the Upper East Side in New York City with Bethany. The Billings’ family ‘cottage’ was a sprawling seaside mansion. Mia had known Bethany, but they hadn’t been close friends and it had been years since she’d talked to her.
“That’s wonderful. Congratulations. I’d be happy to help. Have you set a date?”
“Three months from now. August fifteenth. I know that’s soon, but we really don’t want to wait. We’ve been dating forever.”
“Well, a late summer wedding on Nantucket will be lovely. We can make it happen.”
“Thank goodness.” Bethany sounded relieved. “I did try for something in the city at first, but then we decided on Nantucket.” Mia knew it would be impossible to put on the kind of wedding Bethany’s family would want in the city on such short notice.
“Are you free around eleven tomorrow morning? I can stop by and we can go over everything.”
“Perfect.” Mia jotted down her address, parked and told Penny she’d be right back. She wanted to get the key to her room before bringing Penny and her bags inside.
Lisa answered the door a moment after Mia knocked.
“Hi, Mia.” Lisa opened the door wide and Mia followed her in.
She’d met Lisa for the first time a few months back when she and Kate met to discuss Kate’s wedding. Mia had been struck then by the resemblance to her friend, Kate. Lisa had the same color hair, big eyes and friendly smile. Lisa’s hair fell in a long bob just to her shoulders and was tucked behind her ears for an overall preppy look that was common on Nantucket.
“I’m so sorry about the fire. Do they know what caused it?” Lisa asked once they reached the kitchen.
“They are still investigating, but it sounds like it may have been an accident. Something to do with work being done. I’m not really sure.”
“Well, at least no one was hurt. I think I read that the unit next to yours was empty at the time, too?”
Mia nodded. “It was actually just sold, but the new owners hadn’t moved in yet.”
“Oh, no! How awful for them.”
Mia hadn’t thought much about it as she’d been so wrapped up in her own problems, but Lisa was right. A fire would be a terrible thing to have happen to a home you hadn’t even moved into yet. She was just grateful that Penny hadn’t been there at the time. She’d debated whether to have her sister stop by to feed Penny while she was gone and was glad that Izzy had insisted on bringing Penny to stay with her. She knew Penny would be less lonely and as it turned out she was much safer, too. Mia handed Lisa a check for the first month’s rent and she tucked it into a kitchen drawer.
“Thank you. Let’s head upstairs and I’ll show you to your room. Did you bring your dog?”
“Penny’s in the car. I’ll run and get her so you can meet her, too.”
Mia went and got Penny and brought her inside a few minutes later. Lisa immediately bent down to pet her.
“She’s adorable!” Penny lifted her head and twitched her tail, approving immediately of Lisa. Penny liked just about everyone.
They followed Lisa upstairs and she unlocked room number four, which faced the ocean. Mia let out a happy sigh when Lisa swung the door open. The room was perfect. It was spacious and pretty with pale yellow bedding, navy and white curtains and a big bathroom with white bead board. The overall feel was crisp and clean and beachy. A corner of the room was set up like a mini-kitchen, with a refrigerator and microwave and a small table and chair by the window. Lisa followed her gaze.
“I just had the Wifi upgraded, and it’s much faster now. There’s maid service in the morning and breakfast downstairs from eight to ten. Here’s your key. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you. I’ll probably see you at breakfast tomorrow.”
Lisa smiled. “I look forward to it. I hope you’ll be very comfortable here.”
After Lisa left, Mia brought her bags in from the car and spent the next hour settling in, unpacking and putting her clothes in the chest of drawers and closet. Penny sat on the bed and watched. When Mia finished, she decided to go for a walk on the beach.
“Want to go outside?” Penny’s tail immediately twitched, and she jumped off the bed and ran to the door. Mia got her leash, hooked her up and off they went.