up from her phone. “One of the fire fighters was hurt.”

Evie’s heart stopped altogether, and suddenly it felt like the ground was giving way beneath her feet.

Noah.

“Who?” she demanded, leaping up. “Who was hurt?”

“I don’t know, hon,” June replied—then her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh. Of course. I’ll see